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Free cell phones from Verizon for victims of domestic abuse

Update: This program is closing on 12/31/18. Here is a nottice the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence delivered to its Hopeline customers regarding the ending of the program:

ICADV has received notification from Verizon that the phone donation/ recycling program under the HopeLine by Verizon program will be ending. The timing of this change is due to several factors, including a decrease in phone donations as more customers opt to trade in older cell phones for newer models, and also by the declining availability of feature phones, which had been provided to domestic violence survivors by the HopeLine program.

Effective immediately, Verizon will not be accepting applications for phones from the HopeLine Program. The HopeLine phones currently in circulation will continue to have service through December 31, 2018. Please let your clients or those in possession of HopeLine phones today know of this important timeline.

We get many heartbreaking emails here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. Many of them come from victims of domestic violence who’ve had to flee their homes and, through no fault of their own, have been ripped away from their parents, children and friends, and desperately need a free cell phone to begin rebuilding their lives. We’re always crushed when we have to respond that there is no program designed to help them.

But now we know what to tell them, where to direct them. Because Verizon Wireless is offering free cell phones, free service and free data plans to victims of domestic violence through a program it calls HopeLine. It’s the company’s own program and not part of the Lifeline Assistance program that we cover so thoroughly here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net.

Here’s how Verizon describes the program on its website:

I am a victim of domestic violence. How can I get a phone through HopeLine?

If you are a victim of domestic violence, please contact a local domestic violence shelter, or contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-SAFE (7233) or (800) 787-3224 (TTY) or dial #HOPE from your Verizon Wireless phone. HopeLine phones are distributed only through shelters or social service agencies.

HopeLine is similar to the free government cell phone program in that it offers refurbished and recycled wireless equipment. In addition to that equipment Verizon Wireless offers its wireless services to victims of domestic violence.

One of the things we appreciate most about the HopeLine program is that whoever is in charge of the program really seems to understand the mindset of the abused women the program is designed to help. That is clear when the company explains how a wireless phone help a victim of domestic violence.

“Access to a wireless phone and service, along with a voice mailbox can help victims of domestic violence rebuild their lives, by giving them the means to communicate with family, friends, agency and shelter support staff and current or prospective employers.”

Verizon has done an absolutely outstanding job with HopeLine. In fact, what they’ve already accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. They’ve collected 11.4 million cell phones, donated $29 million in cash and grants to domestic violence organizations, and they’ve donated more than 190,000 cell phones (and the airtime to go with them) to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

https://youtu.be/mhPkpVxgqD0

William Gay, an all-star cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL, has joined forces with Verizon and serves as a spokesman for HopeLine. The project is vital to him because his mother was killed by his stepfather when he was just seven years old.

Watch his touching story in this video. If reading this article didn’t make you line up behind HopeLine, the video will.

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Comments

  1. Katrina Thomas Holmes says

    I have a non profit organization with our 501c3. We looking to get phones for victims

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Unfortunately, Katrina, Verizon has killed this program since that article was written.

  2. Dana says

    This article says that this offer is over. Do you have another one? Please DO NOT INCLUDE that it is for domestic abuse victims. Thank you very much

  3. Rochelle Morris says

    Can I please get one of these phone I’m in domestic violence. But they had no shelters open for me. But I really need a phone. I’m at my safe house terrier

  4. Deborah phillips says

    I have a cell phone my son gave me because my bf found my safelink phone and broke it 9n me,but I need service as I’m leaving here to go to a shelter as soon as a bed opens so I’m wondering how I go about this? My email is safe as he can’t get into it….thank you in advance for any help.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not quite sure what your question is, Deborah. Are you asking if you can use your son’s cell phone as your free government cell phone?

  5. Esther herrera says

    I’m s victim of domestic violence and have lost everything even my. Phone

  6. Monica says

    I’m a victim of domestic violence. I have bad credit thanks to my abuser. I have a cell phone that only works when connected to wifi. I dont qualify to get a cell phone because my abuser mest it all up. Is there any programs that can help me get a landline?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Unfortunately, Verizon has ended this program and we are unaware of any others. If we were you, we would check with your nearest domestic abuse home to see if they know of any local programs.

      • Monica says

        thank you.. seems like free cell phones all around but no luck with a home landline. do you know of anything i can buy just to be able to call 911?

