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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 California Residents

When it comes to the benefits of free government cell phones, California residents tend to enjoy the most advantageous offerings. This is primarily due to the generous monthly subsidies provided by cell phone service providers in the state, which often exceed the federal assistance available in other regions. As a result, Californians can expect to receive an array of services, including more text messages, additional calling minutes, and increased data allowances. Below is a breakdown of what you can expect from a cell phone plan in California:

  • Complimentary unlimited texting and calling, along with 500MB of data at no cost.
  • Unlimited texting and calling with 1.2 GB of data for a nominal fee of $10 per month.
  • Unlimited texting and calling, combined with 4GB of data for just $17.60 per month.
  • Unlimited texting, unlimited calling, and 10 GB of data for $32.60 per month.

Packages Available in Other States

For residents living outside of California, including those in Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, the Lifeline Assistance program offers distinct benefits. Here’s what you can anticipate with the free government cell phone plans in these areas:

Bring Your Own Device

If you prefer to use your existing phone, you can opt for the Bring Your Own Phone program. This option provides you with a free SIM card, unlimited texting, 350 monthly minutes, and 1 GB of data for the initial three months. Afterward, the data allowance adjusts to 500MB each month. To participate in this program, you must possess a compatible GSM smartphone.

Receive a Complimentary Smartphone

Alternatively, you can receive a free smartphone, equipped with data and Wi-Fi capabilities. This plan includes unlimited text messaging and 353 monthly minutes, along with 500MB of data each month.

Overview of the Program

Signing up for SafeLink Wireless is a straightforward process, as there are no contracts to sign. You can easily submit your application online or by calling their customer service number. Enrolling in this program is quick and hassle-free, and you'll benefit from several features once you receive your SafeLink Wireless phone:

  • Standard features such as call waiting, caller ID, and voicemail.
  • Options for international long-distance calling.
  • Unused minutes may roll over, depending on the specific plan you choose.
  • The handset remains active for one year after shipment, requiring annual recertification of your eligibility for the program.

Residents in California tend to receive more minutes and texts, as well as superior smartphones, while those in other states may receive basic cell phones. California residents, in particular, often receive Android smartphones with enhanced features.

More Minutes for Your Needs

If you find yourself short on minutes before the end of the month, there are options to replenish your balance. You can purchase TracFone Airtime Cards at various retail locations, including CVS, Walmart, Target, Kmart, Walgreens, RadioShack, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, and Dollar General. Additionally, you can conveniently buy minutes online.

On average, the plan provides 350 minutes each month, but you have the flexibility to purchase additional minutes as needed. This option is further detailed on our SafeLink Wireless/Tracfone Minutes page, where you can also utilize promo codes for potential discounts on your program.