We recently received a very interesting question from a reader named Steve. It said, “I would like to see an article which spells out which Lifeline companies offer an additional bonus to the honorably discharged U.S. military veteran.”
Great idea, we thought. We’ll research that immediately and include the information we find into an excellent article that will help those men and women who sacrificed so much so that we might live free in this great country.
So we went to work. We went to the websites of all the major Lifeline Assistance companies — Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless, Access Wireless, Budget Mobile, Life Wireless, Assist Wireless, Q Link Wireless, Telscape Communications, Total Call Mobile, Blue Jay Wireless, Terracom, True Wireless, Tag Mobile and StandUp Wireless — and scoured each of their Terms & Conditions in search of extra benefits for vets.
We came up nearly empty. Thirteen of the fourteen leading Lifeline companies offer absolutely nothing for veterans. In fact, we came up with almost nothing beyond the information provided by reader Steve. As he said, this was “hidden deep in their TOS (Terms of Service), and then it’s at company discretion.”
Life Wireless “Connecting Our Heroes” Program
Life Wireless will provide 100 free additional minutes each month to qualifying Life Wireless Lifeline subscribers who are active military service members or military veterans. Minutes do not roll over and are not transferable. The additional benefit is offered at Life Wireless’ sole discretion.
In other words, the poor military vet must qualify using the same rules and regulations used by every other applicant. The sacrifices they’ve made mean nothing when it comes to getting a free government cell phone.
Don’t get us wrong. We’re not downplaying this generous offer from Life Wireless. In fact, we salute them for adding a little bonus for veterans. But where are all the other Lifeline companies? And why isn’t “Disabled Veteran” status enough to qualify someone for this program?
Here’s something else we found online from an organization called Lifeline Facts:
An estimated 10-13% of current wireless Lifeline beneficiaries are veterans of U.S. military service. A substantial number of younger families with active duty military personnel also rely upon wireless Lifeline. The Lifeline program helps provide an essential need to individuals who have served or are currently serving our country.
That is a shocking statistic. It’s irrefutable evidence of just how great the need is among veterans and their families. It’s a need that desperately needs to be addressed and we were ready to salute the organization that brought it to our attention.
Until, that is, we found out who was behind Lifeline Facts. Delve a little deeper into the organization’s website and you find this statement:
The Lifeline Facts Campaign is a project of TracFone Wireless, Inc. that is dedicated to highlighting Lifeline’s value to America, promoting productive reforms to the program, preventing changes to the program that will reduce its effectiveness, and recruiting a community of Lifeline “team members” dedicated to ensuring the continued success of one of America’s most vital programs.
TracFone Wireless is the parent company of Safelink Wireless, the nation’s largest provider of free government cell phones. So it’s clear that the company recognizes the need among military veterans and their families, yet they do nothing — absolutely nothing — to address the issue.
C’mon, TracFone. C’mon, Safelink. C’mon all you other Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies. Step up. Do the right thing. Make it easier for America’s military veterans to qualify. Follow the footsteps of Life Wireless and offer them a little something extra.
Lord knows they’ve done a little something extra for us.
Sonny Maass says
Tried to get a phone for my Sonny who is a soldier is now in active because he was called to help during this pandemic that was sent home because they had enough people so now he is homeless and has no job has no money and it’s getting a hard time everywhere nothing is open so he can’t get help Maddie government assistance I try to apply for a bone for him and I am getting a hard time why is it so difficult to get a lousy phone so I can stay in contact with him
Free Government Cell Phones says
What problems are you having when you attempt to enroll? It’s usually pretty easy because the Lifeline get paid for enrolling new customers.
John says
Do I need to count my VA disability as income to get lifeline service or is it exempt
Free Government Cell Phones says
All income must be included.
Auggie says
Simply because, they are young and will usually want the best phones.For gaming , movies etc.
Their income would allow this.
I do not think, they are poverty level or in serious need if they are ACTIVE in service.
A retired veteran, is the same as any of us, some have plenty of money & some, dont.
