Just a few short years ago Nevada was an economic miracle. Thousands of people were moving to the Silver State from all across the country. Real estate values were skyrocketing. The unemployment rate was among the lowest in the nation. The casinos and hotels were jammed with tourists eager to spend money.
How times have changed. The miracle turned into a basket case after the Great Recession. Unemployment grew, inflation skyrocketed, and real estate prices began dropping.
Bottom line: Nevada’s population may be small, but the number of unemployed and underemployed is overwhelming. But take heart, Nevadans. At least you can now get a free cell phone and free monthly minutes from the government, thanks to the Lifeline phone service program.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Nevada
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Nevada. 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.
- Absolute Mobile
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assurance Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Tempo Communications
- Terracom Wireless
- Truconnect
Lifeline Discount Companies in Nevada
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 Nevada:
-
None
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Nevada
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Nevada:
- 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 falls within the guidelines below (check with provider if you are close to qualifying as numbers may be been raised since publishing):
Income Based Eligibility for Nevada | ||
---|---|---|
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 Nevada
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.
Why gamble, low-income Nevada residents? Time’s a wastin’. Check out all the Lifeline and ACP plans available in you state, find your favorite one, and enroll now. Unlimited talk awaits you. Unlimited texts await you. Unlimited internet awaits you.
Latest Lifeline & ACP News for Nevada:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Chris says
It would beneficial to see the diffrent carriers, and what they offer. Including coverage .when traveling where outside of specific zip code. Where will I not have service.
Will my phone be supper slow after certain amount of data used?
If phone lost or stolen is there a replacement plan. Or discount.
Plus all the regular info
List of states
And what phone you get . Or provider allow option of choosing from different phones
Service stars,and or reviews and a phone number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All that information is available right here on this website (except for the question about service by zip code, which is impossible). Just click around on the navigation bar at the top of the page and you’ll find virtually everything you ask for. We can’t possibly put all that info in one article because it would be more like the Encyclopedia Britannica in length.
Matthew B Thomas says
How do you find out who your service provider is? My phone got stolen and I went through a list and had no luck.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You went through all the service providers we list on this page and none of them are your service provider?
Virginia Ann ogletree says
This is for my mom she’s have a email so i provided mine
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure what you’re asking, Virginia.
John Sinclair says
What type of cigars do you give out for having an email?
Ernie Gonzalez says
do you offer the galaxy S-9 if yes how much will it cost me ? considering this is a low income program
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t offer anything, Ernie. This is an independent informational website that is NOT affiliated with any Lifeline service provider. Check out each of the companies listed on this page to find out what they offer.
David Newcomb says
Where can I find a vendor’s tent and Henderson near the Boulder and Lake Mead area or anywhere else .Thank you, David
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers not to enroll at a street event. They have been the scenes of far too much fraud and abuse. Instead we urge you to enroll by phone or online.
H. Ennis says
I am a bit confused! I just need a free government phone with service. Do I apply for Lifeline and ACP or just Lifeline? I don’t need home internet or anything like that. Just a phone with talk/ text/data. Can someone please tell me if I have to get ACP also? Not even sure what that is! Thank you in advance.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can have both programs simultaneously, H. We usually tell readers to get their phone via a Lifeline plan and then get their separate internet service via an ACP plan. But since you clearly said you just need a phone, you should use the ACP discount to get an unlimited talk/text/data plan from a Lifeline company.
Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline free government cell phone programs in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
H. Ennis says
Very helpful. Thank you for clearing that up for me. I appreciate your time.
Henry says
Just a curious question. What device are you posting your message on? Is it some one else’s phone or tablet? Or on a computer? or on a smart TV screen? Who told you go go to this site? Google or Yahoo or Bing?
The Government phone number is located on the FCC agency website. You need to go to a .GOV or .COM URL website to apply for service. This is a .NET website, so cannot use this site to apply.
Anahi Bravo says
How do I get a company to come to the library and offer the free phone services here to our patrons?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s a question we’ve never been asked, Anahi. Start by contacting each of the companies listed on this page to see if any of them provide this service.
Kathy Hogge says
I simply want an application to apply for a government phone I do qualify thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
No way for us to know if you qualify because you haven’t given us any information. However, we are not a service provider. This is an independent informational website. Here’s where you can find all the ways to qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Dan says
My God people are f***ing pathetic…. Don’t you see this is how the government pacifies people for life?
