Samsung is one of the best brands in terms of smartphones and other consumer electronics. Many people would actually describe Samsung smartphones as the best Android smartphones in the world. After all, in many aspects, these devices are even better than iPhones. Samsung Galaxy S10 may not be the most recent Samsung phone anymore but it has remained highly popular since its release in 2019. Due to its incredible popularity, it continues to be quite pricey. However, we’re here to tell you that you can get a free Galaxy S10 government phone! In this article, we’ll discuss the top programs, top providers, and tell you how to get this amazing device for free.
Top 3 Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone Programs
The government offers numerous assistance programs for people in need. While some programs cover medical expenses or food, two of them provide discounts on wireless services and devices. You can get a free Galaxy S10 government phone through either:
- Lifeline Assistance Program. The Lifeline program, supported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), offers discounted or free phone services to eligible low-income individuals. It partners with various telecommunications providers to offer free Galaxy S10 government phones to qualified applicants. To qualify, individuals must meet specific income or participation-based criteria established by the program.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a government initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide by providing affordable internet access and devices to low-income households. Under this program, eligible individuals can receive a free Galaxy S10 government phone along with free wireless services and data through partnering telecommunications providers.
- Lifeline and ACP Combo program. Many wireless companies participate in both Lifeline and ACP. Such companies have the most funds and are therefore able to provide the most generous benefits, including monthly services with many free monthly minutes and data, as well as more recent mobile devices of higher quality and from top brands. Such companies are most likely to offer a free Galaxy S10 government phone.
Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone – Top 5 Providers in 2023
Knowing which Lifeline/ACP providers offer free Galaxy S10 government phones is a bit tricky. The reason for it is that most government assistance program providers prefer not to disclose which phone models are available in advance, as their offer depends on which plan the customer qualifies for (Lifeline, ACP, or Lifeline & ACP Combo), the state where the applicant applies, and availability.
Another thing that we must note is the fact that Lifeline and ACP companies provide government assistance and as such, they tend to offer entry-level to mid-range flip phones or smartphones instead of the most recent and most advanced devices. Samsung Galaxy S10 is still considered too recent, too advanced, and too pricey to be offered through assistance programs.
At this moment, no wireless assistance provider has confirmed to offer free Galaxy S10 government phones, however, certain most generous companies may already offer the device or are about to start offering it in the near future. Such companies include:
Access Wireless
This Lifeline and ACP company offers free cell phone service and a free smartphone. Apply by visiting https://www.accesswireless.com/. Enter your ZIP code and press Apply Now. Then, select a plan, choose to receive a new device, and follow the on-screen prompts to fill out and submit the application form.
AirTalk Wireless
Unlike many other companies, AirTalk reveals its available phone models in advance. While a free Galaxy S10 government phone is currently not on its list (https://airtalkwireless.com/free-phone), you can already receive a Samsung Galaxy S8, S9, and S9+. As such, it is safe to assume that the Galaxy S10 will be the next offered model. To enroll, visit https://airtalkwireless.com/, press Apply, enter your ZIP code, choose a plan, and follow the prompts to complete and submit the application.
Cintex Wireless
This is AirTalk’s affiliate company that also offers relatively advanced devices, as such, eligible customers may soon be able to choose a free Galaxy S10 government phone. Enroll by visiting https://cintexwireless.com/, pressing Apply, entering your ZIP code, choosing a plan, and following the on-screen instructions to complete the application form.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone also offers the very best government assistance devices, including many older Samsung Galaxy phone models. Therefore, the company may soon start offering free Galaxy S10 phones. Begin your application process by visiting https://newphone.com/, pressing Apply, entering your location, selecting a suitable plan, and filling out the application form.
TruConnect
Finally, TruConnect is one of the most generous Lifeline and ACP providers. It is known for offering generous plans and great free Android smartphones. The devices are undisclosed, as such, the company may as well be offering a free Galaxy S10 government phone. Visit https://www.truconnect.com/, enter your ZIP code and email address, press Apply Now, and follow the instructions to enroll.
List of Other Providers Who Offer Galaxy Phone Through the Government in 2023
Other Lifeline and ACP providers that may already offer free Galaxy S10 government phones or will offer them in the future include:
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Infiniti Mobile
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- True Wireless
Keep in mind that the only way to be certain if any of the companies listed in this or the previous section offer free Galaxy S10 government phone models in your area and at the exact moment you wish to apply is to contact each company’s customer support service and ask the agent.
Process of Getting a Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone (2023)
Now that we have discussed the free Galaxy S10 government phone, top programs, and top providers, let’s focus on how to get such a device. The process is as follows:
- You must make sure that you qualify for a program that offers free government phones (Lifeline, ACP, or both).
- You must prepare for the application process by gathering the required proof documentation.
