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New York: Free government cell phones & Internet from Lifeline and ACP

New York, which had the nation’s largest, most powerful economy just a few decades ago, recently fell into third place behind Texas. Manufacturing has declined, taxes have increased and businesses are leaving the state as fast as they can build headquarters elsewhere.

They leave behind more unemployed and more underemployed Empire Staters. In other words, more people eligible for the Lifeline free cell phone and free minutes program, and for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free internet program.

Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in New York

Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance and ACP free government cell phone providers in New York. 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 York

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 York:

How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in New York

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

  • 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)

In New York, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See chart below, which shows the income levels calculated for you:

Income Based Eligibility for New York
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 York

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.

We’re positive there’s a plan out there that’s perfect for you. So what are you waiting for, low income New Yorkers? Choose your favorite Lifeline/ACP service provider and favorite Lifeline/ACP internet plan and the future is, well, almost unlimited.

Latest Lifeline & ACP News for New York:

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.
Controversy in upstate New York: Too many people need free government cell phones - Because so many people lined up for free phones from Access Wireless, numerous local complaints caused the police to move the booth to other locations twice.
Terracom Wireless and Tag Mobile Seek to Expand to 8 More States and the District of Columbia - ReachOut Wireless and Tag Mobile are petitioning the FCC to enter Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.
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.ar.

Comments

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      All the info you need is right here on this website (particularly on this page), David. We put this website together just for people who need help.

  2. Eleanor says

    If a Medicaid managed care plan wanted to provide the free cell phones to their Medicaid members who are homeless, is there a way they can get phones to hand out when they get in contact with the person? The health plan would need to already have phones because the members may not be able to go to a store to activate.

  3. Tina says

    I recently got a free govt phone from a carrier based in Houston TX. I love the phone but I live in a rural area in Northern NY and the only reliable cell service we have here is Verizon wireless. I have service on my new phone, I just can’t find enough bars to use it.

  4. Rebecca says

    They have groups of people in the city of new York taking your info and scamming them they charge 20 dollars if you qualify but if lets say you don’t have the 20 they still active the table and sell it to other people for more and it’s in your name smh how can you report these people isn’t that a federal crime ?

    • John Sinclair says

      here’s a few starters:

      Lifeline Fraud Tip Line: (855) 455-8477

      ACP Help & Complaint Line: 877-384-2575

      FCC’s Consumer Complaint Center: 888-225-5322

      Good luck to you!

  5. Zoraya says

    Why people from Puerto Rico with lifeline get $30. a month and us only $9.00? they can also get better free phones like galaxy and motorola.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We think you are confusing the Lifeline discount with the ACP discount, Zoraya.

      • Inetuser says

        I have the affordable Connectivity internet program. I just renewed it.
        I also have a free phone from the same service provider. They can’t tell me what service has paid for it, but says they think it is NYS. This is my first renewal of the service. How can I tell how it is getting paid/where to go to renew it?

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          You’ve managed to confuse us, Inetuser. You say you just renewed it, but you also ask where to renew it.

  6. Judith Hawthorne says

    I have a phone, sim card and”service” from Qlink. The problem is the phone doesn’t make or receive calls. I have called them 20 times in the past month and they can’t get their product to work on their service. They keep telling me to use the phone or I will lose my free service. Can anyone tell me how to use qlink phone service when there is no network.
    I have 4 bars on internet and have used 3.8gb of data.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      The good news for you, Samelia, is that New York only has five Lifeline service providers. That’s good news because you’ll probably need to start at the top of that list and contact each of them until you find one that says, “Bingo, Samelia. You’re our customer.”

      Alternately, you can switch service providers at any time. The new service provider will provide you with a new cell phone because they will consider you a new customer. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers

  8. Allizase k Goodridge says

    My cell phone is stolen and or lost but I’d like to turn off my service until I can get another one! But the only thing is is that I don’t know which service provider I’m with can someone please help me 😳

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Visit USAC.org and click around until you find the page that allows you to ask that question and get it answered.

