What Is Lifeline
Lifeline is a government assistance program by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income households. The program was established in 1984 during the Ronald Reagan Administration when having communication services was no longer considered a luxury but a necessity. The program experienced large reforms during the Obama Administration, therefore free Lifeline phones are sometimes called ‘Obama phones’.
Participating Lifeline providers offer eligible low-income households a discount on monthly telephone service. Eligible low-income subscribers can receive a Lifeline discount of up to $9.25 a month ($34.25 a month for eligible people on Tribal lands). Subscribers can either receive a discount on wireline or wireless service, not both. Subscribers can also receive a discount on broadband Internet service or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from any participating wireline or wireless provider. The discount helps ensure that low-income families and individuals have access to their jobs, education resources, loved ones, healthcare, and emergency services.
In addition, some of the best Lifeline providers also offer discounts on mobile devices and some other benefits. The exact list of Lifeline benefits depends on the provider and the state.
The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income subscribers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on tribal lands. Due to the FCC rules, only one Lifeline service is available per household. The service is non-transferable. Check out some other Lifeline program limitations and restrictions in the ‘What Are the Limitations or Restrictions of Lifeline Providers’ section.
To participate in the Lifeline program and get Lifeline discounts from any Lifeline provider, you must be Lifeline-eligible. See the Lifeline eligibility criteria in the ‘How to Qualify for a Lifeline Program?’ section.
Best Lifeline Providers Who Offer Free Cell Phone Service
There are numerous Lifeline providers available in every state. However, not all providers offer the same benefits. In this section, you will find out which the very best Lifeline providers are, where do they offer their services, which benefits they offer, and how to apply for their discounts.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless is one of the best Lifeline providers. The popular provider offers its services to millions of subscribers in many U.S. states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Benefits
Access Wireless offers eligible consumers affordable connectivity with:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited data (15 GB of high speed)
- Hotspot data
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. It also offers nationwide coverage on Sprint’s network, free long-distance calls, and international calling availability.
How to apply
To apply for Access Wireless Lifeline discounts and benefits, simply follow the easy steps below.
- Visit accesswireless.com/lifeline.
- Enter your 5-digit ZIP code in the provided box and press ‘Learn More’.
- You will be redirected to your state’s Access Wireless Lifeline program. There, you will be able to see exactly how many minutes and data you can get in your state.
- Review your state’s Lifeline program carefully. When you’re done, press ‘Enroll’.
- Fill out the provider’s online application form by providing the required information and perhaps some documentation.
- Once you submit your application, allow a couple of days for the provider to review it and contact you.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a telephone service subsidized by the federal Lifeline Assistance program. This best Lifeline provider offers its services to many clients in numerous states, including Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
Eligible customers can expect to receive:
- Free monthly data
- Free unlimited texts
- Free unlimited minutes
- Free 10 GB of mobile hotspot data up to 4G LTE speed
- A free Android smartphone
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The Android phone you will receive depends on phone availability.
How to apply
To apply for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline program, follow the steps below.
- Visit assurancewireless.com.
- Read more about their Lifeline services. Then, scroll down and press ‘Apply now’.
- You will be redirected to the provider’s application form.
- Fill it out by entering the required information and providing the necessary documentation.
- Once you submit the form, you will soon be notified if you qualify.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a nationwide Lifeline provider. It is considered one of the best Lifeline providers and it offers its services to people in the following states: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Benefits
The provider offers Lifeline-eligible customers the following benefits:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data (through EBB)
- A free 4G/5G smartphone
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The smartphone you will receive depends on phone availability.
How to apply
To apply for the enTouch Wireless Lifeline program, follow the simple steps below.
- Visit entouchwireless.com and press ‘Enroll Today’ or visit apply4lifeline.entouchwireless.com directly.
- Enter your email address and ZIP code and press ‘Check availability’.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, provide the required information, and submit the application.
- Soon you will find out whether or not you qualify.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a U.S.-based telecommunications company and one of the best Lifeline providers that provide free wireless service to Lifeline-eligible customers in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
At Q Link Wireless, Lifeline-eligible consumers can receive the following benefits:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- The ability to bring your own phone and number
- A new tablet for just $10.01 (through EBB)
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The tablet you may receive depends on phone availability.
