The state government’s website once proudly said, “Maryland’s economy continues to outperform the country as a whole. Information technology, telecommunications, and aerospace and defense are leading forces behind Maryland’s economic growth. In the biotechnology area, Maryland is a noted leader and is at the center in the mapping of the human genome and commercial applications that result from its research.”
But those boasts don’t put meals on the table for the unfortunate and unemployed in the Old Line State.
The good news in Maryland has a vast number of both major and minor Lifeline cell phone and Affordable Connectivity Program companies that do business in the state, giving you a plethora of options for getting free government cell phones and minutes and texts and internet.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Maryland
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Maryland. 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.
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Tempo Communications
- Terracom Wireless
- Truconnect
- True Wireless
Lifeline Discount Companies in Maryland
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 Maryland:
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Maryland
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Maryland:
- 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 should also check to see if you are eligible under these state programs:
- Maryland Energy Assistance Program
- Medical Assistance
- Public Assistance to Adults
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Temporary Cash Assistance
- Temporary Disability Assistance Program
You may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See table with calculated numbers below:)
| Income Based Eligibility for Maryland | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $18,347 | |
| 2 members | $24,719 | |
| 3 members | $31,091 | |
| 4 members | $37,463 | |
| 5 members | $43,835 | |
| 6 members | $50,207 | |
| 7 members | $56,579 | |
| 8 members | $62,951 | |
| For each additional member add $6,372 annually | ||
How to qualify for an ACP free government phone and unlimited service in Maryland
It’s even easier to qualify for ACP service than it is to qualify for Lifeline service. The USAC website spells it all out:
Consumers qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through participation in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program, having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, through participation in ACP-qualifying programs, such as the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program (including the Community Eligibility Provision), WIC, through award of a federal Pell Grant, or through participation in a participating service provider’s existing low-income program.
What are you waiting for? Choose your favorite service provider and favorite plan and the future is, well, almost unlimited.
Latest News for Maryland:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Randy Humbert says
I called the Assurance (PHONE NUMBER DELETED). They transferred me to a T-Mobile representative, and that was definitely the WRONG PERSON TO TALK TO ABOUT A FREE GOVERNMENT PHONE. So if you call this number BEWARE OF WHOM YOU ARE TALKING TO. They tried to charge me 50.48 for a phone and plan, WHO ever transferred my call didn’t understand when I said that I was calling about a FREE GOVERNMENT PHONE… They charged my debit card twice $50.48 . About two weeks from June 3 I will be getting all of my money back, I hope..
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very strange.
Henry says
I tried applying to 15 of the providers for a Maryland resident listed above and this is what I found. Note that I am applying for Lifeline program service ONLY.
Access wireless – Online application only offers Lifeline and EBB combined. Can only apply for Lifeline without EBB by uploading the application. The FAQ section mention that a free phone will be provided.
Assist wireless – no free phone offered
Assurance wireless – Free phone only if you opt in to EBB
Cintex wireless – Cannot complete application due to “invalid program code” and “invalid Plan ID” error messages (free phone option is listed)
Entouch wireless – Free phone only for CA residents
Infiniti mobile – Cannot complete application due to an error message that says that the “transaction must be completed by National Verifier mode” (free phone option is listed)
Life wireless – no longer accepting new customers
QLink wireless – No free phone offer provided (possibly offered for EBB opt in)
Safelink wireless – Free phone only for EBB opt in
Stand Up wireless – No free phone mentioned
Tag Mobile – Free phone only for CA residents
Tempo Communications – No free phone mentioned
Terracom – No free phone mentioned
Truconnect – Free phone only for EBB opt in
True wireless – Phone is the property of the company (free rental), but you have to pay for it if you transfer service to another provider.
The bottom line is the service is free, but not the device. You may get a device from their warehouse at the provider’s discretion, but it will likely be a no name brand clone with minimal capacities or a refurbished name brand model.
Henry says
I keep receiving emails from Cintex wireless after trying to apply for service over a dozen times and keep getting an error message. In their emails, it mentions that EBB benefits include a smart phone, so my list above needs to be amended to modify that Cintex is offering a free phone only to EBB opt in participants. It is not clearly stated that way when you go through the application process steps and it allows you to select a phone by just applying for the Lifeline program only.
The webmaster probably has screwed up java script code on the site.
