Obviously, Apple iPhones are some of the most beloved smartphones in the world. They are reliable, sleek, advanced, powerful, and of supreme quality. However, such amazing specifications and features don’t come cheap. Instead, they tend to cost a small fortune. Therefore, I never thought I would own one. That is until recently.
I can now say that I am a proud owner of a new Apple iPhone and that the device didn’t cost me a dime. On the contrary, I received the device completely free of charge and without any strings attached. How? Through a government assistance program! The other day, my friends saw my sleek new device and they could hardly believe that I got it for free. Well, I did. And as I shared the story of how I acquired a free government iPhone with them, today, I will share it with you.
Let’s dive in!
Is It Possible to Get a Free iPhone 11 From the Government?
Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are two government assistance programs that offer free mobile devices and are both designed to make communication and broadband services accessible for low-income individuals and households.
Lifeline, established in the mid-80s, provides monthly discounts on phone, wireless, and internet services, with select providers offering free government phones. The ACP, a recent initiative, offers monthly broadband service discounts and a one-time $100 discount for internet-connected devices. Lifeline providers commonly offer discounted or free phone services and cell phones, while the new Affordable Connectivity Program offers free or discounted wireless internet services and connected devices. Many wireless companies have decided to participate in both assistance programs (Lifeline and ACP) and those are the ones that offer the most generous benefits to eligible low-income customers. In fact, the combined Lifeline and ACP funds have allowed some participating wireless providers to provide free iPhones to eligible customers.
However, expecting a free government iPhone 11 is unrealistic. Released in September 2019, the iPhone 11 is advanced and popular, with high retail prices beyond government coverage. In essence, obtaining a free government iPhone 11 is currently not possible. Nevertheless, it is likely to become possible in a few years’ time when the phone model becomes a bit more affordable and thus within the government coverage price range). Moreover, certain Lifeline and ACP providers already offer certain older iPhone models as alternatives.
Which Free Government iPhone Models Are Currently Available?
While Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program providers might not provide free government iPhone 11, some do offer various older iPhone models, including iPhone SE, iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPhone 8.
Until recently, Lifeline providers primarily offered entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones and feature phones. The introduction of the Affordable Connectivity Program enabled participating providers to offer newer Android smartphones and even Apple iPhones. Although many providers offer both Lifeline and ACP benefits, only a select few are generous enough to provide iPhones.
How Did I Get My Own Free Government iPhone?
Now, it’s time to let you in on my own personal journey of acquiring a free government iPhone. As presently, securing a complimentary government iPhone is achievable through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), I had to qualify and successfully apply for these two assistance programs.
While not all providers offer free government iPhones, some wireless companies providing both Lifeline and ACP benefits do. I had to identify those companies and apply for their benefits as well. Only when both my applications got approved, did I finally receive my free government iPhone.
The steps were as follows:
- First and foremost, I had to check whether or not I qualified for Lifeline and the ACP. I had to be 18 years old or older, reside in one of the states where my selected provider operates, and either meet the income-based or program participation-based eligibility criteria.
- Secondly, I had to make sure that I could prove my eligibility. Simply claiming that I qualify just wasn’t going to be enough. Therefore, I had to gather appropriate official documents that contained all the relevant information and prove my eligibility, and make copies of them before I would begin my application journey.
- Then, I had to apply for Lifeline and ACP through the National Verifier. While some providers enable customers to skip this step, as their own application form is verified by the National Verifier, not all companies provide this option. As such, it’s best to apply yourself and then apply for your selected provider’s benefits separately.
- Finally, I found a great Lifeline and ACP company that offers free government iPhones in my area, reviewed its offer in my area, located its application form, and applied for its benefits. When my application was approved, I was notified.
- Within a few business days, I received my free government iPhone along with other benefits. I then activated the account and device and began to enjoy both.
As you may not know exactly what I mean by ‘I applied, I found…’, I have provided you with a set of step-by-step instructions on how you can complete each of these steps yourself.
Do You Qualify for a Free iPhone From the Government?
The first thing you must do to get your very own free government iPhone is to determine your Lifeline and ACP eligibility. As mentioned before, to receive an iPhone, you must qualify for both programs.
To qualify for Lifeline, a household must meet government-set criteria:
- Income-based Eligibility: Annual income should be 135% or below the federal poverty guidelines, which depend on the household size and state.
- Program Participation-based Eligibility: A household member participates in qualifying government assistance programs, federal or Tribal, such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
For ACP eligibility:
- Income-based Eligibility: Annual income should be 200% or below the federal poverty guidelines.
- Program Participation-based Eligibility: A household member participates in any of the following programs:
- Lifeline
- Any of the Lifeline-qualifying assistance programs listed above
- WIC
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program
- Or if the household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Both programs are for individuals at least 18 years old or emancipated minors, and benefits are non-transferable. Additionally, the applicant must choose a provider available in their state of residence.
Can You Prove Your Eligibility With the Documents Required to Receive a Free Government iPhone?
