Access to a mobile phone is so much more important than it used to be. It’s about more than just staying in-touch with loved ones. Without a phone, getting a job, keeping up with your financials, and having a social life is all but impossible. And neither cell phones nor their monthly fees are getting cheaper either.

Cell phones are so critical to success in the modern world that there exist several, government-backed programs designed to get phones in the hands of those who can’t afford them. Today, we’re going to look at the most popular government cell-phone programs available, what they offer, where to get them, and how you may be able to qualify for a free phone.

Q Link Wireless

If you already have a cell phone but can’t afford the monthly costs, head on over to Q Link Wireless. Q Link is a part of the federal government’s Lifeline program. As such, they offer free, unlimited data, talk, and text with picture messaging every month and a free tablet, to qualified Americans all over the country. These 100 percent free cell phone plans rely on the backbone of America’s largest 4G LTE/5G network.

Q Link operates as part of the federal Lifeline and Emergency Broadband Benefit programs. If you already participate in government benefit programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or meet the low-income requirements, you can qualify for the Lifeline program. Applications are available on the website and take just a few minutes to fill out.

TAG Mobile

TAG Mobile offers government subsidized cell phone coverage as part of the Lifeline Service as well. However, their coverage area isn’t as expansive of Q Link Wireless. TAG Mobile serves a total of 19 States, including Arizona, Colorado, California, Louisiana, and Maine.

It takes just three-minutes to apply. Plus, there are a variety of ways to qualify. Those who are already on government assistance can qualify, as can anyone that is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level.

Those who do qualify for Lifeline Service will receive 1,000 free voice minutes, unlimited free texts, and 4.5GB LTE data per month. Better yet, residents of California can qualify for a free smartphone with unlimited talk and text and 6GB of LTE data.

SafeLink Wireless

Through the Emergency Broadband Benefit program, SafeLink Wireless can offer those already on government assistance and low-income individuals an easy way to qualify for a free smartphone and free monthly coverage. Better yet, there are no contracts and no penalties for cancelling.

For a limited time and with no purchase necessary, eligible customers can receive unlimited talk, text, and data. Moreover, this offer includes a 10GB hotspot and a free smartphone.

EnTouch Wireless

EnTouch Wireless is another popular choice for those who qualify for Lifeline cell coverage — and it’s easy to see why.

California residents that qualify for Lifeline coverage can receive a free premium phone and free service. EnTouch is worth checking out, especially considering qualified applicants are eligible to receive a free 5.5-inch Android smartphone with unlimited talk, text, and 6GB of data. Furthermore, some current EnTouch Wireless customers may qualify for free unlimited data.

If you already have smartphone and aren’t interested in changing devices, you can cash in too. Bring your own device to EnTouch Wireless and you can receive a free SIM card, unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 6GB of data.

Coverage and offers may vary depending on your state. However, clicking over to the website and entering a few details could land you a free phone, and free wireless coverage.

Conclusion

See? I told you we weren’t lying. Thanks to government assistance programs and some of the most popular cellphone carriers in the country, many Americans are just a few clicks away from a free smartphone and free monthly wireless cell phone coverage.

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to the Q Link Wireless, Tag Mobile, SafeLink Wireless, or EnTouch Wireless and see if you qualify.