—————————————————————————————–
Cintex Wireless has been one the largest Lifeline Government Assistance Service Providers and is now the national top provider of the EBB program offering customers a free smartphone and free unlimited monthly service. Cintex is the only provider in the nation who offers its subscribers high-end iconic brand devices for free at its own cost. The wireless services are the government subsidies.
Louise Chick says
I Am On SSDI
Henry says
SSDI is not listed on the eligible programs for Lifeline eligibility. Being disabled does not qualify you for Lifeline. The program was intended for economically deprived people. You will need to be eligible based on income level for Maryland. The income amount cannot exceed 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2021. Go to the USAC.ORG website for further information.
Ken says
Yes it does. Ssdi is listed and same program as ssi which is still under as administration
Excess telecomm takes all and by income. snap Medicaid ssi ssdi vetera military ect
Henry says
Go to the Lifelinesupport.org website. SSDI is not listed, but SSI is listed as a qualifying program. You can also qualify by your income level.
Eligibility for Access Wireless may vary by state. You may qualify for Access Wireless if you participate in any of the government programs listed in your Access Wireless application or based on household income eligibility standards. If you seek to qualify for Access Wireless based upon participation in a qualifying assistance program and Access Wireless is unable to verify your participation through an eligibility database, then you are required to provide proof of program participation such as program identification card or other social service agency document that shows you currently participate in a qualifying program. If you seek to qualify for Access Wireless under the household income eligibility standards, you are required to provide written documentation of your household income. You should not send original proof documents to Access Wireless, as they will not be returned. Access Wireless is not responsible for any losses resulting from the destruction of documents sent to Access Wireless.. You are responsible for notifying Access Wireless if you no longer meet the applicable eligibility standards for Access Wireless. In addition, if you receive a notice from Access Wireless requesting that you confirm your eligibility status, you must do so. Specific information regarding eligibility verification is listed in the Important Service/Product Terms.
On the Access Wireless application, it lists six social services programs to qualify.
1) SNAP/food stamps
2) Medicaid
3) SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
4) Federal Housing Public Assistance
5) Veterans or Survivors Pension
6) Income level
SSDI is NOT included. You can qualify if you receive SSDI and your overall annual income is at or below the eligible amount.
Alexis K says
Hello I work for a Methadone treatment service and i was wondering is it a way that we can set up a date and time for a rep to come out to the clinic and set up a stand for most of our clinics that will benefit and qualifies for a government phone but don’t a have the way to a computer. i would like to be reach to set up a way to help the patients that are indefinite need of this services.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are an independent informational website, so we cannot answer your question, Alexis. You’ll need to contact each individual service provider.
Mary Eileen Mullen says
Greetings, I work for the Community College of Baltimore County and I do outreach for SNAP benefits to continuing education students and the community at large. How can I get information to those who want a phone and qualify? Is there a local rep I can refer them to, an informational flyer as to how to apply? Thanks for any information you can give me to better serve the community.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just tell them to check out this website for all the info they need, Mary Eileen.
Rebecca Vormwald says
my cell phone died im a senior and im on ssi ssdi and medicaid and medicare i cant get my free new phone from xfinity til next friday when i get my check because i have nothing in my acct for them to barrify my acct
could you help me with a temporary phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, Rebecca, not a free government cell phone company. So we can provide you with a phone. But xfinity does not participate in the free government cell phone program. Why don’t you apply with one of the companies in your state, which are all listed on this page.
Glenn Green says
I signed up for a cell phone 4-6-19 however,the young lady could not complete activation befor my bus stop,so i did not receive the phone and her personal ph# was not stored in the other ph i was using. How can i find out which carrier it is that i signed up with?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Based on your description, we’re not sure you ever got officially enrolled. Unfortunately, Maryland has A LOT of Lifeline service providers. About the only thing you can do is to call each of the companies listed on this page to ask if you are enrolled with one of them.
paresh patel says
i have one of the cell phone given by state. Before 6 months they provide me a smart phone but it is not useful to me with internet I want to replace this smart phone by regular key dial instrument. Where i have to contact beacause i have no idea for my provider customer care number. let me know if you have. or how i can find my service provider.
Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Very simple, Paresh. Just call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. Your service provider’s customer service team will answer.
Abdul Khalid says
Dear Sir/madam
I am new refugee here in MD, i dont have money to pay for my and my wife mobile phone services every month, i am recieving food stamp benifits, can anyone help where to fine the sim cards for me and my wife for free.
