Best Free Lifeline Cell Phone Service Providers In 2024
The Lifeline program is a federal benefit that provides discounted phone and internet service to qualifying low-income households. It was started in 1985 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure that all Americans have access to essential telecommunication services.
The Universal Service Fund funds the program, which collects fees from telecom providers. Lifeline provides a monthly discount of $9.25 on phone or internet service for eligible households. Some providers offer free services, including monthly minutes, texts, and data.
Who Qualifies for Lifeline Free Phone?
To qualify for Lifeline cell phone service, your household must meet income requirements or participate in certain government assistance programs.
You can qualify through income if your household’s income is below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The guidelines vary by state and household size.
You can also qualify through enrollment in any of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If you live on federally recognized Tribal lands, you can qualify through additional Tribal-specific programs like the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance and Head Start.
How to Apply for Lifeline Free Cell Phone?
To apply through Lifeline cell phone service providers, you must prove you qualify. Acceptable documents include past tax returns, pay stubs, benefit award letters, or program enrollment confirmations.
You can only enroll with one Lifeline cell phone service providers per household. You must certify each year that you still qualify for the program. If your household no longer meets the requirements, you must notify your provider within 30 days.
Top Lifeline Cell Phone Service Providers in 2024
There are many best Lifeline providers across the country offering discounted cell phone service. Here are 13 top options with details on their coverage areas, plan benefits, and how to apply.
1. Assurance Wireless
- Coverage: 39 states plus DC
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text, 10GB data, free phone
- Apply: assurancewireless.com
Assurance Wireless is one of the most widely available Lifeline providers. They offer a free Android smartphone on their network plus unlimited talk, text, and 10GB of data.
To apply, visit their website and complete the online application. You’ll need to provide eligibility documentation. Once approved, you’ll receive a free phone after activating your service.
2. Q Link Wireless
- Coverage: 22 states plus PR
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text/data, free or discounted phone
- Apply: qlinkwireless.com
QLink Wireless provides free unlimited talk, text, and data on their network. They also let you bring your device or purchase a discounted phone.
To apply, go to their website and enter your ZIP code and email to begin enrollment. Provide eligibility documentation during the application process to get approved for Lifeline benefits.
3. SafeLink Wireless
- Coverage: 32 states plus DC and PR
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text/data, 10GB hotspot, free phone
- Apply: safelinkwireless.com
SafeLink Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and data on their network. You also get 10GB of hotspot data and a free Android smartphone.
To enroll, go to their website and enter your ZIP code. Complete the online application and provide eligibility documentation. Once approved, you’ll receive instructions on selecting your free phone.
Read also: How To Get Free Government Phone Arizona
4. StandUp Wireless
- Coverage: 20 states plus PR
- Benefits: 1000 talk minutes, unlimited text, 4.5GB data
- Apply: standupwireless.com
StandUp Wireless provides 1000 talk minutes, unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of monthly data. They offer service in 20 states.
To apply, go to their website and enter your ZIP code and email. Complete the eligibility verification process and submit the documentation required to enroll.
5. Life Wireless
- Coverage: 37 states plus DC and PR
- Benefits: Unlimited talk/text, data, discounted phone
- Apply: lifewireless.com
Life Wireless offers discounted Lifeline cell phone service with unlimited talk and text. Data amounts vary by state. They also provide discounted Android phones to choose from.
To apply, check their website to see if they offer service in your state. Start the online enrollment and submit eligibility documentation. If approved, you can select a discounted smartphone.
6. Access Wireless
- Coverage: 36 states plus DC
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text, 15GB data, free phone
- Apply: accesswireless.com
Access Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and 15GB of high-speed data for Lifeline users. You also get a free smartphone on their network. To apply:
- Go to their website and enter your ZIP code.
- Choose your state’s Lifeline plan details and press “Enroll.”
- Complete the eligibility verification process online.
7. enTouch Wireless
- Coverage: 28 states plus DC and PR
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text/data, free phone
- Apply: entouchwireless.com
enTouch Wireless provides free unlimited talk, text, and data on their network for Lifeline customers. They also offer a free Android smartphone.
To enroll, go to their website and enter your ZIP code and email address. Complete the online application and provide eligibility documentation for review.
8. American Assistance
- Coverage: 16 states
- Benefits: 500 minutes, unlimited text, 4.5GB data, free phone
- Apply: americanassistance.com
American Assistance provides Lifeline customers 500 monthly minutes, unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of data. They also offer discounted Android devices.
To enroll, check their website to confirm they offer service in your state. Start the online application and submit eligibility documentation for review.
9. Assist Wireless
- Coverage: 5 states
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text/data, free phone
- Apply: assistwireless.com
Assist Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and data with a free smartphone for Lifeline users in the states they cover.
To apply, visit their website if you live in an eligible state. Begin the online enrollment process and submit the required documentation to verify eligibility.
Read also: Free Phone When You Switch to Boost Mobile
10. Easy Wireless
- Coverage: 3 states
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text/data and hotspot, free phone
- Apply: easywireless.com
Easy Wireless provides unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot usage for Lifeline customers in their coverage area. You also get a free smartphone.
Check their website to see if you reside in a participating state. Start the online application and provide eligibility documentation for enrollment.
11. Tag Mobile
- Coverage: 18 states
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text, 8GB data
- Apply: tagmobile.com
Tag Mobile offers Lifeline customers unlimited talk and text plus 8GB of data monthly. They provide service in 18 states.
Go to their website and check availability for your state. Begin the online enrollment process and submit eligibility documentation for review.
12. TruConnect
- Coverage: 31 states plus PR and USVI
- Benefits: Free unlimited talk/text/data, free phone
- Apply: truconnect.com
TruConnect provides free unlimited talk, text, and data on their network for Lifeline users. They also offer a free Android smartphone.
To apply, go to their website and enter your ZIP code and email address. Complete the eligibility verification process and required documentation.
13. FeelSafe Wireless
- Coverage: 9 states
- Benefits: Free talk/text; data amounts vary
- Apply: feelsafewireless.com
FeelSafe Wireless offers Lifeline cell phone plans with free talk and text. Data amounts vary by state. Customers can also get free discounted phones.
Check availability in your state on their website. Start enrollment online and submit documentation to verify Lifeline eligibility.
Read also: How to Get Free Government iPhone 12 – Is it Available?
Lifeline Eligibility Documentation
When applying for Lifeline with any provider, you must show documentation proving your eligibility. Here are some examples of accepted documents:
- Prior year’s tax return
- Current income statement or pay stub
- Government benefits letter (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid)
- Veterans pension verification
- Tribal program enrollment confirmation
Make sure your name, date, and relevant information is visible. Submit copies of documents, not originals, during the enrollment process.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. You must recertify with your provider each year to maintain discounted service. Report any changes in eligibility status immediately.
Using Your Lifeline Cell Phone Service
Once approved for Lifeline, your provider will receive instructions on activating your new service. In most cases, you’ll get:
- A free SIM card sent by mail
- Directions on activating online or by phone
- Option to select a free smartphone if offered
- Information on using your monthly minutes, texts, and data
You’ll need to activate your service within 60 days and use it at least once every 30 days to avoid deactivation. Make sure to understand included usage amounts and recharge options if needed.
Lifeline can connect you with affordable cell phone service to stay in touch. Choose a top provider available in your state and apply with eligible documentation today.
