Free Government Cell Phones

Lifeline phone service provides free cell phones to America's financially disadvantaged

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Florida Free Lifeline Cell Phones

Hard to believe, but 1000 people move to Florida every day of the year. In the past they were drawn there by the sunny weather, warm waters and inexpensive real estate. Many of them are retired people on limited, fixed incomes.

Lifeline to the rescue. While Floridians are working hard to get back on their feet, Lifeline phone service can provide a little assistance by offering them free cell phones and free monthly minutes.

Unfortunately, the economy has devastated real estate values in the Sunshine State, foreclosures have soared, and many of the state’s residents now find themselves in situations they never could have imagined.

Free Cell Phone Providers in Florida:

Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Florida. They all offer different plans with different numbers of minutes, different refill options, and serve different geographic areas. So click through them all and find the plan that’s best for you.

Lifeline Discount Companies in Florida

If you qualify for Lifeline Assistance, but you find that none of the companies offer free government cell phones where you live, you have another option. The companies below, while not offering free cell phone plans, do offer substantial Lifeline discounts off their regular mobile phone plans in Florida:

Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Florida:

You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Florida:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivor's Benefit.
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
  • Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

You may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See the handy chart below to check your income. Please note that we have seen conflicting numbers for Florida among the providers–some say 135% and some say 150%.

Income Based Eligibility for Florida
Members in HouseholdAnnual income
1 member$16,389
2 members$22,221
3 members$28,053
4 members$33,885
5 members$39,717
6 members$45,549
7 members$51,381
8 members$57,213
For each additional member add $5,832 annually

Latest News for Florida:

Emphasizing the obvious: NBC News performs remarkably superficial analysis of free government cell phone program - Here's a news flash, NBC: California, New York and Florida may just have the most Lifeline customers because they are the states with the first, third and fourth largest populations. Duh.
10% of Florida households receive Lifeline Assistance — even after the FCC cracked down on fraud, waste and abuse - The number of Florida households receiving free or discounted government cell phones through the Lifeline Assistance program has dropped significantly -- from a high of 1.04 million households in 2012, to 957,792 in 2013, to 833,162 in 2014. Hard as it may be to believe, that still represents one out of ten households in the state.
T-Mobile now offering Lifeline cell phones in five states - T-Mobile South is now offering the Lifeline Assistance program to Florida’s needy residents. It's not a free cell phone, but it's cheap and gives you a lot of minutes.
FCC and Florida State Cracking Down on Abuse of Lifeline Phone Program - Florida has recently announced that they are working with the FCC to audit records to find families receiving more than one Lifeline phone.
ReachOut Wireless to Enter 8 More States and the District of Columbia - ReachOut Wireless is petitioning the FCC to enter Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.

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Before you post your comment...

  1. If you are going to ask "how do I get a cell phone?" go here instead.
  2. If you are going to ask "how do I get a replacement phone," go here instead
  3. We are not your cell phone company. All technical questions should be asked of your vendor.
  4. Your comments are moderated, and we will manually approve those worth publishing within 24 hours.

Comments

  1. I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING HELP FROM YOUR ASSURANCE LIFELINE PROGRAM SINCE JANUARY 2018! I HAVE BEEN LIED TO, TOLD I AM OUT OF MINUTES, UPON WHICH I DIALED 611 AND LOOKED UP MY MINUTES AVAILABLE, STATED THAT I HAD ANYWHERE FROM 60 – 169 MINUTES LEFT. WHEN I CALL 611 BACK I AM OFTEN OFFERED AN ADDITIONAL 250 FREE MINUTES.
    THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR MONTHS. MY 1ST PHONE GAVE ME CONSTANT PROBLEMS!! SO, THEY FINALLY SENT ME AN ANS [SMART PHONE] IN AUGUST, I BELIEVE.
    MY GOD, IT’S WORSE THAN THE PREVIOUS PHONE! I CAN’T ANSWER INCOMING CALLS, IT CONSTANTLY FAILS TO LET ME END MY CALLS, I CAN TAP ON AN APP, AND YET IT WON’T GO THERE!!!
    I HAVE CALLED ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND A MS. ANNA SANTOS, WHO “STATED SHE WAS A SUPERVISOR UPGRADED ME TO 750 MINUTES”, THE CONVERSATION WAS RECORDED, ON 8/9/2018. AGAIN, ON 9/11/2018, I CALLED 611 AGAIN & SPOKE TO VICTORIA & SHE STATED “THAT SHE DOES NOT KNOW OF ANY ANNA SANTOS” THEN SHE SENT ME TO ULYSSES [1044] A MANAGER, WHO STATED THAT “HE WOULD SEND IT TO THE SENIORS?????AND WOULD BE BACK WITH ME IN 48 HOURS” WELL I THINK YOU CAN FIGURE OUT WHAT HAS HAPPENED SINCE…….NOTHING…….I AM ON SSDI AND I DESPERATELY NEED THIS SERVICE, BUT I AM TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE AM NON-EXISTENT. HOW MANY OTHER CUSTOMERS ARE GOING THROUGH THIS SAME FOR OF HARASSMENT??????
    IS THIS HOW THE STATE OF FLORIDA WANTSTHIS PROGRAM RUN?????

