If you’re looking for a free cell phone with no money down and no credit check, you’re in luck. There are a number of government and private programs that offer these phones to low-income individuals and families. In this article, we’ll list the top 20 free cell phone programs, along with their eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Eligibility Requirements
Most free cell phone programs have specific eligibility requirements that you must meet in order to qualify. These requirements may vary depending on the program, but they typically include:
- Proof of income
- Proof of residency
- Proof of government assistance (such as Medicaid or SNAP)
- No active cell phone service
How to Apply
Once you’ve determined that you’re eligible for a free cell phone, you can apply to the program of your choice. The application process may vary depending on the program, but it typically involves filling out an online form or visiting a participating location.
The application process for free cell phones varies depending on the provider and the program. However, in general, you will need to provide the following information:
- Your name and address
- Your date of birth
- Your contact information (phone number and email address)
- Your household income
- Proof of government assistance (if applicable)
Once you have submitted your application, you will be contacted by the provider to let you know if you have been approved. If you are approved, you will be able to choose a phone and have it shipped to you.
Top 20 Free Cell Phone Programs
Here is a list of the top 20 free cell phone programs in the United States:
1. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a government-funded program that provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Assurance Wireless, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Assurance Wireless offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for Assurance Wireless, you can visit the Assurance Wireless website or call 1-888-899-8989.
2. LifeLine
LifeLine is a government-funded program that provides a discount on monthly telephone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for LifeLine, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where LifeLine is offered.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for LifeLine, you can contact your local telephone company.
3. Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is a government-funded program that provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Safelink Wireless, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Safelink Wireless offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for Safelink Wireless, you can visit the Safelink Wireless website or call 1-800-656-3673.
4. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is a government-funded program that provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Access Wireless, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Access Wireless offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for Access Wireless, you can visit the Access Wireless website or call 1-800-816-2008.
5. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government-funded program that provides a discount on monthly internet service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for the ACP, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where an ACP-participating provider offers service.
- Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- You or someone in your household must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI.
- You must not have an existing internet service plan that provides speeds of 100 Mbps or higher.
To apply for the ACP, you can visit the ACP website or call 1-877-384-2555.
6. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a government-funded program that provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Q Link Wireless, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Q Link Wireless offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
Q Link Wireless offers a variety of cell phone plans, including plans with unlimited talk and text and plans with data. To see what plans are available in your area, please visit the Q Link Wireless website.
7. US Mobile
US Mobile is a private company that offers free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for US Mobile’s free cell phone service, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where US Mobile offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
US Mobile offers a free cell phone plan with 3GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. To apply for US Mobile’s free cell phone service, please visit the US Mobile website.
8. American Assistance Wireless
American Assistance Wireless is a private company that offers free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for American Assistance Wireless’s free cell phone service, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where American Assistance Wireless offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
American Assistance Wireless offers a free cell phone plan with 1GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. To apply for American Assistance Wireless’s free cell phone service, please visit the American Assistance Wireless website.
9. Charitable Wireless
Charitable Wireless is a private organization that provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Charitable Wireless’s free cell phone service, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Charitable Wireless offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
Charitable Wireless offers a free cell phone plan with 1GB of data, unlimited talk and text, and nationwide coverage. To apply for Charitable Wireless’s free cell phone service, please visit the Charitable Wireless website.
10. Free Government Phones
Free Government Phones is a website that provides information on free cell phone programs offered by the government and by private organizations. To find out if you qualify for a free cell phone program, please visit the Free Government Phones website.
11. FreeCellPhones.net
FreeCellPhones.net is a website that provides free cell phones to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for a free cell phone from FreeCellPhones.net, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where FreeCellPhones.net offers service.
- You must have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
FreeCellPhones.net offers a variety of cell phone plans, including plans with unlimited talk and text and plans with data. To see what plans are available in your area, please visit the FreeCellPhones.net website.
