I saw this on the news: you don't have to qualify (low income, on welfare, etc.) if you go stand in line for the food stamp program. Some one will approach you while you are in line and offer you a free phone. After all, they get paid for every phone they give out, so they want to give out as many as they can. You will probably be approached by more than one free cell phone carrier, so you can get more than one phone. If you go stand in line somewhere else you can get even more phones - perhaps for other family members. You don't have to give your real name and address, and don't have to show any identification.