Have you heard of the Lifeline Assistance program before? It is a governmental program that provides those households that are in a financially challenging situation with monthly discounts towards their telecommunication service.
Why Does the Government Offer Free Cell Phone Services?
Lifeline is FCC’s government-funded assistance program designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income citizens. They provide their eligible low-income consumers with a discount on telephone services, broadband internet services, plans, and even mobile devices. Depending on their income, other requirements, and the Lifeline provider, some consumers may even get communication services and a cell phone completely free of charge. This financial aid program helps low-income families and individuals provide access to jobs, educational resources, healthcare, emergency services, and their loved ones.
Many wireless providers took the Lifeline program to a higher level and are offering not only discounted services but completely free monthly plans and even free devices.
Let’s dig in, shall we?
How To Get A Free Government Phone?
Getting the best free government phone is really rather simple once you have qualified for the Lifeline Assistance program. However, it all starts with choosing the right wireless provider, the one that offers free mobile phones in your area.
There isn’t a single Lifeline operator that would cover all states and all areas (at least not among those that offer free plans and free phones), as such, you must always visit the website of that specific provider and check is your ZIP code is covered. AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile have the most coverage but they only offer a standard $9.25 or $7.25 monthly discount towards your bill.
Moreover, California has its own ‘Californian Lifeline Program’ which is the most generous, thus Californians can get the best Lifeline deals.
Furthermore, there is also a so-called ‘Tribal Lifeline’, which offers those who live in tribal areas further discounts or more generous deals.
General Steps to get a free government phone:
-
Qualify:
Unless you qualify for the Lifeline Assistance program, you can’t get a free government phone. You can qualify for the program through your income or your participation in the government assistance program.
To prove that you qualify, you will have to submit a copy of a card or award letter proving your participation in a government assistance program (Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension, Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Tribal head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations) OR a copy of a pay stub or tax return proving your income level is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Check out more low income free phone -
Choose a company:
This is a very important step. To get a free government phone, you will have to choose a wireless provider that offer that option in your area. The easiest way to find a company in your area is to use this tool: https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report (Visit the link and enter your ZIP code or your city and state and click the “ Search” button; you will get a list of provider. To see if they offer free phones, you will have to visit their websites or call their support.)
Once you have chosen the company, use their online form to apply or call their support and ask for assistance. -
Sign up:
In the final step, you will have to sign up with the wireless company that you chose.
NOTE: There is only one Lifeline allowed per household for a single type of telecommunication services.
Free Government Cell Phones and the Covid-19 Pandemic
The Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic has made life even more difficult for many American citizens. Many people lost their jobs or have been temporarily laid off and even more people are struggling to pay for their rent, healthcare bills (which may have skyrocketed during the pandemic), education, and even food and other necessities. Due to the imposed social distancing rules and their inability to hang out with their family members, friends, or even neighbors and colleagues, a lot of people are struggling with mental health issues, loneliness, anxiety, and depression.
Therefore, Lifeline has decided to do everything within its power to help keep Americans connected during the pandemic. FCC has decided to temporarily waive recertification, reverification, general de-enrollment, income documentation, and documentation requirements for subscribers living in rural areas on tribal lands. Those waivers have been extended until June 30, 2021. The latest FCC orders are designed to ensure that no current Lifeline subscriber is involuntarily removed from the Lifeline program during the Covid-19 national crisis.
In addition, FCC has simplified the enrollment process for the Lifeline program to those eligible citizens who have lost their employment during the pandemic. Now, consumers who wish to qualify for the program based on their income do not have to provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation, as they had to in the past.
How To Know Which Is The Best Phone?
When it comes to best free government cell phones offered by wireless providers, there is one thing that you should know – YOU DON’T GET TO CHOOSE THE PHONE YOURSELF.
They provide you with a phone that is currently available and that falls into the category of the phones that they give for free. Some offer new phones, others offer refurbished ones, in some cases, you can get an entry-level smartphone, in others a basic phone or a flip phone.
If you are only interested in calls and texting, you don’t have to worry at all as this will be well covered by any best free government phone or cell phone, however, if you are looking for more advanced operations, make sure to check with their support that they offer a smartphone that operates on LTE (4G) network.
5 Best Free Government Smartphones
In 2020 most of you want to have a smartphone. Luckily for you, there are quite many wireless providers who offer free smartphones to their Lifeline clients.
Herein we will cover 5 best free government smartphones or touch screen phones that we were able to confirm that are currently available.
