Tennessee has a lot to be grateful for, because it’s weathering the national economic problems better than most states.
That being said, many of the Volunteer State’s cities and rural areas are suffering through double-digit unemployment. Too many Tennesseans need jobs and can’t find them and many others have jobs that don’t pay enough to cover the monthly bills.
The good news? Four of the major Lifeline phone service companies are in Tennessee, so you can get a free government cell phone from any of them. Check them all and compare. The individual phones may differ, but the plans and free minutes will be the same.
Lifeline Discount Companies in Tennesee
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 Tennessee:
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Tennessee:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Tennessee:
- 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 Tennessee, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. We’ve done the calculations; please see chart below:
| Income Based Eligibility for Tennessee | ||
|---|---|---|
| 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 Tennessee:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Stephen Christison says
I am a member of a charitable group and will really be happy for most of those we serve if indeed this program does not involve an outrageous amount of red-tape and other detractions for getting into use. Keeping my fingers crossed..
Liz says
I recently moved from California I had life wireless how do I change to a Tennessee plan.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Life Wireless does not offer plans in Tennessee, so you will need to switch to a different service provider. They are all listed on this page, so check them all out to find the plan that fits your needs best. Then read the following article that tells you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Bonnie says
I have had safelink wireless and broke my phone. Now I have got a new phone but don’t remember my cell number and they want it to report it broken. How can I get a sins card for my phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call customer service, Bonnie.
Jen says
I signed upfor assurance. Got my phone a month ago. I’ve been trying to get it to connect ever since. Finally got someone on tech support. He says they don’t cover my area. Now what do I do? Why would they send a phone to an area that they don’t cover?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Now you switch to another Lifeline company ASAP. But make sure you check to make sure any new company offers service in your area. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
And here’s where you can find all the companies and plans offered in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Montel says
To add airtime what is the 3 digit number. I’m in chattanooga TN.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have no idea what company you are with nor what kind of plan you are on, Montel. This is an independent informational website, NOT your free government cell phone service provider.
Shelly says
I have assurance wireless and have been with them for years but when my replacement phone got broke I paid for a new one through the company when I got the phone it was junk it won’t hold charge and I get no service with it it’s just junk I was told I’d get one back like the one that got broke but I didn’t and they won’t replace it with a different one so I told them to send me my money back and end my service with them my question is can i go through safelink or do I have to wait before I can go through them
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are allowed to switch to a new provider.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Lavonda says
My phone is brocking
Free Government Cell Phones says
Nothing worse than a brocking phone.
Jay says
Can a person who already has a cell phone through safelink wireless also apply for lifeline broadband from Centurylink?
From what I have read a person can receive broadband assistance and cell phone service at the same time because the federal government would subsidize the broadband and the state of TN would cover the cell service.
I really want to help an elderly neighbor who can’t afford internet, but before I process their application I want to make sure that we are not committing fraud, lol.
Thank You
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, many customers are enrolled in both programs. They are completely unrelated, so participation in one does not make you ineligible for the other.
Bev says
I am with an agency and would like for a provider(s) to setup up a table at an event. Can you provide me with local contacts?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Bev, but we do not have local contact info for every community in all 50 states. You’ll need to contact each of the Lifeline companies directly for that sort of info.
Michelle says
My mom has a government phone and is out of minutes. How do I add minutes for her.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Visit her service provider’s website, Michelle. You don’t say which company she is enrolled with, but most of them have a function on their sites that allow customers to buy more minutes. Another option can be found in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/buy-airtime-for-lifeline-phones-through-ready-wireless-new-airfair
lori harville says
how do I get a free cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You enroll with one of the companies listed on this page, Lori.
kevin Payne says
Its July 20th where will you be set up today?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read our answers to many, many comments below to find out why we urge you not to enroll with a street vendor, Kevin.
Brenda says
Where will you be set up at in Cleveland TN agin
Free Government Cell Phones says
“We” will never be set up in Cleveland, Tennesse, Brenda, because this is an independent informational website, NOT a free government cell phone company. But that’s beside the point. We urge you not to enroll with a street vendor because those street tents have been the scene of too much fraud and abuse. You’re much safer enrolling online or by phone from the comfort of your own home. It will take a little longer to get your cell phone, but the wait is worthwhile in terms of safety.
Delma Gaither says
I gave already applied and sent proof of income. Have not received a phone or reply yet. I.D. #3277****. Please advise status of order. Thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
You didn’t give “us” anything, Delma, because this is an independent website NOT a free government cell phone company. Check your service provider’s website, because many of them offer a “What’s My Status” (or something similar) function.
Kelly barrett says
I have concerns about the validity of my safelink phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
What does that mean, Kelly. Can you give us more information?