How to apply
To enroll, simply follow the easy steps below:
- Visit qlinkwireless.com.
- Read the offer and make sure you are Lifeline-eligible and a resident of a state where Q Link offers its services.
- Press ‘Get it now’. You will be redirected to a sign-up page.
- Enter your ZIP code and email address and press ‘Get it now’.
- Follow the instructions, provide the required information and documentation, and submit the application.
- Wait a few days for the provider to contact you.
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a Lifeline-supported service owned by Tracfone. This one of the best Lifeline providers has millions of subscribers in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
This Lifeline provider offers qualifying customers a long list of appealing benefits:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited data
- Free 10 GB hotspot
- A free smartphone
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The smartphone you will receive depends on phone availability.
How to apply
To apply for the SafeLink Lifeline program, follow these steps:
- Visit afelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome.
- Enter your ZIP code in the search box above and press ‘Start’.
- You will be redirected to their online application form. There, you will be required to provide some information and perhaps documentation that may prove your eligibility.
- Once you submit the form, the provider will notify you about what to do next.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is one of the best Lifeline providers in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
StandUp Wireless provides Lifeline-eligible customers with the following advantages:
- At least 1000 minutes of talk
- Unlimited texts
- 4.5 GB of monthly data
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state.
How to apply
To apply for these benefits, follow these simple steps:
- Visit standupwireless.com.
- To begin the application, enter your ZIP code and email address in the provided boxes above.
- Press ‘Begin application’.
- Follow the instructions, provide the necessary information, and submit your online application.
- Qualify through the National Verifier.
- Allow a few days for the provider to review your application and contact you.
TruConnect
TruConnect is a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) and one of the best Lifeline and EBB providers that offers prepaid wireless services and serves Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Benefits
Lifeline-eligible customers may receive the following benefits at TruConnect:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Free international calling to select countries
- 14 GB of monthly data
- A free Android phone or Wi-Fi hotspot.
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The smartphone you will receive depends on phone availability.
How to apply
To apply for the TruConnect Lifeline program, follow these steps:
- Visit truconnect.com.
- Enter your ZIP code and email address, and press ‘Enroll Now’.
- You will be asked to fill out TruConnect’s online application form.
- Once you provide all the necessary information and documents and submit the application, you will be notified whether or not you qualify.
In case you are successfully enrolled in any of these Lifeline programs from the best Lifeline providers, you will receive a free SIM card (and in some cases a discounted device) and you will have to activate the SIM card in order to start enjoying the discounted monthly services. To find out how to activate your SIM card, simply contact your Lifeline provider’s customer service.
American Assistance
This Lifeline provider offers services and plans in the states of Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
- $14.95 monthly co-pay
- 4.5 GB of data
- 500 voice minutes
- Unlimited text
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. You can also purchase a top-up plan and thus add minutes or data to your Lifeline plan. At American Assistance, Lifeline customers can also get a free smartphone.
Assist Wireless
This provider offers free government phone plans in Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Benefits
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited data
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. Assist Wireless also allows you to refill your talk, text, and data. At Assist Wireless, Lifeline-eligible customers can also get a free phone.
Easy Wireless
This Lifeline provider only operates in a few states – Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Missouri.
Benefits
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- Unlimited data and hotspot
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. At Easy Wireless, Lifeline-eligible customers can also receive a free smartphone and even an 8-inch tabled (this is a limited-time offer available through the Affordable Connectivity Program).
FeelSafe Wireless
FreeSafe’s Lifeline services are available in California, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
- Free talk
- Free text
- Free data
- Free Wi-Wi finder and map
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The provider also allows you to add more minutes. At Easy Wireless, Lifeline-eligible customers can also receive a free cellular phone.
Life Wireless
This free cell phone provider has many subscribers in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
- Unlimited text
- Nationwide calling, no roaming charges, and no charges for domestic long-distance calls
- Call waiting
- Voicemail
- Three-way calling
- Affordable recharge plans
Life Wireless customers may also qualify for a free phone. The provider’s free phone plans vary between states. Take a look at the exact number of minutes and data you may expect to receive by clicking at your state of residence at lifewireless.com/plans.
