Samsung is one of the largest and most popular electronics manufacturers in the world. Samsung smartphones are particularly valued all across the Earth, including in the US. In fact, many experts believe that Samsung phones are even more advanced and high-quality than Apple’s iPhones. One of the most beloved Samsung smartphones is the Galaxy Z Flip model, which is a unique touchscreen smartphone that folds horizontally and does so by utilizing a hybrid glass coating known as Infinity Flex Display. The device is unique in its portability, size, and quality, plus, it is packed with the most advanced features. But does it also come for free? In this article, we’ll find out whether or not it’s possible to get a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Specifications
The Galaxy Z Flip features a durable design with an aluminum frame and an ultra-thin glass display, a first in foldable smartphones. It reduces screen creasing and uses a reinforced hinge with nylon fibers to keep dust out.
In terms of hardware, it boasts a 6.7″ Dynamic AMOLED display with HDR10+ support, along with a small 1.1″ external display for notifications and calls. It runs on a Snapdragon 855+ SoC with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of storage. The Z Flip utilizes two batteries with a total capacity of 3300 mAh and supports wired and wireless charging. The power button also serves as a fingerprint sensor. It sports a dual-camera setup on the rear (12 MP primary and 12 MP ultrawide) and a 10 MP front-facing camera.
The device runs Android 10 with Samsung’s One UI 2 skin and offers “Flex mode” for split-screen functionality with select apps like YouTube and Google Duo.
The device comes with many benefits, including high performance, seamless multitasking, portable foldable design, top-notch camera quality, vibrant display, and water resistance. However, reviewers also report a slightly short battery life under heavy use.
Is it Possible to Get a Free Galaxy Z Flip Government Phone?
The government provides free government phones through programs like Lifeline and ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program), which assist low-income households. These programs offer unlimited text, talk, and high-speed data plans. To qualify, you must participate in certain government assistance programs or have a low income, and register with a service provider that participates in either Lifeline or ACP. Lifeline has been providing free phones and internet since 1985, offering $9.25/month services. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a $30/month discount on eligible phones and internet plans for low-income households. Both programs also sometimes offer free phones, which are particularly advanced in case the selected provider participates in both Lifeline and ACP and thus has more funds to offer better devices.
As most Lifeline and ACP providers don’t reveal which phone models they offer in advance, it’s difficult to know for sure whether or not it’s possible to receive a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone. The device you will receive depends on the company, your location, whether or not you qualify for both programs, availability, and other factors. However, note that most Lifeline/ACP providers tend to offer more basic devices with less advanced features.
Do You Qualify to Receive a Free Galaxy Z Flip Government Phone?
To qualify for a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone, you need to meet specific criteria. As your chances of receiving such an advanced phone from the government are highest if you qualify for both Lifeline and ACP, you should make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for both programs before you apply.
- Lifeline Program Eligibility:
- Your income should be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline for Lifeline.
- Eligibility is also extended to participants in assistance programs like Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and tribal-based programs.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Eligibility:
- Your income should be 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You qualify if you participate in certain assistance programs, such as Lifeline, any of the Lifeline-qualifying programs listed above, Free/reduced-priced School Lunch or Breakfast programs, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children (WIC), tribal-based programs, or if you received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- Tribal-Specific Qualification:
- If you live in tribal lands or Native American communities, you may be eligible for a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone.
- Eligibility is supported through programs like Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Income-based Tribal Head Start, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Regardless of how you apply (through Lifeline, ACP, or as a member of a Tribal household), you must also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where your selected provider operates.
How Can I Prove My Free Galaxy Z Flip Government Phone Eligibility?
If you have a low income or participate in one or some of the assistance programs listed above and meet the age and residency requirements, you may be certain of your Lifeline and ACP eligibility. However, being certain won’t be enough. In order to make sure no one abuses the program, the government had to take protective measures. Therefore, all applicants must prove their eligibility during the application process.
