Free Government Phone Rhode Island (RI)

Quick answer

Yes. Eligible households in Rhode Island can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives Rhode Island Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension — or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Who qualifies for a Free Government Phone in Rhode Island?

You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:

Rhode Island Medicaid (Medicaid)
SNAP
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Not sure? Use our eligibility checker.

Lifeline income limits by household size

Maximum yearly household income (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, 48 states + DC). Bars show household size.

$21.1K

$28.6K

$36.0K

$43.4K

$50.8K

$58.3K

$65.7K

$73.1K

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Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines × 135%. Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher. Limits update yearly — confirm on USAC's Lifeline site.

How to apply in Rhode Island

Check eligibility using the programs above or your income.
Apply online with the Free Link Wireless application.
Verify your eligibility. Your eligibility is confirmed through the Lifeline National Verifier, run by USAC. In many cases, Rhode Island benefit records can be checked automatically.
Get your phone. We ship free to any Rhode Island address, and you can keep your current number.

Service across Rhode Island

Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including Providence, Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.