Sharon Denise Marshall says
Please Help Me I Trusted This Person To Help Me With My Access Wire Less Phone…..Instead This Person Shut My Phone Down … And I Can Not Use It Period… This Person Locked me out of my phone by placing a pass word… or a by using THE WORD EMERGENCY… Where I Have To Input Some Information…Can You Please Help Me….. The Wire Less Phone Is 702-300-****….how do i call someone from access wireless to speak to them instead of listening to a recording… my email is ************@gmail.com ……HOW CAN I GET ANOTHER PHONE
Free Government Cell Phones says
First you’ll need to clear up the current situation with your service provider. You can find that company’s contact info by clicking on its name on this page.
William Kalehuawehe says
You guys are saints to have the patience to respond to most of these questions. I hate when I’m reminded of how dumb America is as a whole.
Jill says
Where in Las Vegas can I pick up an Obama phone? This website directs you to too many other sites
Free Government Cell Phones says
What fools we are. We actually thought you might be interested in how to get a free government cell phone. Thanks to your wise words we now realize that we’ve put together hundreds of pages of meaningless crap.
Nichole Kilbourne says
Omg your response to her is awesome. 🤣👏 gave me a great laugh I really needed ty
Janie Ramsey says
I have a free phone , it was with budget now it is not doing that service any longer. What do I do when my phone does not work right? What carrier do I go to ,to get another phone? can pick one up if I know where to go. Connect me at ********@aol.com.Cell I need a new one 775-212-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Budget has been out of business for several years now, Janie. As far as we know it’s customers were all taken over by enTouch Wireless, but we cannot guarantee that you were part of that group. In other words, there’s no way for us to know who your service provider was. If you have not had service for a while, you are free to enroll with any company offering service in your state. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out carefully to find the plan that fits your needs best.
Faten says
Where can i please go get a phone as in location. Like where?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Go to your phone or online, Faten. We urge our readers not to enroll at street events because they have been the scenes of too much fraud and abuse.
Anita G Sprinkle says
I also have Slink and their customer service is nonexistent. I want to know if there is a company that has brick and mortar stores for real live customer service if needed. I want switch companies but want to deal with people in person.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We completely understand what you’re saying, but very few of the companies have brick and mortar stores. We do not believe any service providers in Nevada do.
Terry says
Choice Wireless in Elko does.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Choice Wireless does not participate in the free government cell phone program,
Lisa says
So am I right that Cricket Wireless DOES NOT do lifeline applications any longer??? They used to. I live in Nevada and I see under Nevada it says “NONE” for cell phone companies in Nevada who do the lifeline program. However on Crickets website it says to download the application and take it to a “full service” store for processing. I brought it where I bought my phone and they don’t know anything about it?? I call the number listed on their website for information on it and nobody at that number knows what I’m talking about. Talk about getting the run around! How ridiculous. VERY CONTRADICTING.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Cricket never participated in the Lifeline free government cell phone program, Lisa. They may have offered discounted Lifeline service, but never offered free service.
Lisa says
So am I right that Cricket Wireless DOES NOT do lifeline applications any longer??? They used to. I see under Nevada it says “NONE” for companies under Nevada.
Free Government Cell Phones says
None? There are about a dozen companies listed on this page.
Rocky H Pikschus says
where can I find close to me a cell phone provider for free
Free Government Cell Phones says
You don’t have to go anywhere, Rocky. Check the plans on this page and enroll with the one that fits your needs best. We provide all the contact info you need.
Marcy Vejar says
Hello Anybody could answer this one for me
Id like to find a place in vegas I might find a phone that’s not risky I might find a phone I do believe I qualify. Could you please contact me at my gmail ********
Free Government Cell Phones says
The place with the least risk in sitting at home in the safety of your own home. We urge our readers to enroll by phone or online.
Vickie Kilgore says
My name is Vickie Kilgore. I live in Pahrump, NV (89041). I had a Lifeline cellphone thru Qlinkwireless in 2016 which arrived broken & became inoperable in February, 2019. I was assaulted by ‘criminal terrorist demons in January,2018 just before flying to a job I accepted in Washington state. I had to buy a new cellphone thru TotalWireless, 775-764-****. My Lifeline (Qlinkwireless) phone # 775-910-**** is linked to numerous websites & emails that I need & I cannot get Qlink to COMPREHEND or acknowledge that I am NOT A RESIDENT OF TEXAS!. The Qlink people keep sending me a response that ” the state of Texas says I do not qualify for a low- income Lifeline phone, but I have no income. How do I stop the state of Texas since I am a resident of Nevada & have a Nevada drivers license? PLEASE RESPOND TO MY NEW EMAIL OR PHONE NUMBER. STRANDED IN PAHRUMP, NV!!!😢
Free Government Cell Phones says
Man, we hate it when we get assaulted by those criminal terrorist demons.
