TracFone Wireless Inc. is offering free cell phones and 64 minutes a month of air time to some 400,000 low-income Maryland residents.

The year-old program by TracFone affiliate Safelink Wireless Inc. has been available to residents of 19 states, including Maryland and Delaware, and Washington, D.C.

People wanting to get the free phone and minutes must demonstrate that they get state or federal help, such as energy assistance, food stamps or medical assistance.

TracFone estimates that more than 90,000 residents in Baltimore alone could qualify for the service.