The good news is that 94% of Virginians were employed as of May 2011. The bad news is that still leaves 6% who want jobs and can’t find them.
Thanks to the popular Lifeline free government cell phone service program it’s going to be easier for unemployed people in the Old Dominion to find the jobs they want. Because the program offers economically disadvantaged Virginians free smartphones, free unlimited talk, and free unlimited texts. But that’s not the end of the benefits. The newer Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) adds free unlimited internet on top of all those Lifeline benefits.
Even better, Virginians have options when it comes to Lifeline and ACP. At this point, three of the largest providers do business in the state.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Virginia
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Virginia. 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 Virginia
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 Virginia:
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Virginia
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Virginia:
- 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)
You may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, the calculated levels you can see in the chart below:
| Income Based Eligibility for Virginia | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $18,347 | |
| 2 members | $24,719 | |
| 3 members | $31,091 | |
| 4 members | $37,463 | |
| 5 members | $43,835 | |
| 6 members | $50,207 | |
| 7 members | $56,579 | |
| 8 members | $62,951 | |
| For each additional member add $6,372 annually | ||
How to qualify for an ACP free government phone and unlimited service in Virginia
It’s even easier to qualify for ACP service than it is to qualify for Lifeline service. The USAC website spells it all out:
Consumers qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through participation in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program, having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, through participation in ACP-qualifying programs, such as the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program (including the Community Eligibility Provision), WIC, through award of a federal Pell Grant, or through participation in a participating service provider’s existing low-income program.
Up in the first paragraph we said this might be spectacular news. That’s an understatement. It really is un-freakin-believable news. It’s the only way to describe two programs that bring you free smartphones, free unlimited talk, free unlimited text, and free unlimited internet. Don’t wait a moment longer. Enroll today because those benefits are available now.
Latest Lifeline & ACP News for Virginia:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Melissa Woods says
SafeLink is the worst of all of the plans that I have had. They recently upgraded and expect you when you have already brought your phone to them and it’s an old raggedy phone they can’t support 5G to buy one. Obviously if you can’t afford cell service and you have to apply for the free government Lifeline service that means you can’t afford another phone. How did they expect you to buy a phone when this is a government program and the poor and disadvantaged people cannot help their situation. Why do we have to buy the phones? They are supposed to be free. I don’t care if they sent me a $20 phone that supports 5G but I think it’s absolutely ridiculous that they expect customers who are well below the poverty level and have $2.35 total to their name to pay hundreds of dollars for a new cell phone to support their new service. I heard qlink Wireless was even worse. I’m not asking for the world I’m just asking for a phone the supports their service. Now that my phone is outdated and the motherboard is going in it just because I brought my own device to them a year ago and this device was given to me. They somehow seem to get the impression that poor people can just go out and find money somehow to spend on their phones. The whole point of the lifeline service is that you cannot afford a phone or a plan and it is meant to help people but they are hurting people. Must be a part of Biden’s plan. Keep the poor down with no access to service and get the rich richer. All they have to do is send me a phone. It doesn’t cost SafeLink anything as the government is paying for it. And it’s not like they’re giving you an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy. I would never be so greedy as to ask for something that cost hundreds of dollars. But I do expect a phone that is operable. I can’t send text messages and I don’t get calls half the time and the voicemail app does not work so I have to dial like an old person to get to my voicemail. If they want to update something then they need to update everybody’s phones to match their service. I don’t think that’s asking for too much. I’ve had four strokes in the past 2 years and I’m struggling and had to humble myself and move in with my parents. I am not ashamed of it because when you are sick and if you do what you have to do. I’m certainly not going to go out and do drugs or prostitute myself for a phone. I never have and I never will. I think it’s customers we have more morals than the company itself. Their own terms State they cannot deny you a replacement. Now that my Lifeline Services ended I’m going to reapply and they can’t deny me and if they do that I’ll just apply elsewhere. If anybody knows of a better company in Virginia besides SafeLink please leave a comment. Very much appreciated.
