In an age where cell phones are ubiquitous, conventional landlines might seem like a relic of the past. Still, a reliable house phone is still an important thing to have, especially for older adults and those who live in outlying areas with sketchy cell phone coverage.
With home phone services, you can make and receive calls traditionally without sophisticated technology or complicated processes.
Some people cannot afford these services even though they are typically inexpensive. You may receive free home phone service, and this post will cover everything you need to know. The methods for obtaining free phone service at home will be covered in the sections that follow.
How to Get Free Home Phone Service: A Comprehensive Guide
Through government-sponsored initiatives, qualifying persons can receive free or reduced landline phone services. The goal is to ensure that everyone has access to necessary communication services regardless of their financial circumstances.
The primary government aid program that provides monthly phone service reductions is Lifeline. The program provides free mobile phone (wireless) or home phone (wireline) service. Depending on their circumstances, an eligible household may apply for either program, but they can’t have both.
How Do I Qualify?
You must fulfill specific eligibility requirements to be eligible for Lifeline:
Your low yearly household income, which must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, may be the basis for your eligibility. The state determines these rules.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
Or you may be eligible because you are enrolled in some government programs, including FPHA, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and several Tribal programs.
Additionally, you must be the sole applicant in a household, a resident of the state where you are applying, and at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
READ MORE: Get a Free Phone for Seniors Florida Today
How Do I Apply?
Visit https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/apply to begin the application process. Personal information and proof of eligibility—such as low income or enrollment in a government assistance program—are required.
If the National Verifier approves your application, you can select a local Lifeline service provider and apply for their free or reduced services. To do this, go to the business’s website and follow the on-screen directions.
Top Providers of Free Home Phone Service
Many consumers still require or like landline services for the reasons mentioned above. As a result, many excellent free or low-cost home phone service providers offer a wide range of practical features and choices. These are the most well-known companies that offer the greatest home phone service right now. To make an informed choice, examine and contrast their offers.
Ooma
Ooma’s free home phone service covers local and long-distance calls within the United States and offers free nationwide calling. However, consumers must own an Ooma Telo device to access this service. Although consumers are responsible for paying taxes and fees, the monthly cost is far less than that of regular landline services. The service can be expanded for an additional fee to include services like voicemail transcription and call blocking.
Go to https://www.ooma.com/ and follow the instructions on the screen to begin your Ooma journey.
NetTalk
NetTalk provides a free landline phone service using VoIP technology, which requires the purchase of a NetTalk device. In the US and Canada, it offers free local and long-distance calling. For an additional fee, users can get virtual fax and international calling capabilities.
Visit https://nettalkconnect.com/ to apply for the service.
Google Voice
Using a web browser or a smartphone app, customers of Google Voice, a web-based phone service, can make free calls within the US and Canada. Users can buy an Obihai device and link it to their home phone to turn Google Voice into a free landline service. Voicemail, phone forwarding, and call screening are all provided for free by the service. International calls, however, can be made for a fee and are not free.
Go to https://voice.google.com/u/0/about and follow the directions to get started.
MagicJack
MagicJack is a landline phone service provider that uses VoIP technology. Users need to buy a MagicJack gadget to use the service. Voicemail, call waiting, and call forwarding are among the features offered by the service, which offers free calls throughout the US and Canada. Although this service has an additional cost, users can also make international calls.
Follow the instructions at https://www.magicjack.com/account/mjLandingpages.do?page=index to enroll.
BasicTalk
The low-cost landline phone service BasicTalk uses VoIP technology. A BasicTalk device must be purchased to use the service. Users are responsible for paying taxes and regulatory costs; however, it offers unlimited domestic calling with no monthly expenses. Although it lacks the more sophisticated capabilities of other providers, it is still a good and affordable option for anyone who needs a simple landline connection.
Go to their webpage and follow the steps to register.
Top Lifeline Providers of Free Home Phone Service
Only local Lifeline providers are eligible to receive your application. Go to https://cnm.universalservice.org/, type in your area, choose the Lifeline program and then hit Search to obtain a list of all the Lifeline firms in your state. The list will provide some information about the services the firms provide, but you may visit the websites of each company and compare their offerings to learn more.
Through the government-sponsored Lifeline program, some of the top free home phone service companies give various advantages, including:
AT&T: AT&T offers government savings on Internet and landline phone services. Customers can choose from a variety of national or international standalone plans. Information on landline plans is available at https://www.att.com/home-phone/lifeline/.
CenturyLink: Century Link is a cellular provider that offers internet and telephone services. To see its home phone selection, go to https://www.centurylinkquote.com/home-phone.
Verizon: Verizon offers qualified households Lifeline reductions in addition to services like TV, Internet, landlines, and mobile. To apply for these savings and learn more, visit this link: https://www.verizon.com/support/residential/account/manage-account/lifeline-discount.
Frontier Communications: Frontier Communications offers various benefits to lifeline users. Go to https://frontier.com/resources/discountprograms/lifeline-program to learn more and apply for these perks.
TDS Telecom: This business offers government aid savings and voice, Internet, and entertainment services. Visit https://frontier.com/resources/discountprograms/lifeline-program to learn more about their home phone services. You can also apply for Lifeline on their website: https://tdstelecom.com/lifeline.html.
Lifeline’s advantages
Benefits differ by provider and state. You may occasionally be eligible for free or heavily discounted home phone service. Lifeline does not include extra fees, taxes, or equipment costs
Guide to Get Free Home Phone Service With Free Calling Apps
If you have additional gear, you can use free calling apps on the computers and smartphones on landlines. The two that will allow you to call a landline for free are Google Voice and Skype. These apps offer advanced calling features such as voicemail, call forwarding and free or low cost calling. Some apps might not support emergency calls and using these apps on landline numbers requires additional hardware and a high-speed internet connection. To use these apps on landlines, you need to install and activate the service in addition to purchasing the required equipment.
