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Massachusetts: Free Government Cell Phones Information

The employment situation is not improving much, and there are far too many unemployed, underemployed and unfortunate in the Bay State.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment peaked in January 2010 at 306,457. That number has eased in the last couple of years and now sits at a still unacceptable 265,588 (as of May, 2011).

For those of you who find yourself out of work and out of options, Lifeline phone service comes to the rescue. Now you can get a free cell phone and free minutes every month at no charge, thanks to the government’s Lifeline program.

Free Cell Phone Providers in Massachusetts:

Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts:

Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Massachusetts:

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

  • 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. Take a look at our chart below, which show these 135% levels, and compare your income:

Income Based Eligibility for Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts:

How do Budget Wireless customers find a new free government cell phone company? - If you're one of those 800,000 abandoned Budget Wireless customers, what should you do next? How do you find another Lifeline company to replace Budget?
25 more ways to qualify for a free government cell phone - Here's a quick, state-by-state summary of additional state assistance programs in which your participation means automatic qualification for the free government cell phone program.
Assurance Wireless now offering free cell phones and free minutes in Massachusetts - Assurance Wireless is now offering economically distressed Massachusetts residents free cell phones and up to 250 free voice minutes per month.

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

  3. I am fostering my grandson, 12 years old, who has Mass Health (Medicaid?).
    Is he eligible for a government phone? *******@Verizon.net

    Reply

    • Sorry, Christina, but he is not eligible. Lifeline customers must be 18 or older to qualify.

      Reply

  5. I am using SaveLink for more than five years. I have plan No. 1 (68 in all states (80 in MA) and FREE INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE.
    About two months ago FREE INTERNATIONAL LONG DISTANCE stopped to work. I called the company many times.
    Nobody understands what is happening and how to fix this problem. Each time they find different reasons, for example, there is no such plan, the plan has changed, I have to pay for this plan and etr.
    There is such the plan on the company’s website. My financial situation is the same.
    Please help me fix it

    Reply

    • Your 68 minutes per month plan is the worst plan offered in the entire nation, Anna. You should really ask customer service to upgrade you to one of the current plans that offer far more minutes. If Safelink won’t do that for you, you should consider switching to one of the other plans listed on this page.

      Reply

  6. Are the supplement housing requirements in MA before or after deductions? I do get sec8 assistance but cant make headway on my app.

    Reply

  7. I had a cell phone kindly from Assurance Wireless for about 5 years. Unfortunately，because of my careless use (one month was out of use), It was stopped. It is very inconvenient now, in particular, I can not contact the hospitals and doctors, missed important diagnosis and treatment opportunities（cancer patient）, resulting in great losses, I am really very distressed. Recently I asked some people to help and re-applied several times, but since May 10 so far it has been ignored Ask for help. Thank you.

    Reply

    • BAsed on what you’ve told us, it sounds as if you are eligible to re-enroll with a different free government cell phone service provider, OR you can re-enroll with Assurance. Here’s where you can find a list of all the service providers in your state. Check them all out carefully to find the company and plan that fits your needs best:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  8. Here’s my problem: I was wrongfully cancelled by Safelink Wireless back in April, 2017. I reapplied for service in May, on June 10, 2017 I was approved and was supposed to get a phone in the mail 7-10 business days. It is now August 7th, 2017 and I have heard nothing from them. I am still stuck in qualified status on their website. As far as I am concerned they owe 1500 minutes for June, July and August 2017. I have sent them several faxes requesting information AND STILL I HAVE HEAQRD NIOTHING FROM SAFELINK WIRELESS CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! What is going on with them? This is poor customer service and I know this as I used to be a customer service representative for 25 years. Now I am disabled and I need my phone. Please help me!!!

    Reply

    • We’d be willing to bet a gazillion dollars that they won’t give you 500 minutes per month for months you haven’t had the phone.

      Have you tried calling customer service, Phillip?

      Reply

  9. How and why did these government-approved mobile telephone products and services receive the nickname “Obamaphones?”

    Was this nickname for the “free” cell phones somehow related to so-called “Obamacare” as a nickname for the Affordable Care Act of 2010, signed into Federal law that year by Barack Obama?

    Reply

    • Simple answers, Jay. Although the program traces its roots back far earlier than President Obama, it expanded rapidly during his presidency. Then there was a famous viral video of a woman screaming about how much she loved her ObamaPhone. Combine the two and you get your basic ObamaPhone.

      However, you’ll see very few references to the word “ObamaPhone” on this website. We call it what it is, the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.

      Reply

    • We strongly urge you to enroll by phone or online rather than visiting a street tent or booth. There have been too many problem with fraud and abuse originating at the street locations.