James O Carson says
You all should be ashamed as to what I have to go through.I have tried to many times,and I am tired of these lifeline phone service
Bridgette ANN ARLEDGE says
I WANT FREE SANTACLAUSS MOVIES
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to visit FreeSantaClausMovies.com, Bridgette.
Private Nam says
Disabled Vet here. I just checked into a facility for disabled Vets yesterday. Some disabled Vets that are here DONT have cell phones and I would like to see about helping as many of them as I am able to.
John says
Not working due to 90% VA disability. Can’t afford out of pocket phone and internet. Communication is a necessity in modern times, it is not a luxery. 3’combat tours OIF, OEF, and OND, I can’t afford to let friends and family know that I’m still alive on a regular basis due to my financial disabilities.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t despair just yet, John. It sounds as if you may qualify for a couple of the low-income internet programs. Check them all out at this link, but pay particular attention to a plan called PCs for People. It’s a great option if it’s available in your area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
And since the free government cell phone program is based on your income, it sounds as if you may qualify for that program, too. You can find all the plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And before we finish, thank you so much for your service. We appreciate it.
Little Jimmy says
People, its all about the profits! You don’t want these big company’s to lose billions and not pay their share holders! I’m a retired veteran and some carriers do give a 10% discount on your monthly bill. You need to do your home work. Good luck
Chuck says
Its sad that veterans can’t get a free cell, alot of people dont know that 20% of active duty personal get food stamps and wic, this is so sad, iam a veteran, but im well of with my 100% rating and social security. Please help the members of our military, especially our homless vets that are out on the streets
Free Government Cell Phones says
We behind you 100%, Chuck.
Ronald Chambers says
I searved in the military for 3 years came out a corporal with a honorable Discharge and haven’t received anything from my Government.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We salute you for your service, Ronald. And we hope the rules of the program change to help you. But have you checked the eligibility rules to see if you qualify for reasons other than being a vet? Check the rules out here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Thomas Marshall U.S. Army disable vet says
I have applied for a cell phone from SafeLink wireless they tell me that my zip code is a valid zip code and they offer service in my area but when I request my free cell phone I am told there is no service in my area if tracphone is the parent company and they offer tracphone and straight talk here I am a disabled veteran and I have problems paying my straight talk bill every month. So come on people what is the problem you are always hollering thank you for your service so show us you really thank us
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’d say it’s time to enroll with a different company that serves your area, Thomas.
And by the way, thanks for your service.
Ms. C says
Could it be that the reason “An estimated 10-13% of current wireless Lifeline beneficiaries are veterans of U.S. military service” is connected with.why many join the military. A job with the military is better than no job at all.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That could very well be the case, Ms C. No matter why they join up, we salute those brave Americans who volunteer to serve their country.
Sherrill says
Well I think you are wrong on the Vet comments. They should be treated equally as anyone else. No special treatment.
There is no draft anymore. People sign up and inlist in their on accord. No one pushed their hands.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The fact that they make the sacrifices they make on a volunteer basis for next to no money reinforces our opinion. They voluntarily risk their lives so that the rest of us don’t have to. Giving them a little extra in return is the least we can do.
Thomas Marshall U.S. Army disable vet says
Oh I was drafted I didn’t have a choice at the time
robertwidgren says
I ‘ AM A VIET NAM DISABLED VETERAN AND WOULD LIKE TO APPLY FOR A FREE PHONE. I HAVE TROUBLE WITH MY E- MAIL. COULD YOU C ORRESTSPOND BY MAIL? MY ADDRESS IS ** ********, SILVER SPRINGS, FLORIDA. 34488
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are not a free government cell phone, Robert. This is an independent informational website. Here’s where you can find all of the Lifeline companies offering plans in your state. Check them all out to make sure you apply for the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Darryl says
I just think Vets(in a all voluntary military) especially disabled vets should get government handouts before any other non military individual does. Period.
Sherrill says
I think your wrong. Vets should not get special treatment and should have to adhere to same rules of elligibility as anyone else.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Get a life, Sherrill. Vets are heroes who deserve a little something extra.
Jason Wright says
Yeah being a vet I want no special treatment..Serving my country didn’t make me a hero but I’ll tell you serving in a company full of heros sure makes me proud.
