Phone Assistance Programs

Lifeline (Free Smartphone Program)

Lifeline is a federal program that provides eligible low-income individuals with a free smartphone and free wireless phone service (free data, free monthly minutes and unlimited texting). This Lifeline program is operated by the federal government, and should not be confused with the state’s Lifeline utility assistance program.

Who is eligible for Lifeline?

A household is eligible if someone in the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Participates in any of the following programs: NJ SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit and Tribal Programs; or
• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

How to Apply for Lifeline:

Apply online through the following providers: Assurance Wireless or Safelink Wireless.

You can choose your Lifeline provider. If you already have a Lifeline smartphone, contact your provider and ask about available benefits under the Affordable Connectivity Program.

• If you are a Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare member with Horizon, Amerigroup or Fidelis Care, you may receive extra benefits by applying with Safelink Wireless.
• If you are a Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare member with Aetna or UnitedHealthcare, you may receive extra benefits by applying with Assurance Wireless.
   

Note: Assurance and SafeLink offer Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program bundles that provide free, unlimited talk, text, and data plus hotspot data.