    Reply

    • I am going through the same thing… After endless calls to the so called”help line”, I am put on hold and shuffled around various”operators”hearing the same song over and over again… I paid for the latest version over the phone,(26$),and change… The new phone I have received isn’t reliable,or even functional in the most important thing… It will not ring, vibrate or indicate that I am being called… I have asked for a replacement for this hunk of junk, and was assured,(get it?) that a replacement had been sent…That was two weeks ago..I called again yesterday and finally, after another marathon of politely being put on hold (for the next operator)… I was again told that I had used all my 350 Minutes and, oh,by the way, we have no record of a replacement phone being ordered or sent to you…By now, it is very clear that Assurance wireless is a huge scam…I’m aware that when I get 350 minutes on the 17th and less than ten days go by, I have none left,a scam is in the works…
      Which government agency is supposed to be monitoring this?

      Reply

  4. I’ve had a lIfeline phone through Assurance Wireless for around 5 years . I’ve lived in three different places and have had horrible service in all three places. It’s almost impossible to talk with any one and then when you do, they don’t speak good English.
    I’ve just signed up with another phone service, I will pay for service and have good service instead of my state paying for the no service I have been getting.

    Reply

    • You might want to try some of the other companies that offer free government cell phone service BEFORE you switch over to a paid service, Mollie. You can find all those free plans listed on this page.

      Reply

  5. I HAVE ASURANCE WIRELESS LIFELINE PLAN. I AM 100% DISABLED AND NEED A LARGER PHONE BECAUSE OF MY DISABILITIES AND ASSURANCE WILL NOT HELP ??

    ONE PHONE IS ALL THEY HAVE!! ??

    Reply

    • Have you checked its website, Joe? We’re pretty sure that you can purchase a replacement phone for as little as $25. However, it might be cheaper to switch service providers because you will be a new customer to that company and will qualify for a free smart phone. Here’s where you can find all the providers and plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • That’s one of the biggest complaints about customer service, Terrance. Have you gone to your service provider’s website to see if they offer a customer service email address or online chat feature?

      Reply

  7. I’m part of a community action here in Florida and we get calls all the time from seniors needing cell service but they don’t have a way to go online and fill out any application. Is there a phone number where they can call and have the application done over the phone?

    Reply

    • Just click on any of the company names in the article above. We provide contact numbers for each service provider.

      Reply

    • Go to the Safelink website, Jerry. Just click on the re-certify button and it will give you all the directions you need.

      Reply

  9. I already have cell service through you. my # was 904 853 **** but for the past mo since Irma I have had no service. what do I need to Do? Thank you Ms. Boyles

    Reply

    • You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Martha. Under normal circumstances you could contact them by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, but it sounds like that won’t work. We’d suggest you look up your Lifeline company’s contact info on our “Providers” page and contact them using that info. Here’s where you can find it:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers

      By the way, you do NOT have service through us. This is an independent informational website that is not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies.

      Reply

    • You have hit upon one of the great mysteries of the Lifeline program, James. Seems crazy that the people who probably need the service more than anyone else. Unfortunately, the only way for you to qualify is to become a resident of a homeless shelter.

      Reply

  11. I am 88 years old on a fixed Social Security of $1,374.00 a month I have never had a mobile phone. Please email me on how I can get a free phone
    Thanks

    Reply

  12. i currently am living in a shelter in florida and was trying to get a hold of a free government cell phone. how exactly do I do that?

