Call us crazy, but we agree with Safelink on this one: If you don’t follow the rules, you get terminated. We’re actually surprised the court is cutting this guy this much slack.
Here’s what the lawsuit is all about according to the St. Louis Record:
A lawsuit that claims a Missouri man’s rights were violated after his cellular service was terminated “without proper notice” can proceed after the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri recently denied a motion by SafeLink Wireless, a TracFone brand, to discuss the case.
In his July 30 ruling, U.S. District Judge Douglas Harpool denied the motion to dismiss the suit filed by plaintiff Rickey Jerome Daugherty that claims his due process was violated when SafeLink discontinued his cellular service that was a part of a government-regulated program.
As a participant in the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulated “Lifeline Assistance Program,” low-income residents can receive cellular service at no cost to them. In the complaint, Daugherty, who participated in the “Lifeline” program, argued that his service had been off “without proper notice” and that he “has been denied an appeal process.”
Here’s the catch: Safelink has told Daugherty that everything will be hunkydory and he can get his service back if he just recertifies — like everyone else has to do every year. To repeat, all he needs to do is fill in the blanks and complete the Lifedlink application the company sent him.
To repeat, all he needs to do is what every other Lifeline customer does every year.
According to the St Louis Record, Daugherty refuses to follow the same federal regulations that govern every other free government cell phone company and every other free government cell phone customer.
“Plaintiff acknowledges he has received the application,” Harpool said. “Plaintiff has no federally protected right to bypass regulations pertaining to eligibility for participation in the service.”
Daugherty contends that he is entitled to this assistance and that SafeLink’s decision to suspend his service was done under color of state and federal law, in which SafeLink maintains that “the sale of mobile services does not constitute state conduct.”
“The court finds that he (Daugherty) has plead enough to survive defendants’ motion to dismiss,” Harpool said. “Whether plaintiff can actually establish that defendants are state actors, or whether he has been deprived of a constitutionally protected federal right, are matters of proof that extend beyond this motion to dismiss.”
As we said a couple paragraphs above, the Lifeline free government cell phone companies operate under a federal charter that requires them to re-certify every customer every year in order to control the waste, fraud and abuse that eat away at the core of the program. Daugherty wants to sidestep those reasonable and logical regulations.
Even the judge seems to be looking askance at Daugherty’s phony baloney claims:
Harpool went on to suggest that even though the trial will move forward, if SafeLink’s claim that a completed application is needed to demonstrate eligibility for the program and Daugherty has failed to complete that application, he “will not prevail in this litigation.”
Ahhhhh, the American justice system at its finest.
Dneece says
I received a safelink phone. I currently get medicad. Well my Free minutes wasn’t added. So I contacted Safelink sent me to Technical support I was told to take back off my phone to retrieve CCID#. As I was doing so it cracked my screen pretty damaged. I told Technical support rep. He ordered me a replacement phone. I received the phone by UPS . I was very Excited. I called safelink again to activate my new phone and transfer my FREE min. “OH NO Problem Mamm ” I gave them ALL of my info. Still they said they can’t activate it because of E-Mail change. Therefore I was charging new replacement phone & smelled smoke in our house. I picked up my phone it was very HOT, It was on Fire. I called and reported this to Safelink I was put on hold then hung up on. Now NO phone. Could have been burnt.I have pictures of the phone & box it was sent in.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can continue attempting to get a replacement phone from Safelink or you can switch to another service provider and get a new phone.
Any Lifeline customer can switch service providers after just 30 days of service. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Which provider and plan to choose? You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Makel and Toni says
I would like to start a Class Action Suit against Safelink Wireless due to how they continuously Turn service on and off and try to make me buy service i am supposed to be getting free ACP. Then they terrminated my service or account WITHOUT MY CONSENT OR KNOWLEDGE, telling me i need to reapply, when i have over the phone online and by rep in person, yet my phone gets turned off evry couple of days. My personal information and privacy has been violated. Getting an Attorney!
