Are you in need of a new phone but worried about the costs? Many people face financial challenges that make staying connected difficult, but there’s good news! Several government programs are designed to help individuals access free or low-cost phones, ensuring everyone can maintain communication for work, emergencies, and staying in touch with loved ones.
It is difficult to navigate modern life without a cell phone. What was once a luxury is now a necessity but like any consumer good, it has a cost. Not only do you have to purchase a phone but you also have to sign up to a service. The average cost of a smartphone is over $500 while a basic plan with talk minutes, texts and data currently averages out at around $150 per month.
There are, however, ways to significantly save on cell phone costs. In fact, there are even government programs where you can get cell phones or cell phone plans for free.
Operating under the guise of the Affordable Connectivity Program (the replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program), each program is based on its own set of criteria that applicants need to satisfy to qualify for the deal.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless provides free wireless service on America’s largest 4G LTE/5G network. [2] So far, more than 2 million subscribers have signed up to this program. You bring your own current phone and existing number to the service known as Free Always on Plan.
Terms of the Program
- Free SIM card
- Free activation
- Unlimited talk time
- Unlimited texts
- Unlimited picture messaging
- Unlimited data
- Three-way calling
- Voicemail
- Access to around 10 million free WI-FI locations
- Emergency calls to 911
You can qualify if you are unemployed or are in receipt of certain government benefits. Upon a successful application directly on the Q Link Wireless website, you are sent a SIM card kit.
The phone plan is automatically refilled every month. As an added bonus (at the time of writing with no indication of an end date), all new customers receive a new tablet.
Safelink Wireless
Aimed at low income individuals, Safelink Wireless offers free cellular devices and free phone service. This program gives you the freedom of a phone service without a contract which means no expensive monthly bills and also the ability to cancel at any time.
Terms of the Program
- SIM card
- 350 minutes talk time
- Unlimited texts
- 4.5GB data
- Free voicemail
- Caller ID
- 411 directory assistance
You can also keep your own cell phone if you have one. Eligibility for the Safelink Wireless service is based on total household income and you need to be a participant in a government assistance program.
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (Section 8)
- Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit
Application is made via the Safelink Wireless website where you will also learn exactly what phone plan you are entitled to as it varies by state.
Tag Mobile
Tag Mobile offers a free cell phone service to low income households and individuals in 19 states of the USA.
If you live in California, you may also qualify for a free smartphone.
Terms of the Program
- 1,000 free talk minutes
- Unlimited texts
- 4.5GB LTE data
- Voicemail
- Call waiting
- Caller ID
Because state coverage is limited and eligibility for the Tag Mobile program also differs by state, you need to check the website to see if you meet the criteria.
- You need to be a participant in a government benefit program (Medicaid, SNAP or SSI
- Your income is equal to or less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level.
EnTouch Wireless
This government phone service provides free phones and full service to 34 US States. If you meet eligibility requirements you will be provided with a 5.5 inch smartphone free of charge.The phone is Android based with a large screen. If you prefer, you can use your existing cell phone.
Terms of the Program
- SIM Card
- Unlimited talk time
- Unlimited texts
- Free international calls
- 6GB data allowance
Some applicants may qualify for an unlimited data package. This can be checked on the website when verifying eligibility.
As with the other programs, eligibility is either through being a participant in a federal benefits scheme or by meeting a low income threshold.
Typically members of certain groups can qualify for Entouch Wireless.
- Medi-Cal
- CalFresh
- Supplemental Security Income (Section 8)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension and Benefits
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
It’s an Entitlement!
The US government has recognized the need for all adult American citizens to be able to access cell phone services. The ACP exists to ensure that everyone in a position of disadvantage whether the reason is poverty or you are in receipt of benefits can obtain a phone service and where appropriate, a free phone service.
Many disadvantaged households, seniors and older adults can qualify for free phone service for as long as may be necessary. The programs provide monthly plans that offer free calls, texts and a data allowance.
The programs differ slightly by provider and the plans and benefits may differ according to where you live. Some programs offer incentives such as free phones or sign-on treats like a tablet.