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.
Free Cell Phone Providers in New York:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones 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:
Free or Discounted Lifeline Mobile Phone Eligibility 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 | $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 New York:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.ar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Susan Fournier says
Can you have your number change on these phone you get free from new York state.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, you can, Susan. Call customer service and make that request.
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.
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
donna says
and I do get ssi and ssd
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you more about each of the leading Lifeline companies’ policies on hearing/speech/vision-impaired customers:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
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.
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.
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!
Free Government Cell Phones says
It doesn’t distress us, but it does amaze us.
justin says
I love this
Free Government Cell Phones says
And it loves you back.
Adrienne says
I lost my phone I need you guys please send me an other one thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, you don’t really need “us” to send you a free phone because we are only a website, a website that’s not affiliated with any of the Lifeline assistance companies. But putting that aside, here’s an article that tells you what to do if your phone is lost or stolen.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Frances Mccabe says
great information
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.
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
Free Government Cell Phones says
Safelink only offers smartphones in California.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Md M Rahman says
As a senior citizen i want to get a free cell phone.
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
Tega says
I am trying to get a new phone for my self
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
geoffrey myers 2nd says
what if i have no job right now can i get a free cell phione si can find a job
Doolarie NARINE says
Would like to get the free phone I’m widow on ssi,death benefit
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
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.
Rodney says
I need a cell phone I’m on ssi
Jaime Powers says
I am on Medicaid and get food stamps
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
mmo says
Hello, what state do you live in ?
lena adams says
if i have lifeline services on my landline home phone am i also eligible to get a free phone?
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?
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.
Yolanda Luzzi says
how do I get a cell phone?”
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?
ashley says
yes I have fidelis, and was qualified ! good luck
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
mohammad taher says
I need a free government phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Don’t we all.
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.
debora swearinger says
i want it for free phone and save money ….
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
It is free so you will save money….
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.
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
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
Same eligibility, but you can only have one.
Gloria Delabarto says
I live with my daughter’s family , how does that affect my eligibility?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
As long as no one else in the home is already has a Lifeline phone, you’re okay.
Louis Caldarera says
How do I apply for a free phone? I am in the SNAP program.
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.
Tozamel Hoque says
How can I sign up for free government cell phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
If you are in NY, read this page. If another state, click the “States” link up in the header.
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.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You need to contact the company you got the phone from.
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.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Pick a company from the list above and apply to them.
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
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.
Youssef Saouli says
I Had phone but i lost it i would like another one please
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You’ll need to contact your cell phone provider to request a new one.
Thomas Pagillo says
Need application for free Obama Cell phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
All the companies that provide the cell phones to New York are listed on this page. Just contact one of them.
shasitie says
I would like a free assurance phone. Don’t have one, but can really use one. I would really appreciate it.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers/assurance-wireless
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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
Free Government Cell Phones says
We recommend not applying for phones with street vendors.
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.