Would you like to get a free government phone in Tennessee? Worry not as you can get a free model from the Federal government via the Lifeline and ACP facility. All you need to do is to meet the eligibility requirements of any of these two programs and then make your application right away. Besides getting a free government phone in Tennessee, you will be able to enjoy unlimited talk, text and mobile data free of charge. With these offers at hand, you will be able to lower your communication expenses by a large margin. Without more ado, let’s look at how you can get free government phones in Tennessee, eligibility requirements, the application process and so much more.
Lifeline and ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) Free Cell Phone Program in Tennessee 2024
Like we mentioned above, it is possible for you to apply for a free government phone in Tennessee via the ACP and Lifeline program. To start with, the Lifeline program has been in operation for quite some time.
Once you qualify for this program, you will be able to get a free government phone and affordable cell phone plans. This can be attributed to the fact that the program allows you to get a discount of up to $9.25 on your monthly cell phone bill if you live on non-Tribal lands. However, if you reside on Tribal lands, you can enjoy discounts of up to $34.25.This can greatly help lower your monthly cell phone bill.
On the other hand, the ACP is a relatively newer program and allows all eligible customers to get a free government phone and discounted cell phone plans. When it comes to discounted cell phone plans, you stand the chance to enjoy a discount of up to $30 if you live on non-Tribal lands. Those who live on Tribal lands are bound to enjoy discounts of up to $75 on a monthly basis. All you need to do is to meet this program’s eligibility requirements and you will be good to go.
Best Way to Get Free Government Cell Phone in Tennessee
The best way to get a free government phone in Tennessee is to ensure that you meet the requirements of either ACP or Lifeline program. In the subsequent sections, we shall outline the various qualifications one should meet, the documents one need in order to make an application, among other related facets:
Lifeline and ACP Qualifications for free government phones in Tennessee
Qualify for ACP
To qualify for Affordable Connectivity Program, you should ensure that you meet the following requirements:
- Ensure that your income stands at or is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
If you do not qualify via the criteria outlined above, ensure that you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program. Here are the programs that can make you eligible for the ACP facility:
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children.
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income(SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- You received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- You are a beneficiary of the Free and Reduced-Price School Breakfast Program or School Lunch Program.
You can also qualify for the ACP facility if you live on Tribal lands. However, you should be a participant of any of the following programs:
- Tribal Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Moreover, you should ensure that you are 18 years and above for you to apply for the ACP facility. Better still, you can be an emancipated minor and still enjoy the benefits that come with this program.
Qualify for lifeline
For you to qualify for the Lifeline program, you should ensure that your income stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, you can qualify for this program if you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program such as:
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance(FPHA)
- Supplemental Security Income(SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
Suppose you live on Tribal lands, you can be eligible for the Lifeline program. However, ensure that you are a beneficiary of any of these programs:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Needed Document for Lifeline and ACP Program for free government Cell phone in Tennessee
Whether you want to apply for a free government phone in Tennessee via ACP or Lifeline program, you need to submit certain documents so that your application can see the light of day. When submitting these documents, ensure that you submit copies and not originals. To start with, you should submit personal documents such as:
- Birth certificate
- Government-issued, state, Tribal or State ID
- Passport
- U.S driver’s license
- Lease or mortgage agreement
- The recent Tax or W-2 return document
- Utility bill
- Suppose you are emancipated, ensure that you submit a certificate of emancipation or a court document that verifies that you are genuinely suffering from emancipation.
You are also required to submit a document that either shows that you earn a low income or benefit from a government assistance program. To prove that you earn an income that stands at or is below 135% or 200 % of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, considers submitting any of these documents:
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Child support award
- Divorce decree
- Current income statement from your employer
- Prior year’s federal, Tribal or state tax return
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance.
