Free Captioned Phone Service
If you struggle to hear on the phone, the government pays for this.
What it is
A captioned telephone has a screen above the keypad. While the other person talks, their words appear on the screen — like subtitles for the call. You read along while you listen.
It's federally funded by the FCC for adults with hearing loss. The phone is FREE. The service is FREE. There's no monthly cost, no contract.
Do you qualify?
Yes if:
- You have hearing loss that makes phone conversations hard.
- You have a regular phone line (most providers) or fast internet (some providers).
- An audiologist, ENT, or other hearing professional fills out a one-page form. Some providers accept self-certification too.
No income limits. No insurance needed.
Top providers (all free, all FCC-certified)
ClearCaptions
Free home phone with caption screen. Pre-screened for hearing-impaired adults.
How signup works
- Pick a provider above. Call or visit their website.
- They'll mail you a one-page hearing-loss certification form. Bring it to your audiologist, ENT doctor, or even your primary care doctor — they sign it.
- Mail or upload the form back.
- The provider ships you a captioned phone — usually free shipping.
- Plug it into your home phone jack (or for some providers, your home internet).
- Most providers offer free in-home installation help if you ask.
Total time: usually 2-3 weeks from call to phone working.
Don't have a landline?
- iPhone: turn on Live Captions for phone calls — Settings → Accessibility → Live Captions. Free, built in.
- Android: Live Caption works on phone calls on most Pixel and newer Samsung phones. Press volume → tap captions icon.
- Hamilton CapTel app for iPhone and Android — captions any cell phone call. Free.
Quick Tip
Many people put off getting one of these because "it sounds like too much trouble". One phone call to a provider gets the ball rolling — they walk you through everything. The phone changes daily life for people who can't easily hear callers.