To start with the Obama phone program is also known as the Lifeline program. Simply put, this is a program offered by the Federal Communications Commission to all Americans who earn a low income or participate in government assistance programs such as SNAP, SSI, WIC, Section 8, and so forth. The above-mentioned program has been in operation since 1985.
With this program in place, low-income consumers are now able to remain connected with their loved ones, work online, learn online and so forth. This is because all eligible customers can now get a free smartphone alongside discounted cell phone plans. Consequently, such individuals do not have to break the bank for them to remain connected with their loved ones.
Steps to Get An Obama Phone from the Government
The process of getting an Obama phone is generally easy and straightforward. Here are the steps that you should follow:
1. Establish whether you are eligible for the Obama phone or not
First and foremost, you should ensure that you qualify for a free Obama phone. When it comes to eligibility requirements, it is imperative to note that these rules differ from one state to another.
For instance, your income has to stand at or be below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Remember that different states have different FPGs. To be on the safe side, consider checking what the FPGs of your state stipulate and then establish if you meet the much-needed eligibility requirements or not.
In case you do not qualify via the low-income criteria, ensure that you are a participant or beneficiary of a government assistance program. Some of these programs include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children(WIC)
- Federal Public Housing Program(Section 8)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program(LIHEAP)
- Medicaid
- You are a beneficiary of a free and reduced-price school breakfast program or school breakfast program.
- You benefited from the Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
Besides being a participant of the above-mentioned programs, be sure that you can now qualify if at all you are a beneficiary of the following Tribal-based government assistance programs:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families(Tribal TANF)
2. Look out for an Obama phone service provider within your state
As we speak, there are several carriers that still offer Obama phones to all eligible customers. Some of the popular carriers that offer the Obama phone program in the United States include: Cintex Wireless, Tag Wireless, Life Wireless, Budget Wireless, Assist Wireless, Alaska Communications, StandUp Wireless, among others.
However, these carriers offer these devices in different states. Therefore, it is not a wonder to find that some of these carriers do not operate in your state. Thankfully, most of the states now enjoy the services of these carriers.
To check whether any of the above-mentioned Lifeline Assistance plan service providers is available in your state, visit “cnm.universalservice.org” and then key in your city or ZIP code so as to see the list of service providers in your country. Choose any of these services providers and then check out their specific plans. Ideally, you should choose the one that offers the best deal out there.
3. Start the online application
After choosing your desired Obama phone service provider, the next step is to start the actual application process. Thankfully, some of these carriers allow you to apply via online or by mail. Depending on the method that seems convenient to you, choose any of these methods and start the application process.
During the application process, you will be required to key in your personal details. Besides this, you need to upload copies of your eligibility documents so that your application can be approved.
In case you choose the mail option, you need to attach copies of the eligibility documents to your application form and then send the package to the designated mail address issued to you. More important, ensure that your application letter is accompanied by copies of eligibility documents so that you can maximize your chances of getting an Obama phone.
4. Wait for a response from your preferred Obamas phone service provider
Once you submit your application form, the next step is to wait for your preferred carrier to respond to you. In case your application met the much-needed requirements, you will be able to get an Obama phone shortly. However, if you did not meet the eligibility requirements, you might not qualify to get the Obama phone.
Apart from the Obama phone, you will be able to get discounted cell phone plans. These include free talks, text and mobile data. Depending on the carrier you choose, you might get better offers and thus remain connected inexpensively.
Steps to Bring Your Own Phone To Use On Obama Phone Program
As we speak, it is possible for you to use your own phone on the Obama phone program. However, this luxury will depend on the carrier you choose. This is because some cellular service providers do not allow you to bring your own phone.
Therefore, there is a need for you to check the terms of various carriers and establish the one that allows you to bring your own phone to this program. Thankfully, some carriers allow you to enjoy mouth-watering bonuses or even better rates once you bring your own phone to their network.