Thomas Marshall U.S. Army disable vet says
I truly agree thank you for your support
Malanie Jordan says
As of this reply on July 2017; as a NJ Safelink Wireless Rep; I can say veterans and survivors are pre-qualufied For free phones. I learned by trial and error that a lot of homeless vets will not voluntarily share their vet status. So I now ask all applicants if they are veterans. Vets should advise the rep of their status and be prepared to show proof of their status. They may also need to show proof of new address if they are a former customer reapplying under a new address.
Eric says
Get a grip. While I appreciate what you have done in the service of our country what makes you feel like you should get a free ride for everything now that your back home. Get a job and pay your way like the rest of America and be thankful you still have the ability to work.
Richard says
Hey, Eric. Thanks for YOUR service for the last 40 years. Oh, you didn’t mention anything about that. Oddly, the person whose comments precede yours (Michael) didn’t complain about NOT getting handouts for the 40 years after he returned. I can see his point that now, 40 years later, maybe he could use the financial help to counteract some of his medical issues and the associated costs he’s now dealing with. At least that’s what *I* get out of his letter. I, myself, didn’t serve in the military (longer story) but my father did, two of my children are active duty now, and at no time in my life did I nor would I ever be smug enough, unappreciative enough, or just plain selfish enough to tell someone who *did * serve to “Get a grip.” Everyone reading your comment pretty much knows who should get a grip on LIFE (and his writing skills).
I appreciate the website’s clarity, helpfulness, and persistence in helping those in need and their ongoing commentary in support of free phone assistance for military families.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We feel very strongly about supporting the troops. This comment moderator was on a flight from Dallas to Denver yesterday and sat behind a very decorated Navy officer. It was heartwarming to see how many people thanked him for his service.
Jonathan A Samuel says
Eric you have serious issues. You act like veterans don’t deserve respect for their service. THEY DO BIG TIME!! YOU GET A GRIP!! I’m a veteran too.
Sherrill says
I agree with you.
michael williams says
I too am a veteran a Vietnam veteran at that. I went to Vietnam when I was just 17 years of age. since I returned nearly 40 years ago the only thing the US gov has given me is free medical care and a small nsc pension I’ve applied for a connected pension but has been denied so any times I lost count. I suffer from PTSD, serious skin conditions (agent Orange) Diabetes, and a host of other ailments and the Gov can’t even give its vets a lifeline phone that shows what our country thinks of us. when I came back from Vietnam I was called baby killer, murderer
Free Government Cell Phones says
Heartbreaking story, Michael. We are huge supporters of the nation’s vets and wish the program would be extended to include them. Thanks for your service.
Christine says
@Todd
Not sure what your comment has to do with the above article or even if ti’s appropriate for an online newsletter that is all about Free Government Cell Phones BUT….. I am one of the many USAF Ret Disabled Veterans that will (and has) stand and fight (to my death) for your right to voice your opinion.
@Free Government Cell Phone CS
^5
Thanks for the article – I truly appreciate the time you took to research that subject – it is an eye-opener for sure.
:-}
Free Government Cell Phones says
We salute you and all the vets who have sacrificed so much for our country, Christine.
todd says
a lot of companies are anti-war and to be honest the whole big fake invasion of iraq was a LIE from the bush brothers, iraq NEVER had nukes and thus it was wrong to invade a sovereign nation and cost yankee tax payers over $2,000,000,000 billion dollars*
*source = gov accounting office / war dept
Free Government Cell Phones says
Way to stay on subject, Todd.
Stan says
I was SOLICITED by a company representing Safelink, in the vestibule of the local Walmart.. I was asked if I met any of the qualifying criteria. I replied, NO. Then I was asked if I was a veteran; to which I replied YES. The lady then said “You are qualified for Safelink”. I showed her my VA I.D. card, and she copied it to her smart phone. A week later I received my phone from Safelink. I was receiving FREE minutes for the past 20 months, and recently I voluntarily dis-enrolled from the program. Who was paying for my phone service the past 20 months? Was I the only one to receive this benefit? Who knows; certainly not I.