Can I Get Free Home Phone Service in Any Other Way?
The greatest techniques to receive free home service are those mentioned above. You can also contact other telecom providers to find out if they have any special offers on these services. Additionally, you can contact a charity or non-profit that offers assistance if you are having financial difficulties. However, the chances of receiving such benefits are slim, and you need proof of your need. Lastly, you might have to settle for inexpensive home phone service rather than looking for free home phone service, which might be difficult to obtain. Try your luck with Community Phone, Cox, Armstrong, or Xfinity to accomplish this.
Programs unique to each state
State-specific programs are also available. Certain state-specific programs, like Texas’ Texas Lifeline Program and California’s California Lifeline Program, have distinct eligibility conditions and benefits. Visit the website of your state’s public utility commission or contact your local landline service provider to learn more about and apply for these programs. Remember that these initiatives can reduce the cost of landline phone service while also helping people in need.
The Advantages of Free Residential Telephone Service
Some individuals still cherish landlines’ simplicity, cost, and dependability despite the dominance of mobile phones and internet-based communication.
Saving money on your monthly costs, having a dependable and constant communication method, and making and receiving calls without depending on your cell phone are all advantages of receiving free home phone service. You may easily make emergency calls without worrying about your mobile phone’s battery life or connection quality when you have a house phone. Furthermore, many free home phone service providers provide free features like voicemail, caller ID, call waiting, and more, making it an affordable and useful option for many households.
Home phone service is more dependable than cell phone service because things like weak signal strength or network congestion do not impact it. This implies that you are less likely to encounter poor call quality or dropped calls. Additionally, cell towers may malfunction or overburden during natural catastrophes or power outages, making it challenging to transmit texts or make calls. However, because the phone line powers home phones, they can frequently continue to function in these circumstances. Furthermore, house phones have higher sound quality than cell phones. Even if you also have cell phone service, you should still consider home phone service because it has many benefits.
How to Obtain VoIP-based Free Phone Service at Home
Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, has revolutionized communication by enabling voice calls to be made over the Internet. As a result, free or inexpensive VoIP-based landline phone services have become more popular.
Additional Information about VoIP Technology
Voice signals are transformed into digital data via VoIP technology and sent over the Internet. VoIP services can be more feature-rich and less expensive than traditional landline services. Some of VoIP’s benefits include advanced call features, free or inexpensive local and long-distance calling, and the flexibility to use the service from any location with an internet connection.
Top VoIP Home Phone Service Providers for Free
Ooma, NetTalk, and Google Voice are well-known free VoIP companies that provide landline phone services. One of the earlier sections contains further information regarding their offers.
VoIP Configuration
To use a VoIP service for landline phone service, you will need a VoIP adapter or device, such as an Ooma Telo, NetTalk device, or Obihai device for Google Voice, as well as a high-speed internet connection. Attach the VoIP device or adapter to both your landline and internet router. To activate the service, configure the device and create your account according to the provider’s instructions.
VoIP Benefits and Drawbacks
Pros and cons of VoIP for landline phone service The benefits are, it possesses a more advanced call option and flexibility, it is cheaper than the traditional landline facilities and you can use the service from any place which provides internet access
. The drawbacks include the dependence on a reliable internet connection, which could be problematic in remote locations or during blackouts, the fact that certain VoIP systems would not or might only enable 911 emergency calls, and the possibility that call quality could be impacted by network congestion and internet bandwidth. Considering the benefits and drawbacks of VoIP-based free landline phone services is crucial before selecting one and ensuring the service fulfills your requirements.
FAQs About Free Home Phone Service
1. What is Free Home Phone Service?
Free home phone service is a government or provider-sponsored program that offers landline service at no cost to eligible households. These programs are often designed to help low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities stay connected.
2. Who qualifies for free home phone service?
Eligibility varies by provider and location, but typically, you qualify if you participate in federal assistance programs like:
- Lifeline Assistance Program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
3. How do I apply for free home phone service?
To apply, follow these steps:
- Check eligibility – Visit the official Lifeline website or a certified service provider.
- Provide necessary documentation – Proof of income or participation in a qualifying program.
- Submit an application – Online, by mail, or through a provider.
4. Which providers offer free home phone service?
Several government-approved providers offer free home phone services, including:
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
It’s best to check availability in your state.
5. Can I get both free home phone and free mobile phone service?
In some cases, you can receive both, but Lifeline typically limits assistance to one service per household—either home or mobile. However, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) may allow additional discounts on internet and mobile services.
6. Is free home phone service truly free?
Most programs provide basic service for free, but additional features like long-distance calling, voicemail, or caller ID may have extra charges. Always review the provider’s terms before signing up.
7. What are the benefits of free home phone service?
- Reliable communication for emergencies.
- No monthly bills for essential calls.
- Support for low-income families and seniors.
- Often includes 911 emergency access.
8. Do I need an internet connection for free home phone service?
No, traditional landline-based free home phone services do not require an internet connection. However, some providers may offer VoIP (internet-based) home phone services, which do require internet access.
9. Can I keep my existing phone number?
Yes, most providers allow number porting, meaning you can transfer your current home phone number to the free service.
10. How do I know if a free home phone service provider is legitimate?
To ensure safety and reliability:
- Verify provider approval on the FCC Lifeline website.
- Check online reviews and complaints.
- Avoid scams – No legitimate provider will ask for upfront payments for a free service.
