Can domestic violence survivors get a free phone?
Yes. Under the federal Safe Connections Act, survivors can separate their line from an abuser's shared plan without fees and can get emergency Lifeline support for up to six months. Shelters and advocates often have donated phones.
- In danger? Call 911
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Use iPhone Safety Check to stop location sharing
Safe phones for survivors
If you are in danger, call 911. For confidential support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.
Getting a free phone for domestic violence survivors is often about safety as much as cost. An abuser may control a shared plan, track location or monitor messages. A separate phone, and separate service, can be a crucial step.
The Safe Connections Act
The federal Safe Connections Act lets survivors ask their carrier to separate their line (and their children's lines) from a shared plan with an abuser, without fees or penalties. It also lets survivors experiencing financial hardship enroll in Lifeline on an emergency basis for up to six months while they get back on their feet.
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How do you separate your line?
- Contact your carrier's line-separation team Ask for a line separation under the Safe Connections Act.
- Provide documentation Such as a signed affidavit from a service provider, a police report or a protective order.
- Choose a safe contact method Tell the carrier how to reach you safely.
- Review your phone's settings Check location sharing, linked accounts and unknown apps.
Phone safety checklist
- Turn off location sharing you didn't set up (iPhone: Safety Check in Settings)
- Change passwords and your Apple ID or Google password
- Review devices signed in to your accounts
- Check for tracking devices (iPhone alerts you to unknown AirTags)
- Use a phone the abuser has never had access to
Where to get a phone?
Domestic violence shelters and advocates often have donated phones, and some carriers support survivor programs. Advocates can also help you apply for Lifeline.
- Check you qualify Confirm your benefit program or income using the eligibility checker.
- Pick a provider Choose a Lifeline provider that serves your area. Compare phones, data and coverage on our provider comparison.
- Apply through the National Verifier Apply on the provider's site or at checklifeline.org. Many applications are approved automatically by database checks.
- Upload proof if asked If the automatic check can't confirm you, upload a benefit letter or income proof. See documents you need.
- Activate your phone or SIM Your phone or SIM ships in about a week. Activate it and use it at least once every 30 days so the service isn't cancelled for non-usage.
Documents that support a line separation
| Document | Example |
|---|---|
| Signed affidavit | From a licensed medical, social-service or victim-services provider |
| Police report | Report of the abuse |
| Court order | Protective or restraining order |
| Other official records | Documents showing the abuser's relationship to the line |
Carriers must keep your documentation confidential, and you can ask that all communications go to your preferred contact method.
Emergency Lifeline for survivors
Survivors who have separated their line, or who are experiencing financial hardship, may enroll in Lifeline and receive support for up to six months while they apply for longer-term benefits. Ask the Lifeline provider about the Safe Connections Act process and documentation.
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Frequently asked questions
Can survivors get free phone service?
Yes. Survivors in financial hardship can get emergency Lifeline support for up to six months under the Safe Connections Act, and may qualify for regular Lifeline too.
Will my abuser be notified if I separate my line?
Carriers must process separations without requiring the abuser's permission. Speak to an advocate about safety planning first.
What is iPhone Safety Check?
A feature in iOS Settings → Privacy & Security that helps you quickly review and stop sharing location and data.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.