Tracey Williams says
I’m disabled I’m in Chicago I got SafeLink I was approved for ACP program within 2 months of my service they try to cut me off last month saying that I had to pay for my service then some type of way they turned my service back on cuz they knew they was foul then turn around this month I’m disabled on the 4th floor no elevate they just turned my phone off again told me I wasn’t approve I had to reapply for ACP and I already got it if I’m not approved for ACP why is my home internet on that’s all I’m saying why is my home internet on so no they full of s*** I’m pissed off I’m pissed I’m pissed I’m pissed the f*** off and they doing us wrong they doing us wrong I stay crying it’s got me too mad
Free Government Cell Phones says
Remember that you always have the option of switching to a different service provider, Tracey.
Michael Sneed says
I can’t send or receive texts now that Verizon has taken over SafeLink. I have ordered the new SIM card and they say they brought it but I don’t leave my house and I was not informed. Now I can’t get them to resend it. When I sign up for these emails it says error 400 and that’s it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That acquisition closed back in September of 2020, Michael. Are you saying you have not been able to send or receive texts for that length of time?
If you cannot get satisfaction out of your current service provider, it may be time for you to switch service providers. Any Lifeline customer can switch service providers at any time. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Which provider and plan to choose? You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Deanna Cornwell says
Okay I have one for you I reported in 2020-2022 that my SafeLink wireless phone was stolen and that it has reserfest and being used as we speak the guy has all my information and bank account information my bank information and everything he has been using my information for over two years and SafeLink let this continue I need a lawyer asp to go after SafeLink and everyone else involved I want action for this they let this continue and now he’s contacting me off my phone saying he got my life in his hands can someone please help me
Free Government Cell Phones says
First, contact your local police. What he is doing is clearly criminal. Second, contact Safelink again and tell them that you will report them to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) if they do not cancel your account. Third, Any Lifeline customer can switch service providers at any time. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another. Making that switch will automatically cancel your current account with Safelink and open a new account with whichever provider you select.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Which provider and plan to choose? You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
maywood R. bedard says
I’ve had the same thing happen to me. I’ve never had to pay for my cell service. Now that they’ve changed companies or networks. My phone has been acting up & they want a payment every month.
Henry says
This is not surprising when a wireless provider (Verizon in this case) takes over the Tracfone/Safelink customer database and attempts to merge these accounts over to Verizon network. Migration issues almost always happen and people get their account information f**ked up. You can complain to them and see if they can correct the problem. or just “jump ship” to another provider.
Allison May says
I Have SafeLink/TracFone. I have only had this service since March 28,2022. My services so far are cut off each month, a day before it supposed to renew. I call in and have explain each time to each employee I am transfered to. I have been on hold for 2min and I have been on hold for 2hours.. I just love the way I’m tossed around from employee to employee just to lose connection, get hung up on. These employees are so thoughtful and know how long you have been on hold and you explain that you have already had to call back numerous times due to the fact everytime you get transfered we seem to lose connection and not one time has anyone called me back after the hang up. I also checked my account today just to find out I have been denrolled/cancelled when I called 611 they stated I needed to recertify. Which by the way is Yearly. This is July 22,2022 only 4months into being approved for SafeLink. TracFone stated I need to speak with SafeLink and gave me a direct number to call. 1-800-723-3546 When I called I spoke to a SafeLink customer rep. And she has no clue why my Services are being denrolled she then stated that I needed to talk to the service provider. TracFone. I was very confused about the whole situation. She then stated that my application was expired that they are only good for 6months. I said I only filled the application out in March 2022. She agreed. Ok then 6months March 28,2022 to July 22,2022 is 4 months. So how does an application expire after 4 months. She then Stated I’m not sure what’s going on with your account you just need to speak with TracFone the service provider because I’m not showing you transfered to a new provider or anything else wrong. So you need to speak to them. WTF. Anyways, I went to another company. Qlink. Unlimited everything, even Data. Just filed it today. Sending me a new SIM card and I have ACP approved already. Oh yeah don’t get me started on ACP with SafeLink.. I know this is a government funded program and I shouldn’t complain about free service. But that’s just it, TracFone is receiving government money for my services SafeLink is receiving goverment money for my services. I needed the help because times are tough and every little bit helps but when I’m on the phone talking to the provider and the service provider more then anyone on my contact list then we have a problem.