Delma Gaither says
I have applied but have not received a reply. Please furnish phone number so I can contact your company. Thank yoj.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find a listing of all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Just click on the company with which you enrolled and its contact info can be found in the article.
cjcorey says
I guess your article is about 3 yrs old. in TN my deaf son got a Total plan (only 2gb but doesn’t need it on the road uses his computer instead) so for unlimted text talk gps that he needs it’s $30….but you’re right if he had done the straight lifeline plan @ $29.95 it had a truckload of add ons….just like anything else ‘buyer beware’
Dan L says
What is your phone number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Whose phone number are you looking for, Dan? You can find contact info for any of the free government cell phone companies listed above simply by clicking on its name.
Lea huckabee says
I have been locked up for 6years an it keeps telling me I have a phone when I don’t I am on food stamps an i need a phone for doctors an a way for ssi to contact me can you please help me
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is a common problem that should be relatively simple to fix. Contact your chosen service provider, ask to speak to a supervisor, and ask that supervisor to help you clear up an error on the NLAD (National Lifeline Assistance Database).
Barbara shephard says
My neighbor who is elderly was trying to get a free government phone from safe link and they told her she had to buy one? She is on food stamps and can barely pay her bills. Why are they doing this?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The only way that answer makes sense to us is if she was already on the free government cell phone program and was looking for a replacement or upgrade phone.
Kristi thomas says
Hi my name is kristi thomas i am i need of a cell phone my number for right now where i can be reached is 424-***-****. I’m on disability have medicaid ins my income is 1036.00 a month. Could u please help me. Thank u
Free Government Cell Phones says
It sounds like you qualify. You posted on the Tennessee page, so if you live there you can click on any of the providers listed above, and apply to one of them. But I see your phone’s area code is 424, which is a Los Angeles area code. If you live in L.A., go to our California Lifeline providers page.
Note: We advise you not to post your phone number on public pages, and we’ve redacted yours in your comment.
River Keaton says
Can I keep my same phone and number
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes. You just need to tell your customer service agent that “I want to port over my current phone number.”
Joe says
Where do we go to complain about the cell phone Lifeline providers that ignore problems, will not perform proper and verified warranty repairs, ignore/deflect valid and proven “emergency need for defective cell phone” and instead demand that existing qualified users purchase cell phones instead?
Do we complain to “somewhere” in Tennessee our our current state, or is there a federal Lifeline source we can hopefully voice call or visit a website?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are specific organizations with which you should register your complaints, Joe. They include the Federal Communications Commission, the USAC, and your state public utility commission. Readers have also told us that they got immediate action after complaining to their local Better Business Bureau.
Before you register your complaints, you should try calling one more time. Ask for a supervisor and tell that supervisor that you intend to register complaints with all those organizations. See if that spurs any action. But read this article first, so you can sound informed and knowledgable before that conversation.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
Good luck. Please come back here to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and let us (and our readers) know what happened.
Jeff says
How can I get a list of dates and locations in my area when they will be setup? I live in kingsoport tn but anywhere in the tricities will work.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What you’re asking for is impossible, Jeff. And that’s a good thing. It’s impossible because virtually all the Lifeline Assistance companies hire other companies who hire people to work in those street booths and tents. Therefore, not even the Lifeline companies know where and when the tents and booths will be set up.
But there’s a larger issue, Jeff. Those tents and booths have been the source of too many cases of fraud and abuse. We recommend that you enroll online or by phone instead of risking your personal information at booths and tents.
Lilli . F. Cantu says
I would like to switch my life line wireless company and phone to the ones that offer the smart phone. I did tyres last yr. The person that was signing people up and giving them Sprint smart phone. Told me that I could not switch that I had to have the one I am with( service) be disconnect and then I had to wait 2 months without any service before I could sign up with that company.!!! This year a friend told me that they do switch them and that she did and recive her smart phone that same day ! Please help me out in how can I switch to another company and get a smart phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
First, Lilli, you do not need to go two months without service. The program rules say that you cannot change unless you have been with your current provider for two months. Maybe that’s where the confusion originates.
It’s relatively simple to switch service providers. Here are two articles you should read. The first one shows you how simple it is to switch:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
The second article tells you the smartphone upgrade policies of all the leading Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Donna says
My mom lives with one of six of us kids at any given time. She’s 83 yrs old and only has social security which is less than the income indicated on the income sheet. She has no other income. Would she qualify?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Based on your description, your mom may not be eligible based on income, because eligibility is based on total household income. That means you must add up all the incomes of everyone in the house to determine if she is eligible.
Does she participate in any government benefits programs? Here is a page that will show you all the ways she might be eligible:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Rodney Brown says
I have received a phone from safelink. The box has only been opened, the phone is still factory. I do care for how small it is for my eyes are not good. I would like to have an access phone instead which I had previously. How can I return this one and get the access line phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You may be able to upgrade to a larger phone, but Safelink will charge you a fee. Here’s an article that explains all the companies’ policies on smartphones and upgrades:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Lynne Letizio says
I hope I can ask a question here, I was wondering if I could get this Free Phone as a home phone. I am alone and have health issues. Thank you
Lynne
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good question, Lynne, but you’re not going to like the answer. The Lifeline program does cover landline home phones, but those phones are only discounted $9.25 off whatever your regular phone bill would be. That’s why this website is called FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net — because we cover only the FREE part of the program. Sorry to be the bearers of bad news.
