Free Government Cell Phones For Low Income
Ever get fed up with the high cost of wireless service? We do too.
Even if you cut costs by avoiding expensive unlimited plans you may still need a more affordable option. How does free sound?
If you fall within certain low-income guidelines, you may qualify for a free government cell phone and service through a government program called Lifeline.
This option is a great solution if:
- You don’t need tons of data
- You’re a senior citizen
- You need a phone for work or job searching
- You need a phone in case of things like car problems or medical emergencies
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about this free cell phone program and how to get started.
Attach Proof Of Eligibility To The Form
The free government cell phone program is for the poor. To prevent unqualified individuals from enjoying this benefit, cell phone companies conduct a thorough screening process. After filling out the form, you will be required to affix all necessary documents for verification. Failure to attach these documents means disqualification. These documents confirm why youre qualified for a free government cell phone. If your eligibility is income-based, you are to attach your income statement or certificate of the federal tax return. To get this, visit any branch of your bank or send them an email to request this. On the other hand, if you qualify because you are participating in any of the government-paid programs, then attach your evidence of membership. Its worthy of note that only original copies of these documents are acceptable. Also, you have to reaffirm your eligibility every year. For instance, if your spending ability improves, you will no longer be eligible.
Whats The Difference Between 4g And 5g
The main difference between 4G and 5G is speed. 4G service can currently reach speeds of up to 100 Mbps, though it usually averages speeds of 35 Mbps. 5G can be 100 times faster than 4G at its top speed.
Why the significant change? Well, the cellular infrastructure that supports wireless communication is updated every 10 years, allowing faster connections with each upgrade. 4G still dominates most of the US, but 5G is slowly replacing it.
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Are These Phone Free
When we read the word free, it is natural that there comes doubt in the mind, if the product is really free or just a hoax. With this fear, some Americans are confused whether this lifeline service is free and available in the market. The alarm or fear whatever resides in ones mind should not exist.
You should not worry at all if you are new to this best free government plan, and if you qualify, it is really easy to become a beneficiary of this free government phone. The free plan was earlier named as the Lifeline assistance, which means that you can own a free government phone that will help you communicate without investing a penny. This lifeline program has been operational in 49 states which includes Washington and south American parts such a Puerto Rico.
Right now, many of these free government phone providers are operating at both the national level, and the regional level. They have been recognized by the state. Enrolling to one of these service, plan or program should not be a very difficult process for you.
Companies That Provide Obama Phones And Free Service
IMPORTANT NOTE: The plans of the various companies below can vary considerably. Some may give unlimited minutes, some unlimited texting, and most now include up or 500 MB of mobile internet data . And the phone models can vary greatly as well, with some providing smartphones. We urge you to compare plans of all providers who serve your state.
Assist Wireless This Lifeline cell phone provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri and Oklahoma. They have a number of different plans.
Assurance Wireless Assurance, a rapidly-growing subsidiary of Sprint Nextel, is number two in the Obama phone business with 2.7 million customers. It offers phones in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Cintex Wireless This regional Lifeline provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
Easy Wireless If you live in Oklahoma, Kentucky, or Missouri, you can contact Easy Wireless for your Lifeline cell phone.
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How To Get Free 5g Government Phones: A Complete Guide
This information is current as of June 12, 2022.
Do you participate in SNAP, Public Housing, Medicaid, or another government-assistance program? Or are you a low-income American? You might qualify for a free 5G government phone!
How to get free 5G government phones
You can get one of these 5G government phones by being eligible for and applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program or Lifeline. Then, youll have to choose a company that offers a free phone with their ACP/Lifeline plan. Voila youve now got a free 5G phone and monthly plan covered by the government.
Lets dive into each step so you can get your new phone today.
What Kind Of Phones Can I Get
You usually won’t know what kind of phone you can get until you go through the approval process, though most of the Lifeline Assistance-eligible carriers do a decent job offering a variety of phones. Sadly, you likely won’t find the iPhone 11, iPhone SE, or a new Android phone with these carriers, but there are still plenty of smartphones out there that you can get for super cheap or even free. Yup, thats right: a potential free smartphone.
To give you an idea of what to expect, Assurance Wireless has its cell phone lineup public. You can find smartphones like the Alcatel Dawn and the Kyocera Hydro REACH.
You can also find other smartphones like the Coolpad Haylo, REVVL 4, and ZTE Prestige 2.