Henry says
You have to be aware that the Federal Government does not directly manage the Lifeline and ACP programs to the general public. So it is “farmed out” to third party companies like Tracfone which then “sublets” over to Safelink. You have multiple layers of MVNOs operating here in some cases. The odd thing in your case is that Tracfone (along with its affiliate Safelink) got bought out by Verizon (one of the “big three” providers). Safelink did not use the Verizon network before the purchase. So, the migration from one network to another will likely create issues for some participants of Safelink. Your account information on Safelink/Tracfone was likely “messed up” recently. It might be a system bug that modified the information on your account. Can someone do the research to correct it? It requires a troubleshooter and not a CSR unfortunately.
Since you applied to QLink, note that they do NOT offer free phones to new customers. You can buy a phone from their online store or BYOD. Be aware that you could receive the $10.01 Scepter 8 tablet even if you did not specifically order it. The Government pays up to $100 to the device seller and the ACP program requires a copayment between over $10 and less than $50 from each customer. I think it is not worth it and better to get a computer from another provider instead. If you have already redeemed the ACP device credit previously, then this would not apply and you should not be eligible for another device.
Ginger Lee blosser says
Please help they are doing it to me to pls
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is not much we can do for you, Ginger. This is an independent informational website that is NOT affiliated with any Lifeline free government cell phone company nor any Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) internet service provider. However, we can recommend that you file an official complaint. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Fed-Up says
How bout when the customer hasn’t been notified by mail or text to recertify but Safelink stops providing the service when it doesn’t expire til 2023. Then the Lifeline Service customer is told that it will take 72 hours for service paperwork to activate the service. Been without a phone for 48 hours and won’t get service for another 72 hours. That means 5 days without phone service. Clearly this is Thief of Service. Oh you say you’re in a medical clinical trial and it’s imperative to have phone service. We’re told I’m sorry.
Come on now really? If you die cause you couldn’t make a phone call for emergency assistance you family wi getI’m sorry. U. S. Govt must put a STOP to this kind of thievery or do citizens have to wait till some policticians relative dies in before this dangerous Thief of Services is STOPPED.
Art quier says
Can you help me with a phone any one will work LG 300. Thanks.your the best company I’ve found .
Free Government Cell Phones says
Whatever company you are talking about, Art, we are not it. This is an independent informational website with ZERO affiliation with any service provider.
Dorothy Hughes says
Safelink Wireless cancelled my elderly father’s service without notice although he had recently certified. They charged him too much for a cell phone that was damaged. He mailed it back for a replacement with a tracking number that indicates that SafeLink has the damaged phone but has yet to mail him a replacement. Based on all the complains, Safelink should not be a service provider. The company simply wants the government contract but does not want to provide service to citizens. Unethical and illegal practices.
Sazure says
Safelinks/tracfone (Lifeine) is a NIGHTMARE. First tracfone pays for the minutes, hoping if you run out of minutes you will buy more on their site (which I do ususally because I run out while dealing with Safelinks overseas). “”SAFELINK WIRELESS® is a program provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc””
I was in a bld fire long ago and lost my Masters placement and since I was young my SSDI was exceptionally low. For decades I have had to deal with overseas NON help. I just spent 3 months from January 2021 to March and now April 2021 dealing with overseas operators. I was told my id no longer was connected to the phone they gave me (I keep copious notes as I used to work for lawyers). I had to call the National Verifier and other numbers WASTING my minutes which I had to add to on the tracfone site.
After sometimes days of being on the phone (days not hours) I thought all was finally resolved and as I have been in the hospital with dire news I did not use many minutes and had accrued much. Balance is built in but today April 1, 2021 went no where. Checked on line (on line web site does not work at all).
Two hours on the phone with the Philipines (dropped calls, one guy just fumbled about) and eventually the second person after I was told once again my ID number was not connected to the phone and I said figure it out. With my name and last four of SS she DID find me and the minutes per month (cut back long ago when they lost my case) but could not tell me the balance.
I fear they will have lost them which upsets me as I am on very low SS since I was in the fire when I was young and my SSD is exceptionally low.
I am going to write the States AG as something is wrong when America can not bring business back to America and waste one’s limited money on incompetance. I have an end stage terminal illness and need the minutes and do not wish to waste my life with overeas NON help.
