The government is actively searching for customers who have more than one free government cell phone account. Read this article if you’re one of those people, because it will save you a lot of grief if you get nabbed in the government crackdown.
We’ve all seen newspaper articles and television news stories filled with wild tales of scam artists who have ten or twenty or more Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones. We often condemn scammers whose actions threaten the existence of this valuable program.
But there are other groups of free government cell phone customers who have multiple phones not through scamming, but through their own mistaken actions. We’re talking about those who have more than one phone because (a) They mistakenly signed up for phones from different providers, (b) they switched from one company to another without notifying their first provider, or (c) It took so long for their first provider to ship their phone that they signed up with a different provider out of frustration, (d) Their first refurbished free government cell phone was so shoddy that they threw it away and signed up with another provider.
There are probably lots of other reasons that honest but needy customers find themselves receiving more benefits from more than one free government cell phone company.
The simple fact is that it’s easy to end up with more than one government cell phone account without being guilty of any crimes.
But it’s just as simple a fact that having more than one free government cell phone is a clear violation of the programs rules and regulations, and the government is going after those innocent scofflaws.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the governing organization behind Lifeline Assistance, has begun a proactive program to de-enroll anyone with more than one free government cell phone. They’ve cross-referenced customer information gleaned from all phone companies participating in the free government cell phone business, identified all customers receiving benefits from multiple companies, and have sent letters to those individuals.
Makes sense, right? No so fast.
Just when you thought this was one rational government action, the harsh reality kicks in. Turns out that this seemingly logical USAC action was actually self-defeating.
Here’s how the USAC describes it:
Once a subscriber receives the letter from USAC, he/she has 35 days from the date of the letter to select a single Lifeline Program carrier. During this 35-day period, NLAD does not allow changes to be made to the subscriber’s information. Significantly, subscribers may not be de-enrolled from his/her Lifeline Program benefit by any service provider from NLAD.
Brilliant, isn’t it? The USAC wants to end duplicate enrollment, but they don’t allow customers to de-enroll themselves.
Luckily, someone at the USAC realized the insanity of its actions, and issued some corrective notices. Here’s how they explain it:
Therefore, we direct ETCs to undertake this process effective Tuesday, July 29, 2014, to effectuate the request of the subscriber:
If a subscriber approaches an ETC and asks to be de-enrolled during his/her 35-day period, the ETC must de-enroll that subscriber within the ETC’s system and cease provision of Lifeline Program service to that individual at that time.
The ETC must keep a record of the subscriber’s request to be de-enrolled and the subsequent de-enrollment.
Once the 35-day letter period expires for that particular subscriber, the ETC must de-enroll the subscriber from NLAD and enter the de-enrollment date.
ETC must keep a record of the entry into NLAD 36 days later as necessary due to the 35-day letter period for that particular subscriber.
ETC records should make reference to this USAC guidance as authorizing these actions for audit purposes.
We’re always surprised when any governmental body acts in a rational manner, so we weren’t surprised when the USAC’s actions seemed contrary to its goals.
But we were pleasantly surprised to see that it realized the error of its ways and issued new rules that allow customers to de-enroll after they’ve bee notified that they are in violation of the regulations.
Good mid-course correction, USAC.
How to de-enroll a Lifeline phone
If you find yourself in the situation of having more than one Lifeline cell phone, pick the one you wish to keep and then contact the other company/companies and ask them to de-enroll you. If they say they cannot, point out the USAC ruling we’ve told you about here. If you need the contact information for a phone company, you can get it from our list of providers on this page.
If you cannot recall the name of the company you receive the phone from, if it’s still working dial 611 to contact their customer service department to find out.
Source: USAC
Philip says
Folks stay away from SAFELINK/TRACFONE they are THE worse service EVER EVVVVVER y’all need to de-enroll them
Philip says
Hello what about if one sends you a phone and the other doesn’t
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would assume that the second company snagged your named when it came up in the National Lifeline Assistance Database, so they didn’t send you the phone. But that’s a pure guess on our part.
Mb says
I need phone service until my new phone arrives from my new service provider. Is it possible to have double coverage for a few days while this happens without being accused of committing fraud? The fine line agreement said that if i had service with a previous provider that i agree to transfer service to the new provider.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not possible, MB. The rules specifically say only one free government cell phone per household.
Seth says
Hi My dad wants to try lifeline for his landline but my mom has 1 on a cell I think that she got ages ago, but she has her own address for health reasons. My dad should be okay right?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what “she has her own address for health reasons” means, but if they have separate addresses, they can both have Lifeline accounts (as long as they are both street addresses and not PO boxes).
