SafeLink is associated with Lifeline, a Federal Communications Commission program that provides discounted phone service to low-income people on public assistance.

History The SafeLink program has actually been offering cell phones to low-income households in some states since 2008, not beginning "earlier this year," as the e-mail claims.

Nearly 19,000 Rock Island County low-income households are eligible for free limited-use cell phones through a Federal Communications Commission program.

A new company program, called SafeLink Wireless, gives a cell phone and 68 minutes a month for a year to low-income households without fees or a contract.

The addition of TracFone also gives veterans using government-funded phones through the SafeLink program free access to VA medical staff. SafeLink phones are available to those who receive: ...

All SafeLink subscribers also receive a smartphone (or a SIM card if they wish to use an existing compatible phone). To qualify for unlimited data on SafeLink customers must be enrolled in both ...

That vote, which confirms TracFone's cell phones are compatible with 911 services in Alabama, would allow it to offer the free cell phone service.