  9. M.D. says

    Today, near (Utica, NY) PriceWright store was handing out free phones. I approached me and was told that yes I can qualify. Then they took my data (they took a photo of the ID), after which they said that no, I was not allowed to have a phone with a SIM card. I suspect that these employees registered a phone with a SIM card in my name. Such cases were few among my friends. Please respond to this case, and also check the phone and SIM card was issued in my name.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sorry to hear about your problem but we cannot do anything to help you. This is an independent informational website and is NOT affiliated with any Lifeline free government cell phone service provider.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Read this website. Click around for a few minutes on the navigation bar at the top of the page and it will all become clear.

  11. Brandon A Moore says

    Can I get a government phone even if I live with someone that already has the same program..?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Only if you can prove that you are separate “economic units.” That is, you each pay for your own food, you each pay for portions of the rent, utilities, etc. If you can prove that, there is an exemption that allows multiple free government cell phones at one address. For more information, contact your service provider’s customer service team.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You’ll need to contact each of the companies listed on this page to determine which ones hire independent street agents.

  13. Alysia Murdock says

    Hello!
    I am a social worker for hospice and I have a family who is wondering what they need to do with their brother’s phone after he dies. Do they need to return it? Do they need to shut off his service? They said they can’t find his phone and don’t know who his provider is anyways, so I’m not sure there is much they can do. Please let me know. Thank you.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You have a few avenues. First, there is never any need to return the phone, but you should cancel the service. Call 6-1-1 on that phone to speak to customer service.

    • Henry says

      If the phone cannot be found (and assuming that it was not stolen), the service will automatically be shut off after 30 days of not using it. You do not have to return the phone and while requesting a shut off is preferable, it is not mandatory. The 30 day non-usage requirement was instituted to prevent continued service for inactive accounts.

  14. Mary says

    My brother is using my mother’s free cell phone and she is deceased. Canhe keep the phone and phone number and does he have to buy minutes?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Unfortunately, your brother can continue to use the phone illegally until he is unable to re-certify the phone on the annual recertification date or until he does not use it for 30 consecutive days. How about if you ask to borrow the phone, call 6-1-1 to speak to customer service, and inform them that they should cancel the account because the account holder passed away. Sneaky, but effective.

  16. Stanton says

    Hey guys thanks a ton for the info- I’m just wondering whether the information regarding T-mobile is still up to date? From what I can see on T mobile website- they don’t offer anything in New York State, let alone New York City.

    Any help would be much appreciated.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Unfortunately, Stanton, T-Mobile does not participate in the free government cell phone program. The best you can get from them is a discount on your normal bill.

      • Researcher says

        Check the T-Mobile terms of service for 2024 before renewing. The internet says they have changed their terms, effective mid January, to allow them to fine you if you post anything they disagree with.

  17. Ms.Don Kelly says

    I tried to log onto your site; but I found it very intricate & difficult.PLEASE MAIL ME an application; even if it’s COD. Hopefully Yours, Ms.Don Kelly

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      No logging in necessary, Ms Kelly. This is an independent informational website. We don’t have any idea which service provider you tried to work with, but it wasn’t us.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Seriously, Kian? How could we possibly know if you qualify or if the program is available in your area. You need to do a little homework here and click around this website to figure out those answers for yourself and then apply.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We can’t give you any input because we are not the organization you enrolled with, Cristina.

  20. Stacie Grace says

    Hi ! I live at Depaul Nota My Address is **** ******* Street, ******* NY 14*** and My phone number is 585-287-**** ansd I am desperate for a free state cell phone if you can send me a form to fill out at the address that I gave you I woild so gladly to recieve that form and I thank you greatly.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not a service provider, Stacie, but the companies listed on this page can help you out. Check out all the plans listed to find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide.

  21. Loren E. Austin says

    I had a phone through Safelink for over a year, when I suddenly got and email saying we cancelled your
    account because you called us and asked us to, This is absurd, I was then as I am now recovering from
    sever heart failure. I have called Safelink 9 times each time they apologize profusely and promise I will be
    back up in anything from 15 minutes to 5 day, it never happens, two agencies have called them and gotten
    the same results. I don’t recall a user name or a registration ID, and I don’t want anything to do with Safelink.
    How do I get with a new company ?

  22. Kimberly C Lewis says

    I got a free cell phone ages ago and now it’s dead. Can I get another one with the same number?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not psychic, Jano. You’re going to need to actually ask the question in order for us to answer it.

