As a community-oriented newsroom, we meet our readers where they are and provide them with important information when they need it. A WeChat reader recently asked us where to get a free phone in New York. And while NYC does not currently offer free phones, there are some programs for low-cost cell phone services.
SafeLink Wireless Program
SafeLink Wireless is a federal program that offers affordable phone service. Plans vary by state — you can check what’s available to you on SafeLink’s website.
For example, after entering a Manhattan zip code, your basic personal information, including your social security number, and your home address, you might see the recommending “Best Offer Lifeline Plan”:
- Unlimited talk and text
- 10GB of data
- Including 5GB of hotspot data
- Free calls to 911 and 411 for phone number lookups
The “Broadband Facts” table further down the page provides more detailed information, including price, data limits, and other plan details for comparison.
To check your eligibility and apply, enter your zip code on the SafeLink website. They do not ask for immigration information, but they will ask you for your social security number as part of personal information.
For customer support, call (800) 723-3546.
What’s the eligibility for SafeLink Wireless Program?
There are two ways to be eligible for the SafeLink Wireless Program.
You need to have at least one household member receiving assistance from a federal program to qualify for SafeLink Wireless. Federal programs include:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
You’ll need to provide copies of relevant documents proving that you or a household member receives these benefits.
If you’re not on one of these federal programs, you might still qualify based on your household income — here’s the cutoff for your family size.
| Household Size | Maximum Household Income (USD) |
| 1 | 21,546 |
| 2 | 29,214 |
| 3 | 36,882 |
| 4 | 44,550 |
| 5 | 51,218 |
| 6 | 59,886 |
| 7 | 67,554 |
| 8 | 75,222 |
| Each additional person | 7,668 |
Note: You must make at least one call or send one text per month to remain eligible for the program. To keep receiving benefits, you’ll also need to reapply each year. You can read more FAQs on the SafeLink website.
NYC Office of Technology and Innovation (OTI) Initiatives
The NYC Office of Technology and Innovation has initiatives offering low-cost internet service. One is called Big Apple Connect, which provides free high-speed internet to residents of 220 NYC public housing buildings. You can check the city website to find out which residential buildings offer this service.
You can call your cable provider to sign up for this program:
- (866) 580-1410 (Optimum)
- (866) 960-1754 (Spectrum)
If you need further assistance, you can call 311.
Another program from the NYC Office of Technology and Innovation is the Gigabit Centers, located across the five boroughs, which offer tech training as well as laptops and equipment for use on-site to the public for free. Check “LinkNYC Gigabit Centers” to find locations and services.
New York State Affordable Broadband Act
If you receive government benefits such as SNAP or Medicaid, you may be eligible for cheaper, long-term home internet service.
By law, large internet service providers must offer at least one of the following low-cost plans:
- No more than $15/month for speeds of 25 Mbps or faster, or
- No more than $20/month for speeds of 200 Mbps or faster
These prices already include taxes and equipment fees, so there shouldn’t be additional charges. You also don’t need to buy a bundle phone or TV service.
Note that the actual providers, speeds, and plans available will vary depending on where you live. This program does not apply to mobile phone service or dial-up internet.
Eligibility
You may qualify for low-cost home internet if you or another household member receives any of the following benefits:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE)
- Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
- Utility assistance programs, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Free or reduced-price lunch through the National School Lunch Program
If you don’t participate in any of the above programs, you may still qualify based on household income. Check with your internet service provider for specific income requirements.
Required Documents
Documentation requirements may vary by internet service provider (ISP). It’s best to contact your provider directly to confirm what proof you’ll need to submit.
How can I apply for low-cost internet under the NYS Affordable Broadband Act?
- Use New York State’s broadband map to find out which internet providers serve your address.
- On the provider’s website, look for terms like “low cost,” “reduced cost,” or “Affordable Broadband Act.”
- Common low-cost internet plans include:
- When applying, you’ll need to verify your eligibility and submit your application directly with the internet service provider. You can look up providers for your address here.
