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Free Government Phone & Internet in Puerto Rico (2026)

Lifeline program, free phone providers, internet assistance, and eligibility for Puerto Rico residents

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Quick Answer

Yes, Puerto Rico residents can get a free government phone through the federal Lifeline program. Providers in Puerto Rico include SafeLink Wireless, Life Wireless, Claro Puerto Rico. You get unlimited talk and text plus at least 4.5 GB of data per month -- all at no cost. No credit check, no contract, no activation fee.

Apply at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline or call 1-800-234-9473.

Puerto Rico Phone Assistance at a Glance

3

Lifeline Providers

Yes

Free Phone Available

Ended

ACP Status

2

State Programs

Lifeline Program in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has high Lifeline participation relative to its population. The Puerto Rico Telecommunications Regulatory Board oversees the program. Claro (formerly AT&T) is the dominant carrier, and SafeLink and Life Wireless also serve the territory.

Lifeline Providers in Puerto Rico

ProviderNetworkMonthly CostIncludes
SafeLink WirelessVerizonFreeUnlimited talk & text + 4.5 GB+ data
Life WirelessT-MobileFreeUnlimited talk & text + 4.5 GB+ data
Claro Puerto RicoVariesFreeUnlimited talk & text + 4.5 GB+ data

Benefit amount: $9.25/month discount

Free Phone Providers in Puerto Rico

The following providers offer free government phones through the Lifeline program in Puerto Rico. Each provides a free smartphone, unlimited talk and text, and monthly data at no cost:

  • SafeLink Wireless -- Verizon/TracFone network, wide availability
  • Life Wireless -- T-Mobile network, available in 40+ states
  • Claro Puerto Rico -- dominant island-wide carrier

Puerto RicoState Phone & Internet Programs

Puerto Rico Lifeline

Benefit: Federal Lifeline discount on phone service

Eligibility: Lifeline-eligible Puerto Rico residents

PR Broadband Program

Benefit: Post-hurricane broadband infrastructure rebuilding and expansion

Eligibility: Underserved Puerto Rico communities

Internet Assistance in Puerto Rico

Liberty Latin America (formerly Liberty Cablevision) and Claro provide internet in Puerto Rico. The PR Broadband Program funds infrastructure rebuilding after hurricanes. Public libraries throughout Puerto Rico offer free internet.

ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) Status

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024 when Congress did not renew its funding. Over 23 million households nationwide lost their $30/month broadband subsidy. Lifeline remains the primary federal phone/internet assistance program.

Eligibility Requirements in Puerto Rico

Income limit: At or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines (approximately $20,783/year for one person in 2026)

You also qualify if you participate in any of these programs:

  • Medicaid
  • SNAP (Food Stamps)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Tribal-specific programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs, Tribal TANF, FDPIR)
  • Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN / NAP)

How to Apply for a Free Phone in Puerto Rico

  1. 1

    Check if You Qualify

    Visit lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify or call 1-800-234-9473. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you participate in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, FPHA, or Veterans Pension.

  2. 2

    Gather Your Documents

    You need proof of identity (state ID, driver's license, or passport), proof of address, and proof of eligibility (benefit award letter, tax return, or program enrollment letter). You also need your full name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of your SSN.

  3. 3

    Apply Through the National Verifier

    Apply online at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline, by mail, or through a participating provider in Puerto Rico. Most providers also have their own online applications.

  4. 4

    Choose a Provider in Puerto Rico

    Once approved, select from 3 Lifeline providers in Puerto Rico: SafeLink Wireless, Life Wireless, Claro Puerto Rico. Each offers slightly different phones and data amounts.

  5. 5

    Receive Your Free Phone

    Your provider ships a free smartphone and SIM card, typically within 7-10 business days. Activate and start using immediately. Remember to recertify every year to keep your benefit.

Cheap Phone Plans in Puerto Rico(If You Don't Qualify for Lifeline)

Puerto Rico residents can find affordable prepaid plans from Claro, T-Mobile, and Liberty Latin America. Pricing is often competitive. Coverage is concentrated in metro San Juan and major cities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lifeline program available in Puerto Rico in 2026?
Yes. The Lifeline program is fully active in Puerto Rico as of March 2026. Puerto Rico residents are eligible for the same federal Lifeline benefits as all other US jurisdictions.
What happened to the ACP in Puerto Rico?
The ACP ended nationwide on June 1, 2024. Puerto Rico had high ACP enrollment. Lifeline remains available. The territory has also received federal broadband infrastructure funding for hurricane recovery and expansion.
Can I get a free phone in Puerto Rico with a criminal record?
Yes. There are no criminal history restrictions for Lifeline in Puerto Rico. If you meet income or program participation requirements (including PAN/NAP), you qualify.
What phone networks work best in Puerto Rico?
Claro (AT&T/Claro network) has the strongest coverage island-wide. T-Mobile has expanding coverage. SafeLink uses the Verizon/TracFone network. Coverage is best in metro San Juan, Ponce, and Mayaguez.

Related Resources

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Helpful guides

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal or financial advice. Phone plan details, provider availability, and eligibility requirements may change. The Lifeline program is administered by the FCC through USAC. Always confirm current eligibility and availability directly with providers or at lifelinesupport.org. If you need immediate help, call 211 for local assistance or visit your nearest public library for free internet and phone access.

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