Free Government Cell Phones
Cell phones are crucial devices. They allow you to remain in contact with people through calls and messages, and connect to online resources as well. However, cell phones are getting more and more expensive, and the same goes for cell phone plans. Luckily, thanks to free government cell phones, it is possible for everyone to stay connected.
Free Government Cellphone Options
Coolpad Legacy GO
Most of the free government cellphone options that you can expect will be unlocked phones that you can bring over to numerous carriers, but Assurance Wireless has their own lineup of phones for you to choose from. One of their options is the Coolpad Legacy GO.
Features:
- 32GB microSD external storage compatibility
- M4/T3 HAC Rating
Most Convenient Option: Bring Your Own Phone
While there will of course be individuals out there that have no cell phone at all , the most hassle-free option will likely be to bring your own phone, provided you have one.
Bringing your own phone not only saves you the trouble of having to get a new number or wait for a new phone to arrive, but it also expands your cell phone options. Even iPhones can be used in tandem with LAP or EBB. Make sure to check if your current unlocked cell phone is compatible with your chosen service provider.
Does Safelink Offer Bring Your Own Program
Bring-Your-Own-Phone Program enables customers to switch to Safelink Lifeline account to keep their current mobile device and phone number while moving their service to its networks. Most importantly, Safelink bring your own phone requires you to have a compatible or unlocked Smartphone.
Most GSM Smartphones and some CDMA are compatible, but if your cell phone is not compatible at that time, you can use a sim or sim kit to unlock your current phone.
However, SafeLink Keep Your Own Smartphone and services are subject to the Terms and Conditions of Service found at SafeLink. SafeLink BYOP only works upon running your recent smartphone compatibility check.
Besides, some unique features are applicable for only SafeLink phones, and in BYOP, you wouldnt receive those services. In the program of BYOP, you can use your own phone in the SafeLink BYOP program by adhering to the following conditions to get this service.
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What Service Providers Do I Have Access To
As stated above, there are many service providers in each state, but there are a couple of providers that are widely accessible nationwide and well worth mentioning. Those providers are:
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is now under the umbrella of T-Mobile, which makes it an attractive provider of the Lifeline Assistance Program. However, T-Mobile is currently only offering discounts through the Lifeline program in seven states and Puerto Rico.
This does not mean that Assurance Wireless is only available in these eight locations, but rather T-Mobile specific discounts are only available in these eight locations. The list of state availability for Assurance Wireless can be found here.
Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is under the same umbrella that houses names like Net10, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, and TracFone. All of these are notable names in the No-Contract cell phone market.
TracFone Wireless is currently the largest no-contract provider in the United States and has the best track record, no pun intended. One of the reasons SafeLink is arguably the top provider of free government cell phones is because they accept almost any GSM phone.
QLink Wireless
Available in 28 states and Puerto Rico, QLink Wireless is another strong presence in the field of affordable cell phones and cell phone plans.
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How To Apply For A Safelink Wireless Free Phone
The easiest way to apply is online. Visit and enter your zip code in the ENTER ZIP CODE field at the top of the page and click the START button. Fill in all the data and continue until the final step.
There is also the option of visiting a local Safelink Wireless dealer and apply with all the document copies and filled application in person. Visit and enter your zip code to find a place near you.
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Here Are Some Of The Local Addresses:
- California:
- UNO SUPER MARKET, 5658 CLARA ST, BELL GARDENS, CA 90201-4525, 927-1041
- 1330 E ALONDRA BLVD, COMPTON, CA 90221, 900-0680
- 7 ELEVEN, 307 WEST COMPTON BOULEVARD, COMPTON, CA 90220, 632-1368
Restrictions For Safellink Wireless Government Free Phone
List of restrictions:
* A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. If someone else currently receives a discount at your address, SafeLink Wireless will send you a Lifeline Household Worksheet for you to complete to provide proof of eligibility .
