Get Your Free Government Phone Today

Through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), eligible low-income Americans can receive a free smartphone with unlimited talk, text, and data. Stay connected with family, access essential services, and embrace the digital world.

Lifeline Eligibility Checker

Each household is allowed only one Lifeline benefit.

Features and Benefits

Comprehensive connectivity solutions for eligible participants

Service Options

  • Landline phone service
  • Wireless phone service
  • Broadband internet service
  • Bundled voice-broadband packages

Network Coverage

  • Nationwide 4G LTE coverage
  • 5G network access (select areas)
  • High-speed data connectivity
  • Reliable network performance

Usage Allowances

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • A set amount of mobile data (4.5GB/month)
  • Free activation
  • Free SIM card

Additional Features

  • Voicemail
  • Caller ID
  • Call waiting
  • 911 access
  • Domestic long-distance calling

Top Government Phone Providers

Choose from trusted providers nationwide

Assurance Wireless

1-888-321-5880
www.assurancewireless.com
AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI

SafeLink Wireless

1-800-723-3546
www.safelinkwireless.com
All 50 States, DC, Puerto Rico

Q Link Wireless

1-855-754-6543
www.qlinkwireless.com
AR, AZ, CO, GA, HI, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

Access Wireless

1-866-594-3644
www.accesswireless.com
AR, CA, CO, CT, DC, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI

TruConnect

1-800-430-0443
www.truconnect.com
AZ, AR, CA, CO, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY

StandUp Wireless

1-800-544-4441
www.standupwireless.com
AZ, AR, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WA, WV, WI

Life Wireless

1-888-543-3620
www.lifewireless.com
AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI

enTouch Wireless

1-866-488-8719
www.entouchwireless.com
AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, NY, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WA, WI

Easy Wireless

1-877-476-3451
www.easywireless.com
AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, NE, NV, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WA, WI

Airtalk Wireless

1-855-924-7825
www.airtalkwireless.com
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

NewPhone Wireless

1-855-204-3667
AR, AZ, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, NV, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WA, WI

Tag Mobile

1-866-959-4918
www.tagmobile.com
AR, CA, CO, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MN, MO, NV, OH, PA, RI, SC, TX, UT, WA, WI

TerraCom Wireless

1-877-351-4747
www.terracomwireless.com
AR, IN, KS, LA, MD, MI, MO, OK, TX, WI

Tempo Wireless

1-833-998-3676
www.mytempo.com
AR, CA, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MO, OH, OK, PA, SC, TX, WI

True Wireless

1-833-733-8524
www.gotruewireless.com
AR, KS, MD, MO, OK, RI, TX

Available Smartphone Models

Choose from a variety of quality smartphones from top manufacturers

Apple

  • iPhone SE (2nd gen)
  • iPhone 6s Plus
  • iPhone 7s Plus
  • iPhone 8
  • iPhone XR
  • iPhone X
  • iPhone 11
  • iPhone 12
  • iPhone 13

Samsung

  • Galaxy S9
  • Galaxy A13 5G
  • Galaxy A32 5G
  • Galaxy A53 5G
  • Galaxy A14
  • Galaxy A03s
  • Galaxy S22
  • Galaxy Z Fold & Flip
  • Galaxy Note

Motorola

  • Moto G Power
  • Moto G Pure
  • Moto G Play
  • Moto E
  • Moto G Stylus
  • Moto Z4
  • Moto Edge

Nokia

  • Nokia G400
  • Nokia G100
  • Nokia C100
  • Nokia C200
  • Nokia G50

OnePlus

  • OnePlus Nord N200
  • OnePlus Nord N300
  • OnePlus Nord N20
  • OnePlus Nord N100
  • OnePlus Nord N10

Google Pixel

  • Pixel 6a
  • Pixel 5a
  • Pixel 4a
  • Pixel 4
  • Pixel 3a

* Available models may vary by provider and location. Contact your local provider for specific model availability.

Who Qualifies?