NOTE: As mentioned above, there isn’t a single Lifeline assistance provider that would let you chose a FREE phone yourself. You get what they give. Moreover, the availability of the phone models presented here may be limited to specific states or even ZIP codes.
LG X Charge
Whom is it for?
LG X charge is one of the best free government cell phones. It is for those who are looking for advanced camera capabilities and a rather fast processor for an entry-level smartphone. With its 5.5” display it is more suitable for those with larger hands.
Specs & features:
- Display: 5.5” 1280 x 720 pixels
- OS: Android 7.1 Nougat
- Hardware: Qualcomm Snapdragon 425, 2GB RAM
- Cameras: 13MP rear camera (capable of shooting full HD 30fps videos) and 5MP front camera
- Internal storage: 16GB
- Storage expansion: microSDXC up to 200 GB
- Battery: 4500 mAh, Li-Ion with fast Qualcomm Quick Charge 2.0
ZTE PrestigeTM 2
Whom is it for?
ZTE PrestigeTM 2 is equipt with 2GB of RAM it is without a doubt one of the best smartphones you can possibly get for free. This makes it suitable for those who plan to perform multitasking, play games, and perform other more advanced tasks.
Specs & features:
- 0″ Touchscreen Display (854×480) TFT
- M3/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 5MP Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2035mAh Battery (up to 17 hours talk time)
- 1GHz Quad-Core Processor
- 16GB ROM/2GB RAM
Moto E4
Whom is it for?
For those who love the finger-print unlock sensor option as it is one of rear best free government cell phone with that function. It is also capable of performing all intermediate tasks.
Specs & features:
- Display: 5” 1280×720
- Processor: quad-core Snapdragon 425
- Android 7.1.1 Nougat
- 2GB of RAM
- 16GB of storage + microSD slot up to 128GB
- 8-megapixel rear camera and 5-megapixel front camera
HTC Desire 626
Whom is it for?
HTC Desire 626 is for those who want a reasonably performing camera. It is equipped with rear 8MP and 5MP front camera to enable you both photos of scenery and selfies of solid quality.
Specs & features:
- Display: 5” 1280×720
- Operating System: Android 5.1. Lolipop HTC Sense UI
- Hardware: Qualcomm Snapdragon 2010
- 5GM RAM
- Cameras: 8MP rear camera and 5Mp front camera
- Storage: 16GB + microSDXC
- Battery: 2000 mAh
Sky Devices-Platinum
Whom is it for?
Sky Devices Platinum 4.0 model is a very basic reliable and solid build smartphone. It is suitable for those who do not plan to perform more advanced tasks or play the latest mobile games.
Specs & features:
- Display: 4.0″ WVGA 480×800 px
- Processor: Quad Core 1.2 GHz
- Operating System: Android 7.0
- Bands: 2G 850/900/1800/1900
- 3G 850/1900/2100
- Memory: 4GB ROM + 512MB RAM
- Camera: 5MP Back Camera
- Battery: 1300 mAh; Stand by 150 hrs. Talk Time 6 hrs.
- Dimensions: 124 x 64.6 x 10.6mm
5 Best Free Government Flip Phones / Basic Phones
If you are a senior or a person who looks for maximum simplicity in their phone, you will prefer a flip phone or a basic phone over a smartphone. The simplicity of answering and ending calls just by opening the two halves of a phone is as simple as it gets. Moreover, the large classic keypad makes things a lot simpler compared to touch screens.
Herein, we will take a look at 5 best free government flip/basic phones.
DORO (D7050TL)
Whom is it for?
Doro is perfect for seniors that prefer the elegant flip phone. It will cover all your basic needs and also let you perform some of the more advanced features if that may be of your interest.
Specs & features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE
- USAGE TIME: Up to 11 hours
- DISPLAY: Internal display is 2.8 inches
- STORAGE: 512MB RAM /4 GB ROM
- CAMERA: 2 MP Rear Camera/Video Recorder
- DIMENSIONS: 4.2” (H) x 2.2” (W) x 0.8” (D) inches
ZTE Z233 VL
Whom is it for?
For seniors or other individuals who might get a need to try out some additional feature, yet want the maximum simplicity.
Specs & features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE
- USAGE TIME: Talk time up to 8 Hrs
- DISPLAY: 64k colors Display
- STORAGE: Internal Memory up to 4 GB (device only)
- CAMERA: 2MP camera
- DIMENSIONS: 4.2” (H) x 2.1” (W) x 0.7” (D) inches
ALCATEL MYFLIP™ (A405DL)
Whom is it for?