Tag Mobile
Tag Mobile serves in the states of Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Benefits
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- 8 GB of free LTE data
The exact amount of free minutes and data depends on the state. The provider also offers numerous Lifeline top-up plans, which allow customers to add minutes and data.
How to Qualify for a Lifeline Program?
In order to qualify for any of the best Lifeline providers, you must be a resident of one of the states where they offer their services. In addition, you must be Lifeline-eligible.
To be Lifeline-eligible, you must meet the FCC’s criteria, which is universal for all Lifeline providers. A household is Lifeline-eligible if they meet one (or more) of the following criteria:
Income-based eligibility
The household has an income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Program-based eligibility
The household participates in certain federal assistance programs, such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA),
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- The Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
A household can also be Lifeline-eligible if a member participates in one of the following Tribal Programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
If you or any of your household members meet one of the criteria above, your household can get one Lifeline benefit from one Lifeline provider. Note: Only one Lifeline benefit is available per household. The benefit is non-transferable.
What Documentation is Required to Qualify for the Lifeline Program?
When you apply for a Lifeline program at any Lifeline provider, the provider will try to confirm your eligibility and the correctness of your provided information automatically. However, in case they are unable to do so, you may be asked to submit proof of your identity, address, or Lifeline eligibility.
To prove your identity/address, you must provide an official document that includes both your name and address. The documents that you might have to provide to verify your identity and address include:
- Driver’s license
- ID
- Passport
- Social security number
- State ID card
- Taxpayer Identification Number (individual) with name and date of birth
To prove your income-based eligibility you will need to provide an official document that shows your annual income and your full name. In order to prove your income-based eligibility you may be required to provide one of the following documents:
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information
To prove your program-based eligibility you will need to provide an official document that shows your participation and your full name. In order to prove your program-based eligibility you may be required to provide one of the following documents:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
As only adult people of age 18 or more and emancipated minors can qualify, all emancipated minors must show proof of emancipation, such as an official court document or a certificate. The document must include your full name and confirmation of emancipated minor status.
You can submit any of these documents to your Lifeline provider online or via mail. Make sure to only provide copies of the documents, which you can make using a copy machine, scanner, a camera, or a smartphone, and to never provide original documents.
Which Phones Do Lifeline Providers Offer
Most of the best Lifeline providers offer basic to mid-range Android smartphones for free or with a discount. However, there are also some companies that offer discounted or free government iPhones.
Exactly which discounted or free smartphone you can expect to receive from your Lifeline provider depends on the provider, the state, and availability. Nevertheless, some Lifeline providers offer some of the following discounted or free smartphone models:
- LG Stylo 4
- LG M150
- LG K30
- Motorola E5
- Motorola G Power
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Samsung Galaxy J3
- Samsung Galaxy A10
- Alcatel Dawn
- Kyocera Hydro Reach
- ZTE Prestige 2
- NUU Mobile A3
- NUU Mobile A5L
- Blu Advance
- ZTE Wrap Elite N9518
- Apple iPhone 6 (CDMA or GSM)
- Apple iPhone 6S GSM
- Apple iPhone 7
- Apple iPhone 8
What Are the Limitations or Restrictions of Lifeline Providers
Like all government-funded programs, Lifeline also comes with a list of limitations and restrictions. Lifeline limitations and restrictions include:
- Only Lifeline-eligible people can participate in a Lifeline program and enjoy the benefits. See Lifeline eligibility criteria in the section ‘How to Qualify for a Lifeline Program?’.
- Only one Lifeline benefit is available per eligible household.
- The benefit is non-transferable to any other person.
- A household can only enroll in a Lifeline program from one provider. However, you can change your Lifeline provider at any time.
- If your Lifeline service is free, you must use it at least once every 30 days to maintain your service. If you don’t, you will get a 15-day notice to use it or it will get turned off.
- In case you are no longer Lifeline-eligible, you must report it within 30 days.
- Lifeline participants must reapply for Lifeline periodically (every year).
