SafeLink Wireless Lifeline plan

SafeLink Wireless, part of Verizon, offers a $0 Lifeline plan on the Verizon network. This page sums up what its own website says you get, and what to check before you apply. We have not tested the service ourselves.

What network does SafeLink Wireless use?

SafeLink Wireless uses the Verizon network. SafeLink says so on its about page. Its terms still mention the T-Mobile network in one place.

What the free plan includes

The homepage does not state whether a free phone is included. Where SafeLink offers service, you can keep your own phone. SafeLink calls this "Keep Your Own Smartphone (BYOP)", short for bring your own phone. It sends you a new SIM card, the small card that connects a phone to the network.

Where SafeLink Wireless serves

USAC runs Lifeline. Its data shows SafeLink Wireless had Lifeline customers in 51 states and territories in May 2026. The places with the most customers come first.

• California (198,151)^*
• Florida (50,861)^*
• New York (49,833)^*
• Pennsylvania (41,171)^*
• North Carolina (41,016)^*
• Illinois (37,976)^*
• Ohio (31,416)^*
• Georgia (26,627)^*
• Virginia (26,400)^*
• Michigan (25,597)^*
• Texas (24,708)^*
• Tennessee (24,398)^*
• Massachusetts (19,920)^*
• Kentucky (19,316)^*
• Indiana (16,149)^*
• New Jersey (16,104)^*
• Alabama (15,736)^*
• Louisiana (15,435)^*
• Washington (15,159)^*
• Wisconsin (14,638)^*
• Connecticut (12,789)^*
• Oklahoma (12,777)^*
• Missouri (12,273)^*
• South Carolina (11,754)^*
• Arkansas (10,616)^*
• Mississippi (10,590)^*
• Puerto Rico (10,482)^*
• Maryland (10,355)^*
• Arizona (8,593)^*
• West Virginia (8,322)^*
• New Mexico (7,122)^*
• Minnesota (7,020)^*
• Iowa (6,548)^*
• Maine (6,109)^*
• Nevada (4,951)^*
• Kansas (4,841)^*
• Colorado (4,447)^*
• New Hampshire (3,377)^*
• Delaware (3,133)^*
• District of Columbia (2,930)^*
• Utah (2,386)^*
• Hawaii (1,445)^*
• Rhode Island (1,426)^*
• Idaho (1,417)^*
• Vermont (1,010)^*
• Alaska (613)^*
• North Dakota (400)^*
• Montana (363)^*
• Nebraska (247)
• Wyoming (196)^*
• South Dakota (92)

In the places marked *, this count also includes Lifeline customers of Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile and TracFone. USAC counts them together with SafeLink.

Not every company serves every part of a state. Check your ZIP code on SafeLink Wireless's site, or in the official company finder.

How to apply with SafeLink Wireless

1. Check if you qualify with our quick tool.
2. Start the application on the provider's site at www.safelinkwireless.com. It sends you through the National Verifier. In Oregon and Texas, the state checks instead.
3. Upload proof of who you are, and proof of your income or your benefit.
4. Once approved, the provider ships a phone or SIM. Use the service at least once every 30 days to keep it.

Compare

See how SafeLink Wireless stacks up in our provider comparison, or look at plans that are free without Lifeline.