To prove your eligibility for the Lifeline/ACP program, you must provide specific valid documents. Here’s a list of documents based on your eligibility that you can submit when applying:
- Income Verification Documents: To demonstrate your income falls below the federal poverty guideline for the free Galaxy Z Flip government phone, you can use these documents:
- Current income statement
- Paycheck stub
- Unemployment/Workers Compensation statement of benefits
- Pension/retirement statement of benefits
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Divorce decree or Child Support Award
- Program Participation Documents: If you’re a beneficiary of a government support program, you can provide:
- Approval letter
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
- Statement of benefits
- General Verification Documents: Additionally, you might need documents to verify your age, address, or identity:
- Government-issued, state, military, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- U.S. driver’s license
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number document
- Utility bill
- Lease/mortgage statement
- Permanent resident card or Green Card
Please ensure you have these documents available to prove your eligibility for the Lifeline/ACP program. You cannot submit original documents, as such, make sure to make clear copies using a camera, phone, scanner, or copy machine. The copies must be digital or physical, depending on how you are planning to apply.
How to Apply for a Free Galaxy Z Flip Government Phone?
If you’re eligible for the Lifeline/ACP program, you can apply for a free Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Government phone. Here’s how to do it:
- Online Application:
- Visit getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home for Lifeline and getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply for ACP.
- Choose your state or territory if prompted, and press Get Started.
- You’ll be directed to the National Verifier’s application form.
- Fill out the form with your details. Make sure not to make any mistakes.
- Upload the necessary eligibility documents. Make sure the documents are clear and valid.
- Submit your application.
- Wait for approval.
- Application via Mail:Alternatively, you can apply for the Lifeline/ACP program offline by mail. Follow these steps:
- Download and print the Lifeline application from lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf and the ACP application from affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
- For ACP, add the Household Worksheet, available at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf.
- Complete the forms with accurate information.
- Attach your eligibility documents.
- Send the application to USAC, Lifeline/ACP Support Centre, P.O. Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA, 18773.
Once your application is approved by the National Verifier, contact your preferred service provider to enroll in Lifeline/ACP benefits and receive your free Samsung Galaxy Z Flip government phone.
To find a Lifeline or ACP service provider in your area, visit cnm.universalservice.org.
To acquire a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone, begin by selecting a local service provider in your area that participates in the program. Next, ensure you gather all the necessary eligibility documents to prove your qualification for the phone. Then, visit the website of your chosen service provider and complete the application form they provide. Once your application is submitted, the service provider will review it and notify you of its approval. Upon approval, your free Galaxy Z Flip government phone will be shipped and delivered to your specified address.
Free Galaxy Z Flip Government Phone – Potential Providers
As mentioned before, it’s difficult to know which Lifeline/ACP providers offer a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone, as each provider’s selection is different. Moreover, a specific company may offer different devices in different states and locations, to different customers (depending on their eligibility), and at different moments in time. While currently no Lifeline/ACP has confirmed to offer a free Galaxy Z Flip government phone, the following amazing providers may offer such devices:
- Access Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom Wireless
- True Wireless
- TruConnect
Note that as this phone model gets older and cheaper, more Lifeline/ACP may start offering the device free of charge.
Free Galaxy Z Flip Government Phone – FAQ
Which Other Free Samsung Government Phone Models Are Available?
Due to the fact that most companies don’t reveal their phone models in advance, we cannot know for sure. However, the few companies that reveal their device selection currently offer Samsung Galaxy S9+, Galaxy A50, Galaxy S9, Galaxy A21, Galaxy A22 5G, Galaxy Note 8, and other models.
Is There Another Way to Receive a Free Galaxy Z Flip Phone?
Yes! Government assistance programs are not the only way to receive a free phone. You can also get one from a charity, non-profit organization, school, library, church, an online giveaway, a carrier’s promotional deal (from Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile), or by becoming a reviewer, survey participant, or marketing agent.
Is It Possible To Enroll In Both The Lifeline And ACP Programs Simultaneously?
Yes, you can apply for and enroll in both the Lifeline and ACP programs. However, it’s important to note that you can’t receive benefits from two different providers for the same program simultaneously. Therefore, it’s best to receive both Lifeline and ACP benefits through a single provider.
Is It Possible to Get a Samsung Government Tablet?
Yes, tablets are provided with a $100 discount through ACP. Some providers (e.g. AirTalk Wireless) offer Samsung tablets.
Is It Possible to Get a Government Free Phone from Samsung?
Samsung is a phone manufacturer and not a wireless provider, as such it doesn’t participate in Lifeline or ACP and it doesn’t offer free government phones.
Are There Any Other Flip Government Phones Available?
Yes, however, the only confirmed flip phone models available through Lifeline/ACP are more basic, such as Alcatel Go Flip 3 or 4. These simpler devices may be suitable for seniors and other less tech-savvy users.