Henry says
According to this article, Virginia has only three Lifeline service providers. so you have a limited choice to select from. The three that are available happen to have the most subscribers overall (first, second, and third places). I live in a neighboring state with more choices, but from what I found, almost none mentioned about a free phone. The service is free (varying amount of talk and data limits), bur the majority only provide a free phone UNLESS you opt into the EBB program. They are using that subsidy payment to cover the cost of the phone. In general, the Lifeline program has not stated that poor people would get free phones, only that the service was covered by the Government. So you sometimes had to beg, borrow, or steal a phone to get service. Some states like California pay more into the program, so their residents get more benefits like a free phone. Other states do not provide any payment to the program, so their residents get less.
As for the issue of 5G service, only the most recent phone models will be compatible. 2G and 3G service is expected to be shut down by next year, but 4G service should continue for some time. If you have a very old phone, it will likely not work after next year and you will need to replace it with at least a 4G compatible phone. The 5G phone models that I have seen are priced over $200. The 4G phones are less than $200.
The Lifeline program is somewhat like the discounted Internet service programs for poor people. The Government is not handing out free computers to allow you to get online. You have to beg, borrow, or steal a computer or get one cheap from a non-profit organization (or got to the public library).
In these situations, the device is never free. it could be free, but someone has to subsidize it. Do you remember FREEPC.COM from the late 1990s? You got a free computer, but with advertising installed and which cannot be removed. The company and the advertising sponsors which subsidized the device all bailed out in about a year.
Inflation is going up and even fewer things in life will be free.
Wendy Collins says
I’m a victim of domestic violence, I’m in a shelter & my house got broke into & he stole my phone, my ex husband & he got my phone, my clothes, my jewelry help me get a phone I walk a lot & this is a crazy world he already kidnapped me & carjacked me please help me get a replacement phone!!! Thank you so much!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact one of the companies listed on this page, Wendy. This is strictly an independent informational website. We do not provide cell phones. Best of luck.
Cla2090 says
Pick up a phone at any shelter for 911 use. You don’t need cell phone service to use 911 calling. Make sure to go into settings and put in your address so that the emergency operators can find you, and also it helps get an emergency call to the correct police call center. I hope life gets easier for you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Any working cell phone can call 9-1-1 even if you do not have an active account.
Jacquelyn Ruley says
I have a virginia obama phone. I have a problem with it. It is not able to charge. The battery is dead. Where can I get it worked on in Washington state. i live in the Seattle, Washington state area. my e-mail is *********@yahoo.com thanks Jacquelyn A. Ruley
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team. The problem you’re going to run into, Jacquelyn, is that you no longer live in the state in which you enrolled.
Peter Davi says
I am moving from Philly PA to Newport News VA, and I have learned that my phone will NOT work in that area, what do I do to fix this major problem moving to a new area and not having any phone service?. I do have “food stamps” and health care from Philly but all of that is changing and I wont have a residence in VA for a week or two.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to enroll in a different free government cell phone plan, Peter. Here’s where you can find a list of all the plans available in Virginia and all those companies’ contact info:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Sidney White says
Your Virginia Free Lifeline Cell Phone system is just another endless circular loop to accomplish nothing. Why can’t the government ever test their beautiful service with real people that are of average intelligence. You might accidentally arrive at an actually operating system rather than the usual government ‘head-butting’ exercise. Where is any directions to get an application?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Based on your comment, Sidney, we would say the main reason the government can’t test “their beautiful service with real people that are of average intelligence” is pretty clear. In the words of Joe Biden, “C’mon, man.” We give you complete contact information for each of the service providers. We can’t offer the applications because we are NOT a provider. Seems simple enough to us.
Mica says
How rude & inappropriate can you be to this woman? At least act professional
Free Government Cell Phones says
You run your website, we’ll run ours.
Joan Palmer says
I have tried everything. I have read a lot of this and do not understand most of it. It seems like I am going round and round and not getting the info I need or a phone number I can call. Please help me.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What’s the problem, Joan? Click on any of the service providers on this page and you will be taken to its page and that’s where you can find all that company’s contact info. Give it a try.
Daisy says
Whoever is answering these questions is behaving so unprofessionally it’s cruel. Just answer as best you can without sarcasm.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We get an extra bonus every week if ten readers tell us we’re unprofessional. It’s Friday afternoon and I need two more this week to qualify for the bonus. C’mon, readers, help out a needy moderator.
Sherry Wimer says
Can single people qualify for a free phone? My son is on Medicaid and food stamps. He has severe asthma attacks, cellulitis and is bipolar. He really needs a phone for medical emergencies. Thanks for your help!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds as if he probably qualifies, but you should check with one or more of the companies listed on this page.
