Since we live in the informational age, a mobile phone has become an indispensable device for most people. From communicating to your loved ones to marketing your business, there are many ways that you can utilize your handset. As we speak, these devices have come with incredible features that will mesmerize you. From a high-quality camera to a large screen display, there are many features that modern mobile phones have. Since some of these features are fancy in nature, these handsets are bound to cost more money.
Although some of these phones cost more money, some people might afford it. However, there are those who cannot afford these phones. The good news is that the government has now authorized cell phone companies to provide free wireless phones to such individuals.
This has made financially challenged people own some of these fancy phones. To have a better understanding of the best free government phones, read this article as we shall outline them and shed more light on them.
Does The Government Provide Free Cell Phone?
Yes. As we speak, the government runs a program known as Lifeline Assistance program that gives low-income Americans access to free cell phones. Besides the free cell phones, they are able to enjoy affordable cell phone plans.
To put it into perspective, around 12 to 15 million Americans are now enjoying the above-mentioned program. There are about 58 Lifeline Assistance companies that offer this program and each one of them usually varies in availability and services.
How Do You Get My Free Government Phone?
For you get a free government phone, there are some qualifications that you should meet. To start with, your income should be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Also, if you are already enrolled in any of the below mention programs, you will be eligible for Lifeline cell phone assistance. Some of these programs include:
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
- Tribal-specific programs such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Foot Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Head Start.
If you want to apply for this program, there is a number of documents that you should submit. This includes statements from:
- Department of Social Services
- Social security benefits
- A current Federal Tax return
- Veteran’s administration
- A letter from Unemployment or workman’s compensation
- A payroll statement or better still, the current stubs from your job
The good news is that most Lifeline carriers usually allow you to apply directly on their websites. You can also apply by phone or better still, download and t fax the application to the company
Once you are approved, you will receive a cell phone, free minutes, and all the benefits that your provider of choice offers. It is important that to note that you have to re-certify your financial status annually for you to continue in the program.
Top 8 Best Government Free Phone
If you are looking for the best government phone, there is a wide variety to choose from. All these devices usually come with different features meant to meet the needs of different people. Sometimes, you might be spoilt for choice when it comes to the selection of the best government phone that you should buy.
However, the good news is that we will outline some best phones offered freely by the government, courtesy of the Lifeline Assistance program alongside their features. This way, you will get to know the one that suits your needs.
1. Motorola E5 Play
If you are looking for a phone that has a large display, the above-mentioned phone is the best solution for you. It boasts to have a 5.2-inch screen display. Apart from having a large screen display, the handset is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core processor. This means that you will have an easy time using a different app on this device.
When it comes to the storage, it comes with an internal storage of 16 GB. Besides this, you can extend this storage using a microSD card. This means that you will be able to store a lot of content, from music to videos.
Its 8 MP rear camera will ensure that you take high-quality photos any time you please. Also, its 5 MP front camera will ensure that you take high-quality selfies. Finally, the device is powered by a 2800 mAh battery.
2. Blackberry Curve 8330
The above-mentioned phone is known to have good call quality and strong messaging capabilities. Besides this, the handset has Bluetooth feature that allows you to send different files such as photos and videos. In addition, the smartphone supports EV-DO. The handset also comes with a 2 MP camera with video recording.
During your free time, you will have the luxury to listen to your favorite tunes and video clips from the comfort of your home, thanks to its built-in media player. Although it might not have fancy features like its counterparts, it is generally a good phone that can allow you to browse the internet, text, and even call your friends and family.
3. HTC 626s
This phone boasts to have a 5-inch HD display and runs on Android 4.4.4 KitKat operating system. Apart from this, the phone is powered by a 1.2GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 410 processor that makes it easy for you to use various apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp.
Although it comes with 1GB RAM, the device also comes with 16GB internal memory which can be expanded further to 32 GB using a microSD card. When it comes to the camera section, the phone does not disappoint as you will be able to take high-quality photos, thanks to its 13 MP rear camera which is accompanied with a LED flash for low light photography.
Its 5 MP front-facing camera will ensure that you take high-quality selfies as well. Finally, its 2000 mAh battery will ensure that you use the phone for longer periods without necessarily having to charge it.
4. Cloud Mobile Storm C3
If you are looking for an unlocked 4G smartphone, the Cloud Storm C3 is the ultimate solution for you. With 4G LTE network, you will be able to surf the internet fast. Besides this, the phone comes with a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor. With this processor, you will have an easy time navigating from one app to another.
Since the phone is Dual SIM enabled, you will have the luxury to insert two SIM cards and use them simultaneously. Its 16 internal storage allows you to store a lot of content, from documents to your favorite photos. Finally, the device is unlocked and therefore can be used on any carrier.
5. Sky Devices-platinum
The above-mentioned phone comes with a precise, sharp HD resolution touch-screen, thereby making each and every image captured to be appearing sharp and more realistic. Besides having an HD screen display, the phone comes with an 8 GB internal memory that allows you to take as many photos as you can. Also, you can store different videos and documents, the way you please.