  24. Eileen says

    Are there free smartphones with free minutes data texts fot seniors, not just the old flip phones. Hard to text on them. Thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      All new customers get free smart phones, Eileen. Most Lifeline companies offer “Bring Your Own Phone” plans for those rare customers who want old fashioned flip phones.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Any of the companies on this page can help you out, Meijun. Just make sure you click through all the companies and all the plans to make sure you find the plans that fits your needs best.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      VTO is an acronym for several phone-related things, Evelyn. Which are you looking for?

  27. Paul Drake says

    I have an Alcatel one touch and I can’t figure out how to answer a call. It stops ringing before I can get to answer it. Can you explain how to work this?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      No, we cannot. But you should Google the make and model of your phone plus the words “user guide.” That should find you the info you need.

  28. RoseAnn Ortiz says

    Good day,

    I hope you are all well and having a blessed day!

    Please let me know what i need to do to get my elderly mother a cell phone for her use.

    Thank you.

  29. JoEllen Heukrath says

    I already signed up and was supposed to get a letter in the mail since I have a P.O. box 81 I have not received anything. Please check not it. JoEllen Heukrath. thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not your service provider, so we cannot check on anything for you, JoEllen.

  30. JC says

    I just wanted to thank you for all this information. I’m a well-educated person and I found this a very overwhelming topic to research online, so I can only imagine how difficult it is for anyone for whom English is not a first language, anyone with cognitive delays, anyone with screaming kids on his or her lap as he/she tries to process all the information, etc. I’ll be applying for my phone tomorrow. Thank you for your help!

  31. Gillian Babcock says

    My grandfather needs a phone to contact us because he lives in another city. It was explained here that there is a free phone that he can get from the government. Furthermore, it’s recommended to go to trusted professionals to qualify for free government phones.

  32. larry says

    I qualified for medicaid and receive free insurance. I have a insurance card but don’t have a medicaid card. how do i prove my status ?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      If you paid income taxes last year, your tax return should do the truck, Larry.

  33. Kyle Pratt says

    Okay I looked up how to get a replacement cell phone and really didn’t find an answer. I currently have a cell phone through my local department of social services and the phone is pretty cracked. How can I get a replacement phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Start by speaking to your service provider’s customer service team. We don’t know what you mean when you say “I currently have a cell phone through my local dept of social services.”

  34. DOuglas says

    I own a cell phone plan by the government in NY and it’s no signal. I have verified that there is no chip in the device. I wonder if you really do not have a chip on these handsets or if someone else might have screwed on your mobile phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      It’s not “our” phone because this is an independent informational website that is NOT affiliated with any free government cell phone company. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to solve your problem.

  35. Sarah says

    I qualify for HEAP but not SNAP so Im considered low income. But I make more than income limits. Why are heating assistance recipients not considered?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      The rules were all changed back at the end of 2016 and they “streamlined” the number of plans that permitted eligibility. They eliminated the programs that fewer people used to become eligible and instead put more emphasis on the plans that the most people used.

  36. Tina says

    Hi, I am out of job and I lost my phone yesterday. Cannot effort to get new phone. Can anyone please help me to get a new cell phone and I don’t know how to contract them as I don’t have a phone.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We provide phone numbers and website addresses. Just click on the company name in the article above.

  37. sharon orourke says

    hi I am in need of cell phone I am disabled and have no phone so cant get out in wheel chair in case have problem I make eight thousand a month please help me thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sorry, Sharon, but if you make $8000 per month, you do not qualify for this program. ONly low-income people qualify.

  38. JAY MARSAW says

    only one free phone can you contact live help..safe link..2 others in nys no live help others no good when you need detailed info..the non thinking computer gives none..think safelink only gives cheap antique phone.others may give smart ph.? when i called safelink live rep did not know,you just get a phone.may be smart or dumb like him…others may give better?who knows,computer voice does not tell..any phone better then a snowbank ..but whole deal is phone company’s making big bucks off the taxpayer..not free.. a nice word i like but no free rides in usa…
    good luck from real american who is poor enough to need one as ssi income but no fun as above

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Wow. Cool stream of consciousness comment, Jay. It’s almost psychedelic.

      But a few comments in response: Yes, the program is free. And as of December of last year, ALL new Lifeline customers are supposed to receive free smartphones from ALL Lifeline companies.

      • m. schwartz says

        hi; i don’t need a smart pone. can i still get the old pones? if not, can i activate my own device with the free service?

