Technology has made people to become more modernized. As we speak, most people usually use mobile phones to browse the internet, communicate with their family members, and even connect with friends on social media platforms. Earlier on, most people used to rely on landlines or telephones. This is no longer the case, as we have touch screen smart-phones. The good news is that these phones come with incredible features such as a high-quality camera, improved RAM for better processing capabilities, among other features.
Such exceptional features make it difficult for most people to afford phones. It is due to this reason why the government is providing free phones in different state to those who cannot afford it. It is worth noting that Lifeline Assistance, which is FCC-mandated, is the program that helps the financially disadvantaged people to get these handsets at no cost. As we speak, it is estimated that over 12 million Americans have a Lifeline cell phone. Apart from this, about 10 million qualify to enroll in this program and receive a handset for free.
How Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone?
Most people would like to own a free government phone, but they do not know how to go about it. For this to be a reality, you should prove that you are eligible to get this handset from the government. To start with, you should live below the poverty line, and your household income score should be below 135%.
If this is the case, you can readily apply for this handset. However, it is essential to note that different states usually have different income scores eligibility. As we speak, 49 states plus Puerto Rico and Washington D.C currently offer Lifeline cell phones. Although this eligibility requirement differs from state to state, there are some federal programs that one can qualify for depending on his or her state. These include:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Federal Public Housing Assistance(section 8)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance(BIA)
- Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations(FDPIR)
- Veteran’s Pension and Survivor’s Benefit.
The Best Government Free Phones Provider By State
1. Access Wireless
This is one of the best free government phones providers in the United State. You will note that they provide their services to more than 30 states. Once you visit their website, you will be able to check you are eligible for this handset or not. Here, all those people who come from low-income families stand to benefit from this program.
2. SafeLink Wireless
Besides Access Wireless, SafeLink Wireless is another telecommunication company that provides free government handsets to people who earn a low income and cannot afford to buy a phone. You will get not only a free safelink smart-phone but also 350 minutes of talk time. Apart from this, you will enjoy unlimited text messages and 1000 MB of data. If you reside in California, you stand the chance of getting 2GB monthly data.
3. Assurance Wireless
Apart from the providers mentioned above, Assurance Wireless is another provider of free government phones. This service provider normally uses the Virgin Mobile Network to provide their wireless services. The good news is that they usually have good network coverage. Apart from the free virgin mobile phone, you will get free texts, data, and even more talk time.
4. Qlink Wireless
This is another major provider of free government phones in the U.S. In fact, they usually provide their services to more than 30 states of the U.S. If you qualify for a free government phone, you will get a handset and unlimited texts, 1000 minutes of talk time, and 1 GB of data. In case, you need more talk time and data, you can still go ahead and buy it. This way, you will be able to reach your families and loved ones seamlessly.
5. enTouch Wireless
Apart from the above-mentioned providers, you can get a free government phone from enTouch Wireless. You will note that they provide lifeline service in more than 30 states of the U.S. Besides the free phone, you will get unlimited texts, 1000 minute talk time, and 1000mb 4G data. If you reside in California, you can be sure that you will enjoy the luxury of unlimited talk time and texts. Apart from this, you will get 500 MB of data.
Important Things To Know About Government Free Phone
1. The Lifeline program is sponsored by the federal government
The above mentioned program is sponsored by the federal government, and this makes it possible for low-income earners to have a mobile phone and other offers such as free minutes, talk time, and even data.
2. The Lifeline discounts do not need any monthly bills or contracts
There are instances when you might get a bill from your wireless cell phone service provider. If this happens and you have chosen a free plan, you should contact the customer service team immediately.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get more than one free handset is available per household?
If there is anyone in your family who is currently receiving a Lifeline discount, you will not be eligible to apply for a handset as well. Here, one household usually gets one free phone.
Do I have the liberty to change the provider of my free government phone?
Are you dissatisfied with the services offered by one particular provider of free government phones? If this is the case, you should not panic as you can readily change this provider the way you please. Ideally, you should get the best service and coverage all the time.
How has covid-19 affected Lifeline services?
It is important to note that the COVID-19 pandemic has made the Federal Communications Commission or what is commonly referred to as FCC to develop a raft of changes to the Lifeline on March 17 2020.These include:
- Waiver for the recertification and verification requirement of the program for a period of 60 days. However, it is worth noting that this waiver was later extended to August 31, 2020.
- The Lifeline administrators were prohibited to de-enroll other members during this period.
- The FCC waived the various requirements for customers on April 29, 2020, where they were to provide their income documentation for a period of 3 months when applying for Lifeline, based on their income.
Conclusion
With the free government phones by state , you can be sure that you will get social media updates and even read news online. Also, you will be able to reach out to your loved ones and friends once in a while. As long as you are eligible for the free government phone, you can apply and you can be sure that you will get one.
Apart from this phone, you will get other offers such as more data and talk time to help you engage with your close friends and family members. This program has proved to be very useful for those people who come from low-income families in the U.S.