SafeLink Wireless is one of the prominent, oldest, and renowned providers that offer free cell phones via the government’s Lifeline Assistance program. However, the carrier recognizes the importance of a phone and that low-income household may be unable to afford phones and services independently. For this reason, Safelink serves millions of needy Americans in 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico with a monthly internet discount plus a free Safelink government phone.
Most importantly, the fastest way to apply for a free government cell phone program through Safelink Wireless is using the company’s website. Besides, you can begin the enrollment process by contacting the Safelink Wireless customer service number at 1-800-723-3546 for enrollment and plan changes support. Through the Lifeline Assistance program, consumers who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria can get free government smartphones from participating wireless providers like Safelink.
Safelink is a TracFone Wireless, Inc. brand that gives discounts on monthly cell phone service to eligible consumers. This carrier offer coverage to the states of Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, California, DC, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and West Virginia.
Ways To Get SafeLink Government Phone
i) Through Lifeline Program
The Lifeline is a permanent program managed by the Federal Communication Commission that provides low-income families with internet services and free phones. However, it’s available to eligible consumers in selected states and territories. The exact eligibility requirements vary by state, but to be eligible for the Safelink Lifeline program, you must either have a gross income at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Moreover, a Household is described as an individual or group of individuals residing together at the same address and sharing income and expenses. In this case, a household worksheet is necessary to validate there are multiple households. In other words, a gross income represents the money received before TAXES by all members in your household, including adults and children, whether taxable or non-taxable.
Alternatively, you are eligible if you participate in any of the following assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Stamps
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Additionally, some states feature additional eligibility through the following Tribal programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- (Tribal TANF)-Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Tribal Head Start (For households attaining its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Benefits of Lifeline Program
Qualified Lifeline customers may apply the Lifeline discount of up to $9.25 to most Safelink Wireless rate plans. Besides, qualified residents of Federally Recognized Tribal Lands may get an additional discount of up to $25 monthly. Eligible lifeline members may apply for and get Safelink free phones for seniors if they meet the eligibility requirements. Through the Lifeline program, services are available for only one account per household, and you cannot receive benefits from several providers simultaneously.
ii) Through Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly developed FCC benefit program that succeeded the Emergency Broadband Program. The program ensures that low-income households who meet the eligibility criteria can afford the broadband they require for school, work, healthcare, and more.
However, the Affordable Connectivity Program applies to a single monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Qualification for Affordable Connectivity Program
A household qualifies for the ACP if the gross annual household income is at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Threshold. Besides, you can qualify if a member of the household attains at least one of the criteria below:
- Attains the eligibility requirements for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.
- A participant in any of the below assistance programs:
- The School Breakfast Program, or the National School Lunch Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
- SNAP
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- A participant in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income-based)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
Two Steps to Enroll For Safelink ACP
- Proceed to Affordable Connectivity website to submit an application or download a mail-in application.
- Contact Safelink Wireless provider to choose a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
Benefits of Affordable Connectivity Program
ACP benefits offer a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. Plus, up to $75 per month for households residing on qualifying Tribal lands. Interestingly, low-income households who meet the eligibility criteria may get a free smartphone and receive a one-time discount of up to $100.
This discount is to purchase a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet from participating providers upon contributing more than $10 and not more than $50 toward the buying price.
Documents That Is Required When You Apply
All SafeLink subscribers applying for free government phones must demonstrate their eligibility. In some states, eligibility may be confirmed using a state database. However, where a database is unavailable, applicants must show proof of eligibility by showing that they attain the income qualifications or participate in a qualifying program mentioned above.
i) To Show Proof Of Income, Submit One Of The Following Documents:
- Three consecutive pays stubs
- Previous year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Recent income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice certificate of participation in General Assistance
- Child support award, divorce decree, or other official document showing income information
ii) To Show Proof Of Participation, Provide One Of The Following Documents:
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
ii) To Prove Your Identity, Submit Any Of The Following Documents:
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- Social Security Card
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s license
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Military discharge documentation
- Unemployment/Workers’ compensation benefits
- Government assistance program document
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
Application For A SafeLink Wireless Free Phone
The easiest way to apply is online. Proceed to SafeLink wireless and submit your zip code in the “ENTER ZIP CODE” section at the page top and tap the “START” button. Then, complete all the necessary details and continue until the final step. Another option is to visit a local SafeLink Wireless dealer, apply with all the necessary document copies, and fill out the application in person.
Moreover, to apply for the SafeLink Lifeline and ACP program, which provides the most significant discounts and benefits, go through the government assistance program’s offer, put your ZIP code in the provided space above and tap “START.” You will navigate to the provider’s online Lifeline + ACP application form.
Please fill in and submit the required personal information on this page and attach the relevant documents proving your eligibility. After you apply, wait for a few days for the provider to give a notification email on your application status.
Final Words
You must attain specific eligibility requirements to participate in the Safelink Wireless free government phone. The eligibility criteria are set by each state where the service gets provided. However, the requirements depend on a person’s participation in state, Federal support programs or by attaining the Income Poverty Threshold as defined by the U.S. Government.