Here’s your problem, Vickie. If your phone became inoperable in February 2019 you are probably out of luck. The rules of the Lifeline program require that an account be cancelled when a phone goes unused for 30 days or more. And it’s been far longer than 30 days in your case.
We cannot understand why your service provider thinks you live in one state when you originally enrolled and still live in another state. But that’s really immaterial, because we do not think it’s possible to retrieve your information at this point.
H. Ennis says
I qualify for a free government phone and service in Nevada, as I am a SNAP recipient. I do not have an address, however, I use a friend’s address for mailing purposes. How do I get my free phone/service if he also receives free phone benefits and only one per household is allowed? None of the applications are structured for homeless people that use an address for mail purposes only.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have run into a real dilemma, H. On one hand, a street address is one of the primary requirements of the Lifeline program. One of the other primary rules is “one per household.” We cannot think of any way for you to qualify for a free government cell phone under the conflicting conditions you described.
Can you get yourself into a homeless shelter long enough to qualify for a phone. Group homes, such as a homeless shelter, are exempt from the “one per household rule.”
H. Ennis says
Good suggestion. I will work on it. Thank you.
Campbell Janssen says
I signed up and received a vortex beat 8 phone through a company in Las Vegas on Maryland and Twain,
The other day it said my sim card is not shown. I tried every possible fix. I need to know the service provider for the line. The rep said they run on Tmobile towers can anyone help please???/?
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one of the problems with signing up for a free government cell phone at a street event. No one ever remembers who the company is, then they leave comments here asking for help. GET PAPERWORK, PEOPLE.
There’s no way for us to help you. If your phone worked, you could call 6-1-1 and your service provider’s customer service team would answer.
Rikki Gomez says
Where do you go to apply for a free government phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You don’t need to go anywhere, Rikki. Apply right at home by phone or online.
John DOwns says
This sham of a program needs to end and I have written to my Congressman asking him to do so. Why should I have to pay for a “smart phone” when someone else is either unwilling or unable to buy their own? I don’t have a smart phone. This whole concept is not legitimate and needs to be terminated and terminated fast!
Gobsmacked says
you mean it actually comes out of your bank? Or do you receive an itemized bill that the rest of us don’t see? And let’s say that you are right but you’re not and we were to divide the cost by how many million Americans live in the United States how much does that come out to exactly, please share ? oh great giver who also then pays for prisoners incarcerated, you should probably be mad or about that and find something better to do.
Dani says
Awesome!
Willie J says
It bridges the digital divide- People that can’t afford to, still need to check their patient portals for medical procedures and students need access to information to stay informed! Plus, it can help save lives ! Try looking for a pay phone to report a fire in your neighborhood! This program connects people and keeps people informed. How can you want to stop kids from being able to complete assignments and keep up with the demanding new electronic age??? Come on. Share with one another people!
Bonita Gilbertson says
My phone won’t work anymore
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Bonita.
Charles says
I live in Las Vegas NV and I’m trying to find a local phone sells vendor somewhere to optain a government phone to help me with employment, I live near MLK and Owens zip 89106 can you help me..
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scenes of too much fraud and abuse. Do yourself a favor, Charles, and enroll online or by phone.
Terry Patrick says
I Qualify but i cant take a picture of my stuff because i dont have a phone theres no way to call if i have no phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try asking a friend or neighbor if you can use their phone to enroll.