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          Landlines are becoming so rare that the Lifeline program is eliminating the discounts they’ve always offered in the past. But here’s something most people don’t know: If you have a working cell phone, you can always use it to call 9-1-1. You don’t even need to be on a plan to make the call. Any cell phone, even one that is not on a plan, can call 9-1-1.

  7. Sharon Wilhelm says

    I had my fingers amputated due to domestic violenceI need you to get us free cell phone with at least 6 inch screen so I can be able to use it with my no fee no fingers on my hands can you help me out with that or not I live in CaliforniaI’m a 38 year old divorced womanand I need help they threw up seven felonies and it’s your 68000 restitution and my house is destroyed from the bastard

  8. Anna Eimes says

    My son was attacked by his girlfriend’s ex on Feb 18,2019 when this guy broke into her mothers house. My sons face was kicked in. He suffered an orbital fracture as well as a possible acute fracture to his sturnum and a hemmorage to his eye. His phone was distorted in this attack also. He is living in Florida and a full time college student with no extra income. Does he qualify for this? He is on our Verizon cell plan but we have no extra fund to replace the phone. Thank you and God Bless.

    Anna E.
    Williamsburg, Va

  9. Marta Grecny says

    I have a lot of old Verizon flip phones & chargers that I would like to donate to the domestic abuse cause. But I have no idea how to do so. I myself am un tech savvy. These phones would all need to be wiped before distributed to those in need. But, I have no idea how to do so, or to where I could drop them off, & to whom I should give them. Could you all offer me suggestions by pointing me in the right direction?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sorry, Marta, but we have no idea where you might donate a phone. Maybe you can Google “donate cell phone” with your zip code to find a good resource in your area.

  10. Vicki Speakman says

    I am wondering if you are extending your free phones for domestic violence thru 1/1/19. I am in need of a WIFI Phone so that i can consider my resources. Your website says that you have a free phone for domestic violence victims which i qualify for. Please could you please respond to my email at ************@gmail.com and also ********@gmail.com asap. Thank you very much.

  12. Alice says

    My daughter’s soon-to-be-ex shut her and her children’s phones off after he was arrested for sexual abuse of his stepdaughter. My daughter went to Verizon to see what could be done and she was told that’s not their problem. I was disappointed because I thought Verizon helped out on issues like this when a families in need a phones. She has very little money right now and had no way excommunication with anyone. She had to go ahead and buy a new phones today with money she doesn’t have. So sad Verizon

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We would recommend that your daughter call Verizon customer service and ask to speak to a supervisor. Make sure she reads this article and knows what it says so she can discuss it with the supervisor. We would be willing to bet that not all service reps are familiar with this program. Good luck.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Read the article above and contact the company/companies in the article.

  14. Susan Warner says

    I finally got a FRO in NJ against my ex.. I came to Texas where i am staying with friends of my brother. I have No income & have been a loyal Verizon customer for years but can no longer afford the monthly charges. How can i qualify for help so i don’t lose my phone?

  15. janelle gassler says

    i was interested in your phones ive been a victem of my boyfriend too long

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You need to contact Verizon directly using the contact info you’ll find in the article. Good luck, Janelle.

  16. Janine Stovall says

    Verizon Hopeline where my agency used to obtain phones for survivors of domestic violence has discontinued this service in Colorado. Would you have any options? I am a victim advocate at The Alliance in Salida CO.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Wish we had another option for you, Janine, but we don’t. If you find one, please let us know and we’ll pass it on to our readers. Good luck.

  17. Kathleen Hopwood says

    I live with a potential domestic abuser. He has a safelink cell phone but I cannot get one because he has one at my address. He is bi-polar and has caused me reason to be concerned about my safety. He does not contribute to household income other that food stamps, transportation, dog care, and cable tv. When he becomes upset the first thing he does is disconnect my land line. I would like to have an emergency cell phone. I am disabled, collecting SSDI and Mass Health. I do not have a license or a car. Is there anyway I can get an emergency cell phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      It depends on your definition of “emergency,” Kathleen. If you just mean you need a way to call 9-1-1, you can do it with ANY phone. You don’t even need a free government cell phone nor any other kind of plan to call 9-1-1. You can call it with any cell phone with a charged battery.

      If you mean you want to make other kinds of calls, you are not eligible for a free government cell phone because the rules say only one account is permitted per household.