As mentioned earlier, merely asserting your eligibility for a free government iPhone won’t suffice; you must substantiate it with valid, official documents. There are four main categories of proof documentation, depending on eligibility criteria and information the provider can verify:
- Proof of Identity or Age: Examples include a valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID, passport, birth certificate, permanent resident card or Green Card, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization, driver’s license, or government assistance program document. The document must be valid and official and contain your full legal name and date of birth.
- Proof of Address: This can be a valid government, state, or Tribal ID, driver’s license, mortgage or lease statement, utility bill, or most recent W-2 or tax return. The official document must be valid and include your full name and physical address.
- Proof of Household Income: Examples encompass a child support award, income statement, divorce decree, tax return, Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance, Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits, or Veterans Administration statement. The official document must be valid and include your full legal name and annual household income.
- Proof of Participation in a Qualifying Assistance Program: This includes an approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, or statement of benefits. The valid official document must contain your full legal name, the name of the assistance program, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last year or a future expiration date.
Additionally, you might need to provide your Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number, duplicated address, proof of emancipation (for emancipated minors), and proof of life.
How Can You Apply for a Free Government iPhone 11?
Regrettably, no Lifeline or ACP providers currently offer a free government iPhone 11. However, you can still apply for a different free iPhone model through three application methods.
Online
To apply for Lifeline and ACP programs online through the Lifeline/ACP support center, follow these simple instructions:
- Visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home (Lifeline online application form) or https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply (ACP online application form).
- You may be required to choose your state or territory and press ‘Get started’. You may also be asked to log in or create a new account.
- You will be redirected to the online application form. Complete it by providing the required information and documentation.
- At the bottom of each page, press ‘Next’, and submit your application at the end.
Via Mail
- Print out a Lifeline application from https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf and ACP application from https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
- When applying for the ACP program, it is highly advisable to include a Household Worksheet, which can be found at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf.
- Complete the forms and add copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
Directly through the Selected Provider
While some Lifeline and ACP providers require customers to apply at the Lifeline/ACP support center or National Verifier first, other providers enable clients to apply for the Lifeline and ACP program directly through their websites.
To apply directly through the provider, you must first find a company that offers free government iPhones in your area. Find a free government iPhone provider and learn how to apply for its free device in the next section.
Which Companies Offer Free Government iPhones?
Since the iPhone 11 is a newer and pricier model, none of the Lifeline or ACP providers currently provide a free government iPhone 11. However, a handful of them do offer alternative free government iPhone models. Notably, these providers are associated companies under the same ownership, resulting in similar phone options, program offerings, and application procedures.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is one of the most generous Lifeline and ACP providers. It offers Lifeline, ACP, and Lifeline + ACP plans, which are most valuable. In addition to the free phone, the provider also offers free monthly wireless services with free talk, text, and high-speed data.
also offers three types of plans with free phones and free monthly wireless services with free talk, text, and high-speed data.
To apply, go to airtalkwireless.com and press ‘Apply Now’. Provide your ZIP code and if services are available, you will be redirected to your state’s offer page. Choose the best plan for you. Complete the online application form. If it gets approved, you will be notified.
See the list of AirTalk’s free phones at airtalkwireless.com/free-phone.
Cintex Wireless
AirTalk’s affiliate company, Cintex Wireless also offers three types of plans with free phones and free monthly wireless services with free talk, text, and high-speed data.
To apply, visit cintexwireless.com. Press ‘Apply Now’. You will be redirected to another page. Type in your ZIP code in the provided search box and press ‘Apply now’ once again. If the company offers its services in your area, you will be redirected to your state’s offer page. If not, the system may notify you that one of their affiliate companies offers services in your area. If so, agree to be redirected to the affiliate company’s (AirTalk or NewPhone) website. Review the available plans, and select the one that best fits your needs by pressing ‘Apply Now’. Then, fill out the online application form and submit it at the end. If your application gets accepted, you will be notified via email.
See the list of Cintex’s free phones at cintexwireless.com/free-phone.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless is AirTalk and Cintex’s affiliate company. It offers Lifeline-only, ACP-only, and Lifeline + ACP combo plans and through those plans, customers can receive a free government iPhone or another free phone and free monthly wireless services with free talk, text, and high-speed data.
To sign up for these benefits, visit newphone.com. Press ‘Apply Now’ and when redirected, enter your ZIP code. If the company’s free services are available in your area, you will be able to select a plan that you qualify for. Once you press ‘Apply Now’ once again, you will be redirected to the online application form. Fill it out and submit it.
See the list of NewPhone’s free phones at newphone.com/free-phone.
What Else Can I Get With a Free iPhone if I’m Lifeline Eligible?
While obtaining a free government iPhone 11 may not be an option, you could still be eligible for a different free iPhone model from the government. Additionally, the government provides several other benefits, including:
- A monthly Lifeline discount on phone, wireless, or internet services, reaching up to $9.25 and $34.25 for eligible Tribal households.
- A monthly ACP discount on broadband services, amounting to up to $30 or $75 for eligible Tribal households.
