Anyone currently receiving public benefits may be eligible for discounted telephone service through federal Lifeline and Link-Up programs. In Massachusetts, these programs are available through Safelink Wireless for cell phones, or through Verizon and Granby Telephone for landlines. Applicants are eligible for only one discounted telephone line per household.
- Safelink Wireless operates a "Lifeline Assistance" program that provides a free cell phone and 80 free minutes a month to eligible individuals (who may choose to add more minutes using TracFone cards). Safelink states that online applicants can expect their free phone to arrive in 5-7 days. Apply online at the Safelink Wireless webpage or call 1-800-977-3768 to apply by mail or fax.
- Verizon administers discounts for existing landlines or to set up a new landline. Under the Verizon program, a landline that normally costs $19.64 per month costs a Lifeline customer $7.35. Though it takes Verizon approximately 90 days to process Lifeline requests, the discount is retroactive to the date of application.
To apply for Verizon's discounted landline service, call 1-800-870-9999 for English (or for languages other than English or TTY, see Verizon’s contact page.) Follow the menu options to order a "new service." Verizon will then mail the consumer an application.
- Granby Telephone Company offers landline service in the Granby, Holyoke and Chicopee areas. Call (413) 467-9911 for an application to their Lifeline program. Under the Granby Telephone program, applicants can receive a $10 discount for a new installation and a $13.50 discount on their monthly bill.
Individuals who already participate in any of the following are eligible for the programs described above:
- MassHealth
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children
- Social Security Income
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program/Fuel Assistance
- Food Stamps (SNAP)
- Transitional Aid To Families with Dependent Children
Thank you to HAN members Ana Martinez, Nikki Riel, and Sonia Negroni for providing information about this resource.
how do i get ahold of someone
my phone was stolen i need to talk to someone
Why does say that you guys
Why does say that you guys provide a landline when I called one your very "capable" reps said that he haven't head of any landline promontions?
their is a agency in NY
their is a agency in NY called nylifeline agency the will set you up for free a home phone life line service
great idea call then at 718-384-5974
Free cell phone
I am disabled and feel I need a cell phone while I am out side my home. Can you please help me.
I already recieve lifeline in my house bill and this is good due to my stiuation.
Thank you,
Devra S. Braley
I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE
I DON'T UNDERSTAND THE PHONES ARE SOPOSED TO BE FREE FOR LOW INCOME PEOPLE ON SSI AND OTHER REASON BUT I DON'T GET IT I QUALIFY BUT YOU DON'T HAVE MY STATE WHICH IS RHODE ISLAND AREA? JUST WONDERING WHY?
Did you find anything?
Did you find anything?
no responce
dito on applying for free cellphone withoutno feedback.....with lifeline
Free Community Voice Mail
There is also a program called Community Voice Mail that will setup mailboxes for persons without regular phone access. This is a great option if you work with populations in transition who just need a voice mailbox to receive messages from family/friends.
i applied for the free phone
i applied for the free phone 5 months ago but never heard back or got a phone or anyhting . how can i find out the application outcome ,,if i was approved or not etc? i receive ssdi and ssi the interviever over the phone said iw as qualified 5 months ago
re: i applied for the free phone
Hi Stacey -- have you tried calling SafeLink's customer service number - 1-800-977-3768 - and making sure they have your correct address? If that is unhelpful, I would consider re-applying. Sounds like something was lost along the way...
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