Assurance Wireless
Free phone 41 states
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited texts
- Unlimited talk
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Free cell phones in New Jersey
3 Lifeline providers offer free or discounted phone service to eligible New Jersey households. Compare plans below, then apply directly with the provider.
Lifeline providers in New Jersey
Free-phone providers first, then by coverage.
Safelink Wireless
Free phone 40 states
- Free smartphone or BYOP
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
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T-Mobile
Discounted 27 states
Most Lifeline discounts are around $10 per months. Once this is applied you will pay around $9.99 per month or even less.
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Who qualifies in New Jersey
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 New Jersey at a glance
New Jersey residents can choose from 3 Lifeline providers: Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless and T-Mobile. 2 of them advertise a free phone with service, while 1 offers discounted service instead. Assurance Wireless has the widest reach, serving 41 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 New Jersey 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 860 carrier stores in New Jersey 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 New Jersey
Prefer to shop in person? Browse 860 carrier stores.