    Reply

    • Contact the company of your choice from the list above, and tell them your situation. As long as you can prove that you live independently in a group home, you should be able to enroll.

      Reply

      • Did you submit your application to one of the free government cell phone companies serving Florida?

        Reply

    • How long ago did you submit the application, Dennis? Most Lifeline companies say you’ll get your phone in about two weeks, but our readers tell us it often takes three or four weeks or even longer.

      Reply

  14. Hi. My name is Alma I Santiago Vazquez. Ive had a free assurance wireless ZTE phone with its 350 free calling and texting, but the phone service has ended without sny reason. I have been m as king a call with it every month like required but its services still seem to have stop. Can you plesse reactivate my services back again? Or please, le me know what to do to have them back. I’d appreciate it a lot!! Thx!!!

    Reply

    • We can’t solve your problem, Alma, because we are NOT Assurance Wireless. You need to contact the company’s customer service reps to find out what happened to your service and to get it reactivated.

      Reply

  15. I apply for Assurance phone a while ago he said they sent my application out to me April 12th I still haven’t got a phone or an application decision and I don’t know the number to call and ask anything to anyone about cuz there’s no number unless you’re doing another application or an existing customer and if your existing customer then you have to have a phone number to talk to somebody which I do not what do I do?

    Reply

    • Did you receive an application ID number yet? If so, you can check your status at the Assurance website.

      Reply

  16. Hello,
    How do I help an elderly lady that has no family and low income that collects food stamps, get a free cell phone that is EASY to use. Also, she does NOT have an email address and lives in Florida. I am leaving my name and email address, she has no access to a computer. thanks

    Reply

    • Most of the Lifeline companies hire outside companies who, in turn, hire the people to work in the street booths and tents. Eventually, you’ll need to apply with one or more of those companies, but you’ll probably need to contact all the service providers in your state to find out who those outside companies are.

      You can find all your state’s Lifeline companies here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

      • I have lifeline. But I live in a rural. Area no service on the phone given to me my son bought me a android. Great service. Can I have my lifeline minutes put on it?_

        Reply

        • You may be able to, Sarah, but it depends on the make and model of the phone and also on the national cell network that your service provider uses. Not all phones are compatible with all networks. Your best bet is to call your service provider’s tech support team to find out if the specific make and model of phone works with their network. Good luck.

          Reply

  20. Hi I am indigent and am currently very thankful to be receiving ebt food assistance.
    My phone wallet and keys were stolen this past weekend and I am in need of a phone
    Where in downtown Fort Lauderdale Florida can I go to quickly get one as I am unable to call anyone! thank you and God bless you

    Reply

  22. I am a lifelong florida resident and I have been homeless for three years with no income at all, is there a minimum income to qualify , and since i have no income how do i do the qualify with proofof income if i dont have any?? Please if any advice or help can be given I would greatly appreciate it thank you so much for your time and consideration

    Reply

  23. I am looking to receive a discount off a provider that I has unlimited For instance I am in florida and use straight talk my bill is 45.00 a month is there a program that helps pay for a part of that?

    Reply

    • Unfortunately, Nicole, no unlimited plans are available in Florida. For various reasons, unlimited accounts are only available in California, Oklahoma and Alaska.

      But look through the various providers shown in the above article. None of them are unlimited, but we hope you can find one that can help you out.

      Reply

  24. My girlfriend received a phone but I don’t know why it won’t let me activate it can you please try and help me out..

    Reply

  25. I am trying to find a store that sells the top up minutes in zip code 32246. All I am finding is links to apply for a phone, I already have one. I dont want to put my debit card out there so I just want to find a store please.
    I have Access Wireless

    Reply

  26. How can I obtain a free cell phone for my 15 year-old daughter who is autistic and currently attending High School. All the companies I’ve reached out to have an age limit. She does qualify for the phone, but her age is holding her back.

