How to Get a Free Phone with Medicaid — Simple, Practical Guide

If you get Medicaid, you may qualify for free or deeply discounted phone service through federal and local programs. This guide shows exactly who qualifies, what documents you’ll need, how to apply step-by-step, and which organizations commonly help people on Medicaid get a free phone. Use it to move fast and get connected.

Why this matters

A phone is essential for telehealth, job hunts, school, benefits, and emergencies. If you already receive Medicaid, you have a strong starting point to prove eligibility for Lifeline and other device programs. Learn the steps and the organizations that can help.

Who qualifies

You usually qualify for Lifeline or similar discounts if your household income is at or below the program threshold or if you participate in qualifying programs — and Medicaid is explicitly listed among those programs in most states. That means many Medicaid recipients are eligible. Always confirm with the Lifeline site or your state Lifeline administrator.

Documents you’ll need

Gather these before you apply — having them ready speeds up approval.

Proof of Medicaid (award letter, benefits statement, Medicaid ID card, or a screenshot of your online benefits).

Photo ID (state ID, driver’s license, or other accepted ID).

Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or official mail).

Household income proof (pay stubs, tax return) — only if you’re applying by income rather than program participation.

Signed application/attestation — most Lifeline providers require a short form saying the info is true.

Programs vary, but this list covers the common requirements.

Step-by-step application process (do this now)

Confirm your eligibility. Visit the official Lifeline or your state Lifeline page and check that Medicaid qualifies in your state. The FCC’s Lifeline pages explain program rules.

Choose a provider. Lifeline is delivered through certified providers (Assurance Wireless, SafeLink, Q Link, StandUp, TruConnect, etc.). Compare what each provider offers in your state.

Prepare documents. Scan or photograph your Medicaid proof and ID. Keep files small and readable.

Apply online or by phone. Most Lifeline providers let you apply online; many also accept mail or in-store signups. Pick the provider that offers the device/service you want and follow their application flow.

Wait for approval and activation. Approval usually comes in days to a couple of weeks. After approval, the provider ships your phone or activates service. If you don’t hear back, call the company or the Lifeline support site to check your status.

Organizations and providers that commonly help Medicaid recipients

Below are trusted places to check first. They either administer Lifeline directly or run device programs that serve low-income households.

Assurance Wireless — A major Lifeline carrier that provides free talk, text, data and often a free smartphone to eligible customers. Apply on their site or by phone.

SafeLink Wireless — Lifeline-supported service that runs in multiple states; SafeLink frequently offers free phone with Medicaid and service plans for qualifying households.

TruConnect / StandUp Wireless / Q Link / Reach Mobile — Other Lifeline providers that operate nationally or regionally; offers and device models vary by state. Search “Lifeline providers [your state]” to see certified carriers near you.

PCs for People — Nonprofit that provides low-cost refurbished devices and connectivity solutions to people who qualify through government benefits; good option if you need a smartphone or hotspot at low cost.

Human-I-T and EveryoneOn — Nonprofits that connect people to low-cost internet and devices, and that maintain local offer locators to find device drives or discounted devices near you. Great for local help and training.

Local community centers, libraries, and social service agencies — These groups often run device drives, accept donations, or maintain lists of local Lifeline enrollment partners. Check with county health, social services, or community action agencies.

Extra tips to increase your chance

Apply using proof of participation (Medicaid) rather than income — it’s often faster.

Keep scanned copies of documents handy for re-enrollment or recertification. Lifeline requires annual recertification.

If a provider asks for a small fee you cannot pay, ask if they waive it for hardship cases. Some will.

Try multiple providers if the first one’s waitlist is long. Offers and device stocks vary.

Short FAQ

Q: Does Medicaid directly buy phones?

A: Typically no. Medicaid rarely pays directly for consumer cell phones. But Medicaid counts as proof for programs like Lifeline, and nonprofits or local initiatives often prioritize Medicaid recipients.

Q: How long until I get a phone?

A: It depends. Some providers ship within days; other programs use waitlists and take weeks. Follow up by phone if you haven’t heard within two weeks.

Q: Can I keep my existing number?

A: Usually yes — ask the Lifeline provider about number porting during signup.