ALCATEL MYFLIP is probably one of the most standard flip phones available on the market. It is very suitable for all seniors and those who want maximum simplicity and to slightly disconnect from the day-to-day chaos.
Specs & features:
- SPEED: 4G LTE
- USAGE TIME: Talk time up to 6.5 hours
- DISPLAY: 2.8” QVGA (320×240) TFT-TN Display
- STORAGE: Internal Memory 512MB RAM + 4GB ROM
- CAMERA: 2MP FF camera 60° angle camera
- DIMENSIONS: 4.13” x 2.08” x 0.74” inches
LG Revere™ (VN170)
Who is it for?
Great for seniors who want to answer calls by simply opening their flip phones. It also comes with a camera that allows taking memorable photos, of course, of very limited quality. Suitable for most basic tasks.
Specs & features:
- Screen Size: 2.2 inches
- Weight: 3.46 oz
- Battery Capacity: 950 mAh; up to 6 hours talk time and up to 15 days standby time
- Camera Resolution: 1.3 MP
- Storage: 256 MB (up to 85 MB available user memory)
- RAM: 128 MB
- Other features: Compact, Stylish Flip Design with Inner and Outer Displays, Easy-to-Use Messaging Features, Full Depth Menu Readouts, Preloaded Hearing Assist Mode for Better Voice Clarity
ALCATEL ONETOUCH CinchTM
Whom is it for?
For seniors who want maximum simplicity and prefer to view the dial pad at all type (this is not a flip phone). It offers all basic functions and decent battery life. Best suitable for entry-level tasks.
Specs & features:
- 8-inch QQVGA (128×160) Display
- M3/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, Stop Watch, World Clock
- Removable 750mAh Battery (talk time up to 4 hours)
4 Best Free Landline Home Phones
To explain the title: we were hoping to find at least four free landline phone options but unfortunately, we were not successful.
As it turns out, mobile phones are currently way more popular, thus there isn’t a single landline phone provider that would offer free landline phone plans or free home phones.
There are some alternatives that can serve as a home phone known as VOIP services, however, in our opinion, cell phones are a better option between the two.
Below is a list of 4 best landline providers. Unfortunately, none of the offers free home phones nor free plans. They only offer a standard Lifeline discount.
4 Best Landline Providers:
- AT&T – starting at $3.99/month for one simple rate. Just 10¢ per minute—all day, every day. For those who don’t make a lot of calls, Lifeline should cover the entire monthly home phone expense.
- Verizon – with Lifeline discount already applied, you can get unlimited monthly anytime minute for $10.74/month.
- CenturyLink – their plans vary depending on your ZIP code. They offer standard $9.25 Lifeline discount and also extensive Tribal Lifeline discount.
- Frontier Communications – currently they offer home phone plans only in combination with internet service and not as standalone service, starting at $37.99/month. Of course, they too offer a standard $9.25 discount.
4 Best Landline Phones:
- 210M – affordable basic corded phone for maximum savings and simplicity
- CL4940 – affordable corded speakerphone with answering system and caller ID
- EL52100 – affordable basic cordless landline phone with caller ID and call waiting options
- EL52113 – great cordless affordable landline phone with caller ID and call waiting options
NOTE: All of the above 4 models are available at AT&T at very affordable prices.
Why You May Need a Landline for Home?
To be honest, there are more and more people using only mobile phones these days. Herein, we will present you with 5 great reasons why is it good to have a home phone.
- Home phone is way safer than the mobile phone: In case of an emergency, landline phones identify your exact location, so first responders can send help. This can often make a difference between life and death.
- Home phones sound quality outperforms mobiles: Landline phone service gets crystal clear, reliable connections with virtually no delays or lag time.
- Coverage is never an issue: Home landline phones always provide excellent coverage because they rely on phone networks not towers with spotty coverage.
- Home landline enables you to set up a security system: Many security systems require a home phone line because landline monitoring is a more reliable method of sending alarms signals.
- Home phone plans offer great plans: There are home phone plans available to talk to family and friends as much as you like – across the country and internationally.
10 Best Wireless Companies That Offer Free Phones And Free Plans
Herein we will present you with 10 best wireless providers that offer best free government cell phones to their Lifeline eligible clients.
NOTE: Most of the wireless companies have state-specific offers regarding plans and phone offers. To make sure if the plans presented below apply for your location, visit the wireless provider’s website and enter your zip code.
