Nowadays, it is possible to get a free phone with a wireless plan, but only if one qualifies for the service. The provider is SafeLink, a US carrier owned by America Movil via TracFone Wireless. As the fifth-largest wireless phone company in the world, America Movil offers its quality standard via all its subsidiaries, including SafeLink. So you can rest assured that this is no scam – it is in fact the real deal.
By now you’re surely wondering how to get a free phone with SafeLink for seniors. Certain conditions have to be met – To qualify for a free SafeLink cellphone and wireless service, customers must participate in a federally assisted program such as food stamps or Medicaid or have a household income equal to or below the poverty guidelines in a specific state. In addition, the applicant must reside in the U.S. and provide a valid, physical address in the application. PO box addresses are not accepted. Once the application is successfully verified, processed, and approved, the free cellphone is mailed to the applicant.
Why Having SafeLink Phone Is Essential For Seniors?
Even though having a cell phone is the most normal thing nowadays, for many seniors a mobile phone is still a far cry. It seems the main reason is that they don’t understand how to use it. The numbers corroborate that fact as 42% of US consumers over 65 years of age own a smartphone. However, it is essential for anyone to have a phone, even more so for seniors.
As they are more prone to injury, seniors can seriously benefit from all the safety features that cellphones offer, especially smartphones, Seniors should watch their health more and could track their health markers much more often with a phone. They have more time to socialize with others which means their cellphone can be their synapse to loved ones and friends. When they don’t communicate, they can use that same phone to entertain themselves. And finally, the reminders and scheduling available on a phone is going to be a god send for any senior.
SafeLink Phones for seniors are available in many formats: flip phones, smartphones, bar phones, and tablet-phones. The selection of phones for seniors is huge, from the perspective of both features as well as style. Along with quite a few budget options, seniors could also get a SafeLink phone for free. Yes, completely free. Read further to learn how!
How to qualify for a SafeLink wireless free phone
To qualify for SafeLink wireless, you must be enrolled in a state or federally assisted low-income program, like food stamps or Medicaid, or live below the poverty line.
The qualifications are state-specific so we can not explain every detail for every state. We recommend to visit the SafeLink website and learn the detailed instructions for your location. However, to show an example of how SafeLink would work for a resident of California, here are some parameters to qualify for California LifeLine:
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You must participate in one of the assistance programs:
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- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKS)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
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Or meet the income guidelines as follows:
- Household Size of 1-2 members no more than $28,700 annual gross income,, household size of 3 members no more than $32,600 annual gross income, household size of 4 members no more than    $39,700, and for each additional member add $7,100.
How To Apply for Free Phones for Seniors
To apply for a Safelink Wireless phone, the easiest option is to visit their website and fill out the application. First, you’ll have to enter your postcode so that the information you’re viewing is relevant for you. Then, you will have to enter your full legal name, last 4 digits of SSN address, and date of birth. Optionally you can also add your Tribal Identification Number, email address, and contact phone number. Voila, you’ve initiated the enrollment! It really is that simple.
Alternatively, you can apply at your local department of social services where you should ask for an application for the Safelink program.
SafeLink Free Phone Application Documents
If you’re applying as a participant in one of the assistance programs you will need to present proof of your participation. If you are applying on the basis of income you must provide proof in the form of a W-2, last year’s tax return, four consecutive pay stubs, or a letter from your employer. You must reverify your income each year. SafeLink sends you reminders about 8 months into your initial year of service and you can requalify online or by phone. They just need to make sure that you still qualify for their service.
Additionally, a residential address that can receive mail from the USPS is required as the package with the free phone cannot be delivered to a PO box. No other person on that residential address can have SafeLink Wireless service.
What SafeLink Wireless offers when you join
Currently, the SafeLink pricing offers one plan that includes Unlimited Voice Minutes and 3GB of Data. The user will also get a Free Smartphone (WiFi & Data Compatible). Inclusions of the plan are Voicemail/Caller ID/3-way Calling, 911 Access, 411 Directory Assistance at No Additional Cost, Nationwide Coverage on America’s Best Networks. Unused balance will not roll over month-to-month. Additional Data plans are available for purchase with SafeLink. SafeLink offers an option to Keep Your Own Smartphone that requires a compatible and unlocked Smartphone.
In which states SafeLink Wireless provides free phone?
As of 2011, Safelink Wireless is available in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. According to SafeLink, their wireless service with the free phone option will soon be available in additional states.
All plans include the following: local calls, nationwide long distance, nationwide text, voice mail, free-roaming and 411 directory assistance.
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TracFone Samsung Galaxy S7
- Description: This S7 is the 32-GB version with a 5.5-inch screen, 4-Gig RAM, a 12-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,000 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 5-MP selfie camera, Snapdragon 820 processor, Up to 256-Gig expandable memory, Android 8.0 Oreo OS, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, 4G LTE compatible, Works with the CDMA network.
TracFone TCL LX
- Description: The TCL LX smartphone is one of the most affordable safelink wireless phones. It’s one of the handsets that come with a free TracFone SIM card to activate on your preferred Safelink Wireless plan. This TCL is the 16-GB version with a 5.3-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, an 8-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,460 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 5-MP selfie camera, 1 GHz processor, Up to 32-Gig expandable memory, Android 8.1 Oreo OS, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, Works with the CDMA network.
