The University of North Carolina student newspaper recently said, “Right now, Republicans and Democrats can both agree that economic problems in North Carolina are gushing. The worst recession since the Great Depression has caused North Carolina to make drastic spending cuts, but the budget is still far from balanced.”
The Tar Heel State’s unemployment rate dropped to a stunning 9.5%, but has since recovered. But still, a large number of people still need help as they are underemployed or even unemployed.
If you live in the state of North Carolina, you have some choices for getting a free government cell phone and service.
Free Cell Phone Providers in North Carolina:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in North Carolina. 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 North Carolina
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 North Carolina:
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in North Carolina:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in North Carolina:
- 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 North Carolina, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The chart below shows the income levels, calculated at the 135% rate for you:
| Income Based Eligibility for North Carolina | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 North Carolina:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Pat Fowler says
Where can i find out where the reps in the tents set up in North Carolina to see if i qualify for a free phone. Ibe attempted onmine several times and never hear anything back or receive any information on what the status of my application process i am in. My daughter ran into a rep in the tent and got to apply nd her phone within an hour and she also had been doing the online waiting game lime me. So where can i find out when and where there will be another tent rep available in my area? Even if it is just a simple link quide me in the right direction so that i can find out if i qualify and can actually talk to someone. Im old and not tech savvy so it would be greatly appreciated. God Bless
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scenes of so much fraud and abuse. Please do yourself a favor and enroll by phone or online.
John P Young says
I lost my free phone a year ago how can l get another?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your service was undoubtedly cancelled long ago, John. You should be able to enroll with any company offering free government cell phone plans in your state. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
mick says
tmobile CS on twitter said they dont offer lifeline in NC anymore
https://www.t-mobile.com/offers/lifeline-program
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do not include T-Mobile in our free government cell phone listings because their phones are discounted, but NOT free.
mick says
what discount?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The government compensates the various Lifeline companies at the rate of $9.25 per month per customer. The free government cell phone companies use that $9.25 as their total compensation, so the phones end up being free to the customers. Companies like T-Mobile merely reduce their normal bills by $9.25 per month per customer, so their phones and service are not free, just discounted.
Roxanna Scruggs says
What if I had service from one company and now lifeline cannot allow service from a different providor. Although, it is longer than 30 days of no activity on the phone. Lifeline says my account is won’t allow anything until I get them to close their account with you. I tried 2 times already by calling, request to take my name off their list cause I want to transfer. I checkes after I received a notice of renewal, to see that the same company had me on their account, even tho I have no phone and used any data.
Lifeline says they cannot do anything on their end and to cancel through the providor.
But what if a provider won’t transfer my services? Since September I have no phone and the company is getting paid still. I have two kids and their school needs to call or I get lost to appointments and can’t find my way?
Who do I report to or what do I do? If no change has been made?
I
Free Government Cell Phones says
Time for you to get seriously pissed off, Roxanna. Here’s an article that tells you how to start filing formal complaints:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Amanda Stidham says
Please help me I’m on SSI and I can’t figure out how to get a free phone I tried every thing I’m in gastonia nc. please help me I can’t apply I have tried everything!
Free Government Cell Phones says
First, we took the liberty of removing all your personal information. You should never leave that kind of info online, because it just plain invites bad people to commit identity fraud.
We cannot answer your question without more info, Amanda. Can you tell us what the problem is? Why do they say you are you being rejected?
Angela says
I am 100% disabled with cancer am I able to get a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your health, Angela. Unfortunately, your disability alone will not make you eligible for a free government cell phone. Eligibility is determined solely by income and/or participation in a number of government aid programs. Here’s an article that will show you all the ways can qualify. Hope one of them applies to you:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Phillip Deal says
My Sister-In-Law qualifies based on 1 Member in household Income. But she has two adult children living with her who have their own incomes. How does their income affect her ability to qualify on Income?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. Eligibility is determined by the combined total of all the household’s income.
Philamina Lozado-Lowe says
How do I apply for lifeline. According to my income I do quality
Free Government Cell Phones says
All you need to do is contact any of the companies listed on this page, Phil. We urge you to check them all out carefully to find the plan that fits your needs best. Just click on each of the names to see the details of that company’s plans. Find the one you want, then use the contact info we provide to enroll.