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How Do I Apply And Prove My Household Income To The Government
Youll need to submit pay stubs, a W-2 form, or a letter from the government agency that you’re enrolled in to prove your household income. The process of applying for free cell phone service is thankfully pretty easyyou can just go to the website of a cell phone company that participates in the program.
For example, if you wanted to check out Assurance Wireless, theres a big Apply Now button front and center. Just follow the instructions and you should find out if you qualify for a cell phone and cell phone plan fairly quickly.
What Service Providers Do I Have Access To
As stated above, there are many service providers in each state, but there are a couple of providers that are widely accessible nationwide and well worth mentioning. Those providers are:
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is now under the umbrella of T-Mobile, which makes it an attractive provider of the Lifeline Assistance Program. However, T-Mobile is currently only offering discounts through the Lifeline program in seven states and Puerto Rico.
This does not mean that Assurance Wireless is only available in these eight locations, but rather T-Mobile specific discounts are only available in these eight locations. The list of state availability for Assurance Wireless can be found here.
Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is under the same umbrella that houses names like Net10, Simple Mobile, Straight Talk, and TracFone. All of these are notable names in the No-Contract cell phone market.
TracFone Wireless is currently the largest no-contract provider in the United States and has the best track record, no pun intended. One of the reasons SafeLink is arguably the top provider of free government cell phones is because they accept almost any GSM phone.
QLink Wireless
Available in 28 states and Puerto Rico, QLink Wireless is another strong presence in the field of affordable cell phones and cell phone plans.
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Qualifications For Free Government Phone Service
Low-income single people and families who fall at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify. This includes a single person making less than $17,388 per year.
If you qualify for other federal aid programs, you will probably qualify for the Lifeline Program. Other qualifying aid programs include veteran pension and survivor benefit programs, Social Security Income , Federal Public Housing Assistance , Medicaid, SNAP, and more.
Eligibility Criteria For Free Government Cell Phones In Massachusetts
Who are those eligible for the free government cell phone program in Massachusetts? Well, this program aims to enable poor people to have access to communication. However, some requirements must be met. There are two major ways by which you can qualify. Find them below
- Program-based Eligibility
- Income-based Eligibility
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How Can I Receive A Free Phone Through The Government
Actually, the Government doesnt provide a free phone as part of the Lifeline or ACP programs. Free phones are provided directly from the service providers who offer Lifeline and/or the ACP program to qualifying individuals.
In other words, if you qualify for a free phone, you arent receiving this benefit directly from the US Government, but through the Government Benefit Service Provider.
Each provider will offer different benefits, depending on which provider you choose. Did you know that as part of the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program, AirTalk Wireless offers its qualifying customers FREE unlimited data, talk, and text and a FREE 4G/5G device from iconic brands such as Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and more?
Free Cell Phone Providers In Your State
The free cell phone program provides phones from providers like Safelink Wireless, Qlink Wireless, and Assurance Wireless. The governments Lifeline Assistance Program gives free cell phones and monthly service to those living in the U.S. who needs financial help.
The Lifeline is a federal government-mandated program that helps low-income consumers with free phone service. Free government cell phone companies in the U.S. help low-income families stay connected.
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What Does Life Wireless Service Include
- Unlimited Nationwide Calling
*High Speed Data provided over 5G, 4G/LTE and 4G networks subject to network availability and handset compatibility. Videos stream at DVD Quality . Reduced speeds may affect audio and video streaming, access to certain websites and content, or use of available applications. Monthly plans expire 30 days after loaded to account. Data usage subject to our Acceptable Use Policy, available in our terms and conditions. Directory assistance, premium SMS, no answer/busy transfer, caller ID, caller IDblock, and roaming not available. Unused accumulated data is forfeited if you switch between plans or terminate or fail to renew your plan before expiration. Unused Data/Refills/promotions are not redeemable for cash, have no cash value and are not transferable or refundable. Taxes/fees chargedseparately. Plans/rates/fees subject to change without notice. Coverage and service not available in all areas. Life Wireless service provided by Telrite Corporation. Full Terms and Conditions applicable and available here.
**After you have used your plans high-speed data 15GB allowance, we will not turn off your data. Your speed will be throttled to 256 kbps
Save Even More With Recommended Resources And Amazon Deals
Looking to save on additional items for you and your family? Check out our Recommended Resources page. For example, you can learn how to and use your EBT card.
Ally is responsible for researching, copywriting, and editing content at StandUp Wireless. She has extensive experience contributing to advertising and marketing campaigns for Tech Data, Bright House Networks, TV, telecom, internet, home security, cybersecurity, and retail. As a freelance author, Ally has penned six celebrity biographies for young readers.
