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Lifeline phone service provides free cell phones to America's financially disadvantaged

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Lifeline Free Phone Providers in North Carolina

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 HouseholdAnnual 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:

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.

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Before you post your comment...

  1. If you are going to ask "how do I get a cell phone?" go here instead.
  2. If you are going to ask "how do I get a replacement phone," go here instead
  3. We are not your cell phone company. All technical questions should be asked of your vendor.
  4. Your comments are moderated, and we will manually approve those worth publishing within 24 hours.

Comments

    • We do not include T-Mobile in our free government cell phone listings because their phones are discounted, but NOT free.

      Reply

        • 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.

          Reply

  2. 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

    Reply

  3. 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!

    Reply

    • 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?

      Reply

    • 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

      Reply

  5. 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?

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  7. I receive Veterans’s disability check monthly do I qualify I need a phone so I can make appts to the va.

    Reply

      • 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

        Reply

        • 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.

          Reply

  10. 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….

    Reply

    • Yes, many of the companies have what are called BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plans.

      Reply

  14. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  15. 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.

    Reply

    • 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?

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  17. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  20. 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?

    Reply

  21. I have Older college students who need transportation to school or bus passes. But have little to no income.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  22. 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?

    Reply

  23. 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

    Reply

  24. 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?

    Reply

  25. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  27. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  28. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  31. 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 .

    Reply

  32. 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

    Reply

  33. 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

    Reply

  36. 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…

    Reply

  37. 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

    Reply

  38. 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

    Reply

    • You are on the right page. Contact the providers listed on this page and see which ones provide service in your area.

      Reply

  39. 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

    Reply

    • It’s all on the page above. Please, everyone, please read the pages you are one before posting comments.

      Reply

  40. 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

    Reply

  41. 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.

    Reply

  45. 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.

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  46. 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

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

  47. 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?

    Reply

  48. 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

    Reply

  50. 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

    Reply

  51. 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

    Reply

  54. The people I am helping wish to use TEMPO WIRELESS as their Lifeline company. Why isn’t that company on the North Carolina list?

    Reply

    • 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!

      Reply

  55. 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

    Reply

    • Give one of the providers in the list of companies above a call, or use their website to apply.

      Reply