Sad situation for all who have issues with them.
Jspurg says
The guy sounds like one of those “sovereign citizens” who you see on YouTube all getting their car windows smashed for not following lawful orders from the police.
JPatrick says
Safelink customer. I have not had service issues or complaints for well over a year. Initially, I would need to call every month to receive the balance, which was frustrating. Customer service would always assist. I would on occasion purchase a GB of data via target dot com, and in doing so, I would losemy balance on applying the card. Safelink would correct this, and often they would add extra data for my trouble. One thing that really isn’t an issue however, is that they do not notify when re certification is necessary. I say it isn’t an issue because we are given an account UI, complete with login. That we are damn lucky to be aided with such a benefit as LifeLine, we ought not take it for granted. We must track all our costs of living, and although the service is provided free of charge, we are still owners of the account, and thus we should periodically login and look at our re certification status page. It’s quite simple. Doing so will ensure continuity for the service. Mmmk. Regards.
Steve Kucera says
Even if a Lifeline customer follows every requirement to a T, companies will still abuse and ignore them simply because there is no oversight of any kind in this federal program. My Safelink account was abruptly dropped despite being faithfully up to date with all requirements. Safelink rep informed me that the cell phone they issued me eight years ago is no longer compatible with their network and my only option was to purchase a new smartphone from Tracfone. So much for following federal requirements.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is another option. Switch to a different company. You will be considered a new customer and will qualify for a smartphone.
Vonda says
LOL, they did the same to me. I received no notice. I logged into my online account to see it had benn cancelled. So, I switched.
Jennifer S Barbour says
OMG I Literally JUST got off the phone with I them, the cut off my phone last year also, stating I HAVE another phone with ASSURANCE WIRELESS, which I told them I DON’T, however they told me I would have to enroll again which I did with the info they gave me, they said they sent the new SIM CARD in supposedly came from safelink who claims they are not tracphon so how did you get my info to send me a Simcard April 2020 that I NEVER got, now they are telling me, they NEVER had rollover minutes, Since I have this phone my minutes have been rolling over, I done even know which is which tracphone/safelink , they doing what they want with, and to poor people….but hope the RECOGNIZE what’s happening in this world at this present time and hour….let them continue advantaging the meek….nothing goes unpunished…
Bre says
Safelink is horrible. I had to switch phones because my old phone broke (3 1/2 months ago). Ever since then they cut my calls/texts off the 1st of the month. I have to call, wait for hours until I can get someone competent enough to “manually” put the calls/texts on.. they always say that they “fixed” the problem and I won’t have to worry. I am a current customer.
This is my 3rd month dealing with this problem. One of their employees must of messed up something with my lifeline account. It is so much worse now with them working from home. I have not had phone service for 4 days.. need to call doctors and bill companies due to our global situation.
I ask to speak with managers and for them to escalate this situation.. they lie constantly and do not take notes as they are required to do. (I could go on with this.)
I have no choice but to purchase a phone plan at this point. I plan to file a complaint with FCC, etc.
Phoenix Bradley says
As of 2020 this is STILL a issue,i no longer use safelink anymore,Assurance seems to be better i this regard,id suggest switching,as theyll give you a new phone free right to your mailbox
LUCRETIA BELL says
I feel Mr. Daugherty’s pain. My phone service was not disconnected, but I did notice that I had only 7 service days left so I called Safelink Wireless. I was told at that time that my service had been deactivated and I needed to reapply. However, I did not receive notification to re-certify as I had in the past. (And speaking of re-certification, one year I had to re-certify through my phone service three times before it was successfully completed). Not to mention that for the past five months I have had to call Safelink Wireless every month in order to receive my minutes. At the time, I was receiving 1000 minutes per month. Well, I went through the steps like “every other Lifeline customer” I received 350 miinutes and was told the laws of my state had changed and that was all I was going to get. Safelink SUCKS
sazure says
Yes my minutes went from 1000 to 350 after they lost my file (even stating I had NEVER been on it but I keep records). The salient point is that the older minutes would remain in force and only NEW customers have the lower minutes. So by losing one’s account you are re-set with the lower minutes (and then can buy more at tracfone) Tracfone was owned by Carlos Slim of Mexico one of the worlds richest men.
