The popular rumor is that a new government program is giving away free cell phones, but the program is not new and the phones come from TracFone Wireless through their Safelink program. Since 1984, government-subsidized phone service has been available to individuals who cannot afford to pay for it. When cell phones became popular, the program was updated to include help with paying for cell phone minutes. If an applicant qualifies, Tracfone Wireless will ship a cell phone to the home address free of charge and free minutes will be added monthly.
Free Cell Phone Minutes
The amount of free cell phone minutes varies by zip code; ranging from 250 minutes per month in Louisiana to 55 minutes per month in DC. Eligibility requirements also differ slightly from state to state. Most require that the applicant be enrolled in a public assistance program like food stamps, medicaid, or section 8, while a few allow allow applicants to qualify based on a household income of 150% of the poverty level (or below.) An example of 150% of poverty level is a household with three members and a combined income of $2,289 a month.
