What SafeLink Wireless Is and Who Runs It

SafeLink Wireless is a phone service run by Tracfone Wireless, a subsidiary of Verizon, that participates in the federal Lifeline program. Lifeline is a subsidy that reduces what you pay for basic phone service if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. SafeLink is one of several carriers offering this service, but it is the largest Lifeline provider in the United States.

The service works like this: the federal government pays SafeLink a monthly subsidy for each customer, and SafeLink passes that subsidy to you as a discount on your phone bill. You get a phone (usually free or very cheap), a SIM card, and a monthly plan with talk, text, and data included. You do not pay the government directly — you work with SafeLink, and they handle the paperwork with the federal program.

SafeLink uses Verizon's network, so coverage depends on where Verizon has service. The company operates in all 50 states, though the exact plans and data amounts vary by state.

Key Takeaways

  • SafeLink provides a free or low-cost phone and monthly service if your household income falls at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, which varies by household size.
  • You receive a set amount of talk minutes, text messages, and data each month, and unused minutes and data roll over to the next month in most states.
  • To start, you will need to prove your income using documents like a tax return, pay stub, or benefit letter, and prove your identity with a government ID.
  • SafeLink can take two to three weeks to process your request after you submit your documents, and you will receive your phone and SIM card by mail.
  • If you stop using your SafeLink phone for 30 days, the service is suspended, and you must reactivate it to continue.

Income Limits and Who Can Get SafeLink

To use SafeLink, your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. The poverty line itself changes each year and depends on how many people live in your household. For example, in 2024, the poverty line for a single person is around $14,600 per year, which means 135% of that is roughly $19,710. For a family of four, the poverty line is around $30,000, so 135% is roughly $40,500.

You can also may have access to if you already receive certain government benefits, even if your income is slightly higher. These programs include SNAP (food information), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy information Program), TANF (Temporary information for Needy Families), and Federal Public Housing information. If you receive any of these, you may may have access to without proving income separately — you just show your benefit letter.

SafeLink also requires you to be at least 18 years old and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. You can have only one SafeLink account per household.

What You Get Each Month

SafeLink's monthly allowance includes talk minutes, text messages, and data. The exact amounts vary by state. In most states, you receive at least 350 talk minutes, unlimited texting, and between 2 and 4.5 gigabytes of data per month. Some states offer more — a few provide up to 8 gigabytes of data.

Unused minutes and data roll over to the next month in most states, which means you do not lose what you do not use. Text messages typically do not roll over. If you run out of data before the month ends, you can usually buy additional data through SafeLink, though you will pay out of pocket.

The phone itself is usually free when you first sign up. SafeLink sends it to you by mail along with a SIM card and instructions. The phone is typically a basic smartphone — not the latest model, but functional for calls, texts, and web browsing. If you already have a compatible phone, you can bring your own device and just request a SIM card instead.

How to Start: Documents You Will Need

SafeLink requires two types of proof: proof of income and proof of identity. You will submit these documents either online through SafeLink's website, by mail, or in person at a SafeLink store or authorized retailer.

For proof of income, SafeLink accepts documents dated within the last 30 days. These include a recent pay stub, a tax return from the last year, a benefit letter from SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or another may have access to program, a bank statement showing regular deposits, or a letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your income. If you receive no income, you can submit a signed statement saying so.

For proof of identity, SafeLink requires a government-issued photo ID. This can be a driver's license, state ID card, passport, tribal ID, or military ID. The name on the ID must match the name you use to sign up.

You will also need to provide your current address and a phone number where SafeLink can reach you. If you do not have a phone number yet, you can use a friend's or family member's number temporarily.

The Steps to get your free guide

You can begin the process online at SafeLink's website, by calling their customer service line, or by visiting an authorized retailer. Most people start online because it is the fastest route.

First, you will create an account and enter your personal information: name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. SafeLink uses this to check whether you already have an account and to verify your identity.

Next, you will upload or mail your proof of income and proof of identity. If you upload them online, SafeLink reviews them when ready. If you mail them, include a copy of your completed process form (which SafeLink provides) and send everything to the address they give you. Keep copies for your records.

SafeLink then verifies your information with the federal Lifeline database to make sure you are not already enrolled with another Lifeline provider. This step usually takes one to two weeks. Once approved, SafeLink mails your phone and SIM card, which typically arrives within five to ten business days. You will receive a tracking number by email or text.

When your phone arrives, you set up it by following the instructions included in the box. You choose your phone number, set up voicemail, and your service begins when ready. Your first month of service is free, and you are billed monthly after that.

What Happens If You Stop Using Your Phone

SafeLink suspends your service if you do not use your phone for 30 consecutive days. This means no calls, texts, or data use. The suspension is automatic — SafeLink does not send a warning first. If your service is suspended, you can reactivate it by logging into your SafeLink account online, calling customer service, or texting a specific code to SafeLink.

Reactivation usually takes a few hours. Your phone number stays the same, and your remaining minutes and data are still there. However, if your service remains suspended for 60 days, SafeLink may close your account entirely and reassign your phone number to someone else. If that happens, you would need to sign up again from the beginning.

This policy exists because Lifeline is a federal program with limited funding, and the government wants to make sure active users get priority. If you know you will not use your phone for a while, contact SafeLink ahead of time to ask about putting your account on hold rather than letting it suspend.

Keeping Your Account Active and What Changes Year to Year

SafeLink requires you to recertify your income once per year to keep your service. You will receive a notice by mail or text telling you when your recertification is due. You submit the same types of documents you used to sign up — a recent pay stub, tax return, or benefit letter. If you do not recertify by the important date, your service is suspended until you do.

The monthly allowance of minutes, texts, and data can change each year. SafeLink adjusts these amounts based on federal Lifeline rules and state regulations. You will be notified of any changes before they take effect, usually in writing or through your online account.

SafeLink's customer service is available by phone, email, and online chat. You can reach them through their website or by calling the number on your bill. Response times vary, but most issues are resolved within one to two business days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use SafeLink if I am already on another Lifeline plan?

No. The federal Lifeline program allows only one account per household, and SafeLink checks the national database before approving you. If you are already enrolled with another Lifeline provider, you must cancel that service first before SafeLink will set up your account.

What happens to my phone number if I switch to SafeLink from another carrier?

You can keep your existing phone number when you switch to SafeLink. During signup, tell SafeLink you want to port your number, and provide your current carrier's account number and PIN. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. Your old service will be disconnected once the number moves to SafeLink.

Do I have to pay anything upfront to get SafeLink?

No. The phone is free, the SIM card is free, and your first month of service is free. You pay nothing until your second month of service, when your first bill is due. There are no set up fees or shipping charges.

Can I bring my own phone to SafeLink instead of using theirs?

Yes, if your phone is compatible. SafeLink uses a SIM card, so your phone must support SIM cards and work on Verizon's network. Most modern smartphones do. You can check SafeLink's website to see if your specific phone model is compatible, or call customer service with your phone's model number.

What if I use all my data before the month ends?

Once you run out of data, you cannot use data until your plan resets the next month. You can still make calls and send texts if you have minutes available. SafeLink offers the option to buy additional data, but you pay out of pocket for it. The cost varies by state and the amount of data you purchase.