Lifeline is a federal communications commission’s program that helps to reduce the price of communication services for low-income families. The program provides free smartphone through participating wireless service providers under government program. ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) is also a federal communications commission’s program that gives discounts on internet services and devices to eligible families. Although several ACP service providers offer monthly discounts on internet services and a one-time discount on connectivity devices. Therefore, it’s true to say that both lifeline and ACP government programs offer free smartphone.
However, you must meet their set eligibility criteria and apply for the programs before receiving your free government phone. If you have been searching for answers on how to get a free smartphone from the government, then look no more. This is because on our page today, we have discussed all you need to know about these phones.
Why Government Giving Out Free Smartphone
Since we are in a digital era, the virtual world is now dominating. This means a lot of activities are conducted online. From virtual classes, accessing medical help, online business, and work meetings, there are a lot of services that rely on the internet these days. Therefore, the government saw the need of giving out free smartphones to low-income families to help them access these virtual services.
Also, smartphones are essential devices that are costly to acquire. Due to their high cost, low-income families/ individuals can’t afford these devices without a struggle. As a result, the government came up with subsidy programs to help them get free phones without straining their small income.
Rather than erasing the strain of acquiring a smartphone, the government gives free smartphones to low-income consumers to help breach the digital gap. Since high-income consumers can comfortably buy their desirable types of smartphones, access different virtual opportunities, and access worldly updates, the low-income people are always left out. To ensure low-income consumers also access these opportunities, the government saw the need to offer them free smartphones for equality purposes.
Eligible Requirement To Get Free Smartphone Under Government Program
Previously done research has confirmed that over 16 million users have acquired free smartphone from the government. Note that, not every citizen qualifies for these smartphones. The question is, who qualifies? Below are the eligibility requirements for a free smartphone from the government.
- People with Disability: Persons with disability in the US are in one way or another considered vulnerable. If you live with any form of disability (injured, mentally impaired, or physically impaired) you might qualify to get a free government phone. However, you must show proof from a reputable health facility before getting your free smartphone from the government.
- Elderly People: Similar to persons with disability, the elderly are also considered vulnerable in society. This mostly applies to abandoned seniors above 65 years or any other senior with no reliable source of income. Senior and elderly citizens are also eligible for free cellphones from the government. As a result, the government offers free smartphones to help them reach out for help during an emergency or connect with relatives.
- Low Income People: The low-income families/ individuals are also considered eligible for free government smartphones. This applies to all customers that live below the federal/state poverty guideline. To receive a free government smartphone, you must meet the lifeline or ACP income limit. For lifeline, you must have an income that is equal to or less than 135% of the federal poverty level. To receive a free smartphone from ACP carriers, you must have an income limit of 200% of the federal poverty level. Since poverty guideline varies per your state and household size, consult the federal communications commission’s official website to know your actual income limit.
- Government aid program beneficiaries: The American government initiated several aid programs that offer essential help to needy families. If you participate in any of the programs, you might qualify to receive a free government smartphone. Some of these programs are; Food distribution programs on Indian reservations (FDPIR), Tribal head start, tribally administered temporary assistance for the needy families, Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance, and Supplemental nutritional assistance program among others. Below is a detailed discussion of these programs:
Government Aid Programs
- Medicaid Program : This is a state and federal aid program that gives free or cheaper health coverage services to low-income Americans. The program covers the elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and even children. To qualify for this program, you must be characterized by low or no income at all. This makes members of this program eligible for free smartphone from the government. However, there are rules to follow when applying for a free government smartphone as a Medicaid member. These are: you should provide proof of your program participation. Proof-like Medicaid membership card or approval letter. Note that your document should hold your full legal name, residential state, and date of issue.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) : Commonly known as SSI, supplemental security income is a federal aid program that offers financial help to limited income individuals, the disabled, blind, and seniors above 65 years. Since this program targets low-income individuals and the vulnerable, its members are also considered eligible for free government smartphone. When applying for a free government smartphone from your selected service provider, just attach SSI approval letter and you will be good to go.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program : This is another government aid program set to offer nutritional benefits with the aim of reducing the food budget for low-income earners. Having benefited millions of American residents, SNAP serves in states like Florida, Texas, Illinois, Georgia, Ohio, New York, California, and Pennsylvania among others. The good news is that eligible SNAP consumers are considered eligible for free smartphone from the government. As long as you attach your membership proof, you will receive your free smartphone seamlessly.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance : Also known as BIA, this is another free government program that provides financial assistance, food, shelter, clothes, and even food to the needy and less fortunate Indian American families. Beneficiaries of this program are also eligible for free phones from the government. When applying for free government cellphones, the applicant should prove BIA membership proof with your official; name, date, and address.
