SafeLink Wireless Lifeline Service is a new government supported free cell phone service for Massachusetts residents with limited incomes. People who are getting TAFDC, EAEDC, SSI, SNAP food stamps, MassHealth/Medicaid, or LIHEAP fuel assistance are income eligible. The goal of the program is to make cell phone service available to everyone, regardless of income or credit rating.

SafeLink provides a free cell phone plus 80 minutes per month per household. There are no contracts and no monthly fees. TracFone Wireless, a large U.S. prepaid cell phone company, provides the SafeLink service.

With SafeLink Wireless Lifeline Service:

• You will get one free cell phone and 80 free minutes every month per household. Minutes you do not use are rolled over. You can buy additional minutes.

• Voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting are included.

• There are no contracts or monthly fees.

• You cannot get SafeLink Wireless Lifeline Service if anyone in your household already gets Lifeline service from another phone company. You must cancel the other service first.

If you have questions about the program or want to apply, call SafeLink at 1-800-977-3768 or visit the SafeLink Wireless web site.

What benefits will I get?

• Lifeline and Linkup for landline phones:

  • Lifeline offers telephone customers a discounted rate on their basic local monthly telephone bill. The Lifeline discount does not apply to long distance charges or cell phone service. Verizon Lifeline customers get a discount up to $18.39 off their monthly bill for local flat rate or measured service. In addition, toll-blocking is offered free of charge.

  • Link Up pays half of the cost of phone installation, up to a maximum of $30. It does not cover the cost of wiring inside your home.

• Cell phone SafeLink Wireless Lifeline Service:

  • You will get one free cell phone and 80 free minutes every month per household. Minutes you do not use are rolled over. You can buy additional minutes.

  • Voicemail, caller ID, and call waiting are included.

  • There are no contracts or monthly fees.

  • You cannot get SafeLink Wireless Lifeline Service if anyone in your household already gets Lifeline service from another phone company. You must cancel the other service first.

You can choose between a Lifeline discount for your landline phone or SafeLink Lifeline cell phone service. You cannot get both.

Getting discount utility rates does not affect your eligibility for other assistance programs.

How can I apply?

You can apply for free cell phone service on the SafeLink Wireless web site: SafeLink Wireless. The application is short and easy to complete.

If you have questions or want an application mailed to you, call SafeLink Wireless at 1-800-977-3768. SafeLink service is provided by TracFone Wireless.

About the Author:

My name is Dana Cutter and I am Founder and Editor of Medicare Sherpa. Our staff spends their days searching the Internet for the best content and advice on retirement.  On our site you will find articles on Social Security, Medicare Benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits and more. Please feel fee to send me an email with ideas for content, site improvements or general help launching your online persona. I hope you will consider joining and I am looking forward to reading more about you online.

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5 Comments

mel February 03, 2012 69.146.178.156 Votes: +0	i am disgusted that if i wanted a cell phone I would have to pay for it but my tax dollars are use for this kind of crap. no wonder we are in a financial hole in this country. this is NOT what tax dollars should go towards. our founding fathers are turning over in their graves. report abuse vote down vote up
damon November 17, 2011 207.67.113.134 Votes: +1	For good times report abuse vote down vote up
June Turner November 16, 2011 192.193.221.140 Votes: +0	I am so so so angry with these people. I have been trying to get my mother a cell phone throught this program. I started four months ago I have all of my fax and email conformations. I have faxed and emailed documents at least 15 times and these people keep telling me they got the application but not the supporting documents. I am now so angry with these people that I now feel that they are collecting personal data and I have no idea what they are doing with it. I have even mailed supporting documents and application stapled together and was still told they did not get the supporting documents. With identity theift I am afraid to try again, if anyone knows of a different company to use please email me the informtion. I really really really dont want to deal with these people again. My mother is to old for identity theift. Can someone please advise? report abuse vote down vote up
pauline reed November 04, 2011 98.77.66.212 Votes: +0	does florida?this apply to report abuse vote down vote up
Lynne Nixon March 20, 2011 75.50.125.230 Votes: +0	Is this service just for mass.? report abuse vote down vote up

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