Interestingly, you will have the opportunity to expand this internal storage up to 32 GB SD card. Its Android TM Lollipop 5.1 allows this device not only to be smarter but also faster. Therefore, you will have an easy time using different apps on this device. Despite having a 1GB ROM, you can be sure that you will not miss a thing, from making calls to surfing the internet.
6. Vortex-beat 8
To start with, Vortex-beat 8 comes with a 4.0 inch LCD screen display. Besides this, the phone features 5.0 MP rear cameras that allow you to take fairly decent photos. Also, its 2.0 MP front camera will enable you to take a selfie anytime you please.
Although the device comes with 0.5 GB RAM, it is backed by 8 GB internal storage. Therefore, you will be able to store a number of photos, videos, and even documents on your phone. Generally, this is a basic smartphone that will enable you to surf the internet and even calls those whom you love.
7. Cellallure Fashion2plus
This phone boasts to have a 5.72 inch HD LCD screen display and support 4G LTE Wireless technology. Since the phone comes with a dual main camera at its back (13MP + 2MP), that allows you to take high-quality photos any time you please. On the other hand, its 5MP selfie camera will ensure that you take high-quality selfies.
Unlike other models, this phone comes with a fingerprint sensor. When it comes to storage, the phone comes with a 16GB internal memory and is backed by 1GB RAM. Since the phone is dual-SIM enabled, you can be sure that you will be able to use two SIM cards at a go.
The phone is compatible with carriers such as AT&T, Cricket, SimpleMobile, H2O Wireless, TRACFONE and Net10 as it is an unlocked GSM smartphone. Finally, the phone is powered by a 2800 mAh battery that ensures that you use the phone for long hours without having to charge it every now and then.
8. Kyocera Hydro Edge
The phone mentioned above features a 4-inch display. Apart from this, the phone comes with a 5 MP rear camera that has a LED flash. Therefore, you will be able to take decent photos even when you are in areas that have low light intensities.
When it comes to storage, the device boasts to have a 4GB ROM and a 1 GB RAM. If you are not a heavy phone user, this space is enough for you to store a few photos and use basic apps on the phone.
Finally, the phone runs on Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) and is powered by a 1600 mAh battery. Generally, this is a good phone for those people who are not heavy phone users. Here, you will surf the internet, text your loved ones and even enjoy listening to your favorite music.
Top 12 Best Free Government Cell Phone Provider Companies
There are a number of carriers that usually provide free government cell phones through the Lifeline program. They include the following:
1. Access Wireless
The above-mentioned carrier usually provides a free phone that comes with up to 750 minutes of call, unlimited text, and 200MB of mobile data on a monthly basis. If you reside in California, you are likely to get a better deal since the free plan usually goes up to 1000 minutes of call allowance as well as unlimited text and 200MB of data.
2. American Assistance
Besides Access Wireless, American Assistance also offers free phones to low-income individuals. Here, you will enjoy 500 minutes and 500 text messages on average if you are eligible for their Lifeline program. Compared to other providers, these allowances are on the lower side. However, you will enjoy free features such as three-way calling, call waiting, voice mail, and even caller ID.
3. ASTAC (Artic Slope Telephone Association Cooperative)
The above-mentioned carrier usually offers its services in the remote parts of North America, mostly in Alaska’s North Slope coast. You will note that this service also covers most of the other regions of Alaska. The good news is that this service will enable you to reach out to those whom you love if they reside in this remote region.
Once you are approved for this service, you can trust that you will enjoy unlimited calls and texts locally. Therefore, you have to pay a quarter of each minute of 411 calls. Sometimes, the company might ask for a $200 deposit if at all you will be calling long-distance numbers, every now and then.
5. Assurance Wireless
This free cell phone provider usually offers 350 minutes of call to all its clients. However, texting here is normally limited. Fortunately, you will get a larger data package of 500 MB as well as a free Android smart-phone.
If you reside in California, you can be sure that you will enjoy unlimited calls, 5 GB of data as well as unlimited texts. However, users from other states can top up their plans with Virgin Mobile cards.54. Q link Wireless
You will note that Q Link usually offers free government cell phones that come with a basic plan. However, what is fantastic about them is that they will normally roll your unused allowances to the next month’s quota.
Therefore, you can be sure that you will get 500 minutes of calls and unlimited text to the 500 minutes you get next month. In addition, you will the unused voice allowance will be rolled over to the next month. This makes this service incredible.
Apart from this, Q Link Wireless also offers a bonus program that encourages users to refer their friends and family to the company. By doing this, you will get an additional 100 minutes for every successful referral.
6. enTouch Wireless
Also known as Boomerang, this service provider usually offers free cell phone with free 500 minutes and 100 text messages per month with only 10 MB of data. Besides this, you can enjoy 500 MB of data but its call and text are normally limited to 100 units per month.
