As cell phones become more necessary for everyday life, it seems the cost to own one continues to increase. Statista reports the average cell phone costs $580 to own. On top of that, cell phone bills in the U.S. now average $113 per month. This can be unaffordable for many people. Depending on your income and financial situation, you may be eligible to get a new cell phone for free. You can search online to learn about the different programs offering this incentive.
Not only can you potentially get a free cell phone, but there’s also programs created to give you free monthly minutes and data. Find out if you qualify for these programs by starting an online search.
Here are some programs that could get you a free phone or services.
Q Link Wireless
Do you already own a cell phone and simply need a plan? You could get a free monthly plan through Q Link Wireless. It’s the number one provider of Lifeline, which is a government program plan that offers qualifying Americans a free phone plan.
You could get free monthly data, minutes, and texts each month from Q Link Wireless. All you have to do is qualify through programs like Food Stamps (SNAP) and Medicaid, or based on your household income.
This is what you can get free with Q Link Wireless:
- 4.5GB of monthly data;
- Unlimited monthly minutes;
- Free unlimited texts; and
- Free voicemail and caller ID.
What’s great about this program is you don’t have to worry about buying or learning how to use a new phone. The plan can be activated on your current cell phone.
Q Link Wireless provides reliable coverage across 97 percent of the country. Even better, there’s no hidden fees and you can easily sign up for this program online.
TAG Mobile
TAG Mobile is another option for people seeking an affordable cell phone plan. This provider offers the Lifeline Service across 19 states, helping people to receive cell phone services for free. Low income individuals and families can find out if they qualify, according to state guidelines, by searching online.
With TAG Mobile, you get:
- 1,000 free voice minutes;
- Unlimited free texts;
- 4.5GB LTE data, and
- Free voicemail, caller ID and call waiting.
Not only could you get a free phone plan, but residents in California may also be eligible to receive a free smartphone. They could get a free smartphone, unlimited talk and text, and 6GB of data. Find out if you’re eligible for this specific program by searching online for the criteria.
SafeLink Wireless
Those looking for wireless service should check out SafeLink Wireless. This company is another LifeLine supported service that offers free minutes, texts, and data each month. You may be eligible to get free cell phone service if you’re currently receiving SNAP or Medicaid benefits.
Those receiving unemployment benefits might qualify for this service. All you have to do is apply by submitting an official document that includes your name, household’s current income, and dates within the last three months. If you need a Sim card, SafeLink Wireless will send you one free of charge.
Search Online to Learn More About These Programs
If you’re unable to afford a cell phone or cell phone plan, there may be options out there that can help you. Government-sponsored programs work with providers to give individuals and families free cell phones and services. Depending on your financial situation and state guidelines, you could be eligible. If you are a senior living on a fixed income, it is especially important to look at the programs in your area.
You could end up texting, talking, and using data on-the-go for free. iIf you already have a cell phone, some companies will let you take advantage of their services without having to buy a new phone. This means you can save hundreds of dollars by using a device you already own and not have to worry about learning how to use a new device.
To get started, start a search online. You can research what different mobile providers have to offer customers with the Lifeline Service. You can find out how much data they offer, whether you can get a free phone, and other money-saving offers. See if you qualify by researching your state’s criteria and sign up for the program online.