      But above and beyond that, Kathleen, your situation sounds dangerous. Very dangerous. Please consider getting outside help and/or moving ASAP.

  18. Angel says

    Is there a program for cell phone donations? If yes, what is the process? I have several phone I would like to put to good use.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Great idea, Angel, but it doesn’t work that way. You cannot donate old phones.

    • Janine Stovall says

      The Alliance in Salida Colorado would appreciate any phones you may have. The Alliance is a domestic violence shelter/housing and emergency care agency for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
      My email address is below;; I am a victim advocate for the agency.

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        Sorry, Janine and Angel, but we cannot publish your email address because we cannot facilitate conversations between readers. But you’ve given Angel enough information to get hold of you if she wants to do a little Googling.

  19. Jenn says

    Funny. I had a domestic incident occur. My husband was incarcerated, and verizon did nothing to help me get my ex’s phone off the account. I have to pay for his phone while he’s incarcerated. Thanks Verizon.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sorry to hear about your problems, Jenn. But it sounds as if the issue you are discussing is a completely different issue than the one discussed in this article.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We need a little clarification, Wayne. Are you asking where you can donate a phone? Or are you a Lifeline customer who wants to terminate your service?

  21. Gertrude doubtfire says

    I need a cell phone with free minutes. I’m running from a very dangerous man. I traveled states away and he still found me. can’t go to athorities he’s somehow connected. could you please send me a hope line phone. mine was destroyed by my abuser. using my dear friends. now you can send it to **** ******* ******* ** *****. my friend will make sure I get it. I can not have a address. if I had anything else I would not ask put the phone in.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We are not Verizon, Gertrude, so we cannot send you a phone. You need to contact Verizon using the contact info in the article above. Good luck.

  22. Survivor2016 says

    I am a victim of DV and I contacted my local shelters. They have no idea what I’m talking about , about the whole hopeline free smartphone phone. I really need one asap please help me

  23. monika spinnato says

    my 2 daughters, son and I are domestic violence victims as well as myself being disabled i hope you can help me i live in 21220

  24. Stacy says

    I’m in a safe house for domestic violence. I had a choice between a shelter or safe house. I chose the latter for stability. Do I qualify for a cell phone. My current phone will be shut off in a week due to this situation. I’ve called the 800 number and no one picks up. What help can I get?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Yes, you should qualify. But it will probably require a conversation with a customer service supervisor. Tell him/her that you live in a group home and need an exemption to the “one per household” rule. That should be all it takes to make you qualify.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Yes, you can get a free government cell phone if you live in a shelter. It’s best to enroll by phone so you can tell the customer service rep that you live in a group home/shelter. Otherwise, your address may pop up in the system if someone else used the shelter address to enroll in the program. The rep needs to understand that it is a group home, not an ordinary case where multiple people apply from a regular home. That, of course, is illegal. But multiple accounts at a group home/shelter are completely permissible.

  26. Katie parker says

    I am a victim of domestic violence I got away from. My abuser 2 months ago he still stalks me I had a government phone it broke can’t get another one unless I have money I have nothing no money no job living with relatives have a lot of medical problems please help me I need a phone I have to watch over my shoulder every minute I moved to another city and he followed me please help me I have been a shelter before but please help me

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      If your current free government cell phone service provider will not give you a replacement phone, you can always switch to a new service provider after you’ve been with your current one for 60 days. As a new customer, you will receive a smartphone from that new service provider. Here’s where you can find a complete list of the free government cell phone companies offering plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  27. Laura jarvis says