- Some ACP providers (including the mentioned three) extend discounts on internet-connected devices, such as Android tablets or iPads.
- Free monthly services encompassing talk minutes, text messages, and monthly data.
How Can I Get a Free iPhone 11 if the Government Doesn’t Give Free iPhones 11?
In case your heart is set on receiving a free iPhone 11 or you are unable to participate in the Lifeline and ACP assistance programs, there are still other ways to receive a free iPhone 11 or another iPhone model, including through a carrier or retailer’s promotional deal, by participating in online surveys, Amazon Vine, or giveaway contests, by becoming a reviewer or a free marketing agent, opting for used or refurbished devices, etc.
Currently, the following carriers and MVNOs are offering a free iPhone 11:
- Verizon. The carrier offers certified pre-owned Apple iPhone 11, Apple iPhone 11 Pro, and iPhone 11 Pro Max for free if you add a new line and select a specific plan. These are online-only deals.
- T-Mobile. The carrier currently offers free or discounted iPhone SE, 12, 13 mini, 14 Plus, 14, 14 Pro Max, 14 Pro, 13, 15, 15 Plus, 15 Pro, and 15 Pro Max, all via 24 monthly bill credits when you add a new line and trade in a select device.
- AT&T. While this giant carrier currently doesn’t offer free or discounted iPhone 11 models, it offers free or discounted iPhone 14 and 15 models. All offers come with certain conditions, such as switching to AT&T, adding a line, subscribing to a select plan, and/or trading in an old device.
- Metro by T-Mobile offers a new iPhone 11 for free when you switch to Metro and select a specific plan.
As the carrier deals and discounts tend to update regularly, make sure to check the provider’s website for up-to-date offers.
Apart From the iPhone, Does the Government Offer Any Free Smartphone Models?
In addition to the free iPhone models listed above (ranging from iPhone SE to iPhone 8), Lifeline and ACP providers also offer many free Android smartphone models, including:
- Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 2XL
- Google Pixel 3XL
- Google Pixel 4
- Google Pixel 4XL
- LG Aristo 4 Plus
- LG G8 ThinQ
- LG K51
- LG Stylo 6
- LG V50 ThinQ 5G
- LG Tribute Empire
- Motorola G Fast
- Motorola G Play
- Motorola G Stylus
- Motorola Moto G7
- Motorola Moto G8 Power
- Motorola Z3 Play
- Motorola Z4
- OnePlus 6
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus N10 Nord 5G
- OnePlus N200 Nord 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung Galaxy A20s
- Samsung Galaxy A21
- Samsung Galaxy A32
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy On5
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Note 8
- Samsung S9 Plus
- Unimax U693CL
Note: Most Lifeline and/or ACP providers do not reveal which phone models they offer in advance.
Free Government iPhone Related FAQ
Does Apple Offer Free iPhones?
Apple rarely offers free iPhones. Perhaps the only way to receive a free iPhone from Apple is by having a huge social media following and promoting the device to thousands if not millions of people.
Is iPhone 12 Available for Free From the Government?
No, the government does not offer such advanced, new, and expensive devices for free.
In case you also need information Free Government iPhone 12 – Is It Available?
Is iPhone 13 Available for Free From the Government?
No, the government does not offer such advanced, new, and expensive devices for free.
Is It Possible to Get an iPhone 14 for Free?
Yes, some major carriers offer the device free of charge. However, in order to get it, you must meet some strict conditions.
Is It Possible to Get an iPhone 15 for Free?
As the newest iPhone 15 model just got released, certain major carrier companies already offer the device free of charge through promotional deals. However, to get it, you must meet some strict conditions.
Can I Get a Free iPhone 11 Without a Scam?
Definitely. There are many ways to receive a free iPhone 11 (as well as other others) for free without a scam, including through a carrier or retailer’s promotional deal, by participating in online surveys or giveaway contests, by becoming a reviewer or a free marketing agent, etc.
Can I Get a Free iPad From the Government?
ACP-eligible customers can receive a free iPad from the government. However, as is the case with iPhones, only a few wireless companies offer ACP iPads. Moreover, while government iPhones tend to come completely free of charge, government rules insist that in order to receive a government tablet, you must pay a mandatory co-pay of between $10 and $50.
Does a Free Government iPhone Come With a Guarantee?
It depends on the provider, however, most providers only offer phones that come with a one-year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Can I Get a Replacement for My Free Government iPhone?
Again, it depends on the provider, however, if the device started to malfunction on its own within the first year of use, you should be able to receive a free replacement from the company. Damage, loss, and theft are generally not covered. Whatever the case, make sure to report the issue as soon as it occurs.
Can I Get an Upgrade for My Free Government iPhone?
Again, it depends on the provider. Some Lifeline/ACP companies offer upgrade phones, however, the upgrades are not free of charge.
How Do I Activate My Free Government iPhone?
You will receive the activation instructions within the box containing the device and a free SIM card. Follow those. If you cannot find them, simply contact your provider’s customer support service and ask the agent to guide you through the process.