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Sprint Nextel’s Assurance Wireless Lifeline Cell Phone Program Expands into Pennsylvania

March 1, 2011

Assurance Wireless, a brand of Sprint Nextel, has expanded into Pennsylvania, offering free cell phones to low-income residents. This now puts Assurance Wireless into 21 states and the District of Columbia, advancing quickly against the entrenched Safelink Wireless, a brand of Tracfone.

Eligible customers in Pennsylvania receive a free phone, and 250 free minutes of voice service per month. Phones come with standard features such as voice mail, and customers can pay to add text messaging or additional voice minutes.

Assurance Wireless is funded by the federal government’s Universal Service Fund’s “Lifeline Assistance” program, and was created to help needy Americans find jobs, stay in touch with relatives, and save money.

Pennsylvanians receiving assistance from one of the following programs may qualify for a free phone from the government:

  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP
  • General Assistance
  • Free school lunch program

Someone may also qualify by having household income less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level, which is $14,702 for a single person and $30,173 for a family of four.

Tagged as: Assurance Wireless, Pennsylvania

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Comments

  1. Delphine Gamble says

    May 16, 2022 at 5:16 pm

    Someone taking my name my information Link Card and in photo ID Where is me with Nextel government phone on Thursday and I have not received The foam ass up today please tell me what’s going on

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 16, 2022 at 5:40 pm

      C’mon, Delphine, we’re here to help but there’s not much we can do when we cannot comprehend the question.

  2. Norma Russell says

    December 24, 2021 at 12:54 pm

    We have been having a problem getting my brother a gov phone.What all do I need to do to get him signed up

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 24, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      First of all, Sprint does not participate in the free government cell phone program. You can find all the plans and companies that offer plans in your state here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      All that being said, what is the problem? What have the told you?

  3. Robert wiltrout says

    April 5, 2021 at 10:48 am

    I can’t receive service through Qlink witeless no longer or Scottsdale Pa area due to fact they merged with T mobile who does not provide service from ur home if u live in or near Scottsdale Pa n I have major health issues and was told well I have leave house find service or use WiFi who they offer no WiFi calling Qlink is a ignorant greedy company using up our tax dollar’s providing service to people they know can’t get it they where with sprint phone worked fine now merged with T mobile with worse service available

  4. Lillie Barnes says

    January 7, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    I am trying to get an update on my free Sprint phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 7, 2021 at 2:09 pm

      We’re not Spring, so we cannot give you an update.

  5. Christopher Powell says

    January 6, 2021 at 1:01 pm

    Yes I report my phone stolen about 2 months ago and I was told that you do not have no phones available. So I asked if they would get my account on hold until y’all got some phones.
    I said corn this website I must have a lot of phones. So can you please send me one. I’ve only been with y’all 10 plus years
    Christopher Powell

    I have been waiting for ever it seems . The last phone Unpaid for myself. I should be eligible for an Phone.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 6, 2021 at 1:35 pm

      We don’t have phones because we are not a service provider, Christopher. We don’t know who you’ve been speaking to, but it’s not us. This is an independent informational website. Are you aware that you have the right to switch service providers? The new provider will consider you to be a new customer and provide you with a smart phone. Here’s where you can find all the service provider’s and plans available in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      And here’s an article that shows you exactly how to make the switch:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers

      • Robert wiltrout says

        April 5, 2021 at 10:50 am

        Sprint no longer offers free service they merged with T-Mobile n left us all with out service over greed

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          April 5, 2021 at 12:04 pm

          Spring never offered free government cell phone service. Its subsidiary Assurance offers it.

  6. Harvindr Singh says

    October 11, 2020 at 1:08 pm

    My phone puk code

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 11, 2020 at 1:58 pm

      Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

  7. JahNese M Shinault says

    July 27, 2020 at 12:29 pm

    I was given wrong information by true connent lifeline on the days I can transfer there number to another service. On 7/23/20 I calledTC to move my number to another lifeline carrier.Was not able to do so the line had not been up date was told to wait until 7/27/20 to do so.
    When I called tire comment today I was told to pay 39.00 just to active the old number so it can be transfer.which takes less than 30 mins to do.
    I have tried to reach the CEO of Sprint so I can report this problem but have no way or contact number to speak with any one from Sprint who is over the true connent cell phone over life line phone.
    I just wanted to keep my old number so my friends and family know that I’m okay Durning these hard time.
    I’m 69 of age and I’m afreid that my family my think I’m dead or sick for the
    Conv19 shinault

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 27, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      It sounds as if the problem, JahNese, is that you didn’t tell the customer service agent you wanted to keep your number during that first phone call. That’s a must.