Clinton Eugene Taylor jr. says
I receive Veterans’s disability check monthly do I qualify I need a phone so I can make appts to the va.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You don’t qualify because of the vet’s benefits, Clinton, but you may qualify based on your income level. Check out all the qualifying programs at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Clinton Eugene Taylor jr. says
What if I receive social security disability I am 52 years old sept 19 1965 birhtday
Clinton Eugene Taylor jr. says
I have Medicare A&B plus social security disability does this qualify me
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the ways to qualify can be found here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can check out all the ways to qualify for a free government cell phone at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Myrna says
Necesito un teléfono gratis por favor.
Free Government Cell Phones says
¿Calificas, Myrna?
laneisha says
i need a free phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you need to apply for a free phone, Laneisha.
carl a meola says
im 80 years old, my income is 11,050.00 per year, food stamps 15.00, medicaid, live in mocksville N.C. my name is CARL A MEOLA
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is an independent informational website, Carl. YOu cannot enroll by leaving a comment here. You must contact one of the companies listed in the article above.
Donna Jackson says
I was getting a free cell phone that I was very grateful for but, I called Safelink and told them I lost an eye in 2000 and have tunnel vision in my other eye. I could not see the screen or even dial out because the keys were so small I was dialing wrong numbers all the time. I called them and explained my situation and they resent me the EXACT phone to me again. I am going to now get another phone cause I need one for Dr. appointments but, I need help with this problem badly. My brother lets me use his computer and when I can get his cell phone I use it. HELP….
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each company has very specific policies for vision/hearing/speech-impaired customers, Donna. It sounds as if you reach a customer service agent who didn’t know what he/she was doing. Call in again and ask to speak to a supervisor and explain your issue. Here’s an article that will tell you more about each company’s policies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
Hannah White says
I need a phone for me school work cause I don’t have internet at home. Also I don’t have a phone to use.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you qualify, Hannah? Here’s an article that will tell you all the ways you can qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Janice wheeler says
Husband has cell phone but it will not charge up any more need a replacement phone. thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read this article, Janice:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Nicole says
Is there any providers that provide services instead of the cell phone if you already have a phone
?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, many of the companies have what are called BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plans.
LAURA BYERS says
I currently have a cell phone thru safelink. what I wanted to see is if I can change over to an iphone. someone told me you also offer iPhones. i get lost pretty easily and with a iPhone i could google addresses and use the GPS to find my locations. please send me an email or call 336 973 ****. my email is *******@gmail.com- my name is Laura byers. thank you very much.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t offer iPhones because we’re not a free government cell phone company, Laura. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact Safelink customer service directly.
Mary Dukes says
My total benefits for 2016 from social security were 21,994.80. After medicare was taken out, I received 20,736. Do I qualify for a free phone. There are two members in my household. My daughter is unable to work. She has no insurance. I support her with my social security. I have a very hard time.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It looks as if your income is just a few dollars too high to qualify, Mary. But you should contact customer service at one of the free government cell phone companies just to confirm. Do you qualify based on participation in any of the government assistance programs listed above?
Sharon Drake says
I just applied with safe link for a cell phone , what is the wait time for a response ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s our standard answer to that question: Most companies say delivery will take about two weeks. Our readers often say it takes three or four weeks. One poor devil said delivery took six full months. However, you can also go to Safelink’s website, click on “Account” and then click on “Check Enrollment Status” to find out more info.
Joyce Shelton says
I know for sure that I will qualify as I was approved for Energy assistance due to such low income. I have not applied for food stamps but do qualify. I am 100% disabled. I do no seem to understand how to go about getting this phone and getting it set up. My mind don’t work as well as it used to. Thanks to anyone that can help me. God Bless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you do not have a friend or relative who can help you, Joyce, try contacting your energy assistance people. If they can’t help you, we’re confident that they can refer you to some local organization that can. Good luck.
james ross says
i want to switch from safelink to another carrerer can u help me please im tired of them
Free Government Cell Phones says
Switching is a relatively easy process. Here’s an article that tells you how:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/how-to-i-switch-lifeline-phone-companies
robert webb says
how do I show proof of income I’m unemployed
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you receive unemployment compensation, Robert?