- Pension or retirement statement of benefits
- Social Security statement of benefits
In case you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program such as SNAP, Section 8, WIC, SSI or Tribal Head start, consider submitting any of these documents:
- Approval letter
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
- Statement of benefits
Application Process of Lifeline and ACP Free Phone Program in Tennessee
Lifeline free phone program application process
If you want to apply for a free government phone via the Lifeline program, note that you can readily get started via 3 main methods. These include:
Apply online:
- Visit “nv.fcc.gov/lifeline” and then enter your state or territory’s name.
- Thereafter, click on the ‘Get Started’ button.
- Once you tap in the ‘Get Started’ button, you will be promoted to sign in with your details. Suppose you do not have an existing account, consider creating one and then log in.
- After signing in, start the application process right away. Here, you will be required to key in your name in full, date of birth, SSN among other vital details.
- Attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents to your application and then submit it for review.
Apply via mail:
- To start with, click “lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf” and then download the application form. Thereafter, print it.
- Once you print the Lifeline application form, fill it with the correct details and then attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents.
- Check and confirm that everything is correct and then mail the application to the Lifeline Support center via this address; PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Contact service provider:
Besides the methods that we have discussed above, you can now apply for a Lifeline free government phone via your preferred carrier. The good news is that there many carriers that participate in the Lifeline program.
Therefore, you will not lack a service provider that will meet your needs. More importantly, ensure that your desired carrier operates in your state and that it offers impressive features such as unlimited talk, text and mobile data to all eligible customers.
Once you choose your preferred carrier, visit its website and then start the application process. From entering your name to keying in your SSN, there are several details that you might be prompted to key in. Thereafter, attach soft copies of your personal and eligibility documents and then tap on the ‘Submit’ button.
ACP free phone program application process
Just like the Lifeline application process, the process of applying for a free government phone is generally easy and straightforward. Depending on what works well for you, there are 3 main methods that you can consider and enjoy more convenience. These methods include:
Apply online:
- Visit “nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true” and then enter the name of your territory or state.
- Tap on the ‘Get Started’ button and then sign in with your details.
- After you log in successfully, you will redirected to a different page where you will see an online application form.
- Fill in the application form correctly and attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents.
- Check and confirm that everything is correct and then click on the ‘Submit’ button.
Apply via mail:
- Click on “affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf” and then download the English version of the ACP application form. Thereafter, print it.
- Visit “affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf” and then download the Household worksheet.
- Fill in these forms correctly and then attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents.
- Confirm that all the documents are present and then send the package to the ACP Support Centre for approval. Here is the mail address that you will use: P.O Box 7081, London, KY 40742
Contact service provider:
Since there are many carriers that participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, you will not miss a service provider that operates in your states. As you choose this carrier, check its ACP plans and go for the one that offers the best features.
Once you select your preferred ACP carrier, visit its website and then apply for a free government phone from that end. Here, you will be required to enter your details and also attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents. Confirm that everything is correct and then click on the ‘Submit’ button.
After submitting your application form, the ACP service provider’s team will review it and then respond to you. Suppose you met its eligibility requirements, you will be able to get a free government phone via mail. Thereafter, you will enjoy discounted cell phone plans from the beginning of the next month’s billing cycle.
Government Free Cell Phone Plans in Tennessee 2024
The kind of phone plans that you will enjoy once you get a free government phone in Tennessee will depend on two main factors. These include:
- Your preferred carrier
- Whether you choose to apply for Lifeline or ACP program.
For instance, if you applied for Access Wireless Lifeline program, expect to enjoy the following plan:
- 1000 minutes of talk
- 4.5 GB of mobile data
- Unlimited text
However, if you choose to apply for the ACP program of this carrier, expect to enjoy the following plan:
- Unlimited data
- Unlimited text
- 1000 minutes of talk
- Hotspot data
- Unlimited data(10GB of high-speed mobile data)
Lifeline and ACP Free Government Cell Phone Service Providers in Tennessee 2024
Some of the reputable carriers that offer free government cell phones in Tennessee include:
- TruConnect Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Cleartalk Wireless
Benefits of Free Government Phones in Tennessee
Once you get a free government phone in Tennessee, some of the benefits that you will enjoy include:
- It will allow you to work online
- You will be able to keep in touch with your loved ones and friends
- You will be able to do business online
- Learning online will no longer be an issue to you. As long as you have a good internet connection, you will be good to go.
