Forbes magazine recently unveiled its annual list of the world’s wealthiest people. This year the list featured a record 1,426 billionaires. And the richest of them all is Carlos Slim, the Mexican mogul who is now worth an astounding $73 billion.
What you may not have known is that America’s free government cell phone program, and the low income Americans who benefit from it, owe a huge debt of gratitude to Mr. Slim.
In the words of Forbes, “Pan-Latin American mobile telecom outfit America Movil remains his most valuable holding at $36.3 billion; the company spread its wings to Europe in the past year, buying pieces of Dutch telecom company KPN and Telekom Austria.”
The Slim family own America Movil, Latin America’s largest mobile phone company, which in turn owns Safelink Wireless, the largest company competing in America’s free government cell phone program. As America Movil said on its website, “According to reports of beneficial ownership of our shares filed with the SEC on March 1, 2010, Carlos Slim Helú, together with his sons and daughters (together, the “Slim Family”), may be deemed to control us through their beneficial ownership held by a trust and another entity and their direct ownership of shares.”
Complex? Of course. For better or worse, that’s the way business deals get structured in today’s world.
But the bottom line is that Carlos Slim, the world’s richest man, has made a considerable investment in the free government cell phone business. Thanks to his farsighted business acumen, millions of low income Americans are able to enjoy the benefits of the Lifeline Assistance program.
That makes it easier for them to contact potential employers and land jobs that will lift them up out of poverty. That makes it easier for them to find and communicate with medical professionals. That makes it easier for them to communicate with friends and families, which is so important in today’s dangerous world. And, finally, that makes it possible for them to reach early responders in case of emergencies.
We have just one word for Mr. Carlos Slim:
Gracias, Mr. Slim. Gracias.
Bryon says
I sick of getting the shaft from a q links Crap and the worst cuztomer service even in India or were ever they are at the only plcce or pearls u flake to plan on 8 hours
Bobby cockman says
How do you get a free phone with free service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Seriously? How about if we just use the comment section to summarize all 5000 pages on this website because you are too freakin’ lazy to read? Of course, if we were to do that you would probably leave another comment asking us to summarize that summary. C’mon, man, take a little responsibility here and read the damn website.
Gary hayes says
I am requesting a free gov. phone, as a senior citizen i can not afford to be on the road without one.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Gary, but we are not a Lifeline service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact the company of your choice directly. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out carefully to find the plan that fits your needs best.
Annie Balsamo says
I would appreciate it if you would send me a free government phone I’m 83 and live by myself and on fixed income
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not quite how it works, Annie. This is an independent informational website and we are NOT a service provider. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans offered in your state. Check them all out carefully to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lisa Lindsay says
I drop my phone and it’s damaged it need new one and I loved it like to get a mother one if I can
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article you need to read:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Stop welfare says
Go buy one
kelvn says
I would appreciate it if you would send me a free government phone I’m 83 and live by myself and on fixed income
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’d love to be able to do that, Kelvin, but we’re not a service provider. Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out carefully to find the plans that fits your needs best, then use the contact info we provide for that company to contact its customer service team and enroll.
Melvin Rudner says
I really appreciate that I have gotten a free phone from Mr.Carlos Slim Helu’s largess..
Thank you so much, could not have a phone without you,kind SIR
Melvin Rudner
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hah! You may be the first person who ever thanked the man who owns Safelink. However, Melvin, to be honest with you, we think the proper language should have been “Gracias, señor Slim.”
Maribel Muniz says
My SafeLink phone gets hot from where the battery is and then turns off by itself I don’t have the 25 dollars for a replacement phone. What am or should I do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you don’t have money for a replacement phone, try enrolling with a different Lifeline company offering free government cell phone plans in your state. That will make you a new customer and you will receive a replacement smart phone.
Stop welfare says
Buy a new one and stop begging for free things that everyone else has to pay for. Enough welfare. Get a job.
James says
What if someone gave me a Obama phone how do i get minutes for it
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume the phone is no longer active. If you qualify for the Lifeline program, you’ll need to enroll with one of the service providers in your state and if you’re approved, you will get your own free smart phone. So there’s really no use for your friend’s phone.