“””Verizon announced this week it has purchased TracFone Wireless, the Miami-based prepaid mobile phone distributor that owns the widely advertised Straight Talk Wireless brand. The price was $6.25 billion.
TracFone has long been held by América Móvil, the Mexico-based conglomerate owned by magnate Carlos Slim.
Janet Halverson says
I believe it is people like this that ruin beneficial programs for the rest. Sue because one doesn’t follow rules, a sense of entitlement as a right and being above everyone else is the sign of a sociopath; at, least, that is the way I see it, and where is motivation to help people have something who do not have funds to support themselves (for whatever reason). Ty
sazure says
These companies are worth multiple billions. He should have followed the rules but that said, I have for decades and always and issue. Note: With a major in psychology one is not a sociopath because he finds issues with the company and did not follow the rules. One has to have evil intent and do actual harm. If he went in with an axe and chopped off a few heads then sure!
cynn says
safelink is worst service ever
Janet Halverson says
It is not difficult to recertify yearly. I completed the process within a few minutes about 4 months early. I really don’t understand what this is all about. I think it’s just an example of how we come to assume that a government benefit is suddenly people’s right and the sue-happy greedy mentality of the Democrats bleeding hearts attempt at helping people by giving them something that isn’t earned.and therefore not appreciated. A shame human nature can be so ugly
Octavio P Terrazas says
F**k white devil conservatism.
Free Government Cell Phones says
I don’t suppose it occurs to you that your attitude is a far bigger problem than Janet’s, does it, Octavio? She’s merely a conservative, which is a legitimate political position. You, on the other hand, are a flat-out racist.
cynthia says
He isn’t a racist, the conservative mindset has screwed all of us. Its okay when you say your a conservative to hide your racist views. Conservatives should never have government benefits. EVER
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re trying really hard to figure out the difference between someone else’s hatred of a race and your hatred of a different group of people, but we just aren’t smart enough to work it out.
Janet Halverson says
Right on
cynthia says
why do u need government assistance? mooch.
Lucretia Bell says
You sound crazy. This is not a place to air your political BS. This is about a company being diligent in the service they provide. Just because we as customer get the minutes for free, we don’t have to be treated like second-class citizens. You can hardly do business with them because their equipment is faulty and there is so much static interference that you can have an audible conversation.
sazure says
Lifeline is the program behind all of this. (It started under Bush not Obama – the so called “free government phones”) (see the link below) the Phones are not exactly free or even new (they are refurbished and the companies that provide them buy these refurbished phones. Carlos Slim (one of the worlds richest men from Mexico – telecommunications) owned Safelinks Wireless until it was just bought out (Verizon). As you can see, he is not exactly poor from this enterprise. It is sad that so many have issues with these programs as some are making a killing off of it. (I have to constantly spend time to “fix” things and would not be using it save for having been in a bld fire long ago and my SSD was little as I was young).
“”The world’s richest man in the biggest player. Carlos Slim, the Mexican billionaire and world’s richest man, owns Safelink Wireless, the original and largest company in the free government cell phone business.””
Tracfone actually pays for the minutes. Safelinks and other companies provide the data (name social security so on needed by the Government to ensure that one qualifies). What is the benefit to TracFone? You run out of your minutes and buy more from tracfone.
SAFELINK WIRELESS® is a program provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/minutes
Sandra says
I have had that issue with Safelink Wireless for the last year and it still continues. I filed with the Better Budiness Bureau and still have yet to resolve the issue. I don’t have the funds to take Safelink Wireless to court, but I will be damned if I let them keep a good reputation after shafting me. The case with the BBB has been put on hold but I will ensure Safelink will not escape unscathed. Being disabled with no other access to phone service, having heart issues and arthritis in my spine god forbid something happens to me while Im home alone or away from home.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you considered switching to a different service provider, Sandra. That might be a lot easier than what you’re going through. Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
William Stevenson says
I had my service terminated and I had not received notice. But I had made phone calls in October and December of 2019, I had proof on my phone, but 3 customer service agents said I was lying and that I had to reapply for my lifeline service. I had to pay for the 500 minutes plan. When attempting to reapply, the website would not accept my new address. I reapplied today and my application is pending.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You said you made phone calls in October and December. Does that mean you didn’t make any calls in November? If so, your service may have been cancelled because you didn’t make a call for more than 30 days.
