Step One: Check to determine if you meet the general eligibility requirements of the program. If you have not already done so, use our free tool here, and then come back to this page.
Step Two: The first thing to do is find out who provides the phones in your state, and that state’s specific eligibility requirements. To find out, go to our Free Government Phones by State page. Then, scroll down to find the list of states, and click on yours. The resulting page will list the mobile phone companies who will be able to provide you with your cell phone and service. And, it will list the eligibility requirements for your state.
Step Three: Find out more about each of the participating companies by clicking on the links you’ll find on your state page. On each of these resulting provider pages, you’ll find comprehensive information on their specific availability, their plans, and on how to contact them. we strongly suggest you review every provider we list on your state page. While the federal Lifeline program provides parameters the companies must follow, plans and phone choices often vary substantially between providers. Make sure to compare plans and phones to see which one fits your needs best.
Once you’ve narrowed down your choices of providers, go to each company’s website and take a look at the phones and programs they have to offer. Or give them a call and talk to them.
(Click Here now to check availability in your state.)
Step Four: Once you’ve determined which company is right for you, enroll either by phone or on the company’s website. Enroll online if you can because it is much faster and so you won’t have to spend time waiting for a customer service rep. Enrolling online also allows you to easily upload any documentation they might require.
TIP: If you are already participating in another government program such as SSI, Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits, Section 8 etc, then select this option as your qualifying factor. Qualifying by current “participation in a Federal Benefit program” is a much faster process and requires a lot less paperwork.
Once enrolled, you now just have to wait for your phone to arrive in the mail. In some cases you can pick up your phone at a local store (so be sure to check). We hear that delivery times vary quite a bit between the different Lifeline cell phone companies, from a week to several weeks. So please be patient.
Now CLICK HERE to find a free government cell phone provider in your state.
-OR- Skip this step and go straight to our online application.