Providers That Offer Free Obama Phone
Like we previously mentioned, there are several carriers that still participate in the Obama phone program. Some of the reputable carriers that offer this program include:
1. SafeLink Wireless
Besides Assurance Wireless, you can now get an Obama phone from Safelink Wireless. Unlike other carriers, this one is owned by TracFone and offers its services to more than 40 countries in the U.S. Currently, this carrier now has more than 20 million subscribers. Once you qualify for its Obama phone program, you will enjoy the following offers:
- A free smartphone
- Unlimited texts
- 6GB of monthly data
- Unlimited voice minutes
- Free 911 access
- Nationwide coverage on America’s best networks
- Voicemail services
- 3-way calling
- Free SIM card
- Caller ID
- Free 411 Directory Assistance at no extra cost
Besides this, the carrier allows you to bring your own phone and enjoy the Lifeline program seamlessly. To apply for this carrier’s Lifeline service, visit “safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome” and you will be good to go.
2. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is one of the eminent Obama phone providers in the United States. As we speak, this carrier is fully owned by Sprint and relies on T-Mobile network to offer its services to all its customers. It is imperative to note that this carrier now offers it services to over 2.7 million customers in 41 states of the U.S.
Once you qualify for its Obama phone program, here are some of the offers that are you are likely to enjoy:
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- 2GB of mobile data on a monthly basis.
In case you live in California, you will get a free smartphone alongside the following offers:
- 5GB of mobile data
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text.
Other impressive features that you are likely to enjoy include:
- Call waiting
- Caller ID
- Free 911 access
- Nationwide Sprint network coverage
- You will be able to keep your current home phone number
If you want to apply for this carrier’s Obama phone program, visit “assurancewireless.com” and get started.
3. Q Link Wireless
Apart from the 2 carriers we have discussed above, Qlink Wireless is another reputable player in the Obama phone program. As we speak, this carrier offers this program in the following states; Oklahoma, Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio, South Carolina, Pennsylvannia, Missouri, Maine,Washington, Wisconsin, Washington, Vermont, Utah, Texas, among others. If you meet its eligibility requirements, you will be able to get a free smartphone alongside the following other offers:
- 4.5 GB of monthly mobile data
- 1000 minutes of talk time
- Unlimited text
- Nationwide coverage
- Prepaid wireless cellphone service for Lifeline subscribers
- No credit checks, fees, monthly bills or contracts
- National and international phone calls with a plan upgrade
For more information, visit “qlinkwireless.com/about-lifeline”
4. Access Wireless
With this carrier’s Obama phone program, you will be able to get a free smartphone alongside these other additional offers:
- 350 Minutes of talk
- 3GB of mobile data
- Unlimited text
In case you reside in California, you will be able to enjoy 5GB of mobile data, unlimited talk and unlimited text. This deal is better than that offered to those residing in other states. If you want to enroll for this carrier’s Lifeline service, visit “accesswireless.com/lifeline”
5. StandUp Wireless
This carrier now offers Obama phone program in 29 states of the U.S. Unlike other carriers, this one offers the much-needed flexibility when it comes to providing free and affordable services to all qualifying customers. Here, you will be able to utilize your own compatible phone. In case you do not have a Lifeline compatible device, do not worry as you will have a chance to purchase a phone from this carrier once you have been approved for the program and created a StandUp Wireless account.