CD says
I am presently with Assurance Wireless (Virgin/Sprint). I have never had any luck with Sprint service where I live (in a bowl) and do better with Verizon service. Which carrier offers Verizon network service? Thanks.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that may just tell you everything you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Alec potvin says
SafeLink certification process is very slow,people that answer calls not very helpful,& they can’t tell u when service will be re-instated.
David says
I am on disability with heart failure and now diabetes has put me in stage 4 kidney failure. I do not receive any benefits from the state of VA and have been told I make to much on disability to get any assistance from the state. I need to be able to contact emergency personnel and doctors. I live in Bristol VA and have doctors all the way from Winston Salem NC, Roanoke Va, to Bristol TN, I am missing crucial med appointments because I do not have a phone. Will I qualify for a phone or should I just quit while I’m alive?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to determine if you qualify based on the limited information you provided. However, you can find ALL the ways to qualify (including qualifying with low income) in the article at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Pantala Luangrath says
does the government free phone plans do layaway? and also if the governments do walmarts smart phone watches for kids????
Pantala Luangrath says
and if the government free smart phone watches sims and how can i get it?
for kids from walmart super center
Free Government Cell Phones says
Nothing for kids, Pantala. Customers must be 18 and over.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why do you need layaway if it’s free?
Curtis Cornell says
I have a Friend in Montpellier VA and is on EBT. I was wondering if there was A Place of Business She could go to,to get A Phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not aware of any brick-and-mortar Lifeline stores in Virginia. Readers? Do you know of any? Your alternative, Curtis, is to simply apply by phone or online. Either one is probably a simpler process.
Charlotte says
A lady I know is attempting to get these services and does qualify but the Medicaid representative told her she had to get a specific phone to get the free service. I believe it is that she opted out of the free Smart Phone as she prefers a simple flip phone to those. Does this sound normal? If this is true does anyone know who sells these phones? Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Charlotte. We can’t be sure exactly what’s going on in your friend’s situation, but it sounds as if the company she enrolled with meant that it would provide her with a SIM card that is only good for phones that work with its network. But that’s a complete guess on our part.
Princess Collins says
Where can i go to get phone in richmond va
Free Government Cell Phones says
By enrolling online or by phone with any of the service providers listed on this page.
Bj says
My problem with this I can’t get one because I have an physical address, but it’s not a postal physical address and they won’t send me one. And I use my parents P.O. Box for my mail. Can any one help me with this? And safelink is the only one that will work in my area .
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve described a problem that plagues thousands of would-be Lifeline customers, BJ. At this point in time there is no solution. Have you spoken to Safelink customer service?
Micahael says
I have applied twice in the last several months, but I never hear back fron anyone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If, for some odd reason, you haven’t heard back from one company, consider that a sign of their lousy customer service, and apply with a different one. All the companies offering free government cell phone plans in Virginia can be found on this page.
Dwight l Hampton says
No government smart phones in Va .
You white people censor everything.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You do not know what you are talking about, Dwight.