Dale Lowe says
My mother is 88 years old and only draws her social security. She lives with my sister who is widowed. Would my mom quality for a free government phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It depends, Dale. She may qualify, but not if her social security payment and your sister’s income exceed the federal poverty guidelines. Take a look at this article that explains all the qualification criteria in greater detail:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Jay Barnes says
I have Older college students who need transportation to school or bus passes. But have little to no income.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’d love to help, Jay, but this is FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, not FreeGovernmentSchoolBusses.net. We know damn near everything about the Lifeline Assistance program, but absolutely nothing about school busses.
Amber says
I have a safe link government phone but it’s just so small and I never have a signal. Can I get an upgrade to a smart phone through them or if I have to another company?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t mention who your service provider is, Amber, but most companies now offer smartphones (some upon enrollment, others only as upgrades for a relatively small fee). Here’s an article that tells you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Carolyn C Roper says
NtI have an Advanced Lunge disease that causes clubbing of my fingers which prevent me from using a small fone and my fingers will Not allow me to even text because my fingers are too wide to Hit the right letters and want to know if i cud get a free goverment larger smartphone to accomodate my disability. I live in Mebane n.c. and my zip Code 2702
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies offer smartphone upgrades and some even offer smartphones without upgrading, Carolyn. Here’s a link to an article that tells you all about the companies and their smartphone programs:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Thomas pope says
Im 34yrs old and have been disabled since 2004. I have heart disease and was just diagnosed with cancer. I desperately need a phone but i dont get a stub on my disability check to make copies of. I only get $1,313 a month so i know i qualify but it seems impossible to get a phone because there isn’t any options for people on disability. Any solutions?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It appears that you qualify based on income, Thomas. Check out our “Do You Qualify?” page to confirm. Here’s a link to that page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Dora Davis says
I need youre help. I get ssi, and have no taxable income, sge 63 y.l. need a mobile phone, but need yo know ifyhere is a smartphone available to me for free. My child isin
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here you go, Dora. Here’s an earlier article we ran that tells which companies offer smartphones.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
You should also click on the “States” link at the top of this page to get a complete list of free government cell phone companies in North Carolina. Check them all out to find the company and plan that’s best for you.
Lisa Hernandez says
Where are they giving out phones in Moore county today?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible to answer that question, Lisa. Most companies do not publish the whereabouts of application and distribution spots. In addition, many of the vendors are independent agents, so even the companies do not know where they will be.
debby moon says
tried to get in touch with Assurance but to no avail in order to get a free phone in North Carolina 28734 but never could find an application, website, or any other information about this company’s program for disabled, low-income, state assistance recipient on Soc Sec and foodstamps
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you cannot contact Assurance, try some of the other Lifeline Assistance service providers in your state. Go to our “States” page (found in the navigation bar at the top of the page right under our logo. Click on your state to find a complete list of providers. You will, we hope, be able to contact another company that will be more responsive to your needs.
clementine margaret daye says
clementine margaret daye has passed away on feb 08 2016 at chapel hill hospital please disconnet her service this is her daughter in portland me her telephone number is 919345**** and new phone 91983***** thank you cynthia fennie
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our sincerest condolences, Cynthia. But please be aware that although we are the nation’s leading experts on free government cell phones, we are not a cell phone company. You must contact your mom’s service provider directly to disconnect her service.
