Looking for the best Lifeline phone service in your state? I’ve got you covered.
Smartphones are not a luxury anymore, as they’ve become an essential part of our lifestyle. Apart from making calls, people use them to connect with the world, browse the internet, pay bills, track health data, and of course for entertainment. It won’t be an exaggeration to call smartphones ‘mini-computers with calling facilities’.
However, there is a section of society that still lacks access to modern communication services, such as phones and the Internet. But thanks to the Lifeline Assistance Program, the government is providing affordable communication services to those financially disadvantaged households. So, what are the best Lifeline phone services in the USA?
In this comprehensive guide, I will talk about the top service providers under the Lifeline assistance program, along with their benefits and prices.
Let’s get down to the business.
What is Lifeline Phone Service?
Starting in 1985 by the Federal Communication Commission, the Lifeline Assistance Program has been providing cost-effective communication services to millions of low-income consumers in the United States. Under this initiative, qualified users can enjoy substantial reductions on the monthly expenses for phone, broadband, or voice+broadband combo plans.
To accomplish this, Lifeline collaborates with numerous communication service providers across the country, who deliver these discounted products to eligible participants. Certain providers in some regions also offer complimentary devices (smartphones or tablets) loaded with unlimited voice and data packages.
The purpose of this program is to allow economically backward households to access modern connectivity services and use the multitude of resources for employment, healthcare, and education.
8 Best Lifeline Phone Service Providers in 2023
Before we explore the best Lifeline phone service providers, it’s crucial to keep in mind that only a few providers operate on the national level. Also, most free phone and internet offers are state-specific and may change over time. To find out the latest plans and offers in your state, visit the official website and enter the area code.
Let’s begin.
1. Assurance Wireless
☎ – 1-888-321-5880
Owned by T-Mobile, Assurance Wireless is among the best lifeline phone services in the United States. The company provides free smartphones or tablets through the Affordable Connectivity or Lifeline Assistance Program.
Each household can prove its qualification through either of the programs and can receive a complimentary device and one service plan which includes free internet and voice calling facilities.
Benefits:
- Depending on availability, you can receive a free tablet or smartphone
- Enjoy unlimited voice calls, texts, and internet data
- Assured a $0 monthly bill for your voice and data usage
- Receive an extra 25 GB of high-speed data
- Access 10 GB of mobile hotspot data on the T-Mobile network
- Benefit from excellent LTE and 5G coverage
You can establish your qualification based on your income or through participation in other government-based programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, etc. For more information, visit the official website, provide your ZIP code, and find out the available offers and discounts in your region.
2. QLink Wireless
📞 – 1-855-754-6543
With over 2 million subscribers, Q Link Wireless is among the best and fastest-growing Lifeline phone services in the country. The company is continuously working to bring Lifeline Program benefits to thousands of low-income households in America.
Approved Lifeline customers who choose Q Link as their telecom provider, enjoy zero monthly bills, zero rentals, and no activation fee. Depending on region and availability, the company also offers complimentary smartphones and tablets for a starting price as low as $25.
Benefits:
- Unlimited monthly internet data
- Voicemail, 3-way calling, and free SIM card and activation
- Nationwide LTE/5G coverage (depending on the availability)
- Register for QLink without changing your number
- Emergency services call to 911
- Unlimited monthly voice and SMS service
- Complimentary smartphone or tablet
- Enjoy access to over 10 million free QLink Wireless hotspots
- Round-the-clock customer care service
All you have to do is visit the website, enter your area code and email, provide eligibility proof, and browse through available plans and devices.
3. Access Wireless
📞 – 1-866-594-3644
Owned by i-Wireless LLC, Access Wireless offers cost-effective telecommunication services through Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. The company has three different plans for Lifeline, ACP, and Lifeline+ACP qualified subscribers, with each offering unlimited voice, and text messaging, free long-distance calls across the country, and other pocket-friendly features.
Access Wireless Lifeline Program offers a range of phones, suitable for all sections, such as students, professionals, and senior citizens. From feature phones to high-end Android and iOS smartphones, all are available at a great discount.
Benefits:
- 1000 minutes of voice calling each month
- Unlimited monthly test messages
- 4.5GB internet data every month
- Unlimited voice, texts, and data (if coupled with ACP)
- 5 GB hotspot data included (if coupled with ACP)
- Get premium smartphones from Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Pixel smartphones at a heavy discount
Visit the official website, provide your area code, and pick the plan and device as per your eligibility and budget.
4. SafeLink Wireless
📞 – 1-800-723-3546
SafeLink Wireless is one of the best Lifeline cell phone providers in California, currently offering substantial reductions on monthly phone and internet expenses. Along with free calling and text messaging, the company also provides a generous amount of internet data for ACP and Lifeline participants nationwide.
If your family income is equal to or less than 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can easily apply for Safelink government phone and internet services. However, please remember that only one person from the household can enjoy the benefits as per Lifeline and ACP programs participation.
Benefits:
- Unlimited voice and text quota every month
- Unlimited monthly internet data
- 30GB monthly hotspot data for California users, 15 GB for Maryland, and 10 GB for other states
- Calls to Canada and Mexico (for California users only)
- Excellent network coverage across the US
- Free Safelink government phone (offer is not permanent)
Currently, the company is not providing any complimentary device in any state. To stay up-to-date with the latest offers, please visit the official website, confirm your eligibility, and pick the plan.