- Veteran’s Pension and Survivors Benefit : This program is a non-taxed and free program that offers financial benefits to low-income, unmarried children, and unmarried widower/ widow of a deceased wartime veteran. Beneficiaries of this program are also considered eligible to receive free smartphone from the government. Just like other programs, members should present a document to prove their membership when applying for a free government smartphone. However, the document should contain your official name, address, and issue date.
- Public Housing Assistance Program : This is another federal government program that helps low-income families, seniors, and the disabled to access a safe and decent rental house. The program offers assistance by presenting a monthly voucher from the housing choice voucher program. This voucher helps to subsidize the monthly rental fee of a qualified applicant. The good news is that members of this program are also eligible to receive free smartphone from the government. However, they need to present an award letter from the public housing agency or a public house assistance leasing agreement to prove active membership. The documents should have the applicant’s name, address, and the monthly amount awarded.
- Food Distribution Program on Indian reservations : FDPIR is a program set to benefit the less fortunate families that live on the Indian reservations. In fact, the program is a SNAP alternative that helps eligible households living on an Indian reservations and unable to access SNAP offices. Similar to SNAP, members of this program also qualify for free cellphones from the government. The rule is that when applying for your free phone, you should attach membership proof of this program. These are documents like the FDPIR award or approval letter with your name, telephone number, and address.
Required Documents To Apply For Free Government Smartphone
To get a free government smartphone, you are required to fill out an application form through your service provider. During the application, you are normally asked to attach documents to proof that you qualify for the offer. Normally, the right documents to attach should depend on your eligibility criteria. If you qualify as a low-income household, eligible documents should hold proof of your total household income. Below are the documents needed when applying for free government smartphone :
- Personal documents
- Birth certificate
- Permanent resident alien card
- Social security card
- Driver’s license
- Permanent residential card
- Certificate of naturalization
- Eligibility documents
- Tribal head start a cover letter
- Medicaid membership card
- Federal Pell grant cover letter
- SSI approval letter
- Tribal head start a cover letter
- Federal Pell grant letter
- Your current income statement
- Unemployment statement of benefits
- Social security statement of benefits
- Recent federal, state, or tribal tax return
Applying Process To Get a Free Government Smartphone
If you meet any of the above requirements, time is ripe to apply for a free government smartphone. Here is a simple process of applying:
- Confirm eligibility : Before applying for a free government smartphone, you should first confirm eligibility. This is because your application will only be accepted if you meet lifeline/ ACP eligibility criteria. To confirm, visit FCC’s official website or check out some eligibility rules mentioned above on this page. If you meet any of the requirements, proceed with the application process.
- Select your preferred provider company : As mentioned, free government smartphones are provided through participating service providers. Therefore, the second step requires you to locate your preferred lifeline or ACP provider. Since there are several free government smartphone providers, you can make a selection by visiting FCC’s official website and selecting “companies near me”.
- Fill an application form : From your service provider, you can now go ahead and fill out an application form. More often than not, the form is found on your service provider’s official website. Filling the form requires you to enter valid and up-to-date personal information as well as attach eligibility proof. Once done, submit the form and wait for the approval.
- Get approved : When you send your application through your selected company, the national lifeline verifier will check and approve your form. Once approved, you will receive a notification through your cell phone number or email address. After, your company will send a free government smartphone to your address. Note that the type of phone to get depends on your residential state and availability.
14 Best Service Provider For Free Government Smartphone
When it comes to the FCC’s Lifeline program, there is a myriad of companies that participate by giving free government smartphone to eligible families. Some of these top companies include:
1. Safelink Wireless
If you choose this carrier as your preferred Lifeline provider, be sure that you will get a free government phone along with other offers like unlimited texts and 1.5GB of data so that you can remain connected with your loved ones. Besides this, you will enjoy incredible features such as:
- Free 911 Access
- Call waiting and Caller ID
As we speak, this carrier is one of the most trusted and the oldest in more than 40 states of the US. Besides this, the carrier is part of TracFone Wireless and usually relies on towers from the 4 major carriers in the U.S. These carriers include Sprint, T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon. The plans of these carriers vary depending on the state one resides in.
2. American Assistance
Unlike other carriers, this one has nationwide coverage and offers discounted cell phone plans to all eligible customers. Besides this, you will be able to get a free government smartphone so that you can remain connected.
