This is an interesting question that comes up more often than you’d think, and unfortunately, tends to hit the most needy.
If someone else lives at the same address as you and already has a Lifeline phone, you will not be eligible to receive your free phone. Sounds logical, at first. But the problem is that there are many situations in which people find themselves living with other adults who may already have a government cell phone.
For example, we had someone write us and say that he lives in a “home” with 300 other veterans, and someone there already has a Safelink Wireless phone — the other 299 could not qualify. Someone else live in a large house with three other couples and one person already had an Assurance Wireless phone.
Update: If you live in a group facility or shelter, please see, How to qualify for a free government cell phone if you live in a group home or shelter