New Jersey is a mystery to most people. All they know about the state is what they learned on The Sopranos. They assume the population is composed of two basic demographics: gangsters and victims of gangsters.
Fact is, New Jersey is a wonderful place that deserves its “Garden State” nickname.
Unfortunately, the state’s economy is suffering through the same problems as almost every other state. Its unemployment rate is even higher than the national average. And inflation is making life more difficult for everyone.
Luckily, there’s good news for the state’s unemployed, underemployed and otherwise unfortunate residents – the three major Lifeline phone service suppliers do business in your state. They can help you get a Lifeline free government cell phone, unlimited talk and unlimited texts. And now, if you have been hard hit by the economy or are otherwise financially disadvantaged, the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can help you get unlimited internet, too.
Free Cell Phone Providers in New Jersey:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in New Jersey. 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 New Jersey
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 New Jersey:
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in New Jersey
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in New Jersey:
- 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 New Jersey | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 New Jersey
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.
Yo, Lifeline. Yo, Affordable Connectivity Program. Yo, New Jersey. There are benefits out there just waiting for you to enroll. We’re talking free smartphones, free talk, free texts, and unlimited internet. Do it now. Do it today.
Latest ACP and Lifeline News for New Jersey:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Shae says
I’m very confused as I’ve read conflicting articles. I have ACP which gives me a discount off my WiFi bill. Can I also have a free phone?
Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can also have a free phone. You should continue getting your internet discount thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can also get a free government cell phone thanks to the Lifeline Assistance program. However, when you are applying for the free government cell phone, make sure you do not accidentally ask them to also apply the ACP discount to your Lifeline account. Keep the two discounts/subsidies completely separate.
RSJ says
I want a free cell phone. I have a free government SIM card. How can I get one ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
How did you get the SIM card, RSJ?
Margaret S. Feliciano says
My mom lives in a different state. She has her government cell phone for about 5 years. It is giving her problems and when she asked for a new one, she was told no. Is it pissible for her to get a newer updated free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You would think that after five years her service provider would offer a free replacement phone, but most do not. She has two choices. (1) She can pay her current service provider for a replacement phone, (2) If her service provider offers a BYOP — Bring Your Own Phone — plan, she can purchase a compatible phone elsewhere and use it as her Lifeline phone, or (3) She can switch service providers and the new service provider will give her a smart phone.
Arnetha Rogers says
I really need a phone I’m unable to get out heip two heart attacks a pacemaker Ms for nineteen years. (ADDRESS DELETED) 973 855 ****
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not the way it works, Arnetha. We’re not a free government cell phone service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to check out all the service providers in the article above to find the plan that fits your needs best. Then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide.
Al says
Time to update your unemployment %’s. New Jersey is currently sitting just north of 4%!
PS Thanks for providing such a great service, you are appreciated.
Malik Morgan says
I’m unemployed and I don’t have a cell phone, I’m trying to find a job but I need a phone, I don’t have any of my pay stubs from previous jobs because I lost them while moving, so how can I get a free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you have last year’s tax return? If so, use that as proof. Do you participate in any federal government assistance programs? If so, they can also provide you with whatever documentation you need.
A schockaert says
I am completely lost on how to get the free government phone after applying in the way they asked and sent all the certified documents which clearly show eligibility and they sent me a e-mail stating I must send a copy of my social security card,’which is insane so they just told me after 3 months of trying that I am rejected!
no matter how many times I call I continue to get a hard to understand language barrier that will not or can not help me to understand why everyone around me receiving the same benefits have no problem with this application process have received their phones and services and I am being shunned as so.
Also on the new application I am trying to complete again because the operator told me to and I can not enter the code they gave me and the operator said, “I am sorry sir I can not help you with that”.
What is customer service there for then?
Please Help if you can.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are all your attempts to enroll with the same company? If so, you should attempt to enroll with a different company. They are all listed on this page.
Belinda Crank says
Im diabled and on medicaid and i need aphone to stay with emergency contacts with doctos and my family
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the providers shown on this page to find the plan that fits your needs best, Belinda. Then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide for each company.
MIKE TREZZA says
MIKE TREZZA…ON DIS & SS NEED A CELL PHONE W PICS IF I GET LOST WALKING THE DOG
Free Government Cell Phones says
We believe that all the cell phones now being offered come with photo function, Mike. Give customer service a call to confirm, but we don’t think that will be a problem.
MIKE TREZZA says
I LIVE ON DIS N SEC 8 NO CAR NEED A CELL PHONE N ONE W PICS PLEASE NO CAR 26124**** SS NUMBER REALLY NEED ONE PLEASE THANK U
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to enroll by phone or online with one of the companies listed on this page, Mike. This website is not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies.
Valerie rivera says
I sent my application to safe link never heard anything yet my name is Valerie rivera…
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink offers a function on its website that allows you to check the status of your account. Give it a try.
Karen says
Im trying to help my senior neighbor who needs a free phone. She qualifies easily, unfortunately her son has the free phone and they will not allow another in the house. Have you ever heard of special circumstances where they would allow her to have one also??
Thanks she is in New Jersey
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, there are no special circumstances to make exceptions in your friend’s case. She’s out of luck as long as the son lives in her house.
Chidinma mbah says
I really need a new phone. Everyone wants to talk and call me but I have no way to contact them. I have 8 kids and I have no way to contact them in school.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Holy moly, Chidinma. You just set a record for having five more kids in record time. You must be going out with an NBA player.