Typically, this cell phone bears the name ‘America Broadband and Telecommunication’. Currently, this carrier is available in 16 states where all eligible customers are able to get other offers such as:
- Call waiting services
- Caller ID
- Free 911 access
- No monthly charge
- No hidden cost.
- It allows you to purchase an extra minute bundle and so much more
However, this carrier does not offer internet services to all eligible customers. In this case, you may have to choose other carriers if you would like to utilize the internet services on the go.
3. TerraCom Wireless
Apart from the carriers we have mentioned above, TerraCom Wireless is another lifesaver for low-income individuals residing in the US. Once you apply for its Lifeline program, you will be able to get a free smartphone and other offers such as unlimited texting, 1000 minutes talk time for tribal residents, unlimited talk time for those residing in Oklahoma and so forth. As we speak, this carrier offers its services to 9 states in the US. Besides this, it offers two plans commonly known as tribal and non-tribal plans.
4. Verizon
This is one of the most popular cell phone service providers in the US. Since it is a participant in the Lifeline program, it offers all eligible customers a free government phone. Apart from getting a free smartphone, you will be able to enjoy other mesmerizing offers such as Caller ID, voicemail services, free 911 access, free minutes and data, and so on.
5. Assist Wireless
Also known as Obama’s phone, this carrier offers free government phones to all eligible customers, thanks to its Lifeline program. If you are qualified for this program, you will not only get a free smartphone but also other offers such as:
- 500 free texts
- Free 911 Access
- 1 GB of data per month
- 500 free minutes talk time
- Caller ID and call waiting services
- Good nationwide network coverage
6. EnTouch Wireless
This is another carrier that offers free government smartphone to all eligible customers living in the US. Whether you have a low income or participate in a government assistance program, be sure that you can now apply for the Lifeline program offered by this service provider and get a free mobile phone. Apart from getting a free smartphone, you will be able to enjoy other offers such as:
- No hidden costs
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Free 911 access
- Call waiting services
- Ability to purchase an extra minute bundle anytime you please
7. Qlink Wireless
Unlike other carriers, the popularity of Qlink Wireless is unmatched. Since it is a participant of the Lifeline program, be sure that you can apply for a free government phone and get it on the go.
However, you must either have an income that stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Better still, if you are a participant of a government assistance program such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income, be sure that you qualify for a free government phone. Apart from getting a free government phone, be sure that you will enjoy other benefits such as:
- No monthly charge
- Monthly free minute bundle
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Free 911 access
8. Dart phone
If you have an income that stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, be sure that you will be able to apply for a free government phone from this carrier. Better still, you can benefit from its Lifeline program if you participate in government assistance programs such as Low-income home energy assistance program or Temporary assistance for needy families.
However, this carrier does not have large network coverage in the US. Therefore, there is a need for you to check its availability before you think of applying for its Lifeline program. The carrier is also not very famous compared to other carriers such as Verizon and Qlink Wireless. Once you get a free government phone you will also enjoy other benefits such as:
- Caller ID
- Voicemail services
- Call waiting services
- Free monthly minute bundle
- Ability to purchase an extra minute bundle anytime you want
- No monthly charge
- Free 911 access
9. TruConnect
To start with, this carrier offers its services to more than 24 states of the US. Once you qualify for its Lifeline program, you will be able to get a free government smartphone. Besides getting a free smartphone, be sure that you will enjoy other amazing deals such as:
- Unlimited text and talk
- 2 GB of data or 3GB of data in case you choose to bring a compatible phone.
- Unlimited calling to China, Mexico, Canada
- Unlimited global texting
- Free 911 access
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- No hidden costs
10. Tag mobile
If you are looking for an efficient carrier that offers free government phones under the Lifeline program, look no further as Tag mobile is the ultimate solution for you. Besides allowing all eligible customers to get free government smartphone, this carrier allows you to enjoy incredible cell phone plans such as unlimited text and talk. Apart from this, you will enjoy other offers such as:
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Call waiting
- Ability to purchase an extra minute bundle
- Free 911 access
As we speak, this carrier offers its services in over 19 states of the US.
11. Cintex Wireless
Although this company is not large likes its counterparts, it has proved to be a lifesaver to those Americans living on the Northside of the US. Therefore, if you have a low income or is a beneficiary of any government assistance program, be sure that you will get a free government smartphone from this carrier. In fact, Cintex wireless provides free smartphone both under lifeline and ACP programs. Once you qualify, you will also get other amazing offers such as;
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Unlimited text and talk
- Voicemail
- Ability to purchase extra minute bundles
- Free 911 access
12. Access Wireless
In recent years, this carrier has become a major participant in the Lifeline program. Therefore, you can check your eligibility status and then apply for a free government smartphone from this carrier.