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          Service providers are required to give away smart phones and we doubt if any of them still offer older flip phones. Check with your preferred service provider to see if they offer a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. If so, you can purchase a compatible phone (PLEASE make sure you purchase a phone that is compatible with your preferred service provider’s national cell network) and use it as your phone.

  40. Joseph says

    Hello, I work for an on demand staffing company. Where we send workers to work at various companies on a daily basis. Instead of having workers come in at 5AM waiting in office for a job to pop up, We use a system called Work Alert, in which workers receive texts about job openings. My companies is having cricket Wireless come in to try to get our workers, who don’t have phones. I know that not all of our workers can afford these and most of the workers are in the bottom of any income bracket. Is there a local Syracuse representative I may make contact with in Syracuse N.Y

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Very few of the free government cell phone companies have brick-and-mortar locations, Joseph. So you need to contact them by phone or online. You can find all the plans and contact info for companies offering free government cell phones in New York right here on this page.

  41. donna says

    hi …I don’t know what happened but I did not get my free min this moth oct 1st 2017 I got them ever month but not this time can you please help me fine out why thank you …in ny

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Donna. This website is not affiliated with any of the Lifeline free government cell phone companies.

  42. Diana says

    I had service with safelink sometime last year, however, my account was cancelled because my phone was lost and I did not call in to get a replacement. I tried reapplying for a new phone but safelink tells me that I appear as enrolled with another service. I also tried to apply with Assurance and they say the same thing. This is impossible because I haven’t applied for any other service since my account was closed. I’m not sure who I should speak to about this.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You need to contact the USAC, the organization that governs the free government cell phone program. The help you need is one of the services it offers. You can find out the phone number to call by going to USAC.org.

  43. Mildred Williams says

    I had a safelink phone it was stolen on 08-17-017, call safe link about 11:45 pm someone answer the phone then the next thing we know that person hung up the phone. Call back the answering service answer and said that they was closed. Call back the next day, they said that they couldn’t replace the phone because I didn’t have the box with the serial numbers that phone came in. Plus they couldn’t turn the phone off either without the serial numbers from the phone box. You have to go online and do it yourself.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      They gave you some crazy incorrect information, Mildred. Call in again and ask to speak to a supervisor.

  44. camale hamilton says

    Good afternoon am asking for a phone please so that I can contact to my friend and family in abroad thank you…

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You’re asking the wrong people, Camale. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the service providers listed in the article above in order to enroll.

  45. Claude says

    When Safe link requires Proof of income for LOW INCOME families & you send in the documents copies of originals / how can they turn around & say the documents are not legit?
    When in fact they are copies of legit USA Gov’t Documents???

    “As this has happened “

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We hear that complaint about every free government cell phone company every once in a while. It’s just a glitch in the system. Call back in and ask to speak to a customer service supervisor. Maybe that will help you iron out the problem.

    • Firouzeh Vitabile says

      My yearly income witch is my social security is $1224 dollars. I can not afford a cell phone that I need. I am 79 years old. My name is Firouzeh Vitabile. I am not on any kind of Government help. I appreciate if I get one

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        Sounds like you’re eligible for any of the plans on this page, Firouzeh. Check them all out to find the plan that fits your needs best (most minutes, most texts, most data, best smartphone, etc). Then enroll with that company using the contact info we provide on each service provider’s page.

  46. Jeigh says

    I qualify, and have for many years, but when I’ve been approached on the street ( I live in NYC) the people running the sign-up have told me I can’t keep my current cell number. Do you know if any of these places do that? It’s odd because I thought it became a federal law that providers had to transfer numbers if requested, so I cant imagine how a state aided program could get away with it.

    I was always under the impression that those workers wanted as many people and as quickly as possible. They weren’t interested in providing features that would cost them more time and paper work. Or they just didn’t know the facts. Hopefully you do; you seem pretty in-the-know about this stuff. Thanks in advance. -cheers

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Yes, you can keep your own cell phone number when you switch phone companies. You just need to make sure you tell the customer service rep, “I want to port over my current phone number.” Say it several times and repeat it at the end of the conversation and make them confirm that your current phone number is being ported over.

      And it’s smart of you not to sign up with some stranger on the street. Enroll from the comfort of your own home by phone or online and avoid the potential for identity fraud.