teresa says
Wen will they be giving out free flat screen phones in Greenville ,NC 27834
Edith Bailey says
Hope can I get a free phone
Petra says
I was student third year of college in Cape fear college,in Wilmington NC.I was pedestrian I was hit with the car of a man who text and drove nearly killed me,Six months I was bleeding and I fell over 56 times this man ruined my life for ever,I lost everything in my life health school I have no more future just the bills from hospital .every time the emergency priced me and they charge over $ 2000 just for transportation ,Every time I passed out and I said when that happens to me I do not want any emergency service any more, longer anywhere,but in the bureaucracy is important only money..Today after two years and more from the accident I am no body anymore I working like cashier in dollar general and in food lions par time from both of this place for TWO WEEKS I HAVE BETWEEN $ 180 -200 ??? My rent for trailer is 380 $ a month,I do not want talk nothing anymore I hope you understand my life,I was dreaming about good life but this man hi is like killer and no body care about this what happen to me.I have Internet but I must cancel because my father is under disability and hi help me little from his $ 730 a month,we must cancel the internet and home phone because we can not to paid any more ,even we are in problem and we was ready for disconnection of electric. Do I am qualified for some free or cheapest internet connection and home or cell phone?? Thanks in forward Petra .
Barbara Harper says
Would like to apply for a free phone I receive Food Stamps and receive Social Security below the amount for one person and have all the documents required
cindy green says
im on disability I draw 1.071 dollars a month by the time I pay everything don’t have anything left im on ebt an medicaid
Beverly says
I cant get on to sign up it keep saying contins to big for memory
Gerald L Jackson says
where can i walk in and sign up for the new goverment phone in charlotte NC
Barbara says
Where in North Carolina a venders will be set up? I was told Ayden, N.C. and a venders there….they were gone when I arrived…
Jimmy Rich says
I am inquiring about my mother and receiving a free cell phone. My mother is on SSI and disability. She only receives $1,030 a month total and after her bills she has no extra for a emergency cell phone. The home phone land line is paid by me her son. Can you please advise what steps need to be taken to enroll for a phone?
Ty
Jimmy Rich
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You would read this page and then contact one of the providers listed.
Genevieve lantzer says
i need lifeline services. I am 76 years old and live alone. I also need a free cell phone.
Please call me at XXX-XXX-9234
Thank you
Genevieve
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are on the right page. Contact the providers listed on this page and see which ones provide service in your area.
theresa willey says
Hi I am checking on seeing if ican get a free cell phone..I get Medicaid and medicare,And see what I have to do to get one..Thanks
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
It’s all on the page above. Please, everyone, please read the pages you are one before posting comments.
dung vu says
i had phone provided Entouch wireless free in califonia is 1100min/100mb data just used over 01 month in progarm suddenly is bockno active ! i just call but no answer(follow intruction) please help. thank
Walter Walker says
my wife is disabled and I need to call and check in on her it is very important that she she be able to know I am near.
Deborah Lineberry says
I am on Food Stamps. So do I qualify for a phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
That’s what the article above says, right? So yes.
Rose Robinson says
I get food stamps and would like a free phone my address is **** Southbend Ct Leland, NC 28451
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You need to contact one of the provider companies, not us.
Alexis Radford says
I would like a government phone I live in tarboro, nc
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Contact the companies listed in your state, above.
sabrina lockamy says
i want a government pone i live in Raleigh , nc
Elsie says
I have POA for a friend who is mentally, physically and emotionally challenged. We got him a phone from Assurance Wireless last year but in March of this year, they cancelled his phone without notice. Since then I have talked w/ the folks @ Assurance Wireless numerous times and was told a different tale each time. Someone in the government must oversee the ‘free’ phones and the companies that provide them and their sorry service. How and who do I need to contact in the US Government to file a major complaint? As a tax paying citizen, I am appalled at the lack of service and the lies I have been told. My tax dollars are paying the salaries of these idiots and I want to let it be known I am not happy.
Thank you.
Non Published says
You have two options; and frankly, I suggest that you do BOTH…
OPTION 1: File a written complaint with the Consumer Affairs office of the state’s Attorney General (presumably, in your case, that would be North Carolina). A simple letter detailing your telephone conversations with the company; including copies of any bills/letters/etc, will suffice.
OPTION 2: File a written complaint with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Again, as above, a simple letter detailing your telephone conversations with the company; including copies of any bills/letters/etc, will suffice.
AND THEN !!!…. send copies of your complaints to the offending company with a cover letter stating you are still willing to give them an opportunity to resolve your complaints.