Angela Ervolina says
I have been trying to get a free cell phone through qlink wireless online for many months. I sent all the proof documents required (copy of my NV Medicaid card, EBT card, and w2 for 2016) they told me I was denied by Lifeline, the company they use to verify eligibility. They said that I would have to contact them myself because they were not given a reason for why I was not eligible, that info can only be released to me. I also tried applying for a free phone in person at a Safelink booth that was set up outside of the welfare office a few days ago and I was told that it shows that I already received a free phone in my name in December. I have never had a free cell phone! My wallet was stolen along with my Medicaid card last year and I had to have a new card mailed to me. Is it possible that someone else has used my info to fraudulently receive a phone? I would like to have the service shut off but the rep working at the safelink booth was not able to help me with that. Who can help me? Sincerely yours, Angela Ervolina landline # 725-605-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s quite possible that you are the victim of identity fraud, Angela. It happens all the time. Lifeline companies like the one you attempted to enroll with are supposed to be able to check the National Lifeline Assistance Database (NLAD) to see if you are enrolled and to help clear up any fraudulent accounts and errors. You should call in again and ask to speak to a supervisor. If that supervisor is unable to help you, ask how to make corrections on the NLAD so you will be eligible.
Jill Noia says
My government phone is through Q link 775 250 ****. It is no longer working. I can not get ahold of anyone live. It has been over a week since i have emailed then. All i need to know is if i have another phone can i switch minutes to that phone? Q libk phone i have is a verizon and i have another verizon phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only Q Link can answer that question for you, Jill.
Spencer Jones says
I have been trying to reach QLink also to get set up with the government phone program. I previously had Budget (who sold over to Boomerang and Boomerang would not work with me in replacing a defective phone so I had to have my service with them shut off). QLink asked for verification that I qualify so I sent documentation that I get medicaid and SNAP. Now they want proof of income even though that information was included on the documentation I sent them detailing my qualifications for SNAP and Medicaid. The documentation shows that I have no income. I’ve sent QLink e-mails and tried to call to inform them of this. The emails go unanswered and the phone calls only route me around and around a recorded system.. They have no live customer support whatsoever that I or anyone else I have spoken to have found. I went to TAG mobile – GREAT customer service but their coverage in my area ended up being too weak so I had to cancel that service as well. My advice to everyone – drop QLink. They obviously have no concern about their customers or potential customers. Nobody should have to tolerate treatment like that. If TAG has good coverage in your area, I recommend them – GREAT customer service and approval for me came within a matter of hours unlike QLink who has now taken over a month and they’re still screwing around with my application.
Roxanne Ellingson says
Problem when the Qlink Wireless not recognizing my physical address in rural NV on a reservation (and a tribal member) and I qualify for a government cell as I’m on SNAP. Qlink’s phone number doesn’t give an option to address this, you can never speak to a human and the application online keeps bumping my application out. So frustrating! I’ve filed a complaint with the FCC and lifeline today. If it’s not resolved I’ll contact my Congress and Senate representatives. We’ve had street addresses for about 5 or 6 years. My last government cell phone was a refurbished iPhone, which I didn’t know until I got it home and paid $100 for it plus $50 deposit for wifi service. The phone wouldn’t charge after awhile and I’ve bought 3 batteries trying to resolve this. Now Choice Wireless in Fallon NV won’t or can’t give me my $50 deposit which I’ve never used much less a refund on the phone. Another Choice mobile online offers a new smartphone if you complete the required credit applications which now has shown on my credit report after starting one. I’m on disability so my chances of getting credit is low while my credit score goes down attempting to go through the “application steps”. A scam but I have no choice than to apply for a government cell phone. Borrowing a phone from my daughter. What else can be done??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, your options are limited in rural areas, Roxanne. First, try calling Q Link customer service again, but ask to speak to a supervisor this time. You may get someone who’s actually willing to solve your problem. If not, you’re taking the right steps in complaining to EVERYONE who might have some impact. We would also suggest that you make complaints to the FCC, USAC and your state public utility commission (and tell the Q Link supervisor that you intend to complain to all these organizations). Here’s an article that will tell you more about making those complaints:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
Spencer Jones says
Free Government Cell Phone…
as Roxanne Ellingson stated in her post – she can not reach a live person to talk to so there is no way to ask for a supervisor as you suggest. I have run in to the same problem. Hers is not a unique incident.
georgia miles says
i need to know a location for a stand to get free phones in reno tomoro its urgent for maand my kids its a dv situation plus im on dissability
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s absolutely no way to know, Georgia. The people who work at the street tents and booths are generally independent contractors, which means that even the Lifeline Assistance companies don’t know where and when they’ll be set up.
Robert Connell says
I am a disabled veteran, 50%. Do I qualify for a free cell phone in Nevada?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Robert, neither your disability nor your status as a veteran qualifies you for a free government cell phone. It’s a shame because we think either of those things should qualify you, but we don’t make the rules.
