Cell phones have become affordable to some extent. But, if someone wants the latest model with the latest features then the price is also high. For those looking for budgeted phones, Safelink is a great option. It is a government assistance program that gives free cell phones and free monthly cell phone service without any cost to eligible buyers.

Who are eligible?
US government provides free modern cell phones to eligible consumers regardless of one’s income. The eligible consumers can get 250 free minutes of mobile service each month. This service requires:

• No deposit
• No credit check
• No annual contract
• No connection fees
• No monthly fees for the cell phone services

The application for Safelink phones is pretty simple. The applicants receive their cell phone within two weeks of application. Eligibility criteria vary from state to state. However, eligibility is based on the customer’s participation in state and Federal support programs.

Network carrier
Tracfone Wireless, Inc. is the official network for Safelink phones. The main objective of the Safelink phones and Tracfone is to provide free and low-maintenance wireless services to people who need them and cannot afford to buy a new cell phone. Tracfone also eliminates activation fees for a new connection.

As of now, Safelink phones are provided to customers at or below 135% of poverty as per Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Verification process
The priority is given to those applicants who have enrolled in some form of government assistance programs. The verification process requires:

• Social Security Number
• Proof of income or enrollment status

In case, the applicant is not able to furnish the income statements for whatever reasons; then he needs to be enrolled in government aid programs like food stamps, Medicaid, or low-income home energy assistance. Many state and federal government programs support people in the low-income group.

However, not all phones are Safelink compatible. Safelink technical assistance gives all the required information about Safelink phones. Some of the phones that are compatible with Safelink are LG 221C, Samsung S425G, and Motorola W376g, among others.