Free cell phone services have been in existence for almost a decade. These services strive to provide people of low or no income with free cell phone plans, and sometimes you may get a free phone, which depends on the service provider you go to. Free cell phone service may also be available via discounts, promotions to the elderly, veterans, and anyone who may qualify. If you are wondering how to get a free cell phone service, this article is for you.
Free cell phone services are offered mainly by service providers authorized by the Federal Government. However, the process to qualify can be tedious, especially if you do not uphold the service provider’s integrity and are slow in facilitating the process. Some service providers may give unfavorable terms or minimal amounts of talk, text, and data units; hence the plan may be rendered not to be satisfactory.
Knowing how to get a free cell phone service is as important as finding the right service provider to offer such services. This article aims to offer insights on how to get free cell phone service. You will learn how to qualify, the areas covered, whether there are contracts, and some of the best free cell phone providers. Let’s get started!
Who qualifies for free cell phone services?
Qualification for a free cell phone is standard if you are going to a free cell phone service provider. However, if you are looking for a free phone-based on discounts or any other perks, you may consider other service providers.
You can qualify for a free cell phone if :
i) Income is below 135% of the Federal Poverty level
If your income is below the Federal Poverty level, you may qualify for a free government smartphone. However, the 135% may vary with each state, so it is best to consult the service provider you are applying to.
ii) Disability
If you are disabled and have low or no income, you may qualify for a free cell phone plan. However, you may have to prove disability based on the guidelines offered by the service provider you are applying to.
iii) Participation in Federal Assistance programs
If you have participated in Federal Assistance programs like Food stamps, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, Food distribution program on Indian reservations, Tribally Administered temporary assistance for needy families, Veterans pensions and survivors’ benefits, Supplement security income.
iv) Discounts and promotions
Some discounts and promotions tend to offer free cell phone services for a limited time. If you are on a network currently, feel free to check out or learn more about the deals and promotions by your service provider.
These are some of the best options to qualify for free cell phone service without paying.
Which areas can one get free cell phone service?
Location to get such services may vary. Suppose you live in urban centers it’s easier to get a free cell phone service. However, people in rural areas may find it a hard time to get such services.
Luckily, suppose you find the right service provider. In that case, the chances are that their network is available nationally since most of them use standard networks like Verizon, T-Mobile, and many more.
Do free cell phone services have contracts?
Many service providers offer free cell phone services without a contract. However, there may be a catch with free government cell phones and plans in that you are required to recertify for the plans every year. Though this is not a contract, it means if you don’t recertify, you end up losing your free cell phone plan benefits.
Contracts may not be a big deal if you are not entitled to pay anything back or make monthly contributions. Also, you can opt in and out of the free cell phone plans.
Which are the best free cell phone service providers?
If you are looking for the best free cell phone providers, here are some tips to consider:
- They should offer nationwide coverage
- Reliable customer care services
- Availability of physical stores near you
- Decent allocation of talk, text, and data units
Here is a list of some of the best service providers to consider: Qlink Wireless, Safelink, American Assistance, Assurance wireless, EnTouch wireless, Infiniti Mobile, and Life wireless.
How to get free cell phone service: Complete guide
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a free cell phone plan:
Step 1: Choose a service provider
You will need to choose a service provider you see as the best option based on your location and reliability. Take some time to scan through service providers within your area and once you find the right one, check if you qualify.
Step 2: Check if you qualify
Check through their FAQs page to see if you met the eligibility requirements. If not, go back to step 1 until you find the right service provider. Do not proceed with the application if there is a chance you may or may not qualify; you have to be sure.
Step 3: Apply
The application can be made via the service provider’s website or by visiting the nearest service provider near you. The application may also involve you submitting some documents to prove eligibility.
Step 4: Approval and collection of sim card
If you are approved, the sim card toolkit may be mailed to you or collected at a physical store.
Step 5: Activation
The activation process is done online, or you can visit the physical store if you find trouble activating the sim card from the website. From there, you get to enjoy the free cell phone service without paying.
Bottom line
Free cell phone services are an excellent avenue for people to get cell phone plans for free. This article has talked about everything regarding getting such services. Once you have found the right service provider, feel free to visit their website, store, or contact them and learn how you can get started with the free cell phone service with unlimited everything or any other option that may be available.