Thank you
Khalid
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s a page that will give you all the info you need to get started, Abdul:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Lassie says
I am adult, have no income. I live with my parents and only benefit I receive is Medicaid. Both my parents work. Can I still get the phone and service or do I need to use my parents’ income?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, we do not think you qualify because eligibility is based on household income. Sounds like your parents may exceed the limit, which would make you ineligible because you live in their house. If that’s not the case, you’re good to apply.
Shirlette Guess says
How can I get a free phone
Can you mail me an application to
**** ******* Ave , Baltimore, Md , 21215
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t provide an application form because we’re not a free government cell phone company, Shirlette. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the service providers in your state by phone or online. Here’s where you can find all the providers in your state, their plans, and their contact info:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Nichelle Wilson says
II am residing at a nursing home here at Manor Care/ Chevy Chase/MD and my phone is lost and I am wondering if I may please a replacement cell phone, please this will be the only phone that my family members will be able to contact me.
Sincerely Yours,
Nichelle Wilson
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can certainly get a replacement phone, Nichelle. Depending on who your service provider is, how long you’ve been a customer, and how generous your customer service agent is feeling, you will either get one for free or be required to pay a small fee. Just contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Candace says
I am 100% eligible for a free government cell phone, I’ve had medicaid for 3 yrs and have foodstamps. Q-link wireless told me it takes Maryland 30 days to update and approve me then after 30 days I was told Maryland is 60 days behind so I decided to go to a different company (safelink)and they have in their system that I’m a customer of qlink and have been since 3/18/17, which is the day I applied, and that I can’t switch companies until 3/18/18 . what can I do to fix this and stop getting the run-a-round from qlink. PLEASE HELP!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, now that you are in the system as a Q Link customer, there is nothing you can do. You must remain with Q Link for 12 months according to the rules of the Lifeline program.
Tina Marie Price says
I need to find out who I have an open account with on the government free phone service. Which company has me Tina Marie Price D.O.B **/**/**. please e-mail me back. I lost my phone and I got it in August 2016 I think. Thanks for your time.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It won’t do you any good to get an email from us, Tina, because we are an independent website, not your free government cell phone service provider.
There’s really only one way for you to find out who your service provider is and you’re not going to like it. On this page, we list all of the companies offering free government cell phones. You’ll need to begin at the top of the list and contact every company’s customer service team until you get to the one that handles your account.
Amber Sigel says
I have a AT&T cell phone and I also have a straight Talk cell phone which haven’t been used in a long time, I have just let my kids play with them but they are in very good condition! Could I use one of those cell phones as my government phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends on the make and model of the phone and your service provider, Amber. Not all cell phones are compatible with all national cell networks. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team to ask if that company’s network will support your phone.
John Kates says
I had a government phone. It was stolen, how do I turn it off and get new one.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that answers that exact question, John:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
michele dove says
We are on immediate need for a qualified family in Silver Spring, MD. Is there a location that I may go into physically to apply and collect a device and service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers not to enroll at street booths or tents. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse. Instead we recommend that you enroll by phone or online.
Maryland says
So I was stopped by a man at a street booth claiming to be a part of assurance wireless and he asked for my ID and medical card he took photos and then told me to come back 2 different times that day both times he told me my application was in limbo then he told me to come back the next day. He then told me I was denied. Then I find out I am indeed eligible for a program such as this so I apply online for safe link and it tells me someone in my household already has a government lifeline phone. Which is NOT true. What do I do!? I do not want to be charged with fraud.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You won’t be charged with fraud, Maryland, but your story highlights why we tell readers not to enroll at street booths. We would recommend that you contact Assurance customer service by phone or online to discuss your problem.
Thomas O'Gorman says
I need to know Baltimore City locations and phone numbers and hours.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most of the free government cell phone service providers do not have stores and hours, Thomas. Try applying online or by phone. It’s faster and safer than applying at those street tents and booths.
Imelda says
Yes Thank You … How do I go about obtaining free landline at home.
Thank you … God Bless
Free Government Cell Phones says
You cannot get free home service. Lifeline home service is discounted, not free. In other words, you will end up paying your normal phone bill minus the $9.25 per month discount.
David Mitchell says
Are these income limits current (2016)?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We believe the numbers are correct, to the best of our ability and according to the USAC’s sometimes cryptic website data.
judy little says
need a manual guide for motoral xt1526
Free Government Cell Phones says
Simple solution, Judy. Do a Google search for “Motorola xt1526” and “user manual” and you’ll undoubtedly find the one you’re looking for.
