Did you know Lifeline Assistance programs give out free government cell phones, and more? If you have fallen on hard times, and are in need of cell phone service, use this list below of free cell phones for low-income families that includes free talk and text. These cell phones are 100% free with free talk and text. This list has government supported programs that provide a free cell phone and minutes each month for anyone who is income eligible. Eligible persons must meet certain eligibility requirements rules by each State that the service is provided. Requirements are based on Federal support programs or by Income Poverty Guidelines.
The basic service for a government supported cell phone usually works like this. Once you have applied and are approved you may receive a free basic cell phone along with 250 free minutes each month plus texts. Some programs may have unlimited talk, and text. Additionally, you may get free voicemail, caller ID and call waiting. These service plans will also let you purchase additional low-cost minutes.
NOTE:
If your household already receives Lifeline assistance for another phone than you can’t receive a Lifeline cell phone without canceling the other phone. A household is not permitted to receive Lifeline benefits from multiple companies. Violation of the “One Lifeline Phone Per Household Rule” may result in your Lifeline service being terminated, and you could be prosecuted. You also have to recertify each to show you are still qualified for this program.
Free Government Cell Phones Along With Free Talk & Text
Don’t forget some programs below may not be available in your state. Usually all it takes is adding your zip code to find out once you have click a program below to learn more. (This list is always updated, and more programs added as I find them.)
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Budget Mobile
- BlueJay Wirless
- EnTouch Wireless
- FeelSafe Wireless
- Life Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- QLink Wireless
- ReachOut Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Total Call Mobile
- TruConnect
- Your Tel Wireless
Cell Phones You Purchase That Come With Free Talk, Text and Data (Anyone can purchase). Not government supported but offer free talk, text, and data. For these companies, you would have to purchase the phone and then get the free plan. Read more about them below.
- Scratch Wireless offers a $99 amazing smartphone I personally own! (you can read my Scratch Wireless review here and see what the phone looks like too). The catch is that voice, data and texting are always FREE while connected to a WiFi network. However texting is always 100% free whether you are connected to a wireless network or not. This is wonderful because it seems no matter where you go there is free WiFi to use. But if you feel you need to purchase talk time because your not picking up any free WiFi, well there are pay as you go plans that start at $1.99. Scratch Wireless is the best one under this section.
- FreedomPop offers top brand smartphones at different prices that you purchase with an almost free plan. For $4.99 a month you get local phone number, access 10 million hotspots nationwide that make you able to get unlimited talk, text, and WiFi just under $5 a month!
Disclosure: I am in no way affiliated with the Lifeline service or the wireless carries listed above. I am only sharing this information collected to help people in need looking for free, and cheaper cell phone service.
©Angela Harris and Angie’s Angel Help Network, 2015. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner are strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used with written permission from this blog’s author, provided that full and clear credit is given to Angela Harris and Angie’s Angel Help Network with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
The Lifeline Assistance programs are a tremendous help to people who need access to cell phones but can’t afford them. Having a cell phone is necessary these days, not only for keeping in contact with friends and family but for work and medical reasons too.
I am surprised there are so many. I love helping those in need.
This is a wonderful resource for people who need a phone. I will share it with a friend who is looking for deals right now!
Thank you. If they have any questions, send them this way.
I will keep this in mind when my kids are ready to have phones of their own. What a great resource and thank you fopr sharing the info.
You are welcome. Use it if you need or pass it along.
Oh this is so important! we take for granted how easy it is to get a cell phone when really the ones who need it the most have the hardest time getting one. What a great program.
Thank you. I enjoy sharing these programs to help others.
This is a wonderful resource for people who need a phone. I will share this with people that I know who might need this information.
Thank you so much. It’s great to get others involved.
This is such a great resource. Thanks for putting together this list. Who doesn’t love free talk and text?
Thank you. I hope to see it reach many needy families.
Wow! Didn’t know about all of these. Our son has been bugging us for a cellphone. Thank you for the list.
You are very welcome. Be sure and pass it along to more that might need it.
This is a great resource for those in need.
Thank you for all your support.
That’s a great list! I knew about one of these, but not all of them. I’m going to share this with a few people. Thanks!
So glad you found it. I hope it reaches those who need it most.
What a great resource for free talk and text. This is pretty awesome, I’m going to check them all out! Thank you for these!
Thank you. Be sure and pass this on to those you know that are in need.
I’ve never heard of Scratch Wireless but it seems like an awesome service! I’ll definitely have to check it out. Thank you for sharing this!
You are welcome.
These are great ideas! I love that they’re free, they’re definitely great options for some! Great post!
Thank you. I just love spreading the word to help those in need.
Wow, great post! I am going to look into scratch wireless!
I love Scratch Wireless. They have a great service.
Technology can be so expensive so it is great to come across resources like this that list free ways to enjoy technology. I mean, who wouldn’t want freebies to talk and text?!?
I agree. So many could use this right now.
I know so many people who could use these phones. This is such a great post thank you!
You are welcome. It’s sad that so few even know about this.
I had one of these phones and am very thankful. I was able to stay connected and get calls from my kid’s school and daycare. These programs are great.
Thank you for sharing. I agree these are huge help for those less fortunate.
I think this is such an important service. Those who are in need still should have access to cell phones. They’re important for staying connected and for emergencies.
I agree. Having a cell phone this day in age is very important.
This Is AWESOME Information FREE Cell Phone There Are So Many People Who Really Need This, I Must Get One For My Mom She Is On Social Security & Can’t Afford A Phone Thank You!
I did the same for my dad. Many of our parents are in the same situation and have no idea about these types of programs. Thank you.
Oh wow. Free is pretty awesome. Thanks for sharing this great resource. I need this now that my kids are getting into cell phone age.
You are very welcome.