Safelink Wireless
Free phone 40 states
- Free smartphone or BYOP
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
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Free cell phones in Illinois
6 Lifeline providers offer free or discounted phone service to eligible Illinois households. Compare plans below, then apply directly with the provider.
Lifeline providers in Illinois
Free-phone providers first, then by coverage.
Access Wireless
Free phone 34 states
- Unlimited Talk
- Unlimited Text (15 GB of High Speed)
- Hotspot Data Included
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Life Wireless
Free phone 30 states
- Free smartphone
- 500 minutes
- Unlimited text
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American Assistance
Free phone 16 states
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
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Terracom Wireless
Free phone 12 states
- Free smartphone
- 1000 voice minutes
- Unlimited text
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U.S. Cellular
Discounted 16 states
You usually a monthly discount of $9.25 per month In 26 US states. In West Virginia you can get a discount of $11.25.
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Who qualifies in Illinois
Full requirementsBy benefit program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
By household income
135% of the 2026 poverty guidelines
| 1 person | up to $21,546/yr |
| 2 people | up to $29,214/yr |
| 3 people | up to $36,882/yr |
| 4 people | up to $44,550/yr |
Lifeline in Illinois at a glance
Illinois residents can choose from 6 Lifeline providers: Safelink Wireless, Access Wireless, Life Wireless, American Assistance, Terracom Wireless and U.S. Cellular. 5 of them advertise a free phone with service, while 1 offers discounted service instead. Safelink Wireless has the widest reach, serving 40 states.
If no one in your household receives a qualifying benefit, you can still qualify on income: up to $21,546 a year for a single person, or $44,550 for a family of four. Qualifying programs in Illinois include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income.
Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household. If you already have Lifeline with another company, you can transfer it to any provider listed above, or visit one of 1,401 carrier stores in Illinois to compare paid plans in person.
Independent information
We are not a carrier or a government agency. Apply only on the provider's official website or through the Lifeline National Verifier.
Phone stores in Illinois
Prefer to shop in person? Browse 1,401 carrier stores.