The Obama phone program of this carrier allows you to enjoy unlimited talk and text. Besides this, you will enjoy 3GB of mobile data. Once you sign up, you will be able to obtain a free SIM card. When it comes to activation fees, be sure that you will not incur a dime as it will be waived for you on the go. To apply for Obama phone program from this carrier, consider visiting “standupwireless.com/lifeline”
6. Cintex Wireless
Unlike other carriers, this one does not offer a free smartphone under its Lifeline program. However, you will be able to get a free SIM card. Thankfully, you can now bring your own phone and get started on this carrier’s network. Here are other offers that will mesmerize you:
- 1000 minutes of talk
- 4.5GB of mobile data
- Unlimited SMS
- Free shipping
- Caller ID
- Call waiting
- 3-way calling
- Voicemail services
To learn more about this program, visit “cintexwireless.com/plan”
7. enTouch Wireless
As we speak, this carrier now offers Lifeline program in California and 33 other states in the U.S. Upon meeting this carrier’s Obama phone program, you will be able to get the following offers:
- Free phone from a reputable brand
- Unlimited data(Limited time offer)
- Unlimited text and talk
- No contracts or hidden fees
- Free international calling to countries such as Mexico, Canada, India, UK and many more.
To sign up for this carrier’s Lifeline program, visit “entouchwireless.com” and then get started.
8. SafetyNet Wireless
With this carrier’s Obama phone program, you will be able to reduce your communication costs significantly. This is because you will not be subjected to monthly bills and expensive contracts. Here, you will be able to get a free smartphone, free minutes, free texts and mobile data. However, these plans differ from one state to another. For instance, Oklahoma Tribal plan allows you to enjoy unlimited talk & text and 4.5GB of mobile data.
Those who live in Kentucky will be able to enjoy unlimited talk, unlimited text and 1GB of mobile data. Finally, if you live in Wisconsin, you will enjoy 400 minutes of talk, unlimited text and 100MB of mobile data. However, brace yourself to incur a $25 as an activation fee. To learn more about these Lifeline plans, visit “safetynetwire.wpengine.com/lifeline-plans-other-states”
9. Tag Mobile
This is another reliable carrier that offers Obama phone program to all eligible customers living in the United States. Currently, this carrier offers this program in 19 states. Besides this, it has a good network coverage.
Once you qualify for its Obama phone program, you will be able to get a free government phone alongside these other offers:
- Unlimited voice minutes
- 8.5GB of mobile data
- Unlimited text messages
In case you live in California, you will be able to get a free smartphone, unlimited talk and text and 6GB of mobile data. For more information visit “tagmobile.com/LifeLine/state-eligible-government-program”
10. Life Wireless
If you have been looking for a reliable carrier that offers the Obama phone program, look no further as Life Wireless is the ultimate service provider for you. To start with, this carrier has good network coverage as it relies on the AT&T network to offer its services to all customers living in the United States. Once you qualify for this carrier’s Lifeline assistance program, you will be able to get a free smartphone alongside discounted cell phone plans.
It is imperative to note that these cell phone plans differ from one state to another. For instance, if you reside in Illinois and Texas, you will be able to get a free smartphone alongside the following offers:
- Free 1000 minutes
- Free unlimited talk and Multimedia messages
- 3GB of mobile data
In case you live in California, you will get a free smartphone and the following offers:
- Unlimited text and multimedia messages
- Free unlimited minutes
- 3GB of mobile data
Besides this, there is a free plan for residents of California. Here, you will be able to enjoy unlimited text, unlimited talk, 3GB of mobile data and 100 Multimedia messages.
Apart from the offers mentioned above, here are other additional benefits that you can get from this carrier’s program:
- Caller ID service
- No roaming charges
- Call waiting
- 3-way calling
- Voicemail services
- Affordable recharge plans
- Free domestic long distance calls
- Free 911 service
To learn more about this carrier’s Obama phone program, visit “lifewireless.com/what-is-lifeline”
List Of Free Phones That the Obama Phone Program Offer in 2024
Once you qualify to get an Obama phone, the kind of model that you will get will depend on its availability and the policy of your carrier. However, you can trust that you will get a decent model that will enable you to remain connected, work online, learn online, access emergency healthcare services, and so much more. Some of the models you can expect to get here include:
- LG Stylo 4
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- NUU Mobile A5L
- iPhone 7
- Blue Advance
- LG Electronic K30
- Samsung Galaxy A10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- iPhone 8
