Are There Any Free Cell Phone Services for Senior Citizens on Social Security?

Lifeline Program
The government's Lifeline program provides discounts on your monthly telephone charges even if your primary phone is a cell phone. Link-Up, another federal assistance program, provides a subsidy that helps with the cost of setting up telephone service, including activation fees for a cell phone. Lifeline estimates it saves consumers at least $10 per month on telephone service while Link-Up pays as much as $30 toward start-up fees. Link-Up's service also loans consumers up to $200 for setup fees. The loan is interest free and must be repaid within in one year.
Free Cell Phone Plans
As an extension of the Lifeline program, SafeLink Wireless offers a 250-minute per month plan at no cost for certain low-income Americans, which can include senior citizens on Social Security. Although requirements to access the program vary from state to state, those who participate in public assistance programs generally qualify for the free cell phone. If you do not participate in any such program and your household income meets plan qualifications, you may still receive the free cell phone and its associated service.
Low-Cost Plans
If you do not qualify for free cell phone service with SafeLink Wireless, prepaid plans offer a variety of low-cost options, many designed with senior citizens in mind. Plans range from a $2 per day plan, which charges you only on the days you use your phone, to several nationwide offerings that allow unlimited phone usage for as little as $50 per month. Some of the unlimited plans include text messaging and web access in the monthly service price.
Considerations
SafeLink Wireless' free service is available in 34 states plus the District of Columbia as of the date of publication. SafeLink Wireless can advise you if your state participates in the program. When considering cell phone service, you should know if the carrier you choose provides coverage in your area. Most cell phone companies provide coverage maps on websites whereby you enter your zip code and the map verifies corresponding coverage.