TracFone LG Stylo 4
- Description: If you favor big-screen viewing, then this TracFone handset could be a perfect choice. The LG Stylo 4 lets you own a modern smartphone at a reasonable price. This Stylo 4 is the 16-GB version with a 6.2-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, a 13-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,300 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 5-MP selfie camera, 8 GHz Octa-core processor, Up to 2 TB expandable memory, Android 8.1 Oreo OS, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable. Works with the CDMA network.
TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro
- Description: The TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Sky Pro lets rev up your smartphone experience with superfast processing speeds. You won’t miss a moment of your social connections with its high-speed internet connectivity. This J7 is the 16-GB version with a 5.5-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, an 8-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,300 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 5-MP selfie camera, 4 GHz Quad-core processor, Up to 256GB expandable memory, Upgradable Android 6.0 OS, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, Works with the CDMA network.
TracFone ZTE ZFive2
- Description: The TracFone ZTE ZFive2 is a versatile device with tons of options for the modern-day smartphone user. The phone can be yours with a free SIM card to get you started on the Safelink Wireless network. This Z Five2 is the 8-GB version with a 5.0-inch screen, 1-Gig RAM, a 5-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,800 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 5-MP selfie camera, 4 GHz Quad-core processor, Up to 32-Gig expandable memory, Android 6.0 OS, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, Works with the CDMA network.
TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown
- Description: You could grab the internet and take it with you with this TracFone Samsung Galaxy J7 Crown. Get this phone for a chance to activate a free TracFone SIM card on Safelink Wireless. This J7 Crown is the 16-GB version with a 5.5-inch screen, 2-Gig RAM, a 13-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 3,000 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 13-MP selfie camera, 56 GHz Octa-core processor, Up to 400-Gig expandable memory, Android 8.0 Oreo OS, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, Works with the CDMA network.
TracFone Alcatel MyFlip
- Description: This easy-to-use TracFone Alcatel MyFlip is perfect for staying in touch with family and friends while capturing all those special moments. The TracFone flip phone is an ideal choice if you need a cheap prepaid handset with a numeric keypad. This Stylo 4 is the 4-GB version with a 2.8-inch screen, 1-Gig RAM, a 2-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 1,350 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: Up to 32-Gig expandable memory, Android 8.1 Oreo OS, 4G LTE compatible, 1 GHz Quad-core processor, Snapdragon 210 processor, Supports
- Works with the CDMA network.
Tracfone LG 305C
- Description: If you’re searching for a primary phone without the bells and whistles of most smartphones, then get this Tracfone LG 305C. It’s particularly great if you need a quick, low-cost phone to replace the one you lost until you can afford a better model. This 305C is the 270-MB version with a 3.2-inch screen, 1.5-Gig RAM, a 2-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 1,540 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: Up to 32-Gig expandable memory, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, Works with the CDMA network.
Tracfone Alcatel Onetouch Sonic
- Description: Do you prefer to keep things simple? Then the Tracfone Alcatel Onetouch Sonic is a perfect choice. It comes in a sleek and stylish build with all the essential features of a modern smartphone. This Onetouch Sonic is the 4-GB version with a 4.6-inch screen, 1-Gig RAM, a 5-MP rear-facing camera, as well as a 2,200 mAh Li-ion battery.
- Features: 4 GHz Dual-core processor, Up to 32-Gig expandable memory, Android 4.1 Jelly OS, 4G LTE compatible, Supports Bluetooth technology, Wi-Fi capable, Works with the CDMA network.
What If I Don’t Qualify For A Government Free Phone?
For anyone that does not qualify, the Bring Your Own Phone or BYOP is the best option. There are many cell phones compatible with the SafeLink service. You can get one for free or dirt cheap, depending if your family and friends are able to provide you with such a phone.
SafeLink compatible phones with others carrier
Safelink is a TracFone’s subsidiary, which uses both AT&T and Verizon’s network. Therefore, TracFone supports both GSM and CDMA phone models, and you can bring any TracFone compatible handset to Safelink. If you’re switching from a different carrier, make sure the phone is unlocked.
Safelink provides a simple way to check whether your cell phone is compatible – you can send the word SWITCH in a text message to 611611.
How to Replace SafeLink Phones?
If a SafeLink phone won’t work anymore of the user needs a replacement for any reason,, they should call the SafeLink Customer Service to troubleshoot the technical issues. The Customer Service Representative will able to issue a replacement as long as the phone is within the one year of manufacturer warranty.
FAQ
What happens if a member does not receive their cell phone?
The member should call SafeLink for assistance and get information about the location of the package with the phone.
Why Choose SafeLink Wireless?
Safelink Wireless services will not only allow you to communicate with family and friends but also give you good quality internet access. This opens options for apps, online shopping, banking, playing games, watching moves, and much more.
How to Check SafeLink Wireless Balance?
By far the easiest way is to visit SafeLink’s website and log in. If you’re not using a smart phone, you can also go through a special process on your phone to find out your balance. Just text BALANCE to 611611.
What kind of phones can I get?
It is possible to get either regular cell phones or smartphones. The selection is expansive and everyone can find the right option for them.
Can a member transfer this program benefit to another member?
No, members can not transfer the program benefits between each other.
What if the phone does not work?
SafeLink’s policy defines that customers can get one replacement phone in case it is broken. Therefore a phone that does not work will be replaced.
Will a lost or stolen phone be replaced?
Safelink Wireless does not provide insurance plans for Tracfones; therefore, if your phone should get lost or get stolen, you will have to buy a new one.