Sharen says
What the hell is going with you people !!! They get Free cell phones!!! Tell her to close her legs and get a JOB!
Chidinma mbah says
I really need a new phone. Everyone wants to talk and call me but I have no way to contact them. I have 3 kids and I have no way to contact them in school.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, you’re on the right page, Chidinma, but the rest is up to you. Choose your favorite plan listed on this page and contact that company using the information we provide in this article.
Carmen says
I received my government free phone but don’t know who. My provider is or what the instructions was to starting my service. Accidentally misplaced all written information that came with my phone. How do I get my account for government free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s only one way to do it, but you’re in luck, Carmen, because it’s pretty simple. You need to go to our list of service providers in New Jersey. Here’s where you can find that list:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
The good news is that New Jersey has only two service providers. You need to call both of them to ask if it is your service provider. They will know based on info like your name, address, social security number, phone number, etc. We say it’s easy because we’ve had other people ask the same question only to find out their states have a dozen or more service providers. It will take a maximum of two calls for you to find out who your service provider is.
Tammy Holmes says
Might there be a phone number to call to further inquire/apply? I would like to understand the difference in phones and services.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find out more about each company’s plans by clicking on the company listing in this article. Look for the plan that suits your needs — the one with most minutes, most texts, data plan, etc.
uli says
(I’m confused; was denied for lifeline, but am entitled for free cell phone? ) like to know if I can have lifeline to lower landline (have verizon)? as I don’t need a free cell phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can get a discount on your home Lifeline phone, BUT (and it’s a big but) Lifeline home phones are not free, they are only discounted by $9.25 per month. In other words, your home Lifeline phone will only be $9.25 cheaper than regular service. Sure, it’s a discount, but not much of one.
bohb says
Some states have tribal lifeline that makes the phone cost like $1.75 a month.
It has a much greater discount
you just have to live in certain federally recognized tribal lands.
You dont have to be native american or live on a reservation you just have be a resident of those counties and income qualify
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not quite correct, Bob. You must live on traditional tribal lands in every state except Oklahoma, where, thanks to an unique historical twist, virtually everyone in the state qualifies for those additional discounts. Here’s an article that tells you more about it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-wants-to-correct-oklahoma-lifeline-tribal-quirk
Aja Watley says
How do do I get a safelink phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re on the page that shows all the Lifeline companies available in your state. Are you sure that Safelink has the best plan for you? Review all the companies and plans to find the one that works with your needs. Then apply with that company. Good luck.
Marc says
I had a cell phone from assurance wireless for many years, I cancelled it and now I want to get one again, my status keeps saying waiting for state approval, it’s been a few months normally when you qualify you get a phone within two weeks why can’t I be approved
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call customer service and ask a rep to investigate it for you.
Antonio Echevarria says
En este pais los telefoos moviles es indispensable para estar comunicados con la familia y el trabajo, de ahi la impe dispositivo.ortancia y necesidad de contar con est
dan says
can i use an old iphone i still have ?
floyd l segar jr says
I need a free phone at this time.
Reymond Villanueva says
Need some Medicaid, also the rep I spoke to showed me a Samsung tablet phone, is that what I’m getting
Zdravko Validzic says
Dear sir,
Please let me in program for life phone.
I am qualified for cell phone:
I am disabled
I don’t work
I don’t have any income
I have food stamps
I living in shatter
My address is:
Zdravko Validzic
*****, Hacensack, N.J. 07601
Please send me mobile phone on that address. That is shelter address).
Best regards,
Zdravko Validzic
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
No company will send out an application from a comment on this website. You need to contact one of the companies listed in the article above. Before you call, you should Click Here to read this article on how to get a phone if you are in a shelter.
caroline says
Hello,
I don’t have a job but iam looking. I have 5 kids and for safety I need a cell phone. Can I receive a phone?
Caroline
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You can receive a free cell phone if you qualify according ot the rules in the article above.
Kamlesh kaur says
I don’t have a work i have three kids I need cell phone and my husband income is low thank you so much
jafrin akter says
how do i get acell phone?
sean behring says
I don’t work so I don’t have a income can I still get a free cell phone yes or no
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Yes
Bernadette Cruz says
I am looking for a cell phone for my mother Genoveva Francisco.
Please contact me.
Thank you,
Bernadette Cruz
917446****
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We can’t help you because we are not the phone company. But you can contact any of the companies listed in the article above.
daryl woolley says
Safelink is terrible. The salesperson(Adrienne) came out to our shelter and promised us 500 minutes a month and unlimited text. Now my text are not unlimited and my reply to him was that the promo must have ended and I didn’t get it. Called safelink and they advised there sorry I was given the wrong info.
Anyway to make a sale and then not back it up. BAD BUSINESS SAFELINK.
DO NOT USE SAFELINK.
Ellen says
How is it a sale if you’re not paying for it….?
ramanlal chauhan says
i & my wife is not having any income.i m greencard holder only more than three years can i get govt cell phon. ?
david shramko says
How do i get a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Start here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Desiree English says
I thank you guys for trying to provide help, to all that needs. Can i please have your assistance, regarding a free government cell or home phone. I have applied to more then one phone company, with the right requirements. So,can you give me updated information,on whose the best provider. In the state of New Jersey with great customer service.
Thank You
Desiree English
8/20/14