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are no programs that allow veterans to receive free government cell phones, Stan. So we have no idea what was going on for the last 20 months. If we had to guess — and this is only a guess — we’d say this is one of those cases of fraud that pop up so often with street tents and booths.
In answer to your question about who paid for it, here’s the answer from our FAQ page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/who-pays-for-free-cell-phones
ALISHA McQuiston says
I thank vets shouldn’t be excluded they should be our first priority. We need to respect what they have done what they are still doing for this country. So it would be nice if you would think about them. Or this country would not be free.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We couldn’t agree more, Alisha. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to all vets, especially those who are down on their luck or disabled because of physical or psychological injuries suffered in the service.
Steve says
How to Use Veteran Status with Life Wireless:
There should be a way other then copying your Military, VA ID cards and sending this in with your application to Life Wireless, which I had to do. It worked but you don’t know for sure – till u try. Need a better way!
If Life Wireless and the other Major Lifeline Providers or even of
The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), USAC /FCC are listening, a Military member Active, Retired, or Veteran can join ID.me – scan online a copy of your DD214 and have it verified and be on record on-line with a digital identity .
I think this is better suited to The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) system, as one is determined eligible for Lifeline also could be deemed that one is of a US Military association as well.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ???
-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
About ID.me:
What this consists of is create a profile/ verify your ID/ access discounts and benefits.
Verify once and use your identity at hundreds of integrated partners across the ID.me network. Via ID.me Identity Gateway.
https://wallet.id.me/about
Joining ID.me and you have your digital ID cards so that you can easily prove your identity online via a single login. With ID.me Wallet, proving that you are you is as easy on websites as pulling an ID card out of your physical wallet is during in-person transactions.
Who is ID.me for? Military – First Responder – Teacher – Student
Who Uses ID.me? Consumers – Businesses – Government Agencies & Non-Profits
PS: Troop ID has moved to ID.me as it was similar in concept.
Troop ID, a military verification API, allows organizations to verify their own users.
Steve
Steve says
Hello -Steve Here-
[Thank you FGCP for mentioning me in your article.
Only from your website have I learnt so much about the Lifeline Program. If we all do a little towards bring some additional facts in recognition of the Lifeline Program and maybe that of special incentives & deals we find in our web paths will we all benefit from it.]
[Not that it’s of any Lifeline Providers in general but, that of the
FCC come Dec.1/2016 will streamline enrollment to include
“The Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension benefit.”]
[It’s not news for the average Veteran – as much as what a Lifeline Providers could do in offering incentives and other self promoted deals to our Veterans in return for their Lifeline subscriptions to them. But hopefully in the FCC move in Dec.2016 it will start the conversation up with all the Lifeline eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs), to start including that of a special Veteran packages and or incentives.
And YES FGCP is always welcome to bring us News of these advancements in the program and Harp On those who don’t…]
Veterans Pension = Supplemental Income for Wartime Veterans.
VA helps Veterans and their families cope with financial
challenges by providing supplemental income through the
Veterans Pension benefit. Veterans Pension is a tax-free
monetary benefit payable to low-income wartime Veterans.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/vetpen.asp
[From what I gathered the Vet’s Pension is a wartime benefit
with the age 65 or Totally and permanently disabled or A
patient in a nursing home receiving skilled nursing care.
Receiving SSDI or SSI and which there are Countable income
and Net worth calculations which offset your pension, by a
difference between your countable family income and the
annual pension limit set by Congress.]
Survivors Pension
The Survivors Pension benefit, which may also be referred
to as Death Pension, is a tax-free monetary benefit payable
to a low-income, un-remarried surviving spouse and/or unmarried
child(ren) of a deceased Veteran with wartime service.
http://www.benefits.va.gov/pension/spousepen.asp
[This is for the Wartime Veteran’s surviving family.
An un-remarried spouse is eligible at any age, a child of a
deceased wartime Veteran must meet certain requirements.
Survivors Pension is also based on your yearly family income,
which must be less than the amount set by Congress to qualify.]