      • Robert wiltrout says

        April 5, 2021 at 10:53 am

        Sprint no longer provides service try connect Qlink ect all merged with T-Mobile which DOES NOT WORK IN MY AREA OR MANY OTHERS CANT EVEN CALL A 800 number I was so rudely told to leave my house n find service when I need it WTF

  8. Aaron Christensen says

    February 11, 2020 at 8:28 am

    I need government phone please my parents can pay for it I have pratel control s because of my hissroy and have no pratel control s on my phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 11, 2020 at 12:30 pm

      You must be over 18 to qualify, Aaron. You can find all the free government cell phone plans available in your state at think link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  9. Robert paquette says

    January 28, 2020 at 10:50 pm

    How can I get a repiment phone my scarn exploded.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 29, 2020 at 6:18 am

      As our old grandpappy said, “There’s nothing worse than an exploding scarn.” Can you give us a clue what a scarn is?

  10. Calvin says

    January 20, 2020 at 11:15 am

    My mom have a free government phone by sprint and it was stolen. How can I get in contact with sprint

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 20, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      Sprint does not offer free government cell phones.

    • Maria says

      March 17, 2020 at 8:57 pm

      My phone doesnt turn on how do i get a replacement before it get turn off

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        March 17, 2020 at 9:07 pm

        Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Maria.

  11. LAKEYA says

    December 30, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    I have a sprint government phone and it’s cracked so bad I need a new one with the same number how do i go about doing that

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 4, 2020 at 9:39 am

      Contact your service provider’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

    • Diana Barnes says

      January 6, 2020 at 12:24 pm

      Hi i have a free phone but some one took it off MY bed and i don’t know who it was so I’m saking for a replacement phone

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        January 6, 2020 at 3:04 pm

        You need to get in touch with your service provider’s customer service team, Diana.

  12. cherylann muth says

    December 27, 2019 at 8:54 am

    I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE ONE OF YOUR FREE CELL PHONE HOW CAN I GET ONE THANK YOU

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 27, 2019 at 2:35 pm

      Check out all the free government cell phone plans in your state at this link to find the plan that fits your needs best:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/

      Then enroll using the contact info we provide for each service provider.

  13. Marina Protitch says

    October 11, 2019 at 10:56 am

    Hi,
    My dad had a lifeline phone with you, but it got either lost or stolen. What should I do? He dosen’t have numbers to call for customer support. I only have his phone number, Don’t know his account number.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 11, 2019 at 12:41 pm

      The USAC has a way to help people in your dad’s situation, Marina. go to USAC.org and look around the for Lifeline function that applies.

  14. Joseph P Walsh says

    September 5, 2019 at 12:16 pm

    Hi, I have been trying to apply for a cell phone with you, but you keep turning me down. Joseph P Walsh, (ADDRESS DELETED). I, **********@yahoo.com, 718-310-0472. What more information do you need from me to be accepted?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 6, 2019 at 5:37 pm

      This is an independent informational website, Joseph. You cannot enroll for a free government cell phone company through us.

  15. Rita Grant says

    May 27, 2019 at 4:45 pm

    My father Kenneth Mitchell has a government phone that will not keep a charge and sometimes ihe can’t get it to call out or answer the phone. How does he get a new phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 27, 2019 at 5:09 pm

      Next time his free government cell phone to work, he should call 6-1-1 on that phone to speak to customer service.

  16. debra feldman says

    May 22, 2019 at 11:22 am

    tried to get this plan from sprint but put on other plans and lead astray. also told i could return the phone in 30 days and signs up everyware. denied. now being billed for stuff i cant afford. sprint will lie to get your business. went for free phone for low income. signed up for other plans and charged to join sprint. dishonest practices. signed up for senior plan not low income. and they said 30day guarentee and no questions asked denied this also. laughed at and told tough luck. dishonesty so will absorb the cost but will not pay for second billing.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 22, 2019 at 12:21 pm

      Sprint is not a free government cell phone company. It provides the national cell network for most of the companies, but does not participate directly. Sounds like you got sucked in by an unscrupulous agent.

  17. Jerrie Bixler says

    March 11, 2019 at 5:44 pm

    Hi I recently got dropped because my phone Port broke, can I go to a Sprint store in my area And get a new phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 12, 2019 at 9:25 am

      Depends on whether your service provider offers a Bring Your Own Phone plan. Check with its customer service team to find out. And, of course, make sure the phone you buy is compatible with the Spring network before you purchase.