Jessie humphrey says
Is there a place in jefferson city, tn that provides free government cell phones??
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Jessie, we are unable to track each company on a zip code-by-zip code basis. You’re on the right page, though, because it will show you a list of all the service providers in Tennessee.
Connor says
I’m on SSI I don’t even make the lowest amount shown.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That means you should qualify for a free government cell phone, Connor. Start by clicking through the various options available on this page to find the company and plan that’s best for you.
Connie McClure says
I make only $1287.00 a month
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out our “Do You Qualify?” Page (link at the top of this page). It looks like you qualify, but the program varies from state to state. Contact the companies in your state by clicking on “states”, also at the top of this page.
Nickalaus Guinn says
I have a broken coolpad avail. I have been unable to use it for months. I understand I can send old phone in for new or refurbished one. I’m in great need of my phone, and would like a reply ASAP! I live in Knoxville, TN. There are access tents all over but can get no help. PLEASE HElp me 865404**** is an alt.# ******@gmail.com is web address. Please help me
Mj says
I need to recover my deleted text s.. Very important!!!!!
Mary Parker says
My ebt phone is stuck in headphone mode which means I can’t make or recieve calls. This is my only way of communication. I need a replacement phone.
Madisyn says
How do I get a cell phone Samsung 6 edge even if I don’t have a cell phone number
Madisyn says
How do I get a cell phoneSamsung 6edgeeven of i don’t have a cell phone
Malik. says
I was trying to add more minutes for the first time since I got my phone. I could not locate the papers that came with my phone, but I read online to dial *2 to add more minutes. A recorded message prompted me to the selection for adding additional minutes. I selected the 300 minutes for $25.00 plus tax for a total of $28.47 billed to my debit card. After I did it I went to my account on my phone to check for the added minutes. A message came up that said the plan I paid for could not be used on the free cell phone I have which is a Kyocera basic phone. The message said the only way to use my 300 minutes would be to upgrade to a smart phone. I do not have the money to buy a smart phone now, and had a hard time paying $28.47 for extra minutes. The provider was Sprint. Please tell me what I can do to get minutes to my phone now.
CHEEWEE SEE says
We just move to Tennessee, and both have no job, but I have to two kids, can we apply for free government cell phone?
greg says
i filled out the application i recieved in the mail with proof i recieve food stamps as well as my disability paperwork stating what i recieve each month.I did this about 3weeks ago and have not heard any response or recieved my phone. The paperwork said i would recieve my phone within 7-10days if not less. I meet all the requirements so u should be eligible,is there something else i was supposed to do?
please help me if i did something wrong
Larry Bennett says
You see I have never had one before but now I really do need one so I can try and get work to make money so I am no longer living in the Cleveland Tn Shelter where I am living at now……
John Hardy says
It shows that Access Wireless is one of the services that I can use in Tennessee. I went through the phone interview but after it was done the lady said, sorry, Access Wireless does not provide phones in your area. Who does provide phones in my area? I live in Gainesboro Tennessee and my area code is — 38562. Thank you.
Cynthia Young says
I am on ssi and draw $721 a month
Carolyn Armstrong says
Have had Assurance before. Let recertification run out. I live by myself, receive Food stamps, on Medicade, and income of 860 per month.
im on Medicade and Foodstamps, My income is 860.00 per month and I live by myself.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Then no problem. You qualify. Just contact any of the companies in the list in our article above.
Eddie Tanksley says
My name is Eddie Tanksley I am unemployed for two months but I am looking for work I need a phone so I can take send phone calls from pottentials employers
Missy Hammond says
To who it concerns, I am a single mom with one son. I am unemployed. .But looking for a job.I need a phone so I can .receive callls from places.. I put application in.Also if my son calls sick whateve. It would be great to have a phone.
Mack Scott says
i receive SSI/Disability and need a government free phone, how do I apply and Quailify!
Larry Ragan says
I have two question 1. Is the service on what carrier ( the only cellphone that works here is ATT. NOT Verizon,T Mobile or Sprint )
2. Can I keep my old landline number if I accepted ?
CATHERINE RUSSELL says
I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR THE SERVICE I HAVE, THANK YOU ALL.
CATHERINE RUSSELL says
I recenntly got an email from safelink wireless stating that i can send and receive messages. I do not have the phone they describe. I cannot send messages from my currentphone. If i could, because i have copd this would really help me. Could you please email me more information on this heaven sent info.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the details are on our website. Click around on the phone providers you see on this page.
Robin Williams says
I’m looking to get my mother in law a free government phone as she is on a very limited income (13,524) yearly.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read the article above.
Star brown says
I need a phone please, I am unemployed and have filed for disability 16 months ago, thank you
Free Government Cell Phones says
Give one of the providers above a call.
Shawanna R. Pye says
Good morning. sir or madam. Ive been unemployed since January 2014, I hav no income, and interested in the free cell phone offer,. Please contact me when your time allows.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All the information is on the site. Assume you are in TN since this is the TN page. All you need to know is here.