Welcome to Puerto Rico Lifeline Free Government Smartphones Page! This unincorporated territory of the United States has been a part of our country since 1917. Today it is home to more than 3 million people. This “Isla del Encanto” economy is currently in profound trouble and is officially in a recession phase edging on a default line. Sadly it is even poorer than Mississippi, the poorest state in the U.S. 45% of residents of San Juan, Bayamon, Carolina, and other cities and towns of this territory live below the poverty line and are eligible for many types of assistance all Americans receive. Fortunately, Puerto Ricans can get free government phones through Lifelines, too!
Lifeline Free Government Cell Phones Program in Puerto Rico
Hundreds of thousands living below the poverty level can get free government phones from some telecommunication businesses. On the whole, these companies represent both national and local players. Their service coverage, free minutes amount they offer to Lifeline subscribers, and other terms might significantly differ. So, do not forget to read about all the companies in your state before starting an application process with any of them. To begin with, you can read about each company following the links below and choose the one you would like as your provider of your Subsidio Universal.
- American Assistance
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUP Wireless
- Claro
- Open Mobile
- WorldNet
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Who is eligible for free government smartphones and free government cell phones in Puerto Rico?
You may qualify for a free Lifeline phone or smartphone from the government if you are a participant of any of the following government-paid programs:
- Medicaid
- Health Insurance
- Food Stamps/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
- Section 8/ Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Secondly, you can qualify based on the household income rule: your household income must be lower or at the level of 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Puerto Rico. For 2022 this number is shown in the table below.
| Household size (number of people) | Eligible annual income per household |
|---|---|
| 1 | $17,388 |
| 2 | $23,517 |
| 3 | $29,646 |
| 4 | $35,775 |
| 5 | $41,904 |
| 6 | $48,033 |
| 7 | $54,162 |
| 8 | $60,291 |
| For each additional person, add | $6,129 |
Click here to see all steps needed to enroll in Puerto Rico’s free government phones program.