Billie says
Need phone for my elderly Mother. She has a medical life line that she wears at home. But she needs a working phone when she is away from home.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, you’ve come to the right website, Billie. Just click around here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and you’ll learn everything you need to know. It’s really a pretty easy process
Wanda Iadicicco says
My phone was stolen a week ago. Can you send me another replacement phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Wanda, but we cannot. We are not your service provider. Contact that company’s customer service team.
Londa Decoteau says
I am on AFDC receiving EBT living in turtle mountains tribe Also SSI I have 3 grandchildren i only get 310 for 3 kids and $755 for disability I need a free phone because I am unable to buy one and I need one seriously Help!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the free government cell phone plans to find the plan that fits your needs best. You can see all the plans in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Louann Daugherty says
I am looking for a free government phone since I receive SNAP benefits, and I am disabled health wise. I am about to lose my SafeLink Wireless phone. I only have it until March 9, 2019.
That is my only way of making doctor’s appointments, and other important phone calls.
I use my phone faithfully all the time.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why are you losing your Safelink service? Why can’t you recertify for another year?
Rhothelia Stallings says
I cranked my phone and I asked if it could be replaced and they said no that. I have to buy one to kept my service but I didn’t have any. Money to replace it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each company makes their own rules, Rhothelia. Sometimes they make exceptions for long-time customers, but the usual remedy requires customers to pay a nominal fee for replacement phones.
Ralph A Davenport Sr. says
Yes i’m a disable VETERAN . I live by myself . I also live on $749 a month , I have to ask people to help me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you probably qualify for a free government cell phone, Ralph. Click around this site and you’ll learn everything you need to know. Best of luck. And THANKS for your service.
Gayla Hill says
I have the access through AT&T. so does that mean i cant get a cell phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, If you qualify, you can also get a free government cell phone. The two programs are completely unrelated, so being a participant in one does not disqualify you from qualifying for the other.
But please be aware that there are a number of other low-income internet plans in addition to Access from AT&T. Before you enroll with any plan, you owe it to yourself to check out all the other to find out if another one fits your needs better than Access. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
DianeAnderson says
I would like to change my version phone over to your phone service if possible can I please keep my same number 601 258 **** THANKYOU
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not our phone, Diane. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact the free government cell phone company directly.
Tabitha says
This is Tabitha Crawford I would like to know where an how to get a free iPhone or smartphone for the government
Free Government Cell Phones says
You read this website, Tabitha. Start at the following link to find out if you’re eligible:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Then check out the “States” section to find all the companies that offer free government cell phones in your state. Pick the one that fits your needs best and enroll using the contact info we provide.
Jacqueline says
Hello my name is Jacqueline and I would like to know where I can get a free government iphone or smartphone in Albuquerque New Mexico
Free Government Cell Phones says
Simple, Jacqueline. Just check out all the plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Becky Hansel says
I am disabled and on disability. I was wondering if there are any free government cell phones in Bruning NE?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know what kind of service your specific small town might get, but three different Lifeline companies offer free government cell phone service in Nebraska. That’s few enough that it will easy for you to contact all of them to find out if they serve your town. Here’s a link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Bonnie Tandy says
Mr.Gracias that you for taking care of friends and family by providing them with a phone you’re a great Man and you have a great Family God bless you and you share but you didn’t have to. PS I don’t have one of your phone but Iam thinking about getting one.
Michelle Wood says
Thank you me. Slim very much
What you an your family are doing for so many families as to mine God bless you an yours as you continue to bring great blessings to others!!!!.
Wish I could hug you all
Maria Ervin says
This is the worst service I have every been with. It may be free but the customer care service people treat you so bad. They don’t even know how to warm transfer their customers so they don’t have to continue telling the next person the same information over and over again. I bought on of their unlimited plan less month they change me twice for the same amount, but did not give me service for this month and made me used up my minutes. I was on another phone of mine for over 2 hours trying to get my phone back on because on July 3, 2018 they charge my account twice. They told me they will turn on my phone and it been over 2 hour and they say it take 5 minute and I still don’t have service. I have no way of calling them no more, because they use up my minutes on another person phone I borrow. Do not but their Unlimited Service plan, if you do watch your bank account and make sure they don’t double charge you. If you get a double charge call them right them and get your refund. Because you can not pay two months in a row. Two payment at one time.