  18. Pearl says

    February 6, 2019 at 7:04 am

    I have aTerra Com phone, and I tried to put wifi hook up phone stopped working. I want to recover service if possible.
    You can reach me (618)558-****
    Thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 6, 2019 at 8:16 am

      You need to contact TerraCom customer service, Pearl. This is an independent informational website, NOT a service provider.

  19. Jennifer L Reagan says

    January 30, 2019 at 8:13 am

    My mother passed away and had one of these phones. How do I contact one to make sure it is disconnected?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 30, 2019 at 9:14 am

      Call 6-1-1 on the phone and you will be connected to customer service. Sorry for your loss.

  20. melissa says

    December 12, 2018 at 3:49 pm

    How can I get a free sprint government phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 12, 2018 at 4:14 pm

      You’ll need to enroll with a company that uses the Spring national cell network. You can find out more about that from the article at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network

      • debra feldman says

        May 22, 2019 at 11:25 am

        did at sprint in walmart. salesman led astray and sold me the new senior plan instead of the low income plsn.

  21. Device Bkaclmonimg says

    August 29, 2018 at 6:42 am

    Is this the service that is o ly available for retired low income people who are former medical personnel or teachers? That’s the service I once had paperwork for but list and can no lo get find. How do I get that info again?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 29, 2018 at 9:02 am

      No, Lifeline free government cell phones are for anyone who meets the eligibility requirements. Here’s where you can find all the different ways to qualify:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify

  22. Thomas P Jancewicz says

    August 10, 2018 at 4:20 pm

    How do i apply for a free phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 10, 2018 at 5:23 pm

      Go to this page and check out all the plans available in your state. We provide contact info for each of the companies. You can enroll online or by phone:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  23. Pauleta Holloway says

    December 29, 2017 at 6:11 pm

    How can my brother who has low income apply for a free phone? He doesn’t have internet service because he can’t afford it? He did call and they told him he has to apply via internet!
    Thank you,
    Pauleta

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 30, 2017 at 3:21 am

      For a free phone, check out the eligibility rules at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify

      To find all the companies and plans available in your state, check this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      To find out more about low-income internet plans, check out our other website, CheapInternet.com

  24. JOANN DALPIAZ says

    September 4, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    I HAVE A FREE GOVERNMENT PHONE. SPRINT IS THE COMPANY; KYOCERA IS THE MAKER. I CANNOT GET SERVICE AND NEED TO TAK TO SOMEONE. JOANN DALPIAZ

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 4, 2016 at 2:03 pm

      “Sprint” does not have a free government cell phone program. Is it possible you mean your service provider is Assurance, which is a subsidiary of Sprint?

    • Geneva jones says

      May 16, 2018 at 1:41 pm

      Phone doesn’t work can’t get call or call out

  25. eddie yanez says

    June 15, 2016 at 6:06 pm

    I lost my phone please disconnect immediately

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      June 16, 2016 at 7:37 am

      Contact the company.

  26. Martin rosales says

    April 27, 2016 at 6:22 pm

    How can I disconnect my government phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 27, 2016 at 6:47 pm

      You have several choices, Martin.
      1. Contact your service provider by phone or online to cancel.
      2. Do not use your phone for 60 days. It will be automatically cancelled.
      3. Do not recertify when your one year has expired.

      • Eva Souchet says

        August 1, 2017 at 4:38 pm

        So if we don’t like the service with a provider, we have to wait a full year to go to another lifeline service?

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          August 1, 2017 at 6:50 pm

          You only need to wait for a year IF you have data service as part of your free government cell phone plan. If you have cell phone service only, you can switch service providers after 60 days.

  27. Donna Webb says

    February 28, 2016 at 10:19 am

    Are there any free cell phones for a single senior woman who has a disability amount social security payment of $1700 per month? All I had seen were people on medicaid, SSI, etc. I am disabled, having recently suffered a stroke and am interested.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 29, 2016 at 6:31 am

      Read our “Do You Qualify” page: https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
      It sounds as if your income is too high to qualify, but you should contact companies that do business in your state to confirm that.

  28. Laurie says

    January 27, 2016 at 6:16 pm

    I dont have a home phone i am looking for a job i have no income and i need help i lost 3 job offers due to they had no way to get a hold of me help plz

  29. Deborah says

    September 2, 2015 at 4:36 pm

    i’m on a very low income. can you help me get a free cell phone. something plain. via. email. as per .. thanks..