We have provided you with more than enough information to help you decide whether SafeLink Wireless is the right option to become your Lifeline assistance provider. We believe that your final decision will greatly depend on the fact if you get a SafeLink free government phone or not, which is conditioned to your place of residence.
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How You Can Get An Obama Phone
If you qualify based on your income, you can get a free government phone for yourself. Along with a free cell phone, you will be able to receive 250 free minutes per month. Needy Americans can get approved through many different retailers in 49 states along with Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. To get an Obama Phone, you must simply qualify based on your income level per year.
Buy More Minutes From A Local Retailer
The first thing you need to do is buy a Tracfone Airtime Card. You can get one online by going to Tracfone.com, by calling Tracfone at 1-800-378-1684, or in person by visiting any of 70,000 retail locations across the country, such as Walmart, Target, Kmart, Radio Shack, Vons, Family Dollar, Dollar General, CVS, Rite Aid and many others.
The Safelink website allows you to buy minutes in four different packages of Airtime Cards with a different number of minutes in each package. But take our advice: Dont buy from here because you can find many more packages and some great deals over at the Tracfone site. So save yourself some money and just go there directly to Trackfone.com.
Tracfone.coms Airtime Card page will show you many different options. Each option will show you the number of minutes you will receive.
For example, if you purchase 30 minutes, Safelink will give you 100 minutes for just $9.99. If you purchase 60 minutes, theyll give you 200 minutes for just $19.99. If you purchase 90 minutes, theyll give you 250 minutes for just $24.99. And, finally, if you purchase 120 minutes, theyll give you 300 minutes for just $29.99. Bargains one and all, wed say.
Once you choose the Airtime Card thats right for you, youll need to enter either your cell phone number or your phones serial number. If you are unable to make and receive calls, enter your serial number.
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What If I Dont Qualify For A Safelink Free Phone
If you dont qualify for a SafeLink free phone, then you simply wont be able to receive the phone or the free services. Luckily, nowadays, there are plenty of very affordable mobile devices to be found in all electronic stores and at all wireless service providers. Many of these stores and providers even offer customers to pay for new phones in affordable monthly installments even without a credit check. Therefore, you will surely be able to find a great and inexpensive new mobile device in no time.
If, on the other hand, you did qualify for a SafeLink free phone in the past, but you dont anymore you will immediately lose your privileges. If the company determines during its re-certification drive that a customer is no longer eligible for their Lifeline program, the customer will become ineligible and disenrolled effective immediately and will no longer receive the free monthly minutes. Customers who for any reason no longer qualify for free services must notify SafeLink that they no longer meet the requirements within 30 days. A customers enrollment may also be canceled upon the request of the state or federal authority.
The Government Pays For Your Cell Phone And Phone Service
Qualifying Applicants to free government phone programs will receive a modern cell phone free of charge. You will not receive an iPhone or the latest Android super phone, but you will receive a modern basic color cell phone. These phones do not come with all of the latest bells and whistles, such as Bluetooth or other higher level features.
The most popular government cell phone used in these programs is the Kyocera Jax, which is a stylish and compact candy bar style cell phone complete with a color LCD. It packs all the basic functionality most users need and is very easy to use.
In addition to your free government phone, you can typically expect to receive from about 60-250 free long distance and local cell phone minutes per month depending on your state of residency and the program providers guidelines. 250 minutes is not a huge amount of time, but it should be enough for important calls to family and potential employers, and for emergency use. For users that need more time, additional minutes are available for an added fee .
Text messages are generally not included in the basic packages. However, users can opt to add text messaging services by paying a small monthly fee.
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Parent Company: América Móvil
Headquarters: Miami, FL, United States
TracFone Wireless is a mobile network operator, established back in 1996 and based in Miami, Florida. It’s a subsidiary of the popular brand, América Móvil, which is among the largest telecommunications companies in Mexico. TracFone Wireless offers multiple products/service under various brands like Straight Talk, NET10 Wireless, GoSmart Mobile, SIMPLE Mobile, and TracFone.