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Free Cell Phone Plans From The Us Government
You won’t find any major cell phone providers or new iPhone devices eligible for the Lifeline Assistance program, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a decent phone on a reliable network. Some of these cell phone providers also offer free phones or free SIM kits as well.
These are the carriers that currently are eligible with the Lifeline Assistance program:
You can find out what carriers specifically cater to your area by entering your zip code here.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers
The EBB is a limited-time plan created as part of the governments overall COVID-relief efforts. There is currently no set end date, but that is subject to change at the discretion of the FCC.
The primary difference between the LAP and EBB is that EBB isnt just limited to cell phone usage but internet service too. Additionally, more renowned service providers like AT& T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer EBB services in numerous states across the country .
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What Is A Free Government Phone
Qualifying individuals can receive a Free Government Phone as part of the Lifeline Program or the Affordable Connectivity Program. These programs were created to ensure that households could stay connected to work, schooling, and healthcare in their everyday lives.
Currently, there are 2 government assistance programs to assist those in need and these programs are the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs.
Free Government Phones: Plans Devices How To Apply
Thanks to the governments Lifeline Assistance program, you can qualify for .
For those who struggle to pay their cell phone bill every month, this government program was made for you. In this article, we’ll explain how you can qualify for the Lifeline program, as well as run through the carriers that offer free government cell phones. Finally, we’ll present some low-cost cell phone plan alternatives to this free program.
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What Do I Need To Know About Lifeline Cell Phone Minutes And Texting
Most Lifeline wireless plans give you a maximum number of minutes per month. Check how many minutes you get, to see if a plan will work for you.
You use minutes when you:
- make any phone call – including toll-free numbers,
- listen to voicemail.
If you use more than your free minutes, you have to buy extra minutes. Extra minutes are expensive. You may also have to buy minutes just to get your voicemail.
Many people who have Lifeline run out of minutes quickly, and then nobody can reach them. Be sure to give people who need to get in touch with you a back up phone number. Ask a friend or family member if you can use their number as a back up. Be careful about giving your Lifeline number to your social worker, probation officer or other people who need to reach you. If you use your Lifeline phone to call a court or an agency for a hearing, tell them you have limited minutes so they do not put you on hold or delay the matter.
What Is The Lifeline Assistance Program
Lifeline Assistance is the Federal Communication Commission’s long-running program designed to provide equal access to phone service for all Americans. It specifically caters to low-income residents who may not otherwise be able to afford a cell phone device or plan. The program entitles those who are eligible to wireless service for $9.25/month. It also applies to internet service, also priced at $9.25/month.
You can read more about the Lifeline program here.
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Save Money On Your Wireless Phone Service
Are you looking for assistance with your wireless phone service? Did you know that if you qualify for programs like SNAP, you may also be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program ? Both Lifeline and ACP are government programs that help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.
Click here to find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.
What Happens If I Lose My Phone
If you can not find it, be aware that you are liable for all charges on your phone until you report it being lost or stolen to Easy Wireless.
Once you notify Easy Wireless, they will suspend your service, and will leave it suspended until you have a new device you can activate on your EASY Wireless account. If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can use that on your account. Use our tool to verify if the phone is eligible.
If you do not have a device you can use, EASY Wireless will give you a $20 discount towards a new handset. You are only eligible for this discount once.
If the service is disconnected, the subscriber will have to re-activate the new service by verifying proof of eligibility.
If you have any questions, you can call Easy Wireless customer service .
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Are Government Phones Really Free
Did you know that you can receive a Free 4G/5G Smartphone without paying any hidden fees at AirTalk Wireless? AirTalk Wireless is an FCC-licensed Lifeline and ACP Provider which has provided federal assistance programs for over 10 years. Just take a look at what some of our satisfied AirTalk customers had to say about us!
AirTalk Wireless prides itself by going above and beyond to offer its customers a free 4G/5G smartphone at the companys own cost. Eligible customers will have a chance to receive a free smartphone from top iconic brands such as Apple, Samsung, LG, Motorola, and more! Moreover, AirTalk even provides the option for customers to upgrade their free phone to a higher-end model at deeply discounted rates of up to 80% off retail pricing.
to discover the top 5 free phones from AirTalk Wireless.
In addition to a free device, subscribers can also enjoy unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data plus unlimited calling to Canada and Mexico for only $5 a month as part of the ACP and Lifeline program.
All these offers come with no monthly bills, no contracts, and absolutely no hidden fees.
