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Safelink Wireless

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The minutes provided by Safelink Wireless can be used for making local and domestic long-distance calls, as well as for text messaging. The choices available may vary depending on your state and what best aligns with your communication preferences and requirements.

  • Lifeline + ACP

    Free smartphone or BYOP

    Unlimited talk

    Unlimited text

    Calls to Canada and Mexico

    25GB high speed data

    Up to 5GB of hotspot data

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  • ACP Plan

    Free SIM card

    Unlimited talk

    Unlimited text

    Calls to Canada and Mexico

    10GB data

    Includes 5GB of hotspot data

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  • Lifeline Plan

    Free SIM card

    350 voice minutes

    Unlimited texts

    4.5GB data

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Qualification

To qualify for Safelink Wireless, participants must meet one of the two eligibility criteria: income-based or program-based qualification.

1. Income-Based Qualification:

A subscriber qualifies for the program if their household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually, and the specific income thresholds depend on the household size and location. Here’s how it works:

  • Income Thresholds: The Federal Poverty Guidelines set income limits based on the number of people in the household. For example, a family of four in a high-cost area may have a higher income limit than a similar family in a lower-cost area. Individuals whose incomes fall below this threshold are eligible for the program.
  • Financial Assistance: By offering a free mobile phone to those below this income threshold, the program helps ease the financial burden for households already struggling to meet basic needs. Access to a free phone helps them stay connected to healthcare, job opportunities, and social support systems.
  • Communication for Daily Needs: For individuals facing financial difficulties, a mobile phone can be a critical tool. Whether for job applications, healthcare appointments, or connecting with family and friends, a phone is essential for maintaining communication and accessing services.

2. Program-Based Qualification:

Alternatively, individuals can qualify for the free mobile phone program if they are enrolled in one of several government assistance programs. These programs provide crucial support to low-income individuals and families, and enrollment in any one of them automatically qualifies a person for the program. Below are the programs that qualify participants:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):

    • SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income families to help them purchase food.
    • If an individual or family is receiving SNAP benefits, they automatically qualify for the free mobile phone program. This ensures that those already receiving food assistance can also stay connected to other critical services.
  • Medicaid:

    • Medicaid offers healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, including children, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
    • Those enrolled in Medicaid automatically qualify for the program, which ensures they can stay connected to healthcare providers, make appointments, and receive medical services when needed.
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI):

    • SSI provides financial support to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals who have little or no income.
    • People receiving SSI benefits automatically qualify for the mobile phone program, allowing them to stay in touch with family, medical professionals, and social services.
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA):

    • FPHA assists low-income families with housing costs, ensuring they can afford safe and stable housing.
    • If an individual or family receives FPHA benefits, they automatically qualify for the free mobile phone program, which helps them stay connected to landlords, housing authorities, and other vital services.
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits:

    • This program provides financial assistance to low-income veterans, their spouses, and dependents.
    • Veterans and their families who are enrolled in this program qualify for the free mobile phone, helping them stay connected to healthcare services and community support networks.
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA):

    • The BIA provides financial support to Native American individuals and families, particularly those living on reservations.
    • Those enrolled in the BIA General Assistance program are eligible for the free mobile phone program, ensuring that people in remote areas have access to essential communication.
  • Tribal Head Start:

    • This early childhood education program is designed for Native American children and their families.
    • Families with children enrolled in Tribal Head Start qualify for the program, ensuring that parents stay connected to their child’s education and community services.
  • Tribal Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):

    • TANF provides temporary financial aid to Native American families with children who are experiencing financial hardship.
    • Enrolled families automatically qualify for the mobile phone program, which helps them access work opportunities, childcare, and other critical services.
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR):

    • This program offers nutritious food to low-income households on Indian reservations.
    • Participation in FDPIR qualifies individuals for the free mobile phone program, helping them stay connected to health and social services.

    By meeting one of these two criteria—either qualifying based on income or enrollment in one of the listed government assistance programs—individuals become eligible for the free mobile phone program. This initiative is designed to help low-income individuals and families access essential services. A mobile phone is an important tool for staying connected to healthcare providers, job opportunities, family, and emergency services. Ultimately, the program helps reduce the digital divide and improves the quality of life for those who need it most.

Am I Qualitified?

Special plans

Exclusive Plans for Californians

Residents of California often enjoy the most advantageous offers regarding free government cell phones. This is primarily due to the fact that cell phone providers in California tend to provide a larger monthly subsidy when compared to the federal assistance available in other regions. As a result, Californians typically receive a more generous allocation of texts, minutes, and data on their plans. Below is an overview of what you can typically expect from a government-sponsored plan in California.

  • Receive unlimited text messaging and unlimited calling along with 500MB of data at no cost.
  • Enjoy unlimited text and unlimited talk, plus 1.2 GB of data for only $10 per month.
  • Get unlimited text and unlimited talk, along with 4GB of data for a monthly fee of $17.60.
  • Access unlimited text and unlimited talk, plus 10 GB of data for $32.60 each month.

Plans for Other States

For individuals residing in other states, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, the Lifeline Assistance program offers different benefits. Here’s what you can anticipate on the free government cell phone plan.

Bring Your Own Device

If you prefer to use your own phone, you will receive a complimentary SIM card, unlimited text messaging, 350 free minutes each month, and 1 GB of data for the initial three months. After that period, your plan will be updated to include 500MB of data monthly. Please note that a compatible GSM smartphone is required to take part in this program.

Receive a Complimentary Phone

Alternatively, you can opt for a free smartphone that features both data and Wi-Fi capabilities. This plan includes unlimited text messaging and 353 minutes of calling each month, in addition to 500MB of data.

About the Program

Signing up for SafeLink Wireless is straightforward and requires no contract. You can easily submit your application online or contact customer service by phone. The enrollment process is quick and hassle-free. When you join the SafeLink Wireless program, you will enjoy a range of features, including:

  • Popular functionalities such as call waiting, caller ID, and voicemail.
  • International long-distance calling options.
  • Carry-over of unused minutes, depending on the specific plan chosen.
  • The device remains active for one year from the date of shipment, and you will need to recertify your eligibility for the program on an annual basis.

Californian residents typically benefit from more text messages and minutes, along with better-quality smartphones. In contrast, individuals in other states generally receive more basic cell phone models, whereas California residents may receive advanced Android smartphones.

Additional Minutes

If you find yourself running low on minutes before the month's end, there are options available to ensure you stay connected. TracFone Airtime Cards can be purchased at various retailers such as CVS, Walmart, Target, Kmart, Walgreens, RadioShack, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, and Dollar General. These minutes can also be acquired online.

Your plan usually provides around 350 minutes on a monthly basis, but you have the flexibility to purchase additional minutes as needed. More details about this can be found on our SafeLink Wireless/TracFone Minutes page. Additionally, you can utilize TracFone promo codes to unlock special offers on the program.