The LifeLine program is a free cell phone and plan program available if you meet certain requirements detailed below.

Foremost, have you considered cutting out your cell phone plan completely or have you already done so? Or perhaps it’s time to move to a ‘pay as you go plan’. It can be a disadvantage if you’re looking for a new career. It may be too risky to be completely cut off from technology. For some, it may be dangerous…for seniors in particular…to be cut off from families and health care providers.

Of course, cell phones have, for the most part, become a basic need. Enter ‘LifeLine’. The Lifeline program offers free cell phones and minutes to individuals that meet the basic requirements. You may be eligible to receive a basic cell phone with a free calling plan of 250 minutes per month. You may qualify for other benefits as well.

This is actually not a new program. Originally set up in the 90’s, the program was originally designed to help families with their landlines. Since the cost and flexibility of a cell phone now far outshines a landline, people and the program have adapted as well: families are essentially cutting the chord while the program now features cell phone plans.

12 Million Wireless Phones Since the Program’s Inception

The program has been popular and largely successful although the number of eligible people far outweighs the number of people participating in the program. Some estimates believe that there are an additional 40 million households in the US that may qualify for the program.

To get a free phone, you need to apply to a regional provider in your state. The three biggest companies are Assurance Wireless (Virgin Mobile), Reachout Wireless (Nexus Communications), and Safelink Wireless (Tracfone).