Who would reject a free offer? We can conclude that most United States residents would accept a free item. However, the truth is that in many cases, freebies have strings attached. And if you’ve heard of people getting free government phones, you’re likely to be skeptical about these claims. It must be interesting to discover that the government actually does offer free phones to qualified low-income residents. Even so, you’ll still wonder, “Where can I get a free government phone?” Many Lifeline cell phone companies do provide free government phones to eligible individuals.
The Federal Government runs a Lifeline Assistance program that gives free mobile phones for low-income families along with inexpensive wireless plans. But these free cellphones aren’t for everyone. You must qualify for the program by meeting specific income guidelines, or enroll in a government aid program such as Medicaid or Food Stamps SNAP. Initially, you would only get a basic phone with cell phone service. However, times are changing, and many government phone companies are now offering smartphones with a $9.25 monthly cellphone service entitlement. Several wireless carriers specialize in giving free phones and low-cost service via Lifeline Assistance, including Safelink Wireless and Assurance Wireless.
Today, it isn’t enough to receive a free essential phone and service like the safelink government phone. It seems everyone is after a smartphone. But keep in mind that cellular providers don’t need to issue smartphones. And while it makes sense to want to keep up with the latest technology, this provision is at the disposal of cellphone companies. Some carriers offer inexpensive older phone models in your first free government phone application. But most Lifeline providers have Androids and smartphones for new and existing customers, including BYOP programs. To answer your question, “Where can I get a free government phone,” we’ll cover everything concerning FCC’s Lifeline Assistance Cellphone program in this article.
Where Can I Get A Free Government Phone: Everything You Need To Know
Lifeline Assistance is a program run by the Federal Communication Commission Authority from 1985 to give all Americans equal access to essential phone services. The program especially looks after low-income families and individuals that may not otherwise afford a cellphone unit or plan. According to FCC, the platform allows eligible Americans up to $9.25 a month in wireless service.
Currently, flip phones and other basic devices are declining as consumers are looking for more efficient and modern phones. And thanks to recent improvements in the Lifeline program, you can now receive smartphones, including the best touchscreen free government phones. Smartphones and touchscreen Androids are the best free Lifeline cellular phones.
Operators like AirVoice Wireless and QLink Wireless provide free smartphones to new subscribers or old customers who want to upgrade services. Besides, Assurance Wireless gives a free Android phone plus wireless access to every user. So, an assurance free phone is the simplest way to upgrade your services.
Read on to learn more about the FCC program. We’ll be providing a detailed explanation of Lifeline cellphone services so you can;
- Know whether you qualify for a free cellphone from government
- Determine which carriers to go with for a $0 cost device and free phone activation
Moreover, you can visit the Federal Communication Commission Authority official website to read more about the Lifeline Assistance program.
Where Can I Get A Free Government Phone: Requirements and How To Apply
The FCC provides strict eligibility criteria for its Lifeline Assistance services. You can qualify if you already receive aid through one of the following government programs:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance program
- Food Stamps or SNAP program
- Medical Aid or Medicaid program
- Supplemental Security Income or SSI program
- Specified Tribal Programs like:
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or TTANF
- Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or FDPIR
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
In addition to the above programs, you can also join Lifeline by qualifying for the Federal Government’s Poverty Guidelines.
It is vital to realize that Lifeline Assistance now allows multiple beneficiaries per household. Therefore, each family member is eligible for one landline telephone or wireless cellphone. Also, this provision includes any cell phone or free internet plan in the home.
How To Apply For A Free Government Cellphone
How to apply for a free Lifelink phone is the closest we can get to answer the question, “Where can I get a free government phone.” The application process is pretty fast and straightforward.
Here’s the step-by-step application for a free phone from the government:
1. First, determine if you qualify for a free cell phone from the government as above
2. Then shop around for cellular carriers that participate in the government program and serve your state
3. After that, prepare documents that show proof of qualification through any of the above methods. The materials may include:
- Pay stubs
- Your wage and salary tax report or a W-2 tax form
- An endorsement letter from the government aid program in which you participate
4. Once you gather proof of eligibility documents, complete your application by sending them to your preferred participating Lifeline Assistance company via mail, email, or fax depending on the wireless operator. However, most Lifeline carriers will let you apply from their sites.
You can now sit and wait for the Lifelink carrier to deliver your device plus free phone activation instructions. Most providers of Lifeline services offer smartphones to keep customers connected with the transformations in cellular technology. But you’ll want to keep in mind that offers will depend on what’s available in stock.
Free Lifeline Assistance Cellphone Carriers
The wireless operators below all provide mobile phones and plans through the Lifeline program. Some providers are more popular than others. For example, Virgin Mobile backed Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless, and QLink Wireless are three of the most prominent ones.
Also, note that each Lifelink carrier caters to specific states. Therefore, you can visit each company’s webpage for more information regarding the services they offer in particular states.
