How To Get A Free Phone: The Ultimate Guide

The majority of us can’t imagine life without a cell phone. We take it for granted that we can communicate with family and coworkers and call for help with the touch of a finger. However, cell phones and cell services are often out of reach for low-income families due to their high cost. The good news is you can get a free smartphone if you are eligible. Keep reading to find out how to get a free phone. 

What is the free phone program? 

Origin of the free phone program 

The fact is that many households in the United States have low incomes and mostly find it difficult to afford phones and plans to communicate with their friends and relatives. The government understands these difficulties, and that is why they have programs to assist people with free devices and cheap plans: Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). 

Many people say that the government free cellphones program is one of the most successful government programs ever. So it’s not surprising that many people are signing up all across the country. An estimated 12 – 15 million Americans already have free government cell phones. Those are people who now have a phone to help them find work, keep in contact with their families, and have for all the various things that require communication these days. 

Are free phones from the US Government? 

In fact, you don’t get free phones directly from the US government, you receive free cell phones from the Government Service Providers.  

In other words, free phone is a service provided by Government Service Providers. This program is partly funded by the government as part of the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible customers may receive free cell phones or free phone and internet services depending on each provider’s offers.  

Who qualifies for a free phone? 

Basically, you are qualified for a free government cell phone if you are eligible for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program. Check out the list below to find out if you are eligible for a free celphone: 

1. Your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines 

2. Participate in one of the Federal Assistance programs listed below: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps 
• Medicaid 
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) 
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit 
• Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools 
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year 

3. If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you are eligible for a free phone if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in: 

• Any of the federal assistance programs mentioned above 
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance 
• Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard) 
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF) 
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations 

You need to show proof of income and official documents as proof that you participate in certain programs when you apply for a government free phone program. 

Where to get a free phone? 

Freephone booths 

Some providers build booths or tents in certain locations to provide their free phones. All you need to do is show them your ID and any government benefits card, then walk away with a new phone if you’re eligible.  

Get a free phone online 

The most popular and convenient way to get a free phone is by applying for the Government Benefit Programs online through the providers’ website. 

The cell phones and the benefits that customers will receive depend on where they live and which program they apply for. 

Do you know that you can get both a free smartphone and free phone services if you apply for the Federal Benefit Programs at AirTalk Wireless?. AirTalk is an FCC-licensed Lifeline and ACP provider which offers free government phones for thousands of people across the United States for over 10 years. Eligible customers can receive a free iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S9, and more plus unlimited high-speed data, talk, and text from Airwalk with no contracts, no monthly bills, and no hidden fees. 

Just take around 5 minutes to complete the application. You will receive your free phone within 5-7 business days after approval. Remember that you don’t have to pay for anything, including the shipping.  

The bottom line 

In conclusion, you can get a free phone if you are eligible for the Government Assistance Program. Moreover, subscribers can receive smartphones from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and more, plus unlimited phone services if they select the right free phone provider.