andrew says
this guys case is legit. im still in the aftermatch from safelink and lost my phone number of 8 years. i attempted t change carriers to assurance which by the way has the most horrible phillipino call center customer service i have ever experienced.long story short. assurance never sent my sim and device because i didnt pay a 5$ shipping fee which i was never told about. the time ran out on my safelink account and they shut it off. at that moment i had no active service at all. safelink told me i could reactivate the number if i paid for the service. (i receive tthe lifeline benefit because i have no income) i had no way to pay safelink to keep my number active so i lost it. now this is where it really gets messed up; safelink told me i had to recertify for lifeline but i was already active through the california lifeline admin so upon filling out the recertification application my phone was shut off and number lost again 4 weeks later because it showed that i had multiple applications open. i called safelink and tried to explain that i could not certify because it would shut off my service in another 4 weeks but they told me i had to recertify so i did and 4 weeks later im sure you can guess what happened. dealing with this phone company was a complete nightmare and whatever this guy is suing for is no where near enough
Paul says
Assurance Wireless cut off my lifeline phone for two years after my son and his girlfriend ordered a phone and stole it from my mailbox without permission, even though I prosecuted my son and his girlfriend, leaving me, a disabled senior citizen veteran, with no emergency access.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’ve never had a question like this, Paul. But we think we can reason out the correct response for you. First of all, you’ll need to deal with your free government service provider’s customer service team. Ordinarily we’d tell you to call 6-1-1 to contact to them, but that won’t workin this case because you don’t have the phone. So our next recommendation would be to check out the page assigned to your service provider. You can find them all here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Just click through the company names until you find yours. Click on it and you will be taken to its page. That’s where you find the contact info you need. Good luck.
GERARD F. GAUDIN says
This is a Common factor used be the Current, Lawless and Anti-poor, Administration. They have loaded the Courts with non-approved by the ABA, unqualified laypersons, whom allow these suits to proceed in efforts to alienate the Electorate int cancelling needed Programs.
The Lifeline Re-Cert Process is Quick and Simple (unless, it’s re-routed thru a Major Carrier; e.g.: ATT&T; COX) whom thwart your efforts, for their Profits.
I support the existing Rules; and Re-Cert Process. There is no room for Hate and this suit amplifies just that.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Whatever. Everyone’s entitled to an opinion.
Eichelberger says
It should be a letter stating if income has changed or address not rewriting the entire application or be on the phone for endless minutes as I have been. nonsense…
Dirty Harry says
He’s black & never held a real job in his life! I know this POS! Always looking for the free ride & he’s in & out of jail like a revolving door!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Racist much, Harry?
Dirty Harry says
I’m Indian & he doesn’t like us either so F.O. Understood! That word has been used up till it means nothing today, wake up, idiot! Skidmark set us ALL back at least 50 yrs. in race relations, so you’re a dumbass to keep using it thinking it means something, it’s dead yrs. ago!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Angry much, Harry?
Jim says
The guy sounds like a “sovereign citizen” to me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We had to look up the definition of “sovereign citizen.” You may be right, Jim.
Dirty Harry says
He’s a skidmark holdover from ’08 & ‘2012 thinks he’s owed everything!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Racist much, Harry?
Richard T Hamblen says
I’ve been denied repeatedly, because I receive disability-caused Social Security Social Security and Medicare, and that’s it..I paid on Social Security since 1973, my income from it goes to pay my bills..I have no vehicle, ny job with Toyota ended Jan. 7th, 2019, aftre almost 25 years, no severance pay, no nothing, ust goodbye..my only phone is this ‘pay-as-you-go’ phone and a laptop to pay my bills with..I live alone and have for 35 years now, stroke-disabled and spent a month in a stroke coma that I was not supposed to ever wake up from..the fact that I’m honest, not making false claims to have a phone is why I can’t get one..are you going to help,or not?