Access Wireless
About
Access Wireless is a wireless provider fully devoted to serving those eligible for Lifeline assistance. Access Wireless provides qualifying customers with a free monthly allotment of minutes, text messages and data. It is available in more than 30 states.
Access Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
Access wireless has state-dependent plans. In most states, you can get 250 minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB free data each month.
California Lifeline: unlimited talk, unlimited messages, and 3GB of data.
Free plan also includes:
- Free voicemail, Caller ID & Call Waiting
- Free domestic long distance
- Nationwide coverage
- Exclusive Wireless Rewards program
Access Wireless Free Phones
No exact information regarding the best free government cell phones is provided on their website, however, some of the available phones are ZTE Flash, Samsung Transform (Ultra), Coolpad Quato II, ZTE Force, and Alcatel Revolve.Check out Access wireless compatible phone
American Assistance
About
American Assistance is another reputable Lifeline support providing wireless operator. It offers free plans and free mobile phones throughout several states.
American Assistance Free Lifeline Plans
American Assistance free plan includes up to 500 free monthly minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB free data.
American Assistance Free Phones
As mentioned previously, you don’t get to choose your FREE phone yourself. These are some of the options available: Amgoo-Pronto 402, Sm-X422, Sky Devices-Platinum and Fuego 4.0, NUU Mobile-A1, and Vortex-Beat 8.
Assurance Wireless
About
Assurance Wireless is a very reputable wireless provider offering Lifeline support. It is owned by Virgin mobile and operates in over 40 states.
Assurance Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
Assurance Wireless’s free phone and plan includes 3GB FREE Data Each Month, unlimited FREE Texts Each Month, and 350 FREE Voice Minutes Each Month.
California Lifeline plan: 5GB FREE Data Each Month, unlimited FREE Texts Each Month, and unlimited FREE Voice Minutes Each Month.
Assurance Wireless Free Phones
Here are some of the phones available at Assurance Wireless: ZTE PrestigeTM 2, Coolpad Illumnia, ANS WikoTM Life, ZTE QuestTM Plus, and ALCATEL ONETOUCH CinchTM.
EnTouch Wireless
About
Is a fast-growing Lifeline wireless provider. They are operating within more than 20 states. They offer the best deals for Californian citizens.
EnTouch Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
EnTouch Wireless offers a $10 discount to all their plans for Lifeline qualified users. However, if you can’t pay, eligible customers can receive free service. For more details call 1-866-488-8719.
California Lifeline: you can receive 1000 free minutes, unlimited texts, and 100MB of data or even a Tribal Residents Plan, which includes unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and 1.5GB of data.
EnTouch Wireless Free Phones
Unfortunately, there is no detailed information regarding EnTouch Wireless phones. They do specify that a qualified customer gets a get best free government cell phone with all standard smartphone features.
Life Wireless
About
Life Wireless is operating on the nation’s largest GSM network and it is operational in over 30 states. It offers very generous free plans and also free smartphones.
Life Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
Life Wireless Lifeline free plan includes 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited MMS, and 3GB of data for most states.
California Lifeline plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited MMS, and 3GB of data for most states.
Free plan also includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Unlimited Text Messaging
- Call Waiting
- Three-way calling
- Voicemail
- Caller ID service
- No roaming charges
- No charge for domestic long-distance calls
- Free 911 Service
- Affordable Recharge Plans
Life Wireless Free Phones
Specifics regarding free phones are not given, however, you may expect to receive a FREE smartphone. They do offer a variety of Alcatel, Blu, LG, Pantech, Samsung, ZTE, and other entry-level smartphones.
Q-Link Wireless
About
Q Link Wireless is one of the leading providers of Lifeline. Q Link gives qualifying customers generous FREE monthly data, minutes, and unlimited texting. Moreover, all who are eligible can get a free device as well.
Q Link Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
Q-Link Wireless Lifeline FREE plan includes 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data.
Free plan also includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Voicemail
- Ability to Connect to Wi-Fi
- Caller ID
- 3 Way Calling
- Call Waiting
- Free Domestic Roaming
- Free 911
- 411 Directory Assistance
- Text & Picture Messaging
Q Link Wireless Free Phones
No specific information is available but Blackberry Curve 8330, HTC Desire 626, Alcatel One-Touch, Kyocera Hydro Edge Smartphone, and LG X Charge are some of the most standard options.
Safelink Wireless
About
SafeLink is a Federal and California LifeLine service, a government assistance program. It offers solid free plans and
SafeLink Free Lifeline Plans
SafeLink Wireless Lifeline FREE plan includes 350 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data within Use your Own Phone program (available in most states).