Annette Delacruz says
Hi I would like to know how can I obtain a phone from your company. I currently live in Boston
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can’t get a phone from our company because “our company” is not a free government cell phone company. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the Lifeline companies offering service in your state. You can find them all (and their contact info) at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Constance says
Thank you very much.
Rebeka mulumba says
Thank you
Dyanne Nelson says
Sounds generous but I was able to purchase a $50.00 flip phone, at Best Buy( through SAVING!), and pay $l0 a month for service…I earn less than $20.000, live alone but can STILL manage..What is with these “freeloaders”???
Arthur Meritt says
I like to get a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
I like to have you read this website, Arthur.
Ricky D says
I have an adreess to use, I have lived here for over 10 years. the landlord pays the utilities. I there a work around for this?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why do you need a workaround, Ricky? How does the landlord paying the utilities impact your ability to enroll in the Lifeline program?
Odueze Catherine says
My family are struggling will u favour me with 3 phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
“We” don’t offer phones, Catherine. This is an independent informational website. But we can tell you that you cannot get three free government cell phones. You are limited to one per household.
Odueze Catherine says
I’m from Nigeria,i have a big family when we take turns 2 use only one phone i haven’t touch a smartphone or android pls im begging can i get 3 or 4 of phones you can send it at the western union in my country.God bless i will be grateful
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Odueze, that’s just not possible. One of the primary rules of the Lifeline program is that each household is entitled to just one free government cell phone.
Amy Lara says
I’m really struggling I’m 7 kids and two grand babies but afford to get a phone in my area please help
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out our “States” page, which will tell you about all the free government cell phone companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Becky leonard says
I’m excited about getting a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
And we’re excited that you’re getting one, too.
Joycelyn B. Victorian says
Some carrier is using my name. I’m asking Pls., drop it be I file fraud
Free Government Cell Phones says
Visit USAC.org, Joycelyn. They can help you figure out what’s going on.
Laverne Jessie says
I am trying to recertify my father and are having a lot of trouble.
The problem is I live in Atlanta Ga. and he lives in Hendersonville North Carolina.
So I am emailing his Medicaid card. And the people’s at Safelink will not accept it,
I think it is because it not in the format they wish. But that is impossible from my gmail.
It’s under my name not his. He doesn’t have access to the internet as I do.
I thought using my internet would be more helpful. So could you tell me what to do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We still don’t understand the problem you’re having, Laverne. We’re not sure why they won’t accept his Medicaid card. Try calling again and asking to speak to a supervisor. Explain your problems and see if they can help you.
Benjamin D Brewer says
Well I’m a disabled American and can’t seem too get safelink too do me right in the past safelink sent me the cheap phone yes a 5 dollor phone you can get at my dollor store all I have done for my fellow neighbors that’s what I get in return godbless you and God bless everyone thank you!!!
April Burns says
Thank you for your service and keeping America safe and free, I’m sorry you were injured and I believe that our veterans shouldn’t have to worry about quality healthcare and the necessities to live without having to fight harder for your needs than you did protecting our lives.
Almost all of the men in my family have served also, so I was raised respecting the sacrifice that you and your family made.
God Bless
Bonnie Lawrence says
I would like to keep my phone can ya send me a sim card to use this one y phone going to be off in jan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only your service provider can help you with the issue, Bonnie. We are not your service provider.
Bonnie Lawrence says
Hi my name bonnie i was with qlinks and i keep telling them someone stole my cell phone they is charging me 25.00 i dont have to money can i get a phone with safe inks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Maybe. If your service plan includes only voice and text, you can switch service providers after you’ve been with Q Link for 60 days. If your plan includes data, you can switch after one year. Here’s an article that tells you how to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Brenda faison says
I am on a low social security payment monthly-$730 the phone I have now is paid for by my son. Unless I give him most of my income he has threatened to sell the phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
First of all, Brenda, your son sounds like a horrible human being. But, yes, with an income of $730 per month, you definitely qualify for a free government cell phone. Here’s where you can find all th plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Apply ASAP and tell you son to never darken your doorway again.