Stephen says
I have a Tracfone with paid minutes near 50,000 and service until 2029. This morning I received a Text about my SafeLink benefits. I checked my on-line Tracfone Account and it shows I have SafeLink. I have never applied for and I do not need SafeLink, I am not entitled to SafeLink and it is a fraud for me to have it. Tracfone said not to worry about it because the SafeLink Benefit would expire if I did not renew it. They also stated that I could not cancel it since I am not the person on the account. I further pointed out that it is a fraud for me to have the benefit and is a fraud for Tracfone to bill the US Federal Government for a benefit that I am not entitled to. After pointing out that it is fraud to the Federal Government. TracFone said they canceled it.. However it appears to still be on my phone and shows up on my Tracfone Account. I have had the phone number as a land line for over 20 years and recently (3 to 4 months ago) had the number ported over to a Tracfone. Is there a Government Office I should contact or do you know a way to talk to someone at TracFone that can remove the Safelink off my phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
First of all, that is one bizarre story, Stephen, but we believe every word of it. Yes, there is a way to report the fraud and that is exactly what it is if the company will not cancel your account immediately. Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to report fraud:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
pat says
hi my mom is about to receive a safelink phone at her address. However I realize she still has a landline in her name under lifeline in my house when shes lived here on
and off through the years .Now she is more stable and living on her own for now. Should she cancel the safelink? She wants to keep the landline in my home in case she comes back to live. I don’t use this landline hardly ever. Except if in emergency its there.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Of course, we can’t tell you which Lifeline account to cancel, but she definitely needs to cancel one of them ASAP.
Ricky P Arnett says
Are their any providers that offer more than a measly 350 minutes?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Depends on which state you live in, Ricky. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lisette says
Stand up wireless
Genell says
What if any time limits on getting with a different lifeline provider?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If your service includes voice and text, you must stay with your current provider for 60 days. If your plans also includes data, you must stay with your service provider for one years. The FCC just announced that those rules would be changing, but they have not announced when they will go into effect.
Cheryl Crago says
I have a lifeline ,land-line.I also rent out one of my bedrooms .since I have the land-line lifeline.what about my senior gentleman.we have separate living quarters
Free Government Cell Phones says
Exceptions are made for situations like yours, Cheryl. You should be able to get an exemption simply by filling out a form. Speak to customer service about it.
scott wilson says
Hello I read your artical and I have different accounts with different cellphone companies. how can I delete them all? I dont have any of the phones anymore?
Free Government Cell Phones says
How long has it been since you used any of these accounts, Scott? The rules of the program state that accounts should be automatically cancelled if they go unused for 30 days or longer. The way to make sure you cancel the accounts is to contact the USAC at USAC.org. They can tell you if you have any current accounts and which company (or companies) they are with.
Maria Ortega says
Can you get in trouble for having 2 different governments phone under the same name
Free Government Cell Phones says
Absolutely. Sooner or later (probably sooner) you will be flagged by the National Lifeline Assistance Database.
Unnamed says
Hi we have a government cell phone my son and I have one he got he’s after I got mine. I found out you cannot have two so as a generous mom I canceled mine. Well my other son I want to sign up with safe link says he can get service because he does not contribute to the expenses of the house. He works only two days a week five hours both days. He only gives my husband sometimes between five or $10 a week. So how is that contributing to household expenses when we have food, electric gas cable etc.? So can he get a lifeline phone since he has this situation and my other son has assurance wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your son has the rules of the program completely backward. The only way he would be eligible is if he maintained his own household within your house. In other words, if he rented a room and paid all his own bills, he “might” be eligible. Even that would be a bit “iffy.” Here’s an article that explains more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-more-than-one-free-government-cell-phone-per-household
Ashley says
I have been trying to get a new phone at the stand’s a few times but can’t because it always say that I already have services in my name but I no longer have access to any of the phones bor the phone number or phone ID for any account. So have can I cancel my services without this information being needed
Free Government Cell Phones says
We always tell readers not to enroll at street tents or booths because they have been the source of so much fraud and abuse. But in this case it sounds like yours is legit because they actually check your status and turn you down.
However, now that you’ve been repeatedly rejected, it’s time for you to contact customer service. Call in and ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain your situation and ask him/her to help you correct an error in the National Lifeline Assistance Database. It is supposed to be simple for them to correct errors like the one you describe. Good luck.
Paula Priddy says
I tried to get a phone with data the guy took all my information took copy of my ID and food stamp card. He had the phone but he said he bad to go get a SIM card but he never came back. I didn’t get the phone but it shows that he gave me the phone. I have been trying to found out what company so i can cancel. So i can update my life line phone because they now offering data
Free Government Cell Phones says
Paula, we constantly urge our readers to NOT enroll with street vendors. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse. It’s certainly possible that this guy was legit, but we’d say the odds are against it.