California Lifeline plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data.
Free plan also includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Voicemail
- Ability to Connect to Wi-Fi
- Caller ID
- 3 Way Calling
- Free Domestic Roaming
- Free 911
- 411 Directory Assistance
SafeLink Free Phones
Safelink Wireless offers free phones only in certain states (most states only have BYOP option). Unfortunately, there are no details on what type of free phone to expect, however, they do specify that it is a smartphone. Some of the possible options are LG Rebel 4, Blu View 1, Alcatel A30 Fierce, and LG Rebel 3 5.0.
Terracom Wireless
About
Terracom Wireless is not as wide-spread as some of the above wireless operators, however, it has grown a lot in later years and is now covering over 20 states. It provides both standard Lifeline and Tribal Lifeline Plans (only in Oklahoma and Washington).
Terracom Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
Terracom plans are state-dependent. The following two plans are available in most states:
- Voice Base Plan 1000 MOU: This plan includes 1000 minutes and unlimited texts. Unused minutes do not rollover.
- Broadband Base Plan 500 MOU and 3GB: This plan includes 500 voice minutes, unlimited number of texts, and 3GB of data. Unused minutes and data do not rollover. This plan is only available to subscribers with data-capable handsets.
Nebraska, Kansas, Washington, and Oklahoma have even more generous plans.
Terracom Wireless Free Phones
As with best free government cell phone companies, you are not able to choose the exact device yourself, however, Motorola E4, HTC 626s, ZTE N817, and FLIP-PHONE LG VN170 are some of the standard options.
TruConnect
About
TruConnect is operational in more than 24 states and offers very generous plans. Their popularity has grown noticeably over the last few years and is now able to compete with the most reputable Lifeline providers.
TruConnect Free Lifeline Plans
TruConnect offers a FREE Lifeline bundle that includes 1000 monthly minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB of data on a monthly basis. It also includes unlimited calls to select countries.
California Lifeline plan includes unlimited monthly minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB of data. + FREE smartphone.
TruConnect Free Phones
TruConnect provides free smartphones only as part of their California Lifeline. Other states have a BYOP option. The exact phones are not specified, they do however claim that a customer (California based) gets a 5” smartphone. These are some of the most popular phones on their site: Cloud Stratus C5, Nuu A7L Black GSM, ZTE Warp Elite N9518, and Cloud Mobile Storm C3.
Standup Wireless
About
Standup Wireless is a wireless provider devoted to offering affordable prepaid plans and their Lifeline Assistance plan. It is one of the smallest wireless companies providing Lifeline assistance plans, yet they’ve managed to spread their services to more than 20 states, including Puerto Rico.
Standup Wireless Free Lifeline Plans
StandUp Wireless FREE plan includes 300 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data.
Standup Wireless Free Phones
StandUp Wireless’s offer changes rather often; sometimes they offer free devices in certain states, sometimes not. Vortex Sync is currently the only phone available, yet you may have to purchase it in most states or bring your own phone.
Can I Get a Free Phone if I Don’t Qualify for the Government Lifeline Assistance Program?
If you wish to get a free phone but you don’t qualify for the government Lifeline assistance program, there are some other ways to do so. As we have mentioned in the ‘What phone companies give free phones when you switch?’ section, there are some phone companies that give out free phones for new customers or offer other special deals. Additionally, there are some other ways to get a free phone. Some free cell phones come in the form of instant rebates credited toward the full price of the phone. Some providers offer ‘buy one, get one’ deals. Others may offer a free mobile device when signing up for a family plan.
Instead of opting for a free phone, you can buy a refurbished or used phone for a very low price. You can also search for providers that offer payment in installments even if you have a bad credit score. Buying a phone online (on Amazon or eBay) may also save you a lot of money. You can also consider waiting for special holiday offers, trade-in your old phone, or buy unlocked.
What Phone Companies Give Best Free Phones When You Switch?
In addition to the many Lifeline providers located in every state of the country, there are some other phone companies that give free phones. If you don’t qualify for Lifeline, but you still wish to receive a free phone, you can switch your provider and choose a phone company that offers new customers a free phone or that offers another special deal that may get you a free phone. Companies who may offer you a free phone include:
- AT&T (they currently offer a ‘buy one, get one’ deal)
- Verizon (with a 24-month commitment on a new phone line)
- T-Mobile (with a 24-month commitment on a new phone line)
- Sprint (Sprint Flex lease)
- Boost Mobile
- Cricket Wireless
- Straight Talk
- Metro by T-Mobile
How to Renew My Government Free Phone?