      Reply

  12. My Brother is homeless & has a free cellphone that someone gave him. But, it is pretty broken & very outdated. How would I sign him up for his own plan?
    Thanks

    Reply

    • Here’s the problem: All Lifeline free government cell phone customers must have a valid street address, unless they live in a homeless shelter. If your brother doesn’t have a street address, he cannot enroll.

      Reply

      • Thanks for responding!
        He’s living in a nursing home for now. Could he use that address or mine? Is there anyway he can upgrade the one he has or does the person who’s name it is in have to do?

        Reply

        • He can use the address of the nursing home. This is the kind of enrollment that probably requires a phone call to customer service. Under normal circumstances only one Lifeline account is allowed per household. In case someone else at home already has a free government cell phone, you may need to explain the situation to customer service. In cases such as nursing homes or homeless shelters, multiple Lifeline accounts are permitted at one address, but we are willing to guess that most customer service agents don’t know that.

          Reply

  13. I work in a hospital and we have clients that need phones. Who can I call or where should they go for the government phone?

    Reply

    • We need a bit of clarification, Judy. Are you saying they are long-term patients who in effect “live” in the hospital?

      Reply

        • OK, that’s exactly the answer we needed. Here’s what we think is the best approach. First thing you need to do is take a look at all the free government cell phone plans in your state. You can find them at this link:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          Each of your patients will need to decide which plans fits their needs best, then use the contact info we provide to enroll. It’s a relatively easy process and you may be able to help guide them through it.

          Reply

  14. There were 2 people at WALMART in Saugus last week, I was waiting for the Ride ( I’m disabled) they took my license info, my mass health info and the last 4 of my social security number,but the ride came and couldn’t wait a few minutes so I never got my phone,and they have my info! Ms.Mildred Melanson

    Reply

    • Mildred, Mildred, Mildred. We constantly tell our readers not to enroll at street tents. You don’t know who those guys were nor if they really represented a Lifeline free government cell phone company. Do you know what company they supposedly represented?

      Reply

      • It was inside WALMART ,they had a large sign and table with a Banner, they would ask people if they wanted to get a free phone? Asked Everyone if they had mass health,food stamps etc, I watched them for awhile as they gave many people phones,they needed an I.D and mass health or food stamp proof,would see if you qualified,and set up a phone.they never asked for any $, I just didn’t get mine,because she was trying to set it up,But my Ride driver wouldn’t wait,she was going to give me her card with instructions on how to set up the phone,But the driver pulled away. So I didn’t get my phone. M.M

        Reply

  15. Hello,

    I have been a lifeline customer for almost a year and in another month will make 12 months. I am with AW and although I like their services I don’t like the phones they offer. Now I am reading you can bring your own phone with some of the companies. I am kind of confused what steps do I take first in order to switch lifeline providers. I have a month to do my homework and compare and apply. I really like reading this web page and reading the answers you give people. You get a two thumbs up from. While I wait for a response I will read over the providers and research which one is the best for me. Thank you.

    Reply

  16. I am looking for a cell phone that uses push buttons to help an elderly lady in an A L F unit.. She is NOT able to use a smart phone,and can use a cell phone threw the government Freedom Program.
    If you are capable of helping.Please send an application to me to help her fill out.
    Donald Racette

    Reply

    • You need to contact the Lifeline free government cell phone companies directly, Donald. This page shows all the companies and plans in your state, so contact one of them and they will surely help you out.

      Reply

  18. My grandson is 19 with special needs. He has a smart phone because he needs a visual supported phone. Can he qualify for a credit towards this plan?

    Reply

    • Based on your brief description, Lucy, it sounds like he has a regular phone plan. If that’s the case, he can switch to a free government cell phone account, but he can’t apply the discount to his current cell phone. Here’s an article about all the leading companies’ upgrade/smartphone programs:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones

      Keep in mind that these upgrade/smartphones will require you to pay a relatively small upgrade fee. However, Q Link wireless is currently promising smartphones to all new customers. We don’t know where you live, but Safelink is also promising smartphones to all new customers in California.

      Reply

  19. I have guardianship of my nephew who is 14 yo. He is on Mass health. Do I apply for him? He will need a phone for his travel to a new school.

    Reply

    • Your nephew does not qualify because the minimum age is 18, Eileen. However, if you qualify for an account there is nothing to keep you from getting an account in your name and allowing him to use the phone.

      Reply

  20. I have a cell phone that I bought. I have a 2 year agreement with them which doesn’t end until August of this year. I would like to keep my own phone and service if at all possible. I just need assistant paying my bill and I am not working, am homeless and I have no income to speak of.