There’s only one way for you to figure out which company you enrolled with. Here’s where you can find ALL the free government cell phone companies offering plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Click on your state to find all the companies. You’ll need to start at the top of the list and contact each company’s customer service team one-by-one to figure out if you enrolled with that company. Yeah, it will take some work, but it’s the only way to find out if you have actually been enrolled or scammed.
lisa m says
Hi can you help me I was with safe link and I canceled my service with them and I got verification of that I’ve been trying to apply for insurance wireless I’ve applied for times they keep denying me saying that I have a Phone but I don’t have that phone anymore or the phone number because I canceled the service how can I get Insurance wireless to except me as a customer
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call in again. Ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain your situation and ask them to correct the problem in the National Lifeline Assistance Database (NLAD).
Rodnesseus hanford says
Yes I received this free phone in the mail but I don’t want it I will be returning it via post office certified mail
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good for you, Rod. We’d also recommend that you call customer service at the company that sent you the phone. You need to alert them as to your intentions and get their advice.
Patty says
Hi yes I just got my boyfriend a phone under my name but I already have a free phone and at the moment I can not find it when I find it. Do I have to cancel one so I do not get in trouble ?. Can I get in trouble for having 2 phones.? Also my grandpa said only 1 free phone per address is this true ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can get in trouble for having more than one phone. The government keeps what’s called the National Lifeline Assistance Database with the names of every free government cell phone customer. Eventually you will get nailed if you don’t cancel immediately.
Your grandpa is correct. Only one phone is permitted per household.
Patty says
Can I have my boyfriend go back to the free phone booth and have them switch info so it will be under his name and not mine ? His phone got stolen .
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, but he can apply for his own phone. Here’s an article that tells you what to do when your phone is stolen:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Andy says
I am looking for the Access Free Phone Vendors near National City California, how can I find one of their stations?
bettyweiss says
I JUST WANT TO CANCEL MY SERVICE WITH ASSURANCE SINCE SAFELINK HAS SENT ME THEIR PHONE WHICH I AM GOING TO KEEP PLEASE HELP ME CANCEL THIS OTHER PHONE AS IT GOT STOLEN WITH MY POCKETBOOK POLICE WAS NOTIFIED
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You’ll have to contact Assurance.
edward jp says
if you have two government phones, trust me, they will find you…takes about 3/4 months but they will….I know..>)
yao says
I am going to apply one free cell for my mother-in-law. She has separated with her husband. They received a free cell before and her husband keeps it. I am not sure if he uses it or not. If I apply for one for my mother-in-law, is it against the one lifeline per household rule? Do I need to provide anything to prove that they have separated? They live in different unit in the same building. Thanks for the clarification.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
First all, let’s look at the definition of a household:
But since they live in different units we are hoping that the cell phone company database recognizes the different units as different addresses. Of course make sure the unit number is specified on the application.
edward jp says
1 phone per household….
Phill says
I have (about to be had) a girlfriend. She some times stays with me in a room I have. Other then that she is homeless and stays in a tent. Well she had her GR phone sent to my address, and I was fine with that. The problem is she as a friend and he had his phone sent here ( he lives in a tent to. Now I was upset to say the least. Now I am applying for SSI disability, and I need a phone so I started looking into this thing and started reading all this stuff about the address thing. What should I do??? I don’t know anything about all this. Could I be charged with fraud??? I had no idea she did this. the phone just showed up one day. What do I do?????
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You won’t be charged with fraud. We have not heard of any phone recipients ever being charged with fraud. What will happen is that one of those two phone subscriptions will be deactivated. You may get a letter asking which one to deactivate; just choose one.
As for the phone you received, don’t use it and worry about returning it. You would have to spend likely hours on the phone with the vendor before you spoke with someone who likely would not care anyway.
One last piece of advice: no more dating women who live in tents.
marvel perry says
I like a free cell phone please…
Gregory A. Lind says
I’m not going to keep this free phone, please shut my free cell phone off. I cant get hold of anyone by phone. The cell number is (209)421-****. Thank you for helping but im staying with my survice
marianne ades says
your statement about only being able
to have one legal lifelime account is
false.
do you not know that there is at least
one exception? if someone has
medically provable severe hearing
problems (like me), you can have two
phones. one for audio and one for tty.
ron watson says
What about those that have a land line lifeline and a lifeline cell phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
That is against the rules too.