[Lisa in Ohio]

Hi Friends, I just wanted to drop a note to anyone who may be paying for their cell phones. The government has in place a program called SafeLink and if you are on SSI or SSDI or many other things, you may elgible for a free cell phone and monthly minutes. This program is run by TracFone (I have used a TracFone for years with no problems at all and have been able to get a signal anytime I have needed it. I live in a very rural part of Ohio and it even works at home) and if you visit the SafeLink website it is easy to apply. That said, the phone is not fancy so if you text alot this may not be right for you, but every month you just turn it on and the minutes are sent to the phone (you can sign up for different amounts of time) and they accumulate. It did take about 3-4 months to get my phone, but now I am all set up and ready to go. I was almost kind of surprised at how easy this program is. I thought this might help some of us out there who are looking to save some $$. Lisa

[Abbie]

Here is another FREE cell service... Like Safelink, it is not available in all areas and has certain restrictions.

Assuance Wireless -- Free phone + 250 free minutes
http://www.assurancewireless.com/Public/Welcome.aspx


This service is ran by Virgin Mobile.

[Abbie]

Here is the link for Safelink Wireless.

https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enr...blic/home.aspx

[finz]

Does it all differ by state ? Here in Massachusetts, being on SSDI doesn't qualify you, but being on SSI would.

[Abbie]

From what I can tell by entering different state information.. they do differ by state.

What qualifies in one state doesn't qualify in others.

It looks like the qualifiers are determined by each states regulatory commissions. This is also why these are offered in some states and not in others.

[Diamond Lil]

Hello Everyone:
I have a Safelink phone and it is a great program for people with limited income to be able to have a phone. One thing that troubles me is that the free minutes you get usually do not come without a phone call to Safelink. If this is the only phone people have, then every month they must use someone else's phone to call to get their minutes. For the elderly and disabled, this could be a problem.
I am grateful for the programs that are available to those in need. I don't think the program sponsors are aware of this problem with the company that supplies the phones and minutes.

Regards, Lil

[Abbie]

Originally Posted by Diamond Lil

Hello Everyone:
I have a Safelink phone and it is a great program for people with limited income to be able to have a phone. One thing that troubles me is that the free minutes you get usually do not come without a phone call to Safelink. If this is the only phone people have, then every month they must use someone else's phone to call to get their minutes. For the elderly and disabled, this could be a problem.
I am grateful for the programs that are available to those in need. I don't think the program sponsors are aware of this problem with the company that supplies the phones and minutes.

Regards, Lil

Diamond Lil...

Found this on Safelink's site... Hope this helps... https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enr...blic/home.aspx
At the bottom of the page click on "terms and conditions"

In order to receive your monthly allotment of minutes, you will need to leave your SAFELINK WIRELESS phone powered “on” during the first few days of each month. If you DO NOT receive your monthly allotment of minutes because your phone was not “ON” at the beginning of the month or your phone does not automatically retrieve minutes when powered “ON.” You may self-retrieve by following the instructions below. If for any reason these instructions do not work on your handset, please call us at 1-800-378-1684.


SELF-RETRIEVAL AND ADDING AIRTIME
Self-Retrieve Your Monthly Minutes by following these instructions:
• Press the MENU key located in the center of the navigation keys or arrow keys. "Prepaid" will be displayed across your screen. Press SELECT.
• Using the arrow keys on your phone, go to "Redeem Airtime" or “Add Airtime." If your screen displays a message, scroll down and press OK until you see “Card #” or “Airtime Pin.”
• To Self Retrieve your Monthly Minutes, enter 555 and press OK.

[Diamond Lil]

Hello all:
I should have mentioned in my earlier post that I always leave my Safelink phone turned on and fully charged. I have also tried the instructions every month to no avail. Again, this month I did not receive any minutes. I will have to go to my son's home to use his phone to call. Also, be aware if you go two months (I think) without getting your minutes, you will no longer get minutes. Be sure to retrieve your minutes so you do not lose out.
I think this is a great program but the company that won the contract is not providing proper service. I know of just one other person with a Safelink phone and he also has to call every month for his minutes. To get your minutes, call from another phone and then you will be instructed to enter numbers into your Safelink phone. I hope this helps.

Regards, Lil