Once you qualify, trust to find two types of plans. These include the discounted-paid plan and a free plan. Depending on the state you live in, you can choose either of these plans and start enjoying the services offered by this carrier.
If you are eligible for the Lifeline program offered by this carrier, you will not only get a smartphone but also offer such as:
- Voicemail
- Unlimited talk and text
- Call waiting
- Caller ID
- Ability to purchase extra minute bundles
- Free 911 access
13. SafetyNet Wireless
Apart from the carriers we have discussed above, you can now apply for a free government smartphone from SafetyNet and get it on the go. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements of its Lifeline program.
For instance, your income must stand at or be below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or be a participant of a government assistance program such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, or Low-income home energy assistance program.
Once you qualify for this program, you will get a free government phone, alongside other offers such as;
- Caller ID
- Free 911 access
- Voicemail
- Free monthly minute bundle
- No monthly charges
- No hidden costs
14. True Wireless
True wireless is another reliable lifeline service provider that offers free government smartphone to rural and urban Oklahoma residents. It is an Oklahoma company that offers a free phone to qualified subscribers from Texas, Arkansas, Rhode Island, Oklahoma, and Maryland.
How Do You Choose The Best Government Smartphone Service Provider
Since there are several free government phone service provider, choosing the best among many can be tricky. As a result, there are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a best free government phone service provider for you. Below are important factors that could help.
- Network coverage: When selecting your free government phone service, always consider the extent of its network coverage. Phone service providers with adequate coverage are the best because they don’t restrict you to specific locations especially if you are a traveler. Also, you should ensure your preferred phone service has reliable network coverage in your residential area.
- Smartphone: When choosing the best free government phone service, consider the type of free phones offered. This is because some providers offer high-end free phones while others offer simple and standard phones. If you look forward to receiving the best phone, consider providers like Cintex Wireless government phone services.
- Customer relation: Your ideal free government phone service should have good services and policies that are friendly to customers. This makes it easy to seek service clarification anytime you need help.
8 Best Phone For Free Government Smartphone Program
As already stated earlier, free government smartphones are distributed to eligible applicants through lifeline and ACP partner companies. Through these companies, you can get cheap phones that are sold at a discounted price or free phones that don’t require you to pay anything. Below are models of phones that are possible to get from the government program:
1. IPhone SE (2022)
When applying for a government smartphone, you can be lucky to get iPhone SE 2022 version for free. However, you will get this model on the condition that it’s available at your time of application. The phone features the following:
- It is built with a glass front, glass back, and an aluminum frame body that makes it strong and durable. Besides, it has an IP67 dust/water resistance technology that makes it resistant underwater for more than one minute. The phone has 4.7 inches screen size with a retina IPS LCD display type and a resolution of 750 by 1334 pixels. Besides that, iPhone SE 2022 has an internal storage of 64 GB, 4GB RAM, and other special features like stereo speakers, gyro, compass, barometer, and fingerprint sensors. With this phone, you can capture clear photos thanks to its 23 MP main camera and 7MP selfie camera. It is also inscribed with a fast-charging 2018 mAh non-removable battery.
2. iPhone 13 mini
Are you a low-income consumer or a participant in any government aid program? You can get iPhone 13 mini from lifeline service providers like Qlink and life wireless for free. iPhone 12 mini is inscribed with the following features:
- Its body is built with an aluminum frame, glass front, glass back, and IP68 water/dust resistance technology. The phone also features a 5.4 inches screen display that is well protected with a scratch resistance ceramic glass. iPhone 13 mini has an IOS 15 platform that is upgradable to iPhone 15.4.1. Besides, the phone has a memory capacity of 128GB, 4GB RAM, 12 MP cameras, and a lasting, fast charging 2438 mAh battery.
3. Samsung Galaxy S9 plus
Low-income customers are also privileged to get this phone for free from the government if available at the time of application. If not available, you can also get it at a cheap, discounted price from eligible lifeline companies. The phone features the following:
- A 6.2 inches screen size that is super AMOLED, HDR10 type. The phone’s screen resolution is 1440 by 2960 pixels with display protection of Corning Gorilla Glass 5. With this phone, you can capture beautiful and clear photos thanks to its 12 MP main camera and a quality 8MP selfie camera. All your photos, videos, documents, apps, or any other content will be conveniently stored in its 64 GB internet storage space. When fully charged, you can use it for many hours as it is inscribed with a lasting 3500 mAh battery.
