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SAFELINK ANSWERS

Frequently asked questions.

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BASICS

5 questions
What is SafeLink?Is SafeLink a government program?Is SafeLink free?Can I choose another Lifeline provider?What is Lifeline?

QUALIFYING PROGRAMS

6 questions
Can I get SafeLink with Medicaid?Can I get SafeLink with SNAP or food stamps?Does SSI qualify for Lifeline?Does Section 8 housing assistance qualify?Which veterans benefits qualify?Can my child or dependent qualify my household?

INCOME

3 questions
What is the income limit for Lifeline?Does unemployment qualify me?Do Social Security benefits qualify?

HOUSEHOLD

3 questions
How do I count my household?Can two people at one address each get Lifeline?Can I have Lifeline and another paid phone line?

TRIBAL

2 questions
Which Tribal programs qualify?Are Tribal income limits different?

DOCUMENTS

7 questions
What documents do I need to apply?What proves Medicaid or SNAP participation?Can I use pay stubs for income proof?How do I prove my address?What if I do not have a permanent address?Why was my document rejected?Where should I upload documents?

APPLICATION

3 questions
How do I apply for SafeLink?Does the Lifeline application cost money?Can I apply for Lifeline by mail?

STATE RULES

3 questions
How do I apply in Texas?How do I apply in Oregon?Are SafeLink plans different in California?

APPLICATION STATUS

4 questions
How do I check my application status?What does pending mean on my application?Why was my application denied?How long does SafeLink approval take?

PHONES AND SIMS

5 questions
Can I bring my own phone to SafeLink?Will SafeLink give me a free phone?Can I keep my number when switching to SafeLink?Does SafeLink support eSIM?What if my SafeLink phone is lost or stolen?

USING SERVICE

6 questions
How do I activate my SafeLink phone or SIM?How do I check my SafeLink balance?How do I add airtime?How do I set up voicemail?Does my SafeLink plan include hotspot?Can I make international calls?

TROUBLESHOOTING

3 questions
Why is my mobile data not working?What if my phone has no service?How do I fix an identity mismatch?

RECERTIFICATION

4 questions
Why do I need to recertify?How long do I have to recertify?What if I missed my recertification deadline?Do I need to use my Lifeline phone regularly?

LIFE CHANGES

3 questions
What if I move to a new address?Can I transfer my Lifeline benefit to another company?Is there Lifeline help for survivors?