While phone plans get more and more expensive every year and the Affordable Connectivity Program is expiring this month, it’s still possible to save hundreds with a free phone plan. There are several carriers in the industry that offer these types of plans, whether you qualify for federal assistance or not. Even with the ACP expiring, Lifeline is still a great option for you – as well as the other free plans companies offer. 

What is Lifeline? 

The Lifeline program is a federal government provided program that allows users to get free phone and internet service if they qualify. You can apply online and choose between which provider you prefer, as every carrier that provides the program offers service on one of the big three networks. 

How to qualify for Lifeline

To qualify for Lifeline, you either have to have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. The income and household size to reach that threshold varies from state to state, so it’s necessary to check with your local requirements. You also qualify if you’re already signed up for at least one the following programs:

• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Federal Housing / Section 8 Assistance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veteran's Pension and Survivors Pension Program
• Tribal Programs

You can search for specific providers in your area at cnm.universalservice.org. 

What are my phone plan options with Lifeline?

Only a limited number of phone carriers offer Lifeline, which include: 

Q-Link Wireless

The Q-Link Wireless Lifeline Plan includes 4.5GB of data each month, 1000 minutes, and unlimited texting. Access for talk and data stops once you hit the caps. The plan doesn’t include hotspot access, but you do get free domestic data roaming. This carrier is on the T-Mobile network. 

enTouch Wireless

EnTouch offers a Lifeline plan that includes 4,5GB of data each month as well as 300 minutes and 300 texts. Access stops once you hit the caps, and it does not allow hotspot access. This carrier uses the T-Mobile and Verizon networks. 

Access Wireless

Access Wireless’s Lifeline plan offers the same as Q-Link, with 1000 minutes, unlimited texting, and 4.5GB of data each month. Access stops at the cap, and you don’t get hotspot access with this plan either. This carrier is on the T-Mobile network. 

Assurance Wireless

Like Access Wireless and Q-Link Wireless, Assurance Wireless offers a Lifeline plan with 1000 minutes, unlimited texting, and 4.5GB of data per month. Once you hit the caps for the month, access stops. New customers also qualify for a free smartphone when you switch. This carrier is on the T-Mobile network. 

It’s important to note that these plans come with a small amount of data each month, which may not be enough depending on how much you need to use each month. Check out our article on how to choose the best phone plan to learn how much data you need per month. 

What if you don’t qualify for Lifeline? 

If you don’t qualify for Lifeline, you can still access free plans that some companies offer. Textnow and FreedomPop both offer options for customers in these situations, but it’s important to note that these plans offer extremely limited access to phone service. 

TextNow Free Essential Data

TextNow is a newer carrier that’s quite unique compared to its competitors. With TextNow’s Free Essential Data plan, you get unlimited talk and text as well as data you can use for GPS, rideshare apps like Uber, and emails. You can access this by downloading their app and getting a SIM card. TextNow is also on the T-Mobile network. 

However, it’s important to note that this service is free due to in-app advertisements. You’ll be able to see these advertisements in most apps on your phone, including texting and calling apps. 

FreedomPop’s Freenium Plan

FreedomPop offers a free limited talk, text, and data plan for those who don’t qualify for Lifeline throught the government. They’re on the AT&T network.

The plan gives users 25MB, or 0.025GB each month. You also get 10 minutes of call time and 10 texts. Access stops once you hit these caps, and the plan does not allow hotspot access.

Conclusion

There are several options to choose from when it comes to free phone plans, whether you qualify for governmental assistance or need to cut down on your expenses. Really.com also offers the G.O.A.T, where one winner each week is chosen to receive free high speed phone service on their network if you apply. You can also nominate friends and family members.