But don’t despair. There may be other ways for you to qualify. Here’s an article that tells you all the ways to qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
John White says
I live in Reno my income is disability can no longer afford cell phone pls tell me where sign up for low cost cell phone! Greatly appreciate!
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re on the right page, John. This is where you’ll find a complete list of companies offering free government cell phones in Nevada. Now as to where to sign up, we strongly recommend that you enroll online or by phone. DO NOT enroll at a tent or booth set up along the street. There has just been too much fraud and abuse of the system coming from tents and booth operators.
Francine Halling says
My daughter is homeless in Reno, Nevada……can you tell me where the locations are in Reno so she can get a phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Virtually none of the free government cell phone companies publish their booth schedules. There’s a good reason for that — most of their street sales teams are independent agents who set their own schedules.
On top of that, we do not recommend signing up for the program at street booths. We’ve received too many complaints of fraud. Instead, we recommend signing up online or by phone directly with the companies.
You or your daughter can find a complete list of free government cell phone companies by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page. Then scroll down and click on Nevada. Click through all the companies to find the plan that’s best for your daughter.
Good luck.
preston says
I NEED A “”LOW COST CELL PHONE WITH INTERNET SERVICES IN NAVADA 89014. “””””””””””””””””””””””””””PLEASE HELP ME””””””””””””””””””””””I NEED YOUR LOCATION TO APPLY ——————-I DON”T HAVE A HONE PHONE OR CELL PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LEAVE AN MWESSAGE AT drcureaz@gmail.com
Free Government Cell Phones says
Visit our other website, CheapInternet.com, to find out about all the low-income internet plans now available.
Shanna says
I understand that you offer your program in Carson City, Nevada. Will you be having representatives in the neighboring towns of Sparks & Reno, Nevada?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea which free government cell phone company you want to communicate with, Shanna, but we’re not it. We’re an independent website. You must contact the individual cell phone provider to ask your question.
Debby Cartier says
My granddaughter just turned 18 lives in Las Vegas her dad is in and out jail and we dont know where the mother is not in the picture. She is living with the exgirl friend of the father. She is a senior and doing very well in school. I cant afford to help her very much.
Jonathan Lance Taylor says
I lost my budget mobile life line phone went and got another one with a different company and number. Then I found my old phone and started using it they turned off the old number I wanted to keep not the new one what should I do?
C says
Call the company they should be able to sort everything out with your phone’s IMEI.
angela ponto says
Just got out of prison trying to get life together…plz help me
Christina says
Is there a lifeline cell phone company in Nevada that offers unlimited text messaging and free minutes ?
jane abteman says
i would like a new touch screen phone wiih free minutes, a galazy.
jerry bartelt says
that i am disabled and get food stamps and medicaid and ssi and ssdi to through social security k
Emmy Teller says
I am on Medicaid and food stamps and I lost my Obama phone. I am in need of a replacement one may you please issue me a new one. I recently been released from the hospital for double pneumonia and I would like one of those touch screen galaxy phone please, it would be nice. Someone told me that it doesn’t hurt to ask. I appreciate anything Mr. Obama or whosoever reading this. Thank You and God Bless!
Emmy Teller says
I didn’t lose my phone when I was in the hospital and they moved me to 3 different rooms somehow my phone got lost in the shuffle and my charger. They told me that they could not find it, so that’s why I don’t have my phone. So really it’s not my fault it got lost I had double pneumonia and I was icubated. So please send me a new one please. I would love one of those galaxy phones, the touchscreen please. Thank You for your time and God Bless Sincerely Emmy Teller
Mary Rosenbohm says
I am 87 years old and am on Medicare. I am a widow and I would like to have a free mobile phone. Please advise as to how I can do this. Thank you
Kenny Dejesus says
Thank you……And if possible,do you think that I could get like one of those touch screen galaxy Droid
Kenny Dejesus says
thank you President Obama,and Thank you to THE STATE OF NEVADA……….
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
That’s up to each individual phone provider. You won’t get a choice, but you can ask what they give out.
britt says
I want to know a safelink vendor by boulder highway las vegas please.
Nueva Vida Thrift Store says
Interested in becoming a representative of you. We currently have a thrift store and also want to offer and promote these phones for you thanks and please respond
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do not sell the phones, we are an informational source only.
connie cox-cairns says
My govt phone has stopped working. How do i find out which program I was on, so I can report it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There is no way we know of.
jerry bartelt says
where r u at