  30. larry says

    February 19, 2015 at 6:14 pm

    I qualify for a free cell phone how do I apply

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      February 20, 2015 at 11:57 am

      Start here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  31. julie gillings says

    February 17, 2015 at 4:47 am

    iPhone compatible in PA??

  32. Timothy Toroian says

    January 9, 2015 at 8:14 am

    Have health issues and need mobile phone when away from home.

  33. jose carranza says

    December 13, 2014 at 6:09 pm

    Im interested in getting the touchscreen model cell phone do you guys provide it?

  34. Annette Robinon says

    December 11, 2014 at 4:58 am

    Is there a automated number IF can call to put minutes on my Sprint Nextel phone with a credit card over the phone?, if yes please email me the automated number, thanks!

  35. Helen Lawville says

    October 27, 2014 at 1:26 pm

    I am on social security disability, food stamps and my income is 799.00 monthly rent is 725.00. I am on list. waiting fo a bilateral lung transplant, at end stage COPD. I must have phone so Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania can contact me ASAP a when a lung comes a available! Please help

  36. Brian Eric chambers says

    October 14, 2014 at 12:00 am

    I need a phone ASAP I have a very sick person that I take great care of I had to leave my full time job to care for this person can someone please help me my family walked away from me I’m not doing this to gain any kind of money I just would love some help from anyone please email me at
    ******@icloud.com It would me the world to me n this poor person nobody has given us an help as much as a dime please I’m begging for the help of this poor person her family just walked away from her . Thank you so much for anything that you may do to help god bless u all thanks so much. Brian. Chambers Northeast PHILA 19135

  37. merle weimer says

    August 26, 2014 at 5:19 pm

    I kneed A cell phone ! The problem I have is I always crake the faces on them .. I don’t have that problem with A flip phone .. So can I get A flip phone .. thank you

  38. Brenda Carrozzi says

    May 10, 2012 at 3:58 pm

    wheres the form to feel out

  39. linda says

    April 26, 2012 at 4:31 pm

    how can i get this??

  40. linda says

    April 26, 2012 at 4:30 pm

    How can i get this service??

    • linda says

      April 26, 2012 at 4:31 pm

      Sprint Nextel’s Assurance Wireless Lifeline Cell Phone Program Expands into Pennsylvania

  41. Govt Taxpayer says

    August 3, 2011 at 10:09 am

    This type of “program” is exactly why the Federal Government is running up trillions of dollars of debt annually. Another example of waste and chock full of FRAUD opportunities. Charities should pay for this, not my tax dollars.

    OBAMA MUST GO!!!!!!!!!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 3, 2011 at 10:55 am

      We’re not taking sides politically, but the phone is definitely not an “Obama Phone.”

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/obama-phone

    • Newswoman says

      August 6, 2011 at 8:09 pm

      You need to take more government classes…this law was started by Reagan!

      • Wrong says

        November 13, 2012 at 2:48 pm

        These phones where a round long before Obama, Google it

    • Nicole says

      December 1, 2012 at 10:06 am

      Your an ass wipe, do you know that!!!! Before you put all the blame on Obama know how the government works!!! For something to pass you must take a vote on it, his name is present on paper but there is a lot of people behind that signature!!! As far as charities go, as soon as you donate 10,000 dollars or more a month I will be with you 100 percent!!!! Your going to need that amount at minimum, there are millions or even billions of families using this service to stay in contact with their own families and jobs, But you wouldn’t notice that because your such a Obama Hater!!!!! Lord, I hope God bless you with some common since cause at least the government is trying to help the United States instead of in other countrie’s business. I’m done, just think before you type!!!!!

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        December 1, 2012 at 3:48 pm

        “Billions” of families using the free government cell phone program? There are only about 312 million people in the U.S. So, billions is impossible.

  42. Dawn Stocker says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:53 am

    If I can recieve a free cell phone this will be great

  43. Dawn Stocker says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:46 am

    I would like to thank you ALL for this help when we are in a slump .Hoping everyday things will turn around

  44. Dawn Stocker says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:42 am

    it is a great help the goverment is willig to help the lower classj familys all knows how hard things have been for evertone

  45. Dawn Stocker says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:34 am

    help with phones threw the goverment is something the low class familes is some greatvthk

  46. Dawn Stocker says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:29 am

    I am a sigle mother of 4 .I think think this life line program is great

  47. Dawn Stocker says

    June 21, 2011 at 12:25 am

    I am a single mother of 4 an .I think this life Line cell phone is a great help

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