- You must find a company that offers free Galaxy S10 government phones in your area and apply for its Lifeline and ACP services.
Let’s dig deeper into the following sections.
How to Qualify for ACP and Lifeline for Getting a Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone
Both assistance programs have two eligibility requirements. You must only meet one in order to qualify:
- Income-based Eligibility. A household qualifies if its annual income is at or below 135% for Lifeline and 200% for ACP of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guidelines depend on the state and household size.
- Program Participation-based Eligibility. A household is also eligible if it participates in a qualifying government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, a Tribal program (those programs make you eligible for both Lifeline and ACP), WIC (ACP only), Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program (ACP only), or if your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year (ACP only). Moreover, if you qualify for Lifeline, you also automatically qualify for ACP.
In addition to one of the requirements above, the applicant must also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor, the only applicant in the household (as the benefits are generally only available for 1 person per eligible household), and a resident of one of the states where the selected provider operates.
List of Documentation Required to Apply for a Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone
Based on the eligibility requirements outlined in the previous section, you may already know that you qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP. However, you must also prove your eligibility to the provider. You can do so by preparing some copies of valid official proof documents. Prepare these document copies in advance to ensure a smooth and fast application process.
- Prove your income-based eligibility: Provide a copy of a prior year’s tax return, paycheck stubs, a current income statement from your employer, Unemployment benefits verification, etc.
- Prove your program participation-based eligibility: Provide a copy of the approval letter, benefit award/verification letter, or statement of benefits.
- Prove your age and identity: Provide a copy of a valid ID, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, Green card, etc. Prove your emancipation with a court document or
- Prove your address: Provide a copy of a valid ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage or lease statement, etc.
During the application process, you will also be asked to provide some personal information, such as full name, date of birth, contact information, and Social Security Number.
Application Process for Getting a Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone
The final step is to apply. As some Lifeline/ACP companies will send your application to the National Verifier to verify your eligibility themselves and others won’t and may require you to apply through the National Verifier on your own, it’s best to first apply through the National Verifier and then through the provider.
- National Verifier Online Application: Visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home for Lifeline and https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply for ACP. Fill out the application forms by providing all required information and documentation.
- National Verifier Mail Application: We don’t recommend applying via mail as it is less safe and takes much more time. However, if you wish to do so, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/ and https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/ for instructions.
- Application Through a Provider: First, find a provider that offers a free Galaxy S10 government phone in your area. To do so, visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/, enter your location, choose the program, and press Search. Review the list of all the providers in your area and contact each to ask if they offer a free Galaxy S10. Visit the chosen company’s website and find its online application form. Fill it out by providing all required information and documentation.
After Application How Long Will It Take to Get a Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone?
Once you submit your application, the company will review it and get back to you shortly. You will receive a notification about whether or not your application got approved within a few days. Sometimes the process may take a few hours and sometimes a couple of weeks, depending on whether or not the application was complete. Once approved, the company will send you a free Galaxy S10 government phone or another free phone model within a few days, depending on availability and where you live.
How Do You Check a Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone Application Status?
To check your National Verifier application status, contact the Lifeline or ACP support center by phone at (800) 234-9473 or email at [email protected] for Lifeline and at (877) 384-2575 or [email protected] for ACP.
To check your provider’s application status, contact the provider’s customer support service.
However, keep in mind that checking the application status is not necessary, as both the National Verifier and the provider will contact you as soon as they reach a decision.
How to Compare the Free Galaxy S10 Government Phone With Other Smartphones?
As mentioned before, Samsung Galaxy S10 is considered a very recent, advanced, and still relatively pricey device. As such, it is in many ways better than most other smartphone models offered by Lifeline/ACP providers.
However, several other phone models provided by some Lifeline/ACP companies are comparable in quality and number of advanced features, including:
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8+
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9+
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy A51
- Samsung Galaxy A52
- Apple iPhone 7
- Apple iPhone 8
- Motorola G Stylus 2020
- Google Pixel 4 XL
- OnePlus 7T
Pros and Cons of Getting a Free Government Phone Galaxy S10
Pros include:
- Cost savings
- Communication access (as the device comes with a free wireless plan that includes free talk minutes, texts, and data)
- Internet connectivity
- Advanced features
- Compatibility with numerous apps
Cons include:
- Limited availability (currently, no Lifeline/ACP company has confirmed to offer this device, as such, you may have to settle with an older device)
- Restrictions of minute/text/data usage (not many Lifeline/ACP companies offer unlimited everything)
- Lifeline/ACP rules and restrictions, such as the need to recertify once a year, the need to use the services at least once every 30 days to not lose them, the obligation to report your ineligibility within 30 days, the fact that only one Lifeline and ACP benefit is available per eligible household, etc.