    Any assistance would be appreciated

    Reply

    • You have an unusual situation, Colleen. Your problem is that 2-year agreement that runs for another two months or so. Here’s what we would do: Call your service provider and ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain your situation and ask if they will let you out of your contract. Be polite. These companies aren’t heartless and you may be surprised that they cooperate.

      In the meantime, you can sign up for a free government cell phone now. There’s nothing to keep you from having a paid account and a Lifeline Assistance free account.

      But that brings us to your next problem: You need an address in order to get a free phone. Here’s an article that tells you how to get a phone if you live in a shelter:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-phones-for-the-homeless

      Good luck, Colleen. You’re in a difficult situation and we hope you get the help you need. Please come back to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and let us know what happens.

      Reply

  22. I need this cell but when I register last year,, the cell never work …so i call and never get the replacement soo 2 weeks ago i get in touch but they told-me that was off no service thanks ana d grullon

    Reply

  23. I am a 100% disabled veteran from the Viet Nam era. My fellow vets tell me that I can get a free phone but I don’t see that a Marine Corps disability applies to me. Is this true? Thank you.

    Reply

  24. Hi. My grandmother was living in Massachussett, and moved to Las Vegas, and the cell phone that she got from you guys do not work. Please tell me what are the steps that I have to follow to re-conected the cell phone or help her to apply for a new one.

    Thank you

    Reply

  25. Hello friends,

    I believe I qualify for this wonderful program. I already have an inexpensive flip-phone cell phone, (from AT&T), and I’m currently using AT&T’s inexpensive 10c a minute no-contract monthly service.So I wonder if I could two things: could I just get the free service, using the phone I currently have? Also, can I keep my current cell phone number, which I like?

    My application is in the mail to you.Thank you!

    Reply

  26. hello,
    my son is disable and he on ssi ,but need a cell phone .
    i got for him from verzion and i pay a lot of money with contact,
    how i am going to get free goverment cell phone.
    thanks in advance in erly reply .
    s a siddiqi

    Reply

  27. I need help. My unemployment ran out a few weeks ago. Most of my unemployment was spent traveling to and from interviews so far to no avail. I have no bank account, no cash and nothing left to pawn. I have no car due to a divorce. Trying to get a job, the last time I saw my kids was December 7th. One problem I’m encountering with no phone is no one wants to hire me because they can’t get a hold of me. Occasionally I borrow my brothers phone to call my kids. I’m begging for a phone to help me get a job and get on with my life. PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME.
    Thanks for your time.

    Scott Woods
    swoods82@comcast.net

    Reply

  31. I sent my application on 11/24/14 and still have not received the new cell phone.
    My birthday:09/05/1943
    Last 4 digit of my social:****
    PIN:sent by you:761351

    Please reply as soon as possible

    Sincerly.

    Enedina Perdomo

    Reply

    • We aren’t your phone company, so you’ll have to contact them. However, it’s only been about three weeks, and they are not always the fastest companies when it comes to delivery.

      Reply

  32. I am the legal Guardian and sister for Mary Jill *****, who is 100% disabled, received SSI and Food Stamps. Would like to apply for a phone for her

    Reply

    • You should not post your address or other personal information on a public forum. We aren’t a phone company, you will need to enroll with one of the companies on the list above.

      Reply

  35. Greetings,
    Thanks for the assistance having cell phone. But unfortunately to me there are some problems and neglect and default from the phone company and some times make the user uncomfortable add affected.
    I got one of this phone with 250 minutes free call from ASSURANCE WIRELESS.
    1) I was using about 60 mins received message your minutes are over you need to buy Minutes. No mins balance were displayed. After so many discussion with them. I had to cancel my phone and go to an other one.
    2) I applied for Safe-kink Wireless it took 5 weeks to get the phone. the company is in out of state or Philippine I don’t know but in the time of internet and advance technology you ask all of this company it takes 10 days minimum to receive a letter or application and …
    3) Anyway after so long writing and so fort I got my phone and thanks they give more mints and always display your balance. but after one month they inactive my phone without any notice I was in the middle of my surgery and they disconnect my phone and every day they send me SMS to buy minutes.
    4) I called them to ask why I received unfair respond.
    5) I talk to their Manager he said I will receive a letter I need to sign and mail it back to them
    6) As today July 24 I have not received any letter from them.
    7) When i call them every time they come up with different things
    8) I have released this phone for my medical and transportation and got stressful.
    9) Don’t you think this is MISS USING and MISMANAGING the Government money.
    My inactive phone number is (857) 234-5679 please follow up on this case.
    Regards

    Reply

  36. He, Rev. ***** is 75 years of age and living at Blackstone nursing home in Blackstone Ma..
    Could u please send application to this email.
    Thank u

    Reply