Lifeline provider review

SafeLink Wireless

The oldest and widest-reaching Lifeline brand in the country, run by TracFone, which Verizon acquired in 2021. Its USAC registration also covers the Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile and TracFone retail brands.

See if SafeLink Wireless covers your ZIP
43 States served
33,988 ZIP codes covered
#2 By national footprint
2008 Offering Lifeline since

SafeLink Wireless at a glance

What SafeLink Wireless does well

  • Broadest state footprint of any Lifeline provider
  • Runs on Verizon's network, the strongest rural coverage of the big three
  • Long operating history and retail presence in Walmart stores

What to watch

  • Device selection on the free tier is usually entry-level Android
  • Support is high-volume and phone queues can be long

How to apply to SafeLink Wireless

  1. Confirm you qualify. SafeLink Wireless cannot enroll you until USAC's National Verifier has approved your household, through a benefit program or on income.
  2. Check it serves your ZIP. Being approved in your state is not the same as covering your address — SafeLink Wireless is licensed in 43 states but 33,988 ZIP codes, not all of them.
  3. Apply at the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org, or let SafeLink Wireless submit it during signup.
  4. Enroll and recertify. Lifeline requires annual recertification, and the benefit stops if you miss it.

Where SafeLink Wireless is available

SafeLink Wireless is approved to offer Lifeline service in the 43 states below , plus PR . Select a state to see the full provider list there and how SafeLink Wireless compares locally.

Not available in the remaining 8 states. Lifeline licensing is granted state by state, so a provider advertising nationally may still not be able to enroll you.

Does SafeLink Wireless actually serve your address?

SafeLink Wireless is licensed in 43 states but covers 33,988 specific ZIP codes. Our checker tells you whether yours is one of them, and shows every alternative that serves you.

Check my ZIP code

Four questions, about two minutes. Runs entirely in your browser — we do not store your answers or send them anywhere.

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