    I have a hopeline phone that I received from Bradley angle last Jan. Its my only phone. I had an Obama phone however the phone got broken and I had to wait a cple weeks to get it. But I have a situation now. And can’t wait for new phone nor do I want my number changed AGAIN. My step daughter is currently at dornbecher children’s hospital with stage four lymphoma and leukemia. A mass behind her heart and esophagus. Shes 1/4 native and there wasn’t an exact match for bone marrow. The closest was her dad. My husband. She had a bone marrow transplant last Thursday. And it can take 30 days to see if her body accepts or rejects it. She could die. She’s 12. I was a part of her life for five years. We became close as I was the mother/woman influence in her life. I loved her like she was my own. Very much. I left her dad last summer. And lived in my car for seven mths. Lost a baby of my own at 15 weeks. Grieved alone. As well as a woman who was like my mom my car was broken into several times. Eben my clothes stolen.. I lost pretty much everyone and everything because of my love for a man who was supposed to be my husband. Lift me up when I was down. Be my soul mate. One love. Instead kicked me down Harder as I sobbed endless tears behind a locked bathroom door most of our marriage. He physically hurt me and when I left I forgot my key and he never let me back in. Even in the middle of winter an ice storm. I was out of gas. Alone hungry and cold he wouldn’t let me in and I slept in my broke down car. Anyways. At that point I went to a shelter and got away from him and we are still married. I now have my own place with assistance from the shelter I was at. I start school later in the month and struggle day to day for funds to even eat or for gas. I’m not mentally or emotionally ready for a job yet. My point to all this is that my husband/abuser won’t let me see my step daughter. Shes asked for me and has been told I moved far away. I tried to visit her on mothersday but I was called am ungrateful selfish bitch and threatened when I called my husband saying I was at the hospital I left and cried on the max all the way home..which is an hour away. The night of her transplant I caught the max and walked up near the hospital and sat there at a viewpoint for hours praying. Hoping she would survive through the night. I had been receiving text msgs from my mom (who I don’t talk to but she has been close with my ex and daughter through all this) regarding my daughters medical status. And I’m out of text messages. I have no clue how she’s doing. Also I now only have nine min left of calling. I’ve contacted Bradley angle who have advsd they are out of phones and that they can’t add min to my line. Because of the contract with Verizon? I’ve contacted the hopeline who won’t discuss my accent with me only the domestic violence establishment. And they said my numbers not a hopeline number which is bull shit. Since I have the paperwork that goes with it. I’ve contacted Verizon. Went to the store and got nothing but the run around but then they added 100 texts to my phone but that lasted two days. The domestic resource hot line do nothing for you when your in a crisis. Speaking from personal experience. So what the hell am I supposed to do? Verizon at one point said I can change the plan for thirty bucks but I have nothing. I can’t wait for a govt asst phone to be sent to me. My domestic violence organization doesn’t have phones intact told me I need to return mine when done. I know there’s a way to add to my phone 503 460 **** is my number. Laura Jarvis and the Sec code with Verizon is 0143, I really don’t care at this point that this info is on here for everyone to see. I’m about to lose min on my phone. I have no clue how my step daughter is doing and I don’t know what to do now. Please help

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      That’s a terrible story, Laura. Unfortunately, you said you can’t wait for a free government cell phone (delivery usually takes two or three or even four week), so we don’t know what to do for you. Do any readers have any suggestions?

  28. Andrea says

    I am also a survivor with three children. My kids were taken off his plan as more of a way to cripple me by leaving me to pay for all four of our lines. I always fall behind on payments, suspensions when I am trying my best to stay on top. We need our phones in case of an emergency. When the kids go to his house it’s the communication I have with them. For myself I feel I always need a phone because you never know when I will have to call 911 again. Please help us or help guide me to someone that can.

  29. Dani says

    I’m a domestic violence survivor I can no longer afford Verizon is there anyway someone help me,guide me with information on getting a free phone I’m afraid for my life and I never want to be in a situation where I can’t call 911.thank u!

  30. Jennifer says

    This is extremely inspiring. I’m so happy that you guys get it. it’s so hard to explain to people the abuse we go through from getting a phone to even try to get you’re life in order. I’m trying my best to stay strong and keep striving from all I been through. I’m glad you guys are helping survivors like me to get their power back. god bless you guys

  31. Shiann Rain Mccarty says

    Hello
    I am a Demestic violence victim,
    My ex husband now continues to hack my phone account even with a 3year+dvo in place.
    I’ve moved to a different county and am dealing with issues with four children we share
    And social services.
    I have been told I have ptsd and it’s hard to sleep at night. I feel as he knows my every move…

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We feel your pain, Shannon, but we’re not sure what kind of free government cell phone help you’re looking for.

  32. sYLVIA bROOME says

    I HAVE BEEN TRYING FOR DAYS ON THIS LIBRARY COMPUTER TO PUT IN A FREE PHONE APPLICATION AND JUST KEEP RUNNING INTO ONE PROBLEM AFTER THE OTHER AND DON’T KNOW WHY I AM ON FOOD STAMP,SECTION8 AND MEDICATE AND THE SAME THING KEEP HAPPENING I AM A SENIOR CITAZEN WITH DISABILITY AND I CAN’T SEEM TO GET THE RIGHT HELP.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We can’t explain why you’re having trouble with the library computer, Sylvia. But maybe you should try calling your chosen Lifeline company’s customer service team. Most companies allow you to apply by phone or even by mail.

