Choosing Your Lifeline: Which Free Government Phone Service Is Best?

In today’s unprecedented times, wireless service provides a vital link necessary for maintaining contact with your job, your child’s school, paying bills, obtaining emergency services, and even for distance learning. Unfortunately, many families are unable to afford the high monthly cost.

If you are unable to afford the cost of wireless service, you may be able to obtain free service from the government along with an affordable phone. The Lifeline Assistance Program can help if you are on food stamps or meet other qualifications. Read on to learn which free government phone service is the best.

What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is a federal program that helps subsidize the cost of wireless cell phone and internet services.

More than 35 million people qualify for free monthly wireless service. You may qualify through income level or participation in other federal programs.

Despite the high number of participants, only about a quarter of those who qualify use the service. That means that many people who could be receiving this benefit are paying more than they have to or even going without service at all.

Read on to explore whether you might be one of these people.

Qualifications for Free Government Phone Service

Low-income single people and families who fall at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. This includes a single person making less than $17,388 per year.

If you qualify for other federal aid programs, you will probably qualify for the Lifeline Program. Other qualifying aid programs include veteran pension and survivor benefit programs, Social Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Medicaid, SNAP, and more.

Which Free Government Phone Service is the Best?

The FCC regulates the free government phone service program, and they designate specific companies to provide free service and affordable devices to those who qualify. The monthly plans include voice, text, and data. Let’s look at your options.

(All information is current as of 2/5/2021. Offers may change or vary over time.)

StandUp Wireless

Authorized by the Federal Communication Commission and approved in 29 states, StandUp Wireless offers flexibility in providing free or affordable service to qualifying customers.

With StandUp Wireless, you can use your own compatible phone. If you do not have a Lifeline compatible phone, StandUp has phones available for you to purchase from once you have been approved for the program and established a Standup Wireless account.

If you don’t qualify for the Lifeline program, StandUp Wireless offers another affordable option with StandUp Prepaid. With this service, you are not committing yourself long-term until you have a chance to use StandUp Prepaid free for thirty (30) days when you bring in your own phone. You can complete this trial without providing a credit card number.

The free month provides you with 2GB of data and unlimited voice minutes and text. When you sign up, you will receive a free SIM card and a waiver of the activation fee.

The standard StandUp Prepaid program consists of a 5G network, nationwide coverage, no overage fees, high-speed data, and worry-free billing. The real bonus is there is no contract, and you can keep your phone number.

Bring Your Own Device Kit

When you bring in your own phone to use, the cost for qualified Lifeline customers is $0 at StandUp Wireless. You will receive a tricut SIM card that unlocks the 5G service on your phone. The card is available in various sizes, all within one single unit, and fits into any compatible telephone you own.

You will receive nationwide long-distance and all other benefits of using StandUp Wireless service. This card goes into any compatible GSM, 4G LTE, and VoLTE capable devices.

You will receive the delivery of standard micro and nano-size cards to fit your phone. The installation is easy. Your box will contain the SIM card and a welcome document.

SafeLink Wireless

When you use your own compatible smartphone, you will receive unlimited talk and text and 4.5 GB of data.

Entouch Wireless

This company offers $10 off your monthly plan if you qualify for Lifeline and bring your own device or purchase one.

Q Link Wireless

Q Link offers 1,000 minutes of talk, unlimited text, and 4.5 GB of data for qualifying Lifeline customers.

TruConnect

This company offers free service including unlimited talk, text, and data, plus free international calling to select countries.

The Best Free Government Phone Service

StandUp Wireless has been providing low-income customers with free or discounted communications services for over 35 years. Under the StandUp Wireless program, you receive a free SIM card with at least 1,000 minutes, 4.5GB of free data, and unlimited texting every month.

While the federal program only allows each household one free phone, with the StandUp Wireless Prepaid Program you may activate additional devices, allowing you to have reliable service at an affordable price.

Get the Best Government Phone Service Today

Now that you know which free government phone is the best don’t hesitate to receive this wonderful option. Everything from SNAP, Veterans Pension, Medicaid, and receiving benefits via Direct Express is all the qualification you need.

If you found this article about Lifeline service helpful, you may qualify for the program. Click here to apply.