5. StandUp Wireless
📞 – 1-800-544-4441
StandUp Wireless is another Lifeline phone service providing benefits to less privileged households. When you register on StandUp and qualify through Lifeline, you are entitled to free minutes, text messages, and unlimited internet data; overall $40 per month savings.
Also, if you qualify for both the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive a free smartphone or a tablet ($10.01 one-time payment). StandUp has a powerful network coverage across the country, with the latest 5G making its way slowly.
Benefits:
- Get a free smartphone if you qualify for Lifeline and ACP
- Unlimited monthly voice calls and text messages
- 10 GB of monthly high-speed LTE/5G data (whichever is available)
- Unlimited additional data for all eligible participants
- Fantastic nationwide network high-speed network coverage
- Apply and get your smartphone in the mail within 2 weeks
- Easy SIM card activation process
- International calling and texting included
Simply fill out the online application form, prove your qualification through National Verifier, and receive your free smartphone in the mail. The best part of StandUp Wireless is that you can receive a tablet for as low as $10.01.
6. Easy Wireless
📞 – +1 (877) 476-3451
Easy Wireless is one of the best Lifeline phone services, in terms of network coverage, reliability, and speed. With the basic Easy Lifeline program, you can obtain a smartphone for $25, however, if you qualify for ACP as well, you can get a free-of-cost smartphone loaded with unlimited benefits.
Easy Wireless also offers monetary rewards for users. By simply maintaining an active account, the company will deposit money into your Easy Wireless account, potentially allowing you to earn up to $50 per year.
Benefits:
- Smartphone at $25 for all qualified Lifeline participants
- Enjoy unlimited free monthly data
- Unlimited text messages on any network
- 1000 talk minutes
- Free SIM card kit
- Quick and hassle-free SIM activation
- Free voicemail, emergency calls, and 3-way calling service
- Network coverage in 47 states
- 24/7 customer care assistance
- 8-inch tablet (worth up to $120) for just $10.99
Please remember that the free Lifeline phone or tablet offers are not always active. The best is to regularly visit the website, not to miss out on any opportunity.
7. Life Wireless
📞 – 1-888-543-3620
Life Wireless is another telecommunication provider operating under the Lifeline Assistance Program, currently operational in 50+ states. Only the applicants who fulfill the criteria for Lifeline and ACP can apply for free government phone and unlimited voice calling and text messaging facilities.
The company has similar plans for nearly all the states, except the free internet data allocation. Also, the complimentary smartphone offer may vary depending on your state, your account type, and eligibility. To get the maximum benefits, please provide the necessary income and government program participation documents, such as SNAP, Medicaid, and others.
Benefits:
- Enjoy 500 minutes of voice calling and unlimited text messaging
- Enjoy 4.5GB internet data
- Get a free smartphone (for ACP + Lifeline qualified members)
- Unlimited Wi-Fi hotspot access across the country
- Free voicemail, call waiting, and 3-way calling facilities
- Zero roaming charges
- No special recharge is needed for long-distance domestic calls
- Coverage in 50+ states
Provide your email and area code, pick up the plan, and select the Lifeline eligibility subsidy to establish your qualification.
8. Tag Mobile
📞 – 1-866-959-4918
The last Lifeline phone service provider on my list is Tag Mobile which offers very generous voice and internet plans for Lifeline Assistance Program beneficiaries. It’s one of the free providers which has unconditional free calling across the country.
Tag Wireless is functional in 19 states including California, Colorado, Maine, Maryland, Nevada, Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Missouri, and more. The Availability of complimentary phone and internet data allocation may vary according to the location. Currently, only the applicants from California are entitled to receive a smartphone.
Benefits:
- Available in 19 American states
- Enjoy unlimited voice minutes for free
- Unlimited monthly free text messages
- 8.5 GB internet data every month
- Free smartphone with monthly 6GB internet data (For eligible users in California only)
- A wide range of feature phones, moderate, and high-end smartphones (Android and iOS)
- Switch your number or keep the existing one
- Exceptional network quality across the states
To know the qualification criteria, visit the official website and choose your state. If you qualify for either of the two Federal programs (Lifeline and AFC), you can claim your benefits as offered in your state by the company.
FAQs
1. Who has the best free government phones in 2023?
Access Wireless and Tag Mobiles are offering a great range of feature phones and smartphones, including popular brands like Samsung, Google, Apple, etc.
2. What is the best free government phone program iPhone?
Access Wireless is the best Lifeline phone service which offers iPhones starting at just $149.
3. Can I get Free phones online from the US Government?
Yes. If you are on a government support program such as SNAP, Medicaid, etc, or have income below the Federal Poverty Guideline, you can get a free phone through Lifeline or ACP government programs.
4. How much does Lifeline phone service cost?
With the Lifeline Assistance Program, you can claim a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on your phone and internet bills. However, the actual price varies depending on the partner you choose.
5. How do I locate the free government phone stands near me?
To locate a free government phone stand in your area, visit the Lifeline website and check out the participating communication providers. Through their official websites, you can find out which of them are offering services in your region.
Final Word
There you have the best Lifeline phone services in the country right now. Lifeline Assistance Program, for the last 4 decades, has played a pivotal role in ensuring the country’s constant growth as well as uplifting the financially disadvantaged segments of the community.
While the frontrunner communication providers are trying their best to bring the prices down, Federal initiatives like Lifeline and ACP are delivering nearly free connectivity services to millions of underprivileged households. I am confident that within this guide, you will be able to find your next Lifeline phone service provider. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment in the section below.