  47. Dwayne says

    Please Offers Entry Level Android Phones. Upgrade Y’all Phones Already We Not Living In 2001 Anymore for Keypad Bar Phones..SMH

    • Jeigh says

      The phones I saw being given out as much as a year ago were all really nice androids… or cheaper androids but still nice. I’m not sure who you went thru, or if they aren’t available in certain areas (this was NYC) but they should be available to you thru some provider. Good luck

  48. VA Moore says

    I am helping a low income friend who is a senior citizen transition fro her apartment to assisted living.
    She needs a free call phone with large buttons that just makes and receives calls. i.e. no emails, no texts, no internet
    Where can I get the necessary information and forms. She does not use computers.

  49. Dori Lynne Bell says

    How can I find A Obama Plan Cell Phone Provider in New York City Free Cell Phone Service. I currently have the Medicaid program. I need free cell phone service.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You’re on the right page, Dori. Just look through all the providers shown on this page.

  50. Tin Do says

    We are satisfied for food stamp. For the safety purpose, can I apply for all 4 members of my family and each member for each company provider or all four ones in one company? We really need 4 phones for connection to each other. I am writing this message because I am afraid of unnecessary penalties of applying too much. Thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sorry, Tin, but that’s not possible. The regulations of the program state that only one free government cell phone is permitted per household. There are some exceptions, but not if all the people in the household belong to the same family.

  51. Lmbbutt says

    I find it amazing that no one actually READS your very helpful advice! This must be distressing to you! Thank you for all your hard work!

  55. Ms Brown says

    I can’t find a store in NYC that sells Assurance Wireless Phones. Can you provide me with a list of a few stores. Thanks!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We cannot, Ms Brown. You must contact Assurance directly for that kind of information.

  56. Linda velez says

    I was told by a worker in walmart i can get 500 minutes and a smart phone under the obama care is this true for safelink

  57. Kathy Jacot says

    MY sis in law, disabled and very ill, 77 yr old needs a phone desperately. Her income is less than $1100 per mt. She was living in senior housing(subsidised} then she moved to live with daugher last couple of yrs, Didn’t work out, They took her money!!! She has an appt to get into another senior housing. I am positive she is eligible, She isnt getting help for other things because they wouldnt take the time to help her, She lives 50 mi from us. She is also diabetic and dementi.
    What do we need to do or send to get her a free phone?? Will check statement showing amount of her monthly SS deposit work? Please advise on what to do, She lives in Wayne co, NY.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Very kind of you to help her out. It sounds as if she qualifies, but you should click on the “Do You Qualify?” Link at the top of this page.

      After you’ve verified that she qualifies, click on the “States” link at the top of the page. Then scroll down and click on “New York.” That page will show you all the programs available in your state. Click through all of them to find the company and plan that works best for your sister-in-law.
      Good luck.

  58. Ceaser says

    I don’t have any questions or concern. I do have a comment. Very helpful and thank you so much for time to creating this blog. Keep up the awesome work. Looking to be come a dealer myself. I see we have three in N.Y. and maybe one more. Looking forward. Thanks again.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Thanks for your kind words, Ceaser. The Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program is helping millions of needy people across the country and we’re glad we can help.

  59. Marguerite Saxton says

    My name is Marguerite Saxton. I am inquiring on behalf of my 75 year old co worker who lost her land line service because she cannot afford it. She lives in Greenwood Lake, New York 10925. I am inquiring if she would be eligible for a free cell phone and service. I would very much like to speak to someone. I cannot fill out her application on line and would like to have more info before I get her hopes up. Is their a number, besides the automated one, I can call or can someone call me at 973728**** so I can get more info. I would greatly appreciate a reply. If this can work, will have her fill out the application or call. Thank you very much for your help. My e mail is mmsaxton300@******.com.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      This is very kind of you, Marguerite. Unfortunately, the only way to find out what’s available and if your friend is eligible, is to call the various service providers. You can find a list of the New York free government cell phone companies right here on this page. Click through them to find out which companies offer the plans you think fits your friend best.

  60. Jordan Dwyane Brown says

    My phone is being used by a person who took it from my pocket. His name and ofnormation will be known at my contact # at my mothers expense. 716 812 **** out of love.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      If your free government cell hone was stolen, you need to contact your provider and report it stolen. Immediately.