    Reply

  27. I tryed getting a phone from you about 2 or 3 weeks ago. But you never got back with me. I have server C.O.P.D. And emphysema. I also get ssi and disability. And i also receive foodstamps. You asked me to prove it. But how can you over the web? Well the last 4 numbers on my card are ****. You call and see how many i have left. The number is 1888356****. Its for Access. The foodstamp card people. Thank you very much for your time. Kenneth Hoffman

    Reply

    • I am not sure what company you are trying to obtain a phone from, but proof IS required to obtain a free govt phone. IF applying online you will need to make copies or your ID (drivers license, voter’s registration card, gun permit card, etc) and a copy of your benefit (Medicaid, EBT (food stamps), Section 8 housing, TANF (temporary assistance to needy families, LIHEAP (Low Income Heating, Energy Assistance Program), Social Security or Disability. You could save these needed copies to your computer then send needed info to the phone carrier of your choice OR mail it to the company your are applying with. Then once it is reviewed and you are approved you will receive the phone in the mail to your home. Good luck. Hope this helps you.

      Reply

    • Hey-hey-hey, never give out your personal information or numbers that can be accessed to get your personal information… YOU ARE ASKING FOR TROUBLE when you do that.

      Besides it appears that this site is a BLOG of sorts where someone is interested enough the find information on the FREE GOVNMT CELL PHONE information and shares it with everyone. NOT A CELL PHONE COMPANY.

      So, if you have general questions then ask here, but IF you have questions for one of the cell phone companies then you need to go to their website and ask them, or get their phone number and call them.

      Be Safe out there! 🙂

      Reply

  28. I’m here when of the actual Center in Kissimmee Florida across from Michigan and oak and the US Representative for lifeline is having a problem logging in to dispense the phones to the public I wonder why that is and if it can be corrected in the future please have it correctly probably cuz everyone had of the have something to do not just sit home and watch TV thank you

    Reply

  29. My gran daughter is 8 years old. Can she get a phone for emergencies? She lives with me but has a different last name.I also have a lifeline land line.

    Reply

    • No for the fact that the lifeline phone service is limited to 1 per household. I am a Representative with Life wireless.

      Reply

  31. I heard about these free phones given out by the Government. I went on line to fill out an application. but I could never get to the application is there one on line. Thank you

    Reply

  37. Do your company offer lifeline discount to Pensacola, Florida residents, that have an Verizon wireless celluar account?

    Reply

  39. I staying in a motel I don’t got cell phone I can’t pay it now all my money goes on rent for the motel and some gas and some food I don’t got enough money for food or gas even less for a phone and I need it for work

    Reply

  40. Good evening! I have one question to ask.
    The phone has not been working for about a week. It could not answer the call, insteading there is a automatic voice “the person you called is unavailable now”. Why is that?
    Thanks and have a wonderful week!
    PS: the phone number is 850212****

    Reply

  42. I get food stamps and have been trying to get a phone for 5 months, thank goodness my friend gave me an email

    Reply

  43. now that so many people received a free phone then found out that they don’t qualify, please implement a program to exhort people to dispose of their free phone appropriately rather than trash the lithium batteries which are hazardous to the environment. thanks.

    Reply

  46. I would like a free cell phone because I am planning on going to school and can`t afford a cell phone. Times are hard and I need to stay in touch with my parents.
    How can I get a free cell phone?

    Reply

  47. I know lots of peoplewho have free phone and then pay for a 2nd one with the larger co. why do they do that if they can afford a phone they are taking from someone less fortunate. it is really thievery and should be punishable. no wonder those who meed it can get it. people le about their dependents and so much….how com they don’t get caught and myself the last 2 weeks of the month I am eating d0llar frozen foods or go to bed hungry wuich makes my health worse, I am on disability and so scared of being homeless. wish I could get ivolved in program finding those who take advantage and pay it forward. I would do it free from my bed wre I spend a lot of time due to my disability

    Reply

    • You are absolutely right — it’s very unfair. Some people are just selfish and take anything they can for free.

      Reply

  48. need as much help as I can get . been trying to get sect 8 app or 3 yrs and could be homeless by year end. I am disabled widoowed and were I kive know takes sec 8, I have aphone just have hardtime paying monthly fees. please advise where to go from here. thank you

    Reply

  49. I am crying. I closed this site once from my tears they are stillhhere but even with safelink I have been paying 50 plus fora”regular” pay as you go for unlimited phone service. I can not afford life line. I just want to be able to Google things and the free phone does not offer that unless you buy a better phone and pay yet another high price. I need help. I will find a number to call tomorrow. I have to go to bed. I will pray like always and thank GOD for the help I feel I have found. No cable. A good antenna. No internet so a phone that I can Google on. I asked for affordable smart phones made in the USA and I got this web site. God

    Reply

    • We appreciate and thank you for your service, however being a vet is not a qualifier. You will need to be eligible under the rules listed in the article above.