@ SO YES FGCP I’D AGREE WITH YOUR STATEMENTs OF-
“C’mon, TracFone. C’mon, Safelink. C’mon all you other Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies. Step up. Do the right thing. Make it easier for America’s military veterans to qualify.
Follow the footsteps of Life Wireless and offer them a little
something extra.” @
@ If FGCP would be in the mood for some future article suggestions I’d be very much interested in the following:
1. Lifeline Providers BLACK FRIDAY deals on phone
upgrades and/or minutes packages.
2. Users of Lifeline POLL, ratings as to the major
providers they personally use of the over all service
they receive in general from this provider,
customer service, a readily available means of contact,
has the standard issued handset remained trouble free,
is the website easy to understand and facts presented well,
would they recommend it to others, what needs to be
addressed by this provider.
3.More information if you’re able to find about Hotspot Functionality.
Beginning the later of December 1, 2016, or 60 days after PRA approval, a phase-in begins that requires mobile broadband Lifeline Program providers that provide devices to consumers to offer devices that have hotspot functionality to help connect households to the Internet.
[will this possibly be of smartphones or as a stand alone Hotspot?]
4. States that already have and use their own eligibility
determination databases for the Lifeline program and what
users of those States can look forward to if or if/not used in
their States of the-
The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD).
(National Verifier)
5. More information on “Lifeline Broadband Provider Obligations.
States on-
http://www.lifelinesupport.org/li/tools/rules-orders/2016-lifeline-order.aspx#additional
More information coming soon.
[I personally would like to know what topics are under “Obligations”.]
Thanks so much,
Steve
Diane Oczkowski says
I get my lifeline benefit from Century Link telephone on my landline and I’d like to know why they don’t give an extra discount to veterans?
Free Government Cell Phones says
As we said in the article, Diane, it’s a sad thing that there isn’t a special way for veterans to qualify for this program.
Anonymous says
Our American government ought to be ashamed by the lack of support they offer our disabled vets. Our disabled vets, like my dad, served our country in a way our government couldn’t imagine and most certainly would NOT do themselves. They are oblivious to the sacrifices veterans make and especially those who are disabled that made the ULITMATE sacrifice and still do everyday they live with their disability; yet u will never hear them complain like the rest of us may. There are two defining forces in this world that will without question lay their lives’ down for another: Jesus and the American service member.
Going into the service, they’re filled full of empty promises; and when they get out, especially because of injury resulting in lifelong disability, not much is done for them. Just to see a primary care dr at the veterans clinic can take a month or longer to get in, so they’re out of pocket should they need to see a dr asap. OH and if a vet is ever asked a question such as: “Do u need help remembering things, like to do lists or when a bill is due (which we all need help or at least could use it, since two heads are better than one), then they list the veteran as “financially incompetent” which results in a fiduciary being assigned over the veterans hard earned check. If the vet is lucky, then the VA will allow their spouse to be over it; but only after an extensive background check and credit check. Otherwise, if not a family member deemed good enough in their eyes, then a fiduciary wil be assigned and guess what?! A charge per month will be deducted in order to pay that fiduciary, all over a question and honest answer that yes at times u need help remembering; but if you’re married liked the person I know of this happening to, then spouses generally work as a team anyways on finances.
IN closing, I’m on disability but not from the service, and I receive a government phone and I’d gladly give mine up to a veteran in need, if I could. I’m thankful for my extra benefits; but all I did was pay in social security taxes; I didn’t serve our country so bravely and selflessly only to be be neglected by our government after protecting this nation and even the government which screws the disabled vets and the vets returning home from a war nation with PTSD.
There needs to be a definite reform to veterans’ rights and less rights taken away from those governmental officials sitting cozy behind a desk, who instead of serving selflessly, serve selfishly.
Rick Teeple says
This is just another sad fact that shows how our brave Veterans are treated in our supposedly great country. I bet there are a lot of people out there that aren’t even United States citizens and have a government cell phone. It’s very sad that our service men and women don’t get things like this that they deserve probably more so than most people. I rely heavily on my government cell phone but I would gladly give it to a vet that really needs it. I for one greatly appreciate our service men and women.