Launched in 2024, Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile extends the organization’s mission by providing free smartphones and one year of unlimited talk, text, and data to low-income and homeless veterans. Currently, the program has connected 3,500 veterans, with an ambitious goal of reaching 10,000 veterans by the end of 2025 and 30,000 within the next three years.

By recycling donated devices, Cell Phones for Soldiers not only supports military families but also helps reduce electronic waste and its environmental impact. With every donation, the organization continues to serve as a vital lifeline for America’s bravest, ensuring they remain connected to both essential services and their loved ones.

Veterans seeking assistance through the Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile program can apply for a free cell phone and one year of unlimited talk, text, and data by completing the online application form.

Please note that this is a needs-based program designed specifically for low-income and at-risk veterans. Due to high demand, applicants will be placed on a waitlist and are encouraged to be patient as applications are processed based on available resources.

To begin the application process, visit the Cell Phones for Soldiers Veteran Phone Application page here: https://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/veteran-phone-application/

Who Qualifies

Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile is a needs-based program designed to support U.S. military veterans, particularly those who are low-income or at risk. The program provides eligible veterans with a free phone and a year of service to help them stay connected with family, seek employment, and access vital resources as they transition to civilian life.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile, applicants must:
• Be a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.
• Demonstrate financial need (the program prioritizes low-income and at-risk veterans).
• Provide proof of military service, typically by submitting a copy or photo of your DD-214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty).
• Complete a short application form, which helps the organization verify eligibility and assess individual needs.
• Due to high demand, applicants may be placed on a waitlist as resources allow.

Application Process

• Submit an application online through the Cell Phones for Soldiers website.
• Upload or provide a copy of your DD-214 or use a web-based veteran verification platform.
• Wait for eligibility review and notification. If approved, you will be matched with either the FCC Lifeline Program or the Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile Program, depending on your qualifications

Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile provides veterans with free phones and a year of paid wireless service by partnering with a leading Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO).

The program utilizes either the AT&T or T-Mobile networks, selecting the carrier that offers the best coverage for each veteran’s specific location and needs. This approach ensures that recipients receive the most reliable service available in their area, maximizing connectivity and support.

No, all assistance is provided free of charge.

Cell Phones for Soldiers is fully equipped to handle large-scale, bulk donations from corporations—including pallet-sized and truckload shipments. Companies interested in donating 10 or more devices can take advantage of prepaid shipping options, while even larger donations can be shipped directly to the organization’s recycling headquarters:
Cell Phones for Soldiers
4120 Commercial Center Drive
Suite 250
Austin, TX 78744
For more details on shipping procedures and to access prepaid shipping labels for bulk donations, please see above shipping requirement FAQ’s.

Yes, sponsorships start at $2,500 or 1,000 donated devices. Sponsors receive recognition on our website and in marketing materials and can support through fundraising or services. Please contact us directly at [email protected] for more information.

Absolutely. Register your campaign online to receive a Cell Phones for Soldiers Welcome Kit and promotional materials.

Sign up on our website to become an official drop-off site and receive support materials.

Become Drop Off

Steps to Get Started:
• Visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com/become-drop-off and complete the online registration form.
• After registering, you’ll gain access to our Volunteer Resources page, where you can download promotional materials like collection box print-outs, flyers, posters, and banners to help spread the word.
• Within a week, you’ll receive a Welcome Kit via email to help you launch your collection efforts and maximize your fundraising potential.

Once you’re signed up, we’ll add your location’s information to our national directory, making it easy for donors to find and visit your site.

Benefits of Becoming a Drop-Off Site:

• Drive Unique Foot Traffic: Attract new visitors to your store or business as community members come to donate their devices.
• Community Engagement: Play a vital role in supporting active-duty military members and veterans by helping provide free communication services and emergency financial aid.
• Environmental Responsibility: Promote sustainable practices by encouraging the recycling of old cell phones, reducing electronic waste and its impact on the environment.

Make a difference today—join a nationwide network of drop-off locations and help keep our troops connected to their loved ones.

Yes, all corporate donations are tax-deductible, and Donation Receipts are provided upon request.
Cell Phones for Soldiers became a 501(C)(3) Charity Organization on December 14, 2004, Employer Identification Number is 20-1343425, DLN # 17053314031004.

Register on our website to receive materials and be added to our interactive map.

Collect donated devices, store them securely, and ship them to us when ready. As a Drop-Off Location, you play a vital role in supporting Cell Phones for Soldiers by providing a convenient and recognizable place in your community for donors to contribute their devices. This helps streamline the donation process and ensures that phones reach our recycling headquarters safely and efficiently. We greatly appreciate your partnership and commitment to helping us connect military members and veterans with their loved ones.

Ship devices when you have 10 or more, or as needed. Request a prepaid label for larger shipments.

Yes, but accessories are not required. Please do not accept instruction manuals.

Cell Phones for Soldiers provides a variety of promotional materials, and your drop-off location will be featured on our Drop-Off Locator to help increase visibility. However, the ultimate success and impact of your collection site depend on your active involvement. To maximize your results, we encourage you to engage with your local community, businesses, and organizations. By spreading the word and building partnerships, you can significantly increase participation and make your cell phone collection campaign a true success.

Lost or Damaged Phones Devices are not eligible for replacement. If the phone is nonfunctional or lost, please contact Cell Phones For Soldiers immediately.

Immediately Notify Cell Phones For Soldiers that your phone device was destroyed. Cell Phones For Soldiers will need to receive a police report, etc. to demonstrate the destruction. Cell Phones For Soldiers cannot guarantee a phone device replacement but will do everything it can to replace a phone due to unseen circumstances.