If you’ve been wondering, “Where can I get a free government phone,” here are nine companies to get you started.
| Lifeline Carrier | What You Get | Special Benefits |
| Assist Wireless Tribal Lifeline fee: $1 a month Non-Tribal Lifeline fee: $36 a month Phone replacement fee: $25 | Oklahoma Lifeline Plan Unlimited talk and text Non-Oklahoma Lifeline Plan 1000 minutes talk-time OR 1000 text messages | ✔ Free cellphone ✔ Caller ID ✔ 3-way calling ✔ Voicemail ✔ Call forwarding ✔ Call waiting |
| Assurance Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | California Plan Unlimited voice minutes & SMS 3-Gig 4G LTE data 500-Meg data Other Areas 1000 or 350 voice minutes Unlimited SMS 2-Gig 4G LTE data | ✔ Free smartphone ✔ mobile hotspot access ✔ National coverage ✔ Free 911 ✔ Free 211 ✔ Voicemail ✔ Caller ID ✔ 3-way Calls ✔ Cheap global calls |
| Easy Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | Oklahoma-Only Tribal Plans Free unlimited talk & text, 2-Gig Data unlimited talk & text, + data, first 2-Gig 4G LTE speed – $1.00 unlimited talk & text, + data, first 5-Gig 4G LTE speed – $15.00 Oklahoma Kentucky Missouri Plan 750 minutes, unlimited talk & text, 25-Meg Data – Free 750 minutes, unlimited talk & text, 250-Meg Data – $1.00 Unlimited minutes, unlimited talk & text, 1-Gig Data – $15.00 Unlimited talk & text, 2-Gig Data – $25.00 Unlimited talk & text + data first 2-Gig 4G LTE speed – $26.00 Unlimited talk & text + data first 5-Gig 4G LTE Speed – $40 | ✔ Free cellphone ✔ Call waiting ✔ Caller ID ✔ Voicemail ✔ 3-way calls ✔ Nationwide calling |
| enTouch Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | Unlimited talk-time Unlimited data | ✔ Free cellphone ✔ Caller ID, 3-way calls, + Voicemail ✔ In-state + local long-distance calls |
| FeelSafe Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | California – Unlimited talk, text, MMS +2-Gig Data, & 100 Global texts Kentucky – 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data Michigan – 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data Mississippi – 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data Oklahoma – Tribal unlimited talk, MMS, SMS, Non-tribal 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data Pennsylvania – 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data South Carolina – 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data Wisconsin – 1000 talk, 500 SMS, + 500-Meg Data | ✔ Free cellphone ✔ Caller ID, 3-way calls, + Voicemail ✔ Call forwarding ✔ Call waiting ✔ 911 |
| Life Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | 123 monthly minutes 1/3 a minute for every text | ✔ Free cellphone ✔ Caller ID, Voicemail, + Call waiting ✔ Nationwide coverage |
| Q Link Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | 1,000 minutes Unlimited SMS 1-Gig internet data | ✔ Free smartphone + SIM card ✔ BYOP program + SIM card ✔ National coverage ✔ Free 911 + domestic roaming ✔ Voicemail, Caller ID, + 3-way Calls ✔ 100 minutes per referral |
| Safelink Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | 500 minutes first 3 months 1.5-Gig data first 3 months 1,000 minutes Unlimited SMS 1-Gig internet data | ✔ Free smartphone + SIM card ✔ BYOP program + SIM card ✔ National coverage + Free 911 ✔ Voicemail, Caller ID, 3-way Calls |
| Tempo Wireless Lifeline fee: $0 a month | Unlimited talk and text 3-Gig internet data | ✔ Free cellphone ✔ Caller ID, Voicemail, + Call waiting |
Our list samples a handful of the providers from where you can get a free government phone. There are several other top Lifelink carriers offering cellphones and plans in your state if you know where to look.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I obtain a free phone from the government?
Find a government cellphone company in your state and fill out their online application to see if you qualify for a free phone.
2. Can I get two phones from the government?
You cannot get two government phones. However, the FCC altered its rules to allow multiple free government cellphone in each family.
3. How long does it take to receive a free government phone?
The duration for receiving your free lifeline phone will depend on various factors, including your location. However, FCC allows Lifeline companies to deliver your free cellphone within sixty days of your annual enrollment.
4. How do I qualify for the Lifeline assistance program?
You can qualify for Lifeline service by participating in specific Federal aid programs such as Medicaid or SNAP. Also, you can enroll by meeting the Federal government’s income level guidelines.
5. Is Assurance Wireless free?
Yes. Assurance Wireless offers qualifying low-income individuals and families with free cellphones and plans.
Bottom Line
The answer to the question, “Where can I get a free government phone,” will depend on your location. There are tens of Lifeline companies serving each state in the United States. We recommend that you visit the official website of the Lifeline Assistance program for a detailed report of who provides free government phones in your area. Also, keep in mind that you must meet FCC’s minimum eligibility requirements before you apply.