  33. Erma Diaz says

    I just left an abused relationship for three years. I’m using somebody phone. I need a phone since I left Florida where the abuser is living I flee to Bronx By. I’ve been hospitalized four times and don’t have a phone. I’m sick and staying partial paralyze from all the beatings. I really need one.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sorry to hear about your abusive situation, Erma. No one should have to live like that. Please do as the article instructs you in order to get a phone. Good luck.

  34. ANGEL KALONAHESKIE says

    I am a DV survivor, the perpetrator was recently released without probation or supervision of any kind. He still lives in the same town. My local DV advocates have no resources for DV survivors once a sentence is handed down. How would I obtain an emergency cell? I have 2 minor children and we recieve Medicaid.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Verizon only makes these phones available to residents of domestic violence shelters. But if you’re receiving Medicaid you qualify without living in a shelter, Angel.

      That being the case, check out the list of companies offering free government cell phones in your state. Check them all out because they each have their own wrinkle on the program — some have more minutes, some have more texts, some have data plans, etc. When you find the program that seems best for your needs, contact the company via the information shown on our page dedicated to that company. You can find the companies in your state here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      You have our best wishes, Angel. Good luck in sorting our your problems and we hope a free government cell phone helps.

  35. Wanda Griffin says

    I am a domestic violence victim and with low inome and receive food stamps. I was told I could get a free phone thru verizon hope line the number they gave me #hope was not the correct number so I called them back and they gave me the same number again I told them that’s not correct and they couldn’t find another number so how do I get a verizon free cell if I can’t get the number from verizon? I’ve tried government phones they won’t reach out from where I live. Also how do I check on the answer from this post once read? Please Help!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Due to the number of comments we receive every day, we are unable to respond to emails, Wanda. But you can always check right back here to get our response to your comments.

  36. Wanda Griffin says

    I am a domestic violence victim and was told I could get a phone thru verizon but I called nobody seems to know the number to get one. They gave me hope but was wrong number so if verizon doesn’t know how do I understand out? I’ve tried government phone they won’t reach out from where I live. Help please!

  37. Milissa says

    I am a domestic violence victim, how could I get help with a cell phone for me and my children

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Do you live in an area covered by Verizon, Milissa? If so, give them a call.

  38. Jenny says

    I am a victim of domestic abusea and I have a protection order where can I get a 911 phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Any cell phone with a working battery can call 911. It will work even if you don’t even need to have an account with a phone company. Good luck, Jenny.

  39. Letha Allen says

    I’m a women’s advocate seeking information for clients regarding phones in case of an emergency dv situation.

    Thank you

  40. leann brohman says

    hi there, um, i don’t even know how to say this but i just started Sept 28th at the UCC college in Oregon that a horrible person damaged SO many of us from! I’m getting into counseling for the trauma i alone went through but i don’t want to go into it.. am i eligible?

  41. deanna oliver says

    im a victim of domestic violence how do i apply for a free cell phone lifeline, he has been convicted/

  42. sherrie cheney says

    I am in need to get a phone, I am getting divorced, I went to my local DVIC office today but didnt know to ask. I am trying to get my life back on track & its hard with no phone.please help contact me thanks

  44. lawaza ******** says

    Hello my name is Lawaza *****. I am currently leaving at a domestic viloence shelter and the center doesn’t have this program. Could you please tell me how i could get a phone. My husband beat me and took my phone i do ot have any form of communication.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      Just start at the home page of this site and you will quickly understand. We removed your last name since you were a victim of domestic abuse — careful where you post your information online. Be safe.

  45. Etuina Percival says

    My phone was not working and you replaced it and it stopped working for no reason because I changed it all the time and when I called and asked what to do and the person I talked to told me that they can’t replace it because it’s not over a year yet when they replaced my first phone and I have to buy a new phone to use otherwise I have to wait for the waiting period. It’s not my faulted that this phone did not work. I needed a phone to contact my family and work or find work. Is there a phone I can buy to use?

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