While you don’t have to renew your free government cell phone and you get to keep it even if you don’t renew the service, you do have to renew your Lifeline subscription and re-certify your eligibility to participate in the Lifeline program once a year. The re-certifying process comes with no additional charge.
Your Lifeline provider will contact you before the expiration date of your eligibility. You will receive a text message, phone call, or a letter informing you that you must re-certify your eligibility. You must respond within 60 days. If you fail to do so and if your provider can’t verify your eligibility through a state eligibility database, you will be excluded from the Lifeline program and lose your discount and other benefits.
You will be required to submit certain information, including your phone number, PIN or password, and perhaps your current address, former address, date of birth, your SSN, the name of the qualifying government assistance program in which you participate, or your total household income.
Some Lifeline providers allow their clients to re-certify their service online, others only offer to do it over the phone or by mailing in a recertification form they will send you. Regardless of which recertification method you choose, make sure to follow the instructions that you will receive from your Lifeline provider.
Are There Any Lifeline Restriction Rules For Free Phone?
While the Lifeline program offers countless benefits, there are also certain restriction rules that every Lifeline subscriber must follow.
- First and foremost, you are only allowed to get one Lifeline discount (phone or internet but not both) per household. If someone who lives at your address is already a Lifeline member, you will not be able to get service yourself.
- Lifeline service is non-transferable. If you are Lifeline-eligible, you cannot transfer your eligibility to another person.
Only eligible consumers may enroll in Lifeline. Review the eligibility requirements in the ‘How To Get A Free Government Phone?’ section.
What Happens if I Lost My Free Phone?
If you lost your free phone or if it got stolen or broken, you can get a replacement phone at all Lifeline providers. While their ‘lost or stolen’ policies are a bit different, they do follow some similar basic guidelines.
- Nowadays, there are several ways to try and find the phone, so first make sure to do your best to locate the device.
- In case you fail to find your phone, you must report the lost or stolen phone immediately.
- You can report it by contacting their customer care.
- Reported lost and stolen phones will be permanently deactivated.
- Your Lifeline provider may offer you a new or refurbished replacement phone in new-like condition.
- The replacement phone may be free or discounted.
- The lost airtime may be partially or fully rolled over to the replacement phone.
- In the event, you lose your replacement phone or if it gets stolen you may be required to purchase a new one.
Best Free Government Cell Phone Others Thing You Need To Knew
Are free phones really free?
Government Lifeline-provided free phones are really totally free. Other carriers that do not provide Lifeline free phones, on the other hand, always require something in return, generally a long phone contract and some additional fees.
Who pays for free government phones?
Everyone who owns a cell phone pays, as a few cents are always given from every monthly phone bill to the Universal Service Fund. This money then goes to the Lifeline Assistance program, which provides quality telephone service to every American.
What kind of phone does the government give?
It depends on the provider, however, most providers give smartphones with medium specifications.
Can I get a free iPhone from the government?
Most Lifeline providers offer Android smartphones (not the latest models), however, some also offer older iPhone models. To get a free iPhone from the government you must qualify for Lifeline assistance.
Can I get a free government cell phone with internet?
You can get a free government phone with a free phone plan that includes a certain amount of calls, texts, and data. You can also apply for a free home internet service. However, as you can only get one Lifeline discount per household, you can’t get both a free phone and free home internet.
Does Verizon offer free government phones?
No. While there is no free government Verizon phone, the company does offer a $9.25 discount on your monthly cell phone bill for Lifeline qualifying customers and offers other discounts on the landline phone service and the internet service.
Does AT&T offer free government phones?
No, AT&T doesn’t offer free government cell phones, however, Lifeline eligible customers can get at least a $5.25 discount on the free monthly cell phone service.
How many Obama phones can you get?
The Lifeline assistance program only allows one free Obama cell phone per residence.
Can I hold more than 1 free phone?
When it comes to other carriers, you probably can, if you find two special deals, however, the Lifeline assistance program only allows one free phone per household.
Can I get free cell phone service for life unlimited everything?
Most providers offer cell phone service with a certain amount of minutes, texts, and monthly data. Most Lifeline providers don’t offer unlimited amounts of minutes, texts, and data.
Are Obama phones free?
‘Obama phone’ is a widely used and misleading nickname of Lifeline – a federal program that started a lot earlier than Obama became the president of the United States. As such, ‘Obama phones’ are actually Lifeline phones and they can be free for eligible customers.