  61. Rogers Alexandre says

    I was in the Marines in Vietnam 1968. I was wounded,and now unemployable,due to my injuries from the military(100%) disable. Shapnel in my right elbow,mosly gone,hearing loss both ears,and PTSD. Please let me khow,if I;am allowed for this type of service. Rogers alexander USMC

  63. Carol McAnney says

    I work with a man that receives benefits through Medicaid.
    my question is, Does the Lifeline program have phones with large buttons and numbers?
    He is visually impaired and can not see most phone number pads

  65. Donna Goblinger says

    I’m trying to get a phone for my cousin that is in a nursing home…she is on medicaid…she did have one but it got lost because she has been inand out of the hospital…..she is now in a nursing home call ******** Nursing home ******* uniondale , ny 11553. Could you tell me how to help her she had no incomeonly medicaid from n.y……. thank you

  68. Dawn Dunham says

    I lost my safe link phone along with my house jeep and job I have another appointment at DSS Wednesday Can I get a replacement phone ?

    • marilyn moneypenny says

      Need access to goverment phone in area live in Mount Trenper near Woodstock NY and receive disability I an disabled which phone works for me in my are Please and Thank you

  69. Camille Caggiano says

    My case manager filled out two forms for me and sent them…the first form a piece of info was left out…when she realized this she sent out a new form with all the correct info…we have had no word from the cell phone people, as of yet, and it’s been months…In Offices of Mental Health and Wellness my peers had no trouble getting their phones. I am elderly, disabled, receive DSS, SSI, Food Stamps, for more than 20 years now, also under Medicaid/Medicare coverage…Am waiting for Section 8 housing. Did I leave some information out? Why the delay? Can someone email me with info about what I need to do to get the free cell phone and minutes,? Years ago I had a cellphone but I could not afford it…I need the cell phone so I can have less payment at end of the month…as I am very cash poor since the eviction harrassements, abuses, property damage and financial terrorism, as poa brother would not pay the bills he was supposed to pay and who committed thousands of credit card fraud on my accounts. They were paid down to zero before and for twenty years or more my credit score has been exceptional. I wish to keep my credit card score as good as it was, because for Section 8 they want to see high scores…very concerned all the time about cash and sometimes need an extra month of DSS before I can buy essential items.

  72. Tommie Conyers says

    I am interested in the free cell phone. I receive snap and section 8. My birthday is May 1, 1938. I only receive social security retirement in the amount of $1296 monthly

  73. lena adams says

    if i have lifeline services on my landline home phone am i also eligible to get a free phone?

  74. tami says

    My 88 yr. old neighbor has a free phone. She carries it with her for emergencies. Will she lose her phone if she doesn’t use it?

  75. Kelly says

    Hi,

    Last September I was working full time in CA and switched from Sprint to ATT because with Sprint I had no service in my classroom. Little did I know, this year I would end up back home in NY, needing Medicaid, and on Social Security Disability. So I’m trying to get an access wireless phone/plan, but as of now if I terminate my ATT account I’ll be hit with a $350 bill. So my question is, does Medicaid or the state cover the Early Termination Fee? Because otherwise I’m stuck here paying $85 a month for service that I could get for almost free through access, and I really can’t afford ATT at this point since I had to go over 6 months with no income whatsoever. Please help asap, thanks in advance!

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      “does Medicaid or the state cover the Early Termination Fee?”

      Not that we know of.

  77. Pam says

    I have free health insurance through the exchange in New York State. I meet the minimum guidelines but the insurance is not called Medicaid it is called Fidelis which is a managed Medicaid company. Does this qualify me for a phone?

  78. Les says

    Why every time i use my gov phone we get chared for mins before the call is answered also when call D.H.S by the time the answer the call u loose ur 250free min this is a bunch of bull

  80. Charles Morrison says

    i have no income ….i receive Fidelis Care and Medicaid ..I need phone to call Dr. ….appointments How do i apply for one

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      You read the page above and it and choose one of the providers.

  82. Sharon Kahn says

    I just closed my mother’s account with Safelink. The account service there is awful (for example, different answers to a simple yes/no question from different reps, rudeness, long holds, being disconnect… just to start). I don’t even want to deal with them for free.