It is important to note that non-tribal California residents are bound to enjoy unlimited calls and text plus 500 MB. However, tribal users living in California will get unlimited calls and texts and 2.4 GB of data. If you are a non-California resident but you are a member of the tribal communities, you can be sure that you will get a larger 750 MB data pack with unlimited texts.
7. Infiniti Mobile
Once you sign up for this free government cell phone provider’s account, you will be able to get free cell phones, unlimited text and talk time. Also, you will enjoy 2.5 GB for only one dollar per month. However, for you to enjoy this service, you have to live in the state of Oklahoma. Here, you will benefit from two kinds of plans. These include:
- Oklahoma Lifeline 1000 Plus Plan that allows you to enjoy 1500 minutes of call,1700 texts, and 500 MB of data each and every month for $1 in addition to the fees and taxes
- Oklahoma Lifeline Unlimited Plan allows you to enjoy unlimited voice minutes and texts and 2.5 GB on a monthly basis for only $1 and fees and taxes.
8. Blue Jay Wireless
The above-mentioned carrier usually offers a free government cell phone with 250 to 500 minutes of calls and free unlimited texting. If you want to enjoy data services of this service provider, you will have to pay $3.60 for 500 MB of data. This is because there is no free internet plans with Blue Jay Wireless.
You will note that California residents usually get unlimited calls and texts but they have to pay $26 a month in order to enjoy 5 GB of data.
9. Assist Wireless
This carrier usually offers various free government phone plans to all eligible clients. Users have the privilege of applying for a newer device by just signing a contract and submitting their older phone.
By accepting this deal, customers are able to enjoy $15 credit to their account and 1 GB of data. Unlike other cell phone service providers, this one normally offers discount prepaid plans to all its clients. Therefore, you will not have to worry about the next bill.
10. SafeLink Wireless
By choosing this carrier, you will be able to get a free phone with 350 minutes and unlimited texts. Also, you will enjoy 500 MB of data. If you are a California resident, you can trust that you will get a free Android phone with unlimited call time and texts with 500 MB of data.
For the record, Safelink is one of the oldest and most reliable carriers in 40 states of the US including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Other states other than California, residents here have the luxury to choose between either of the following two plans:
- Bring your own compatible phone and get a free SIM card with 350 free minutes and unlimited texts per month and free internet access to this carrier’s network for a period of 3 months. Thereafter, you will get 500 MB in the coming months.
- Free plan where you will get a free smartphone with 350 minutes and unlimited free texts with 500 MB of free data on a monthly basis.
11. Sprocket Wireless
If you live in rural areas of Oklahoma, this carrier is the ultimate solution for you. Here, you will be able to get a free phone with unlimited calls and texts by just paying as low as $1.However this service is limited to the following areas within Oklahoma; Okemah, Savannah, Canadian, Crowder, Fairfax, Hugo, and so on.
12. Standup Wireless
When it comes to customer service, this cell phone service provider does not disappoint. You will note that is usually tries to find the best plan for you at a pocket-friendly price. In case you miss a payment, you will be able to enjoy a certain grace period. Therefore, your line will not get cut immediately, once the due date passes.
It is important to note that this cell phone service provider does not allow outside phones. Therefore, you will automatically get a new phone once you qualify for its Lifeline assistance program. However, you will need to access their site or better still, contact them personally in order to determine if they will provide you with a plan in your current state.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Have 2 Government Phone?
Unfortunately, you cannot have two government phones. You can only have one Lifeline account per household. All you need to do is to make your choice of landline or cell phone and you will be good to go.
Does Verizon Offer Free Government Phone?
Yes. Low-income singles or families can now apply for a Verizon Wireless free government phone if at all they fall within 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you qualify for other aid programs, you will automatically be entitled to Verizon wireless free government phone from the Lifeline program.
How Can You Get A Free Government Obama Cell Phone?
You can get a free Obama cell phone through Assurance Wireless which offers free government cell phones, thanks to the Lifeline Assistance program. As long as you are eligible for this program, you will be entitled to low-income free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes. Also, you will get a free phone.
Does Safelink Still Give Government Free Phone?
As we speak, new or returning customers of Safelink Wireless Lifeline can now get a free smartphone. Besides this, they will be able to get 350 free monthly voice minutes and unlimited text messages, and 3 GB of data.
Can You Upgrade My Government Phone?
Yes. You can upgrade your government phone by choosing to bring your phone to your carriers such as Safe-Link or better still, choose from a variety of phones that they offer. The good news is that this program usually allows you to bring your phone when you are eligible to receive free government phone service. Once you upgrade your government phone, you will still keep your old handset.
Closing Thoughts
Nowadays, individuals who come from low-income families can now own fancy phones, thanks to the Lifeline Assistance program of the government. This has made it easier for them to communicate with those they love and even do business. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for this program, you will be good to go.
What’s interesting is that there are carriers, such as the ones mentioned above, that offer free government phone and usually have pocket-friendly plans as far as data, calls and texts are concerned. In addition, the services of these carriers are available in most places in the U.S. Consider any of the above-mentioned best government phones and you will enjoy more convenience.