Lawrence Mccloud says
Maryland energy assistance program and Low income home energy program
Free Government Cell Phones says
It sounds like you qualify for a free government cell phone, Lawrence. But just to make sure, please read the Maryland page that lists all the way to become eligible:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/maryland-government-cell-phone-providers
That same page will give you a list of Lifeline service providers in Maryland. Click on them all to find a company and plan that’s best for you.
Johanna says
Who do I call about switching my free phone service back from prepaid?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If we are interpreting your comment correctly, you are not a current customer of the free government cell phone plan. If that’s the case, click on the “States” link at the top of this page, then click the “Maryland” link. You’ll find a complete list of free government cell phone providers in your state. Contact each of them until you find a plan that’s right for you.
Doris says
Do you know which specific providders offer the lifeline program with free data (internet)?
Bennett McNeill says
Waiting for my phone too long
DAWN KOZLOWSKI says
I had a phone but cannot find it how do I get another one, thanks.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Call your phone company.
JUAN DE LA JARA says
I did an application two months ago and want to know what else I have to do to received my free cellphone.
Thank you
Brian Waiwnright says
Good afternoon,
I am a case manager in Harford County Maryland and I was referred to a Lana ******* who was an assigned representative to make an appointment and follow up for this free cell service. After several attempts speaking with this woman, she has informed me that she no longer assists with this service but told me she was supposedly directing me to the gentleman who has took over her responsibility.
This has not manifested itself and now I am reaching out to this forum because I have clients who drastically need this service.
Anthonette Cole says
Just wanted to comment that if you sign up for the program in the state of Maryland ( I am unsure about other states) the carrier you select will choose the type of phone you receive. It will not be new. It will be reconditioned.
With that being said I was shocked to just discover that I will be receiving a model of phone(LG 3200) that is 12 years old, reconditioned and only has a 30 day warranty on it. It is a flip phone-remember those.
This puzzles me as I was under the impression that the program was to help low income people (or in my case no income) have access to cellular service.
How is giving someone a phone with old technology ( that possibly might not work on today’s network)and with obsolete battery and charger (pre USB) helping them.
I understand it is a basic phone, but heaven forbid (gasp) . I should need a charger or a battery-where does one get one for an obsolete phone ?
Whom does one need to contact to complain about the accountability of the equipment being given by the cell phone provider ?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
The USAC (Universal Service Administration Company) administers the program. They say if you have a problem or complaint ti first talk with the phone company. We understand that will get you nowhere. But they provide an email address where you can contact the USAC themselves. It’s LifelineSupport@usac.org. I would send an email to them. We have been successful in getting replies from them, so you might also as well.
Henry says
In this day and age. many obsolete device models can still find replacement parts sold by many overseas sellers on platforms such as ebay. I can still find replacement parts for items that are almost 40 years old.
The Lifeline providers can “squeeze” as much profit that they can from the government subsidy that they receive for each customer enrolled.
The providers are only obligated to provide voice, text, and data services to enrollees. There is nothing in the Lifeline program guidelines concerning providing devices. Read the fine print at the FCC.ORG and USAC.ORG websites. The Government is not handing out computers to poor people, it is the non-profits that are doing it. The Lifeline providers are not non-profit organizations.
Shelra Hightower says
How do I find out who my provider is? I have called different companies and noone can help me.
Christopher A. Koerner says
Currently unemployed recipients of medical assistance. Son is attending school and seek if possible two phones for transportation assistance and he does not drive and is under psychological and psychiatric assistance
Mildred Marie Hall says
Application for 443-613-**** account number Mildred ***** **** **** Aquasco Road, Route 381 Aquasco Maryland 20608. Tagmobile customer service telephone 1-866-954-4918.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can’t post persona; information like this on the website. We’re not the phone company anyway.
lilkunta says
Safelink no longer gives phones. They require one purchases one.
I applied to qlinks with my ID, housing voucher, & EBT snap. It is taking long time to approve.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s dependent on your zip code, Lilkunta. For example, you can still get free smartphones in the zip code in which our website is headquartered.
Henry says
That is because each state provides a different subsidy to the program. Those that provide more will allow their residents to get free smart phones (such as California), but other states who provide less, their residents do not get free smart phones.
So the bottom line is if you want a free smart phone, do the same when you want better cell phone reception, that is relocate.