======================
As an aside… you can (waste your time) filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). But, in my opinion, you will be simply wasting your time. Why? Because the BBB gets paid by, not you and me, but by the business(es) we complain about. So, when it’s all said and done, for whom does the BBB work? — Just follow the money.
Susan Ange says
I am a present user of assurance wireless. My daughter Ashley Taylor was a previous customer. For unknown reasons on halls end her service was discontinued. She has special needs and does qualify for this service. She has on multiple occasions sent in all required information as required and requested by your company. Now unless someone can’t read and persistently denies her date of birth as it is on her birth certificate and which she mailed a copy of. Someone for your company may have falsely requested those items as to assume her idenity. Also there is no reason on God’s green earth why your staff continue to send her denial letters that her DOB is inaccurate or that her SS# and dob don’t match….She has sent your people a copy of birth certificate, NC ID card, and also a copy of her SS card along with the letter from social services stating her only income which is $194.00 a month Snap aka ebt aka food stamps…Now I expect she be sent a phone as she meets all eligibility requirements and there is no one else living at the address with a assurance wireless or safe link account. In the meantime I will be investigating any potential illegal immigrants or criminals whom may have stolen her identity!!! You may contact me at the email provided and I will give you once again her physical mailing address dob and SS#…. If need be I can and will have our local news station investigate this serious matter.. I am appalled and believe she my daughter is being discriminated against!!! The last phone number provided to her before y’all decided to abruptly turn off her service without explanation or reason was 252-767-6846
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We’re sorry to hear about the problems your daughter is having. But we are not the cell phone company, just a website that tells you about the programs available. The problem lies with whichever company you are dealing with.
Chris Butler says
I lost my job 14 months ago and have not found another one yet, unemployment benefits expired, so no income, I am the only one living in my household. Where can I get a free cell phone with no monthly bill?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Start by looking up vendors in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lisa says
My Mother in Law needs a cell phone. She is the only one in the house but has an income of $1660 per month. This is from Social Security. The table is confusing because if you base it off of monthly income, she makes too much; however, it says if you receive any types of government benefits, you can qualify. Could you please verify?
Thanks
Debra l Henderson says
My mom had one in the house so she has passed away so I need one I get food stamps and ssi
Kimberly Koerber-Bauer-Koerber says
Hello.
My cell phone was stolen. Now I am supposed to hear a sex offender talk about ‘masturbating’ online and this is supposed to be me hearing voices because I am mentally ill. I need a replacement cellphone. My phone number is 336-458-****. Thanks very much.
Regards,
Kimberly ******-******-*****
*************@gmail.com
KT Pierce says
I am trying to help a disabled friend of mine who lives way too far out in the boonies to have internet access. Is there a form that I can send to her that she can fill out and mail in? And are these smart phones? She needs to have some way of accessing the internet. Thank you so much for any help/advice you might be able to give!!
~ KT
marcus hood says
I dropped my phone and it doesnt work anymore. need another one sent to me!
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Contact your company and ask them for a new one.
Vera Logan says
I want to talk to someone about getting a phone. I know that I do qualify.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Vera, all you have to do is contact the vendors listed on this page.
Sarah Hearn-vonFoerster, CFP says
The people I am helping wish to use TEMPO WIRELESS as their Lifeline company. Why isn’t that company on the North Carolina list?
Free Government Cell Phones says
They are not listed for North Carolina, because they don’t do business in North Carolina. From their website:
Lifeline wireless plans are now available in the states of Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming!
Dian Freeman says
I got my phone a week ago today through a vendor ,i have been approved ,i have a phone and a phone number but no one will activate the thing ,,i want to know why ,i have the book the charger everything,,i need my phone connected ive called customer service three times ,still nothing and i am on food stamps ,so why is it not working ,,,FUSTRATED
terry says
i can not seem to find a carrier that covers my area in north carolina 28635 i am on foodstamps
F. Delano Brown says
I receive food stamps, Medicaid,& I’m also under the poverty level listed for an individual.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Bingo. You get a free cell phone. Call one of the providers above.
greg lane says
like to apply for a free phone my income falls in the category of 1 person.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Give one of the providers in the list of companies above a call, or use their website to apply.