Check if you're eligible for a free government phone

Qualifying Programs

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid / Medi-Cal
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veteran and Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Lifeline
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Tribally Assistance Programs (TANF, BIA etc)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

Income-Based Qualification

Your household may qualify if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

  • Annual income verification required
  • Household size considered
  • Documentation needed for proof
Qualifying Program Logos

Documents Required

Prepare these documents for your application

Identity Verification

  • •Government-issued photo ID
  • •Social Security card
  • •Birth certificate

Proof of Address

  • •Utility bill
  • •Lease agreement
  • •Mortgage statement

Program Participation

  • •Benefits award letter
  • •Program participation card
  • •Official program documents

Income Verification

  • •Pay stubs
  • •Tax returns
  • •Social Security benefits statement

Program Rules

Important guidelines to maintain your benefits

One Benefit Per Household

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.

Annual Recertification

Subscribers must recertify their eligibility every year to continue receiving benefits. This ensures the program serves those who truly need it.

Active Usage Required

Service must be used at least once every 30 days to remain active. This includes making a call, sending a text, or using data.

Easy Application Process

Choose your preferred way to apply

Using the online Lifeline National Verifier

Complete your application through the National Verifier portal. This is the fastest way to check your eligibility and apply.

Apply Online

Contacting a participating Lifeline service provider

Reach out directly to a Lifeline provider in your area who can assist with your application.

Find Providers

Submitting a paper application by mail

Download and complete the Lifeline application form, then mail it with your supporting documents.

Download Form

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about free government phones

What is the Free Government Phone Program?

The Free Government Phone Program, which includes Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), provides free phones and service to eligible low-income Americans to ensure everyone has access to essential communications.

Which providers are offering free 5G phones?

Several major providers offer free 5G phones through government programs, including Assurance Wireless, SafeLink Wireless, and Q Link Wireless. The availability of 5G phones depends on your location and current promotions. Most providers now include 5G-capable devices like the Samsung Galaxy A13 5G or similar models in their offerings.

Where can you get a phone without paying?

You can get a free phone through various channels: 1) Government programs like Lifeline and ACP if you qualify, 2) Major wireless carriers when switching services with eligible trade-ins, 3) Certified Lifeline providers in your state, or 4) Special promotional offers from participating retailers.

Which companies provide free iPhones for switching carriers?

While government programs typically don't offer iPhones, major carriers like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon frequently offer free or heavily discounted iPhones when switching carriers. These offers usually require a qualifying trade-in and a commitment to their service plans.

What options do you have if you don't meet the requirements for a free phone?

If you don't qualify for free government phones, you have several alternatives: 1) Look for carrier switching promotions, 2) Consider budget-friendly prepaid plans, 3) Check for seasonal sales and special offers, 4) Explore certified refurbished devices, or 5) Look into payment plan options with no interest.

How many free phones can I get per household?

Each eligible household can receive one free phone through the program. Multiple people in the same household cannot receive separate phones.

What kind of phones are provided?

The program provides modern smartphones capable of calling, texting, and accessing the internet. The exact model varies by provider and availability.

Do I need to pay anything for the phone or service?

No, qualified participants receive both the phone and monthly service completely free. There are no hidden fees or charges.

How long can I keep the free phone service?

You can keep the service as long as you remain eligible and recertify your eligibility annually. You must also use your phone at least once every 30 days.

What happens if I lose my free government phone?

Contact your service provider immediately. Replacement policies vary by provider - some may offer free replacements, while others may charge a fee.

Can I keep my current phone number?

Yes, in most cases you can transfer your existing phone number to your new free government phone.

How long does the application process take?

Most applications are processed within 7-10 business days. Once approved, you should receive your phone within 2-3 weeks.

What network carriers do these phones use?

Free government phones operate on major national networks including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon, depending on your provider and location.

Can I upgrade my free government phone?

While the basic phone and service are free, some providers offer paid upgrades to premium devices or additional services if desired.

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