Nancy Gardner says
I need a new phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you’re currently enrolled in the free government cell phone program, contact your company’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on that cell phone. If you’re not currently enrolled, we’ve provided contact info for every company on that provider’s page.
NICOLE Williams says
Yes someone stole my phone & I’m would like have another phone’
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article you need to read, Nicole. Odds are they will not give you a free replacement. You’ll probably need to pay a small fee to get a replacement, but who knows? Maybe you’ll be the lucky one who gets a free replacement.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Melissa Punturi says
I’m currently using safelink government phone and I called and asked if I could get a new smartphone because my screen is cracked very bad to the point it can cut me if I’m not careful. They told me I’m not eligible for a new one, I don’t know what to do now, please help. Need new government phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
How long have you been with Safelink, Melissa? Depending on what kind of plan you have, you may be eligible to switch to a different company, which would make you a new customer, and also make you eligible for a new smart phone. Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find all the companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Kathy says
I’m on food stamps and need a free phone with minutes cause I have medical issues and need a way to call for help if I get sick
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can check out all the free government cell phone companies and plans available in your state, Kathy:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
RUTH ORR says
safe link wireless was the most difficult company to work with. if you do not speak spanish – forget it.
received the phone but have no idea how to operate it. so??????????what am I supposed to do??????
I gave it to my aid who is from the Dominican Republic and of course speaks spanish. I also gave her the box with all the papers that came with the phone.
i had hoped she could/would show me how to use the cell phone. = that did not happen.
I asked her to return the phone but instead of getting my cell phone back she gave me a tracfone.
again I have no idea what I have to do to use this item.
what am I to do? would appreciate some cs. to answer my questions in English. Also was just told that I did not use my phone for one call per month. Of course not, I no longer have the phone = so????????
great idea for people such as myself who is on Medicaid, Food Stamps and SSD but without cs support it is useless for me.my home landline phone is 845-544-2085. I also purchased a Great Call flip phone for
use but can I use this in lieu of the cell phone safe link provides?
so many questions but no answers. I am now paying $30 mo for my flip phone from cricket. that money is much needed for other necessities.
I am VERY UNHAPPY with the poor cs from Safe Link Wireless. Time for me to contact Soc Services????
someone must do something to resolve all my questions.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s one solution: Go online and do a Google search for the make and model of your phone and the words “user manual.” You’ll easily find the manual and should be able to look up the answers to your questions. Good luck, Ruth.
Jeraline Howard says
Need a cell phone, disabled
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone companies in your state, Jeraline:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sudarshan Daswani says
Mr Slim. Thank you so much! I am a terminally ill liver patient and every month I have so much trouble with my lifeline phone. Maybe you just don’t like me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Ouch. Powerful comment, Sudarshan.
Marylynn Hardin says
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our pleasure, Marylynn.
Diane says
Yes, my name is Diane and I have a brother that lives in Ks and I want to see how I can get a cell phone for so that he can text only because he is totally hearing impaired, he can’t hear anything or read lips and he can’t work.
I live here CA and our Mother is 76 years old and I like for him to have cell phone for many reasons if he’s at a store and he needs to get hold of our mom he can text her to her cell phone or if there’s something wrong with her he can text me on mine my cell phone
Plus it would be so wonderful that we can finally keep in touch with me and other family members with cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have an article written just for people in your brother’s situation, Diane. Here’s where you can find it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
Delia says
Im recieve widow ssi do i qualify for gov phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you all the ways you can qualify, Delia:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
DEBORAH Henry says
I had a free government cell phone with five hundred minutes on it, however it was stolen. What do I do now to replace it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that will answer all your questions, Deb:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Rochelle mcbeth says
I need a phone to call my kids and family
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the service providers in your state, their plans, and their contact info:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Bethina Autry says
Need a phone because my last phone broke an i need one for my job an to keep in touch eith my family
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re on the right website, Bettina. Here’s a link to a page that will get you started:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
And here’s where you can find all the free government cell phone companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Bruce Fortune says
I can not afford a cell phone at this time and is getting harder to keep up
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you need to apply for a free government cell phone, Bruce. Here’s where you can find all the plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Peggy Cloutman says
I really need a cell phone that I can afford. I was lied to when I got my cell phone. It was nothing like what I was told it would be. I just can’t afford to pay my monthly bill.(95.00 a month). I have to go without the things I need to pay.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find a complete list of free government cell phone plans in your state, Peggy:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lisa Lake says
Yes I get food stamps and I’m on disability too
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you qualify, Lisa. Here’s where you can find contact info for all the Lifeline companies offering free government cell phones in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
G. PARTRIDGE says
My sister has let her minutes on her Trac phone expire. I have mailed an updated applications and proof that you ask for more times than I can recall for her. It’s not enough. Keep asking over and again. Still no minutes.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not Safelink, G. We’re an independent website that’s not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. Only Safelink customer service can help you.