      Reply

      • I am a vet – 100% disabled (BTW: if you’re at 90%, you should file for unemployability – it gives you 100%; see your VA rep).
        I was OFFERED the phone & told I was eligible SOLELY because I am a vet.

        Reply

    • 1. You need to contact one of the vendors in Florida to get a phone.
      2. You only get one phone per household.

      Reply

  54. I am relocating to Florida I have been a rep signing up people up for free phones for the past 4 years in Ohio. I would love to know of any opertunities available for distribution reps in Florida. I’ve worked with life wireless, us connect, and most recently access wireless I hired and ran a crew of 12 and a rep myself.
    Lisa

    Reply

  55. I am trying to help a neighbor. She is disable on her left side from a braid tumor cancer at age 20. She has lived with her parents since birth in the same house. Her Mom died 8 years ago and her Father dies less than 5 years ago.She is living on $700.00 a month and her house is being foreclosed that was her Fathers which she has lived in all these years. She has no where to go and she is quite smart and has survived on her own all these years alone. She has a three wheel bike which she rides to church and the groceries. She needs any help we could get for her. Please someone help me to help her. I feed her almost daily with home cooked meals. She is a hoarder and has been given help from most of the neighbors. Some are getting tired of helping her. Please tell me what programs I can get for her and also She is not really nursing home material. She is far too smart and young to be placed there. I have tried ALF but she is really not able to go to them. She needs more income and help. Thank you and I hope I have reached someone that will contact me.

    Reply

  59. Hi,
    I am 74 year old,having low income,about $670 per month from my retirement,$153 per month
    from my former company that will end up the coming May.I wish having a free cell phone which
    will help me in case…Please tell me what I’m going to do.Many thanks.
    Tue Tran

    Reply

    • There is no reason to call us as we are not one of the phone companies. You choose one of the companies from the list above and contact them.

      Reply

  63. Hi, My income per month is $1309.00. I am 77 Years old. I am interested in a free or cheap cell phone and internet company. I had Food Stamps in 2009 and they took it away as I made $40.00 too much a month, so I have not applied again. The Young people need the Food Stamps more then I do. On January 3, 2015 I am moving to Good Sams a retirement place. My rent is $858.00 per month. It is very difficult to get housing for seniors, I have tried, most apartments want $2000.00 or more that you make monthly before they let you rent an apartment, and the apartments are quite inexpensive. Right now I am living with my son, daughter-in and granddaughter; it is not working out. I need help. I pray you can help me. I live in Kissimmee/St. Cloud, Florida area. Thank you so much and may Jesus and His Angels always protect, guide and watch over you.

    Reply

  64. Hi
    I have a Obama free phone . But it doesn’t work from last night . Phone is off. I can’t turn on. Phone num is 954 770 ****

    Reply

    • Mohammed…try Acces att for internet for 9 bucks or internet essentials for 9 …for in Florida I use ACCESS i think SafelinK…Food stamps qualify Flroidians for ATT ACCEES INTERNET 9 bucks plus 11 taxes but if u have to section 8 use INTERNET ESSENTIALS only 9 bucks this is for internet

      Reply

  65. My son moved to Miami a few months ago….his job fell through and he is definitely living below the poverty level. Can he qualify for a free phone?

    Reply

  67. These programs all require a physical street address to receive a free phone. The poorest of the poor, street homeless people, do not quaify, even if they are getting SNAP benefits. You can’t put “homeless campsite” on the application. Most of these homeless people don’t have anyone who will let them use their physical address. So they stay trapped. Please correct me if I am mistaken.

    Reply

  68. I need a phone! I’m 19, trying to get a phone so that I can get a job, I read it all but it doesn’t say exactly how to get one! How do I get a phone?!

    Reply

    • The page above lists three free phone providers in Florida. You just click through on their names and contact them.

      Reply

    • If you’re in Florida, just read the article above. Otherwise, go way up top to our menu bar and click on “States”

      Reply

  70. my son needs a kidney transplant can you please help us get a phone. for when he’s on the list for a kidney

    Reply

    • Sorry to hear about your son. The phone providers and eligibility requirements are on this page above.

      Reply