4. iPhone 11
It’s also possible to get this phone for free from eligible service providers. If you have an income less than 135% of the federal poverty guideline, be sure to get your free iPhone 11 from the lifeline. This phone is built with the following features:
- Lasting 3110 mAh non-removable battery that can last all day with a single charge, a fast-charging and Qi wireless charging technology. Besides, the phone has back and selfie camera of 12MP with HDR features, memory capacity of 64 GB, and 4GB RAM that makes it’s sufficient to store several content at a go. The phone has other special features like a compass, proximity, accelerometer, and face ID sensors.
5. Samsung galaxy A03s
Samsung is a high-end brand that is known to produce a range of quality phones. Acquiring a Samsung Galaxy A03s phone for free from the government is a dream come true. Once you receive your free phone, you will enjoy the following features:
- A screen display size of 6.5 inches with a resolution of 720 by 1600 pixels. The phone is strongly built with a glass front, plastic frame, and a plastic back for longevity. With the phone, expect to enjoy 32 GB internal memory capacity and 2 GB RAM. The phone’s main camera is 13MP with LED flashlight features and a 5MP selfie camera. Not to forget other special features like fingerprint sensors, loudspeakers, and a LI-PO 5000 mAh battery with fast charging technology.
6. TCL 10 pro
If you participate in any government aid program, you can get a free or cheap TCL 10 pro smartphone from any eligible lifeline service provider. The phone features:
- An AMOLED, HDR10 screen type with a screen size of 6.7 inches and 1080 by 2430 pixels. TCL 10 Pro also features a quad 64MP main camera with Dual LED flash, panorama, and HDR special features. It is also built with a single 24MP selfie camera, Bluetooth, GPS, radio, and an infrared port. Once you charge, this phone can last for hours thanks to its 4500 mAh battery.
7. Nokia 8.3 5G
Lifeline service providers like safelink wireless, access wireless, and truConnect offer this phone for free or at a cheap discounted price to all qualified customers. Since Nokia is known to produce the best, lasting and quality phones, Nokia 8.3 5G is not exceptional. This phone features:
- A large IPS LCD screen display of 6.81 inches and android 10 OS platform that is upgradable to Android 11, Android One. The phone has an internal memory of 64 GB, 6GB RAM, and a 4500 mAh lasting battery. Moreover, Nokia 8.3 G boasts a quad main camera of 64MP, a single 24MP selfie camera with Zeiss optics and HDR features. Not to forget other special features like fingerprint sensors, MMS, SMS, email messaging, 5G network technology.
8. Nokia XR20 5G
Lifeline also offers free Nokia XR20 5G to low-income customers subject to availability. Launched on 27th July of 2021, this smartphone uses the latest technology platforms and avails a number of amazing features. The phone boasts of:
- IPS LCD 6.67 inches screen with a resolution of 1080 by 2400 pixels. This smartphone is also built with IP68 water, dust resistance, and a drop resistance that can drop 1.8 m from up landing on concrete without damage. This phone also features 64GB internal memory, 4GB RAM, 8MP selfie, and 48MP main camera. With a 4630 mAh non-removable battery, you can use this smartphone for many hours with a single charge.
List of other free smartphones that you get under government program
- IPhone SE (2020) 64GB
- iPhone 12 64 GB
- Galaxy A13 5G
- iPhone 6s
- iPhone 7
FAQ
Can I upgrade my free government smartphone?
Yes. Although most free government phones are quality and effective, some come with outed features. If your free government smartphone is out of date, you can easily upgrade to the latest model smartphone. This is through contacting your service provider and subscribing to their phone upgrade services. After, you will hand them your phone and receive an upgraded phone at a cost.
Can I get a free government smartphone with Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Yes. Affordable connectivity is a FCC program that offers discounts on internet services and connectivity devices to eligible consumers. These discounts are given out through participating providers. Although most ACP providers offer internet service discounts only, others like Cintex wireless offer free smartphone. In fact, Cintex wireless ACP offers all brands of free smartphone from Samsung, iPhone, and Motorola among others.
Are there any alternatives to getting free government smartphone if I am not eligible?
There are no other alternatives to getting a free government phone if you are not eligible. This is because the government offers free government phones to eligible customers only. However, if you don’t qualify for a free government phone, you can opt to purchase a cheaper and affordable phone. Alternatively, you can ask for help from reliable charity organizations or churches.