Floyd says
Free government phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Can’t argue with that, Floyd.
Carol says
Hi I am a disabled senior and I would like to know how I can get a touchscreen cell phone that I can buy for my low income service ,and also see about an iPad thank you .If you know who to contact please let me know.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re preparing an article about a relatively unknown organization that provides high speed internet to seniors and it’s qualification requirements are much broader than the other programs we cover. So keep checking back here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net for that article.
We are unaware of any program that offers iPads, but most of the free government cell phone companies offer smart phones as upgrades for a reasonably low price.
Linda wilkinson says
Have you gotten any info on free government internet service yet
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no free internet, Linda, only very inexpensive internet. You can check out all the plans, find the ones available in your area and the ones you qualify for, at our other website, CheapInternet.com. Here’s a quick link for you:
http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
chuck robbins says
I have a blu dash jr. android touchscreen phone that came from TruConnect. It offers unlimited talk, text and seems to have begun giving away data for internet access. (check on that, it may have been a glitch or a one time thing just to be sure.) If you have neighborhood wi-fi access, it can be had free in large population cities. Hope that helps to help you get what you are looking for.
Christine Rish says
I am on low income, can I get a free IPad
Free Government Cell Phones says
No. The name of this website is FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, no FreeGovernmentIPads.net. The Lifeline Assistance program offers cell phones — including some smart phones — not iPads.
casondra says
I need for medical
glenda sherrill says
Can I get an iPad also and can I get internet for 9.99
william says
Ah free phone is good.
Zachary Allen Krejci says
In need of a cell phone but can’t afford a phone that is expense and will be used mostly for medical emergencies. I am on SSI.
James Tucker says
I have been trying to get by on my limited income and had lost a free phone that I had been given some time ago. I can’t even remember the number. I really don’t know how it happened.
chuck robbins says
You should be able to get a replacement at no cost if you notify your phone provider that the phone has gone missing. If you do not report it, you are allowing someone else to use your phone, to use your minutes, and that is not what is intended by the program,. Your phone is for you, not for some slick person who now enjoys your free phone time. Notify the phone provider so they can turn the phone off, and give you a replacement..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Amen, Chuck.
Angela Jones says
THANK YOU, AND, MAY . GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU!!! CAN I GET A IPAD NOW???
Free Government Cell Phones says
Due to the sequester, you are only allowed a iPad Mini.
Charlene Haskett says
I would like to know if I qualify for a ipad.I am a single mother of 3 trying to go to school but can’t afford to go back and forth to do homework and test on school computers. Thank you
JoAnne Bejin says
I thank you sir so very much for this offer,I just applied for one of your free phones and this wpould just be such a blessing for me ? I am diabled and on a limited income ( very limited ) ! As my bills get higher and ioncome doe not it makes it so very hard ? I have no family to check in on me so this would help alot ! I could lay dead in my apt for weeks or mor before anyone knew ?
Thank you ,
JoAnne Bejin
willie brown says
There is a question that is on my mind–Am i eligible being on Social Security and VA compensation only income only
frances says
I’m o.n disability and foodstampsand sooner care
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should enroll, Frances. Here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Mary says
what about extra minutes? do they expire?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Depends on the source of the minutes and your provider, Mary.