What To Do When You Lose Your Phone
- Go online to www.tracfone.com, or call 800-867-7183
- Enter the zip code to get a list of Tracfone phones compatible with Safelink Wireless services
- Please give them your name, phone number, and serial number for the missing phone.
- You can keep your phone number or ask for a new one.
- Purchase your new phone at Radio Shack, Eckerd, Kroger and K-Mart, Walmart, and many drug stores
When you get your new phone, you call to have it activated by providing the serial number on the activation card, and the SIM card code, on the back of the SIM. Tracfones airtime: Any remaining is transferred to your new phone. Tracfone Customer Service 1 867-7183 or look for Safelink Compatible Phones.
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Free Government Cell Phones: Which Phones You Can Get
The various carriers that participate in the Lifeline Assistance program do a pretty good job of giving their customers some great options in terms of cheap or free phones.
Take Assurance: the carrier offers a host of smartphones like the Alcatel Dawn, Kyocrea Hydro Reach and ZTE Prestige 2. Or Truconnect: they sell the NUU A3 and ZTE Warp Elite N9518.
Alcatel
Unfortunately some of these carriers aren’t very forthcoming with their phone lineups until after you go through the qualification process. However, doing so will help you determine what kind of stipend you’re working with for your free or cheap government phone.
Lifeline Program For Low
Lifeline
Lifeline Fraud Tip Line: 1-855-4LL-TIPS or . Please provide as much detail as possible, including your name and contact information and the company you are using to receive Lifeline-supported phone service.
The FCC is currently developing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that Congress created in the recent COVID relief legislation. Program specifics will be available in the coming weeks. Consumers should contact broadband providers that serve their area to learn more about current low cost offerings.
Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.
The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company . USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. USACs website provides information regarding administrative aspects of the low-income program, as well as program requirements.
Below are highlights of the reforms made in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order:
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Free Government Phones By State 2021
Lifeline Assistance is an FCC-mandated , government-sponsored program that helps the financially disadvantaged receive a cell phone at no cost to them.
An estimated 12-15 million Americans have a Lifeline cell phone and about 10 million more are qualified to enroll in the program and receive a free cell phone. Those who wish to see if they qualify or want to enroll in the Lifeline Assistance program can go to the Free Government Cell Phones website.
Some companies that participate in Lifeline offer new smartphones such as Android, but it is likely that recipients will receive used, refurbished models or a basic feature phone. Lifeline users will typically get 250 minutes per month or up to unlimited voice minutes and sometimes unlimited texting as well.
How Do I Get A Free Phone
To find out if you qualify for a free government phone, youll need to make sure that your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Youll need to prove your household income with pay stubs, a W-2 form, or a letter from the government agency that you’re enrolled in.
You can start by entering your ZIP code here to see what free government service options are available in your area.
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Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone With The Lifeline Program
For starters, if youre already enrolled in a government aid program, you could automatically qualify for a free government phone. Those already enrolled in any of the following programs are eligible:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations , Head Start
If youre not enrolled in any of those government programs, youll need to prove your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, if youre the only person in your household and want to get a free government phone, youll need to prove you make less than $12,760 per year. Every extra person in your household pushes your limit up another $4,480so, essentially, the more folks you have in your household, the easier it is to qualify for a free government cell phone and inexpensive cell phone plan.
Minimum Service Standards & Support Amounts
| Date | Voice Support Amount | Broadband Support Amount | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: 2 GB |
|||
|
Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: 3 GB |
|||
|
Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism |
Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination | $5.25 | |
|
Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism |
Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination | $0** | $9.25 |
* Minimum service standards and support amounts will be implemented on the later of December 1, 2016 or 60 days after PRA approval.** Continued voice support of $5.25 per month in areas with only one Lifeline provider.*** Fixed broadband providers that do not offer a product meeting the minimum service standards to a particular customers residence may receive the $9.25 benefit if that customer purchases a fixed broadband offering that meets or exceeds 4 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.
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