Melissa Woods says
Dwight I think that’s very racist what you are saying. It’s not appropriate to put anywhere that white people are censoring anything. I’m white and I can’t even get a phone that works with SafeLink Wireless and they expect me ,a disabled woman that has worked her entire life and that has had multiple Strokes and a brain tumor with only $2.35 to my name to purchase a new phone just because they updated their service and I brought my own phone to them which was given to me buy a friend. I have no more privilege than anybody else. Color should not even matter in anybody’s eyes anymore. The last two years should have I made that perfectly clear. I grew up in the projects,I had to work hard for many years to even achieve what I did along with 8 other people of all races at the same time. We remain Vigilant that we were not going to do drugs and we were not going to prostitute ourselves or do anything illegal despite where we lived. Every morning the first thing I do and have been taught to do by a very outspoken Christian grandmother who raised me is to make a gratitude list of 25 things I am grateful for. The first one is the same and never would change. It is thank you you God for the fact that I am living and I’m here on this Earth One More Day no matter what the day is I can deal with it good or bad. When you only have very little time to live and many terrible things going on with me medically yet everyday I get to spend with my family is a gift. I don’t see color I was not taught that way. I was taught to be kind to everybody and if you need to humble yourself for government assistance then that’s fine until you get back on your feet but if you can’t get back on your feet like me and still can’t get help I don’t complain about it I just fill out more paperwork until my day in court comes for disability. Be grateful Dwight that you can walk and talk without drooling or urinating yourself. I’m not trying to be funny at all because I am going through serious issues and only have a year left to live. I’m just saying everything is not about what color anybody is our who’s censoring the comments. Honestly I hope and pray that you do not see people in color and see the bigger picture in life. Just because I am white does not mean I sense or anybody’s comments as people are free to have their own opinions but being racist is just wrong. There is no need for it in this day and age. I don’t see it happening and I don’t live in some fancy house either. I had to sell my vehicle and everything I owned just to make it to where I’m at now. So I have nothing unless I go to a charity. The only reason I have a Lifeline phone besides qualifying for it is that the man had a stand at the convenience store and was offering them up. Since I had this old phone with the motherboard now almost completely fried in it with a pink screen and it doesn’t even charge most of the time because it overheats is how I got service. There are plenty a free government cell phones. You just have to apply for them. If that means going to the library because you don’t have a computer then that’s what you do. That’s what I had to do because I don’t own a computer. I don’t have that luxury.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Melissa, yours is undoubtedly the most beautiful comments ever left on this website. We wish you the very best and hope your doctors are wrong and that you still have many years left on this earth.
Henry says
You should apply to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program to get extra benefits. You can apply either directly with the Government or one of the Lifeline providers. From what I saw for Virginia, only Assurance Wireless mentions a free phone by opting into EBB. Safelink and Access wireless appear to only offer more voice and data limits by applying into the program.
So for Virginia, Safelink only allows bring your own device (BYOD) service, even if opting into EBB.
Carlos Slim cannot provide any free phones to non-subsidized state residents.
Linda Wessells says
I have been disabled for about 20 years now. My disability check was very little until I reached the age of 65. My husband is also disabled. He is on Oxygen 24/7.
I am in need of a phone as my tracphone is not suitable.
I need to access a phone with internet as I would like to keep in touch with my family.
I do not know how to text on a phone, only on messenger or Facebook.
I have been on food stamps when raising my niece ,which gave me a total of 5 children back then,
I like to make it on my own but cost of living has gone up so high. I cannot drive anymore,due to my illness. Please consider me as a candidate for a free smartphone.
Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds as if you qualify, Linda, so you need to check out all the free government cell phone service providers listed on this page, pick the one that fits your needs best, and enroll online or by phone. Good luck.
Jay says
Hey Linda. I’m going to keep this short but I have gone threw this Lifeline thing for a number of years now. Sounds like your eligible so you just need to chose one of the company’s that are available. I myself have used both Safelink and Assurance in the past. Both give free phones and I think both offer unlimited texting now. I myself live close to the Richmond area and have been with Assurance for 2 years coming up on 3. I get 350 talk mins, unlimited text (which if you can chat on Facebook, you’ll have no problem figuring out the texting thing) and they just went from 1gig of free data a month to 2gigs of free data a month. The down side, well the smart phone they give you is an outdated piece of crap. This means it runs an old version of Android (like running old vers of windows on your computer) so alot of apps won’t even install on it and due to the lack of RAM, it loves to kick you back to your home screen in the middle of things. Hence why I’m on here. I’m looking to see if any conpany will offer me a better smartphone (or let me use another one I already have). But for the basics like I think your looking for, Assurance may work for you.
I hope you find what you need and keep 2 things in mind:
1- It’s not a “free phone and service for poor ppl”. It’s no charge for ppl with low income because they along with everybody else pay taxes on everything we earn, buy, service we use (I.E. electric, etc) and own (property taxes) in this country. So keep that in mind when talking with anybody from any of these Lifeline company’s when comparing and looking for the best deal. Your still paying for it in taxes so its still your money.
2- It is a government founded program, so understand no matter what company you go with, it’s going to have crap customer service and you’ll always be talking to someone who’s primary language is not english. Philippines seems to be where most of the call centers are for these places. Furthermore, when you call the FCC and make a complaint about the customer service center cursing or hanging up on you or how them robo calling you daily 4 or 5 months before your annual certification is due for renewal, the FCC is not going to follow up on it or send you any of the paperwork they claim they will.
