Free Government Cell Phones for Low Income Families and Senior Citizens
Free Cell Phones for Low Income Families and Seniors
Is there really such a thing as a free cell phone for low income families and seniors?
After doing research on the best cell phones for seniors I decided to share some helpful information that I came across during the process.
Did you know that the government supports discounted free cell phone service and plans to individuals below the poverty line through it's "Lifeline" program? (Safelink wireless offers a "completely free version" of this plan which you can read more about below.)
Where did "Lifeline" originate?
During the Reagan administration (1984) the "Lifeline" program was created to provide "low cost" plans to low income families and seniors. Under the Telecommunications act of 1996 this program was enhanced.
Free Government Cell Phones -
Who can Qualify for free government cell phones?
Per the Lifeline page you can qualify for this program if your household income is not above the 135% Federal Poverty Guideline or if you already participate in:
Medicaid
Food Stamps
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or
The National School Lunch Programs Free Lunch Program
Here's a chart for determining whether you are at or below the 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines:
 | Snapfon "ez ONE" Cell phone for Seniors w/ big buttons, Loud speaking keypad, so easy to see and use This featured cell phone is available through Amazon for under $100. If you qualify for the Lifeline program program and use Safelink, then they will give you a cell phone completely free. Amazon Price: $84.99 List Price: $109.99 |
Cell Phones for Low Income Families and Seniors
Free Cell Phones through Safelink Wireless
One carrier that supports a free government cell phone version of this program is Safelink Wireless. (AT&T also offers this program, so be sure to make the necessary comparisons to right the find fit for you.)
From what I've read, I like Safelink wireless (safelinkwireless.com) because it provides a version that is completely free to low income individuals.
Here's a quote from their page
“SafeLink Wireless is proud to offer Lifeline Service, which is a program that enables qualifying customers to receive discounts on monthly telephone service. In our version of the program, you will receive free cellular service, a free SafeLink Wireless cell phone and the assurance that you will get no bills and no contracts EVER!”
Is it available in your state?
While there are discounts for the "Lifeline" program in every state Safelink does have some limitations for their completely free cell phone plans. They are available in the following states right now:
Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
As of 2009, safelink was servicing over 2 Million individuals.
Free Government Cell Phones for Low Income Families and Seniors
I hope you've enjoyed this hub. If you have, then please leave a comment below. If you have additional information that you would like me to feature, then let me know. I constantly update this and other hubs in order to keep my readers updated.
Additional information is available at the Lifeline government website.
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Comments
HOW CAN YOU SING UP FOR THIS
@ Terry thanks for your comment you can go to the safelink wireless website to sign up and find out more
love it
How many phones are allowed in the home can we each have one?
yes I could use a cell phone how do i get it.
@ Constance - you can go to the lifeline government website and sign up there to get more information.
There are a bunch of cell phone companies offering free cell phone service. Safelink has one of the best plans going because they offer 250 minutes. Unfortunately, many people are double-dipping. They get a phone from more than one carrier. No one is checking to see if they're already receiving the benefit from another provider. Lots of money is being "stolen" from the fund right now.
Thank you so much for the information. I have a friend who is 76, and lives alone. I worry about him when he takes a trip now and then, and would feel so much better if he had a phone with him. He resists anything that he perceives as charity. Is there a way that I can get this for him, if I provide his information? (NO, I don't need a phone. I have a smart phone.)
I have a tracfone that has stopped working
and we have called safelink 3 calls and they say they are sending a replace phone and still have not recieved anything.Could anybody please help us?Thank you and have a blessed day.
hey i like that kind of phone
i need a phone for about 10.00 because we travel many to get our mediene with tires of being bad we live a senor citzen village very small income
I HAVE TWO KIDS AND LIVE WITH MY PARENTS. I CANT FIND A JOB AT THE MOMENT, BUT I WONT GIVE UP. I DESPERATELY NEED A PHONE,AND ANY HELP I CAN GET. I HOPE THIS IS NOT A HOAX. I NEED help!
that would be real nice so i can tlk to my family
I need a phone so I can keep up with my appointments to the docter for my treatment. My wife stop work to take care of me and we just can't get the help we need. I just report back to work, not able to but we have to eat. I had try for this phone over five month so is this real or not.
i am sending my brother as a referd friend to sing up for your phone and to get my extur 100 mines
MY Friend want acell phone but she cannot see . Because she Blind and also she is lower income .Iwant know about this cell phone. it call Snapfon ez phone. is that Phone Free And Minuter is free,Please email back to me .My email address is Bwanda 8409 @Gmail.com.iF she can get one them cell phone.pleaseletme know. Thank you.
amybradley77 16 months ago
Voted up!! Always nice to see are great Gov. at work to help the so called "little guy". Usually the hardest working, and therefore most deserving of such perks as the cell phones anyway. Great page, thanks again!! A.B.