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, so you can reach out to us for information, but not for an actual phone. We’re not sure from you comment why you have been denied service. It sounds as if you should qualify based on low-income.
bohicasis says
Both Social Security (the one a person pays into via their taxes
/employment and then is alloted funds from_even if disabled) and Medicare are Federal run programs. The life line phones ask a person to have to have a State issued program (SSI or Medicaid) (Those come from the STATE if your SS is below a certain limit) There are now options with Safelink to enroll based on your income being below a certain poverty level OR you may be eligible for SNAP (foodstamps) > If that is the case, after enrolling in SNAP, then you are definitely eligible. Apply with your state for SNAP/foodstamps then submit paperwork from that program. Hope this helps.~Blessings
Georgie says
Best comment on here!
sazure says
Older thread but for anyone who may have the same issue. When I first applied I was only 44 and almost died from chemicals after a bld fire (losing my MA placement). I ended up on very low SSD and Medicaire (now older the SSD(disability) is plain SS. I qualified and was NOT on SSI (suplemental income).
As bohicasis states (this and other programs) can also use your income (if below the poverty line (mine was at $500 a month now a bit higher but still indigent).
George Charles says
i don’t like safelink because i applied and got a new phone, and the account was closed after 6 days, they told me i have to buy a phone card to keep their service, this happened twice, when i called from a friends phone after waiting over an hour for someone to answer, all they said sorry your account was closed ! SOL! I have a different provider now i will not get anyone to sign with them!!!
Lorraine says
Safelink does get it wrong at times. While my mother has a free cellphone thru Safelink’s program & she did fulfill the recertification process (mailed in a timely fashion also) they still cut her services. I must say, however, we didn’t take Safelink to court. We just called them & once again submitted the appropriate recertification form along with the necessary documentation. People are just SUE happy.
Free Government Cell Phones says
From your lips to God’s ear.
Dirty Harry says
God DGAF if you have a damn phone or not! You idiots are liberal fuck ups & not helping these people at all! Playing your fucking idiot word games like liberal pricks! You’re like fuckerburg of flakebook & jackoff from twatter!
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, seriously, Dirty. You need a psychiatrist and/or anger management sessions.
Brooke says
The same thing happened to me n sent it in early enough and everything n now only get 350 when I was getting more plus my phone is messed up n I have no way to replace it
bohicasis says
Majority of lifeline service cut their minutes drastically. the old”Double Minutes card” no longer applies 🙂
Carlos says
SafeLink cut the service without notice!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you spoken to the company’s customer service team?
Dirty Harry says
It’s an election yr. Richard & you need to contact your local senator & or congressman & I’ll bet you they make a move very quickly! They don’t want their cushy seats that’s conformed to their fat asses lost over something this trivial! BIG DEAL to you not to them but if it’ll cost them a seat, you’ll get your phone!
Dirty Harry says
They do that if you let it expire or do not have it turned on the 1st 3 days of every single month, not just the ones you like! That’s when they add or take away minutes!
Dirty Harry says
Also, you have to use it. You can’t add up mins. anymore. 350 a month & that is all! As soon as they give you mins. call the time or a friend & it’ll kick it out of that cancel mode! I deal with ’em so I know! Just trynna help like ALL WE Racist Indians always do!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We recommend anger management classes, Dirty.
bohicasis says
or a reddit post.and there’s a new site for right wing complainers
( so i have heard)
sazure says
I use mine all the time and still get major issues. The problem is the business is conducted overseas mostly in the Philipines (with our American social security numbers and other private information stored there). It is a MESS! I have been on it for a long time but in NYC there were Congress staff that could assist not so easy here in WA (I worked for lawyers and know how to do things) I would have to use a landline long ago as one would be on the phone all day long ditto now on a seperate cell I use.
Tracfone (which provides the actual minutes) is worth multiple billions. It was bought out from Carlos Slim (worlds riches man from Mexico) by Verison. To save money rather then employ Americans they use overseas help (NOT).
The info overseas is often outdated and just not current hence the many issues. One used to be abel to ask for help from America (that is a law) but now due to Covid or who knows what it just loops around and around.
It eats up so many minutes (days often more than one) I then have to buy more minutes from Tracfone (what a business!!!)