Rebeka mulumba says
Yes
Randolph Demery says
I received a free phone 804-484-**** and I use it for my business. We can make America great again with this service. Thanks
Rebeka mulumba says
Ok
CECIL LAMONTE MCLAUGHLIN says
CECIL LAMONTE MCLAUGHLIN, I AM IN THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.CARD NUMBER IS 6220 4420 4051 ****. MY ADDRESS IS **** ******* ** *****. POOR. THANK YOU.
Free Government Cell Phones says
This website is not operated by a free government cell phone company, Cecil. It is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the companies listed in the article above in order to enroll in the free government cell phone program.
Qais says
I am currently receiving help from social services. I have a ebt card to purchase food, Medicaid . I need a phone. to searching jobs for myself
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you qualify, Qais. You can get a free government cell phone by enrolling with any of the companies listed on this page.
Migdalia says
Estoy ibteresada
Free Government Cell Phones says
¿Calificas, Migdalia?
Penny Lloyd says
Live in the state of Virginia around the area I live only Verizon company or Sprint company is the only two that has good service are either of them on the free list I receive SNAP benefits and Medicaid and Medicare I’m disabled. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Neither of those companies participate in the free government cell phone program, but both of their national networks are used by other free government cell phone companies. Here’s an article that tells you which Lifeline companies use which networks:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
veronica moss says
I have finally receive a replacement phone since I receive my first phone in Sept. Of 2015 and the phone only work for 2 weeks and I haventheard anything until Jan.2016 when I receive a card in the mail to send it in for a replacement which I did do and on 2_2_2016 I receive this other phone and it doesn’t work either. I can they anyone on the phone and when I go to sign in for face book it keep asking me tologinandput a password in I do that and it still doesn’t work..Then a recording comes Poland gives me so many different passwords and none of them work. The first phone I receive was a cool pad phone and now I receive a UMX phone.I can’t get any help on the phone to talk to any one or walk me threw this phone. The phone docent work so.d I feel some one should contact me. V.Moss @ 804_615****
Katherine Jane Parsell says
I only am supposed to have $2,000 in the bank due to Virginia Medicare and Medicaid. I live with my elderly parents and my mom has two incurable bone cancers. Can I get a free government cell phone for only $20 or less a month?
Katherine Jane Parsell says
I am totally and permanently disabled but, don’t have a cell phone how can I get a free government cell phone? I live with my retired elderly parents. Is there any way to get a plan for about twenty dollars a month or less?
stevekingery says
I am 60 years old and I receive food stamps ,Medicaid I have some Medical Issues and I don’t have a lot of people that checks up on me what do I need to do in order to get a free cell phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Read the page above, if you are in Virginia.
Cassie Chinn says
I am currently receiving help from social services. I have a ebt card to purchase food. I need a phone. I have some medical issues.I am 60 years old and don’t have a lot of people that check up on me. What do you need to do now?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You need to follow the instructions in the article above. Call one of the companies in your state.
ash says
Where r u located cassie?
Barbara A Freund says
What if I am having problems with a free phone service now. And want to switch carriers. Can I do that.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Yes, you can switch carriers.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
mercedes says
I need to get a free cell phone for my son is a minor wanna go find a job. My budget is not enough to pay me more service
Moocher says
No, your son doesn’t need a phone.
dee says
i am a disabled vet and applyed also for ssi. i need a land line phone a cell phone and a internet service and basic cable for home. please help me.
ash says
Where in virginia are you located?
Katherine Jane Parsell says
I am totally disabled and have SSI also have another supplemental income. I am not sure how much income that I get. I live with my elderly parents of whom have social security. I would very much like to have a phone that I don’t have to have bills or a contract. If it were to have that how much would I pay a month?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You would pay zero. The phones and service are free.
Steve Davis says
I received food stamps through Washington County and I’m in need of a cell phone and internet service so I can Skype my Daughter in France. I have no income and Disabled.
Thanks
Kevin Denton says
I need a phone, I’m on SNAP & disabled. Virginia.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Please read the article on this page and it will give you a list of companies you can call in Virginia to get a phone.
peggy p brooks says
interested in getting a gov. free cell phone….where?…. phone #? thxs
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read the article on this page.
Judy Wyatt says
I received food stamps through Fairfax County and I’m in need of a cell phone, I have no income and I’m seeking employment.