    My elderly mother received a small Samsung tracfone which she was unable to use because the numbers are too small, as are the function buttons. It has never been used. Do I have to return the phone? She has accumulated a fair number of Lifeline minutes — can those be tranferred to another user?

    Thank you for your help.

  83. mark park says

    if i receive no governmental assistence from the aforementioned programs, will i need to submit my federal tax info, or my new york state tax filing ????
    thank you

  84. Kathy Fox says

    If you are eligible to receive the Lifeline discount on the monthly land line (home) phone, are you also eligible for the free government cell phone too?

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      As long as no one else in the home is already has a Lifeline phone, you’re okay.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      I would write it all out here for you, but we’ve already written it up, so you can learn how by just reading the article above.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      If you are in NY, read this page. If another state, click the “States” link up in the header.

  88. Valerie Black says

    I lost my free government cell phone and want to know how I would go about shutting it off and receiving another one. The number is 585-773-**** and I live in Rochester, New York, Monroe County.

  89. ante milin says

    I am a 76 years old man, very sick person, I really need a cell phone, but I can not afford it.

  90. Christine says

    Hi my mom is in a nursing home, I am her health care proxy, and live in Florida and she lives in New York How do I get her one as she can not reach me in an emergency .she is on Medicaid and Medicare,

    Thank you

  91. jerry snell says

    hi i am submitting this request on behalf of my very low income neighbor timothy bessete he is on a fixed income and could really benefit from a cellphone,he does not have an e-mail address so i am using mine for him,how does he apply for this nfree phone service?thank you so much 315-854-****.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      What you need to do is pick one of the phone providers listed on this page and then complete the online application, or do it over the phone with them.

  94. george gennett says

    I’m a terminal ill person on ssi and Medicaid. my daughter is my health proxy and I have no way to contact her in a emergency. please help me if you can. thank you.

  95. Diana says

    My mother recently applied for one of these cell phones. She is 78 years old. The phone was delivered by mail but she was not home. This was on sat 9/27/14. On monday 9/29/14 she went to P.O. With her postal receipt to retrieve the cell phone. They can not find the package. Can she have another cell phone sent to her. Can that cell phone be tracked by the phone company.

  96. MD. Ahmed says

    My roommate has a life line phone with assurance. Is that possible that I get one of those?I have Medicaid with Affinity.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You cannot get one, from any vendor, if you roommate used your shared address on her application. Only one per household.

  97. shirley says

    i have recertify for the phone and they are telling me all the information i gave them is wrong…. if it is wrong they put it in wrong they need to get someone that knows what they are doing or send the people a phone it’s getting to be a bunch of bullshit just to get the phone updated because you move to a new address i sent everything in even on paper just a few weeks ago

  98. Helen Danana says

    If you have a Safelink phone but are not happy with it – can you get a Lifeline phone instead?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You have to first get your phone deal with Safelink canceled. Although I would not turst that the national records will be updated in a timely fashion, or at all. But if you wait until the end of your 12 months of your Safelink phone contract, if you don’t recertify then you should be able to go to a new vendor then.

  99. Joan Heusel says

    I’m an 81 year old women who had a free assurance cell phone several years ago. I lost it pretty quickly. My daughter is interested in a free home phone in case of emergency. If this is not possible, am I entitled to another cell phone with unlimited calling for a reasonable price. Thankyou for your help.
    Respectfully,
    Joan Heusel

  100. JOHN CUNNINGHAM says

    I filled in forms outside the office which gave me my foodstamps card several months ago, and never received my phone. I gave my home address, e-mail and SS number. It worries me.
    John

      • malena says

        hello, i was approached by a vendor on the way coming home from a bank. he ask did i receive snap or medicaid and said i could receive a free phone. i told him i was not interested. is this legal or is this a scam. he told me he was from verizon wireless. i am sure verizon does not do this especially by someone walking down the street. thank you

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          The program is real and you qualify if you receive SNAP benefits (or benefits from many other government programs). We, like you, are leery of sidewalk vendors who claim they work for a company involved in the program. You can find a complete list of free government cell phone service providers in our “Providers” link at the top of this page. Or you can find a shorter list of providers in your state by clicking on “States”, also found in the navigation bar at the top of the page. Good luck. It’s a great program and we hope you can benefit from it.