- The device allows you to access healthcare service even during emergency situations
- The free government phone can help you to look for better job opportunities online.
- With the free government phone in place, you will be able to play mobile games, surf the internet, stream online videos and so on. Consequently, you will not be bored during your free time.
- In case your carrier offers free hotspot data, you will be able to keep other devices connected to the internet. As a result, the owners of such devices will not have to purchase extra mobile data so as to enjoy a good internet connection.
Alternatives to Free Government Phones in Tennessee
Supposing you live in Tennessee and you have been disqualified from getting a free government phone, worry not as you can consider the following alternatives and obtain a free or discounted model:
- Visit online platforms such as the Craigslist and establish if you will get a free phone. Here, you might get someone who want to dispose an old phone or want to sell it at a budget-friendly price. If you are operating on a budget, you can request him or her to give that model free of charge.
- Visit OfferUp and look for a free or a discounted cell phone.
- Visit the Facebook Marketplace and look out for a discounted phone. If you are lucky, you might be able to get a free phone and thus save more bucks.
- Check whether your preferred carrier offers free phones to people who switch to its network. Also, you can ask them whether they offer free phones to people who choose to add a new line.
- Check whether your carrier can allow you to trade in an old device and get a better one at a pocket-friendly price.
- Establish if your local retailer is offering special offers and deals during the holidays or at the end of the year.
- Work as a marketing agent for a company that sells cell phones within your locality.
- Consider online giveaways where you might be required to complete simple tasks online. This can work well if you are fond of using different platforms such as YouTube and Instagram.
Frequently Ask Questions
Are the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline phone programs legitimate?
Yes. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements of any of these programs, you will be able to get a free government phone from any one of them. Also, you will be required to submit copies of your personal and eligibility documents so that you can maximize the chances of your application form being approved.
Can I choose my phone and plan?
If you apply for a free government phone via Lifeline or ACP, you will not have the freedom to choose your preferred phone. This is because the free government phones that are offered here vary due to their availability and one’s location. On the other hand, you can choose a plan that works for you. When choosing a Lifeline or ACP plan, choose one that allows you to save more bucks while offering you premium services.
Can I use my government phone outside of Tennessee?
Yes. As long as your preferred Lifeline or ACP service provider offers its services in your host country or state, be certain that you can still utilize your free government phone even when you are outside Tennessee.
Can I have ACP and Lifeline at the same time?
Yes. You can now apply for ACP and Lifeline at the same time and lower your overall cost of communication. All you need to do is to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements of these programs and you will be good to go.
Is there any way to get a phone for me and my child?
If you choose to apply for the Lifeline and ACP facility, you will only be able to get one free government phone for you household. Therefore, if you want to get an extra device for your kid, you might have to consider other alternative ways of getting a free or discounted model.
How do I add minutes or data to my plan?
If you want to add minutes or data plan to your plan, you just need to visit your nearest brick-and-mortar retailer and purchase a prepaid card that can be added to our plan via toll-free number or code. Better still, you can purchase the prepaid card online from your carrier’s official website. Either way, you will be able to top up data and minutes to your plan.
Can I switch providers if I am not satisfied?
Yes. In case you are not satisfied by your current carrier, you can switch carriers and enjoy unmatched convenience. All you need to do is to contact your previous service provider and then let them know that you intend to transfer your service. Thereafter, visit NLAD official website and request for a service transfer. Thereafter, look out for new service provider and inform them that you want to enjoy its services.
What happens if I lose or damage my government phone?
Suppose you lose or damage your free government phone, trust that you will be able to get a replacement model. However, you might be have to part with at least $25 to get a replacement model.