12. HopeLine from LifeLine
HopeLine from LifeLine is a program that provides free cell phones to victims of domestic violence. To qualify for a free cell phone from HopeLine from LifeLine, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must have been a victim of domestic violence.
- You must live in an area where HopeLine from LifeLine offers service.
13. Keep Your Phone
Keep Your Phone is a program that helps low-income individuals and families keep their cell phone service. To qualify for Keep Your Phone, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must have an active cell phone account.
- Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for Keep Your Phone, you can visit the Keep Your Phone website or call 1-800-KEEP-PHONE.
14. Mobilize America
Mobilize America is a non-profit organization that provides free cell phones and service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Mobilize America, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Mobilize America offers service.
- Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for Mobilize America, you can visit the Mobilize America website or call 1-800-813-0990.
15. National Consumer Telecom Association (NCTA)
The National Consumer Telecom Association (NCTA) is a trade association that represents the telecommunications industry. The NCTA offers a number of resources for low-income consumers, including information on free cell phone programs. To learn more about free cell phone programs from the NCTA, you can visit the NCTA website or call 1-800-777-6682.
16. Safe & Sound
Safe & Sound is a program that provides free cell phones and service to victims of domestic violence. To qualify for Safe & Sound, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must have been a victim of domestic violence.
- You must live in an area where Safe & Sound offers service.
To apply for Safe & Sound, you can visit the Safe & Sound website or call 1-800-799-SAFE.
17. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is a program that provides free cell phones and service to homeless individuals and veterans. To qualify for StandUp Wireless, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must be homeless or a veteran.
- You must live in an area where StandUp Wireless offers service.
To apply for StandUp Wireless, you can visit the StandUp Wireless website or call 1-800-STANDUP.
18. T-Mobile EmpowerED
T-Mobile EmpowerED is a program that provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for T-Mobile EmpowerED, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where T-Mobile offers service.
- Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for T-Mobile EmpowerED, you can visit the T-Mobile EmpowerED website or call 1-844-EMPOWER.
19. USAC Lifeline
USAC Lifeline is a government-funded program that provides a discount on monthly telephone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for USAC Lifeline, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where USAC Lifeline is offered.
- Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for USAC Lifeline, you can contact your local telephone company.
20. Verizon Lifeline
Verizon Lifeline is a program that provides a discount on monthly cell phone service to eligible low-income individuals and families. To qualify for Verizon Lifeline, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
- You must live in an area where Verizon Lifeline is offered.
- Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP.
To apply for Verizon Lifeline, you can visit the Verizon Lifeline website or call 1-800-495-1000.
How to Choose the Right Free Cell Phone Program
When choosing a free cell phone program, there are a few things you should keep in mind:
- Eligibility requirements: Make sure you meet the eligibility requirements for the programs you’re considering.
- Service area: Make sure the program you choose offers service in your area.
- Plan details: Compare the plan details of different programs to find one that meets your needs. For example, consider the amount of data, talk time, and text messages included in each plan.
- Customer service: Read reviews of different programs to get an idea of their customer service reputation.
Tips for Keeping Your Free Cell Phone
Once you have received your free cell phone, there are a few things you can do to keep it:
- Make sure to pay your phone bill on time each month. If you miss a payment, your service may be suspended.
- Keep your phone in good condition. Avoid dropping it or getting it wet.
- If your phone is lost or stolen, report it to your provider immediately.
Additional Information About Free Cell Phones
- Data plans: Free cell phones typically come with limited data plans. However, some providers offer additional data plans for a fee.
- Talk time: Free cell phones typically have unlimited talk time. However, some providers may limit the number of minutes you can use per month.
- Text messaging: Free cell phones typically have unlimited text messaging.
- Contract requirements: Most free cell phones do not require a contract. However, some providers may require you to sign a contract for a certain period of time in order to keep your free phone.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a free cell phone with no money down and no credit check, there are a number of government and private programs that can help. By following the tips above, you can choose the right program for your needs.