In today’s post, I wanted to focus more so on the senior citizen crowd.  Oftentimes, I try to create a post for everyone, but today, it’s going to be a bit different.

Since I have found my freebie posts to be some of the more popular options, I wanted to talk about how senior citizens can acquire a free cell phone.  Who doesn’t like a freebie after all?

If you have read my posts, you already know I’m 100% honest.  I never mislead nor do I promote garbage/scams that get you nowhere.  I just don’t work like that.  You can be assured that most of the companies I mention here are 100% legitimate.

If you’re older than 55-65+, and you’re in need of a cell phone, then you may want to stay tuned.  The companies I’m about to mention can help you acquire a cell phone at no cost.

Eligibility

Before you get excited, I want to first talk about eligibility.  Unfortunately, most of these cell phones won’t be available to all and you will have to meet some eligibility requirements.

While I will mention what’s expected of you, most of the companies will ask that you meet certain income thresholds, or in some cases, you may have to be part of an assistance program.  Again, the requirements vary, so pay close attention to the company requirements as they all vary.

In most cases, however, your annual income must fall below the poverty level and/or you should also be part of a government aid program.   In perspective, your income should be less than the following:

• 2 people:  no more than $28,000~
• 3 people:  no more than $33,000~
• 4 people:  no more than $40,000~
• add $7,000 for every person beyond four

If you’re shaking your head yes to one of these two criteria points, then you will more than likely be approved.  Keep in mind that these limits are subject to change.

Free Cell Phones (and Plans) for Senior Citizens Programs

enTouch Wireless

enTouch Wireless offers a “Lifeline” program, in which you can qualify for a free line as long as you meet eligibility requirements.

According to the site, in order to qualify for a free line, your income must fall 135% below the Federal Poverty Guidelines or you must be part of a public assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, to name a few.  This is fairly standard.  Here’s a graphic from the site:

If you are interested, your documents must be dated within the past 12 months and your application must include your name and benefits program.

If you are approved, the plan details vary, depending on where you live.  In most cases, you will get unlimited text/minutes, but as for data, it can range from 100MB to 6GB.   Refer to the link below for more information.

• Website:  EnTouchWireless.com

SafetyNet Wireless

SafetyNet Wireless offers a free phone and free talk, text and data every month.  The $0 plan offers unlimited talk, text and 4.5 GB worth of data.  This was one of the better programs I mention on the list.  Aside from this, they also offer plans that only cost a few dollars a month, which can add even more data to your plan.

To qualify, you must meet income-based eligibility, again, 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or you must be part of a government assistance program such as SSI or Medicaid (not Medicare).

Follow the link below to see which plans are offered at the moment as well as how you can qualify.

• Website:  SafetyNet Wireless

SafeLink Wireless

SafeLink Wireless also offers free monthly wireless service if you’re part of a government benefits program or qualify based on income.

To see plans on the website, you will have to use your zip code, so they could vary.  When I checked it out, I could get 350 voice minutes, unlimited text messages and 4.5GB of data.  The company didn’t offer a free cell phone, but you could bring any unlocked phone over.

To qualify, you will need to submit documentation to qualify and then wait for the approval.  They site was very easy to use.  In fact, it was one of the better user-friendly sites I researched.

• Website: SafeLink Wireless

Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless, a program offered by Virgin Wireless, offers free cell phone service for qualifying low-income households.  Like the many I mentioned, you must be part of an assistance program or meet income requirements.

This program isn’t available in all states, but it’s in most.  Refer to the official link below to see which states are actively participating.

Depending on the state you reside in, the inclusions vary.  For instance, in Arizona, a phone plan includes 4.5GB of data, unlimited text and 1,000 voice minutes every month.  You can also get a free Android smartphone if you, again, qualify.  There’s no annual contract as well as multiple features such as caller ID, voicemail and more.

• Website:  Assurance Wireless

Q Link Wireless

Q Link Wireless is yet another government benefit program that offers free 4.5 gigs of data, unlimited text and unlimited talk.  There are no hidden fees and is probably one of the more popular options on the list.  The company doesn’t send out a free phone, but they do have an “inventory of extremely discounted Android phones.”

As a leading provider, it is, as you imagined, only available to qualifying customers.  You will need to upload proof proving your income or that you’re part of a government assistance program.

To learn more about the program, I linked to the official FAQ below.

• Website:  Q Link Wireless

Final Thoughts

As you can see, a free cell phone and/or plan is entirely possible.  Of course, you need to meet requirements, but as long as you do, it’s 100% doable.

For now, follow the links I mentioned above.  Out of the many I mention, I would say SafetyNet Wireless and Assurance Wireless are some of my favorites, simply because they offer a free phone as well as a plan.  The other plans are good as well, but they do not include a phone.  Remember, if you have a phone, they do make it easy to transfer your number over as long as the phone is unlocked.

That does it for now.

As always, if you want to comment on anything I mentioned or maybe you have a service I’m missing, you’re more than welcome to mention it in the comments below.