Let’s get this clear straight away; yes, the US government is really giving people free phones. In fact, there is an estimate that over 12 million people in the USA already received free phones. The program that enables those who qualify to receive a free phone is called Lifeline Assistance and is available in all states, including Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.
Of course, free government phones are not available to just everyone. Herein we will provide you with details about free government phones by state, which will enable you to obtain all the information needed and finally get a free government phone, assuming that you qualify, of course.
Are you ready to dig deeper? Let’s do this.
Ways To Get Free Government Phones By State
The Lifeline Assistance program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and is thus universally available throughout the country. This means that the qualifying process, the application process, documents needed, and other details are the same in all states.
However, you must keep in mind that the government does not have its own phone service companies, which means that the Lifeline Assistance program is carried out by various wireless carriers in all states. The exact benefits offered by the carrier vary from state to state and from carrier to carrier, however, all wireless providers that are taking part in the Lifeline Assistance program must meet universally set benefits, which are based on the $9.25 compensation offered by the state.
In reality, most wireless providers make their offers way more generous, which means that you get in value more than $9.25. Most of them will provide you with a free smartphone, free unlimited minutes and text, and a decent amount of mobile data (this is where the main differences occur).
Since the actual offers of free government phones depend on the wireless providers, you are obviously limited by those wireless carriers that offer Lifeline Assistance in your State, or to be specific, in your ZIP code area.
In some states, there are over 10 providers, while in others there may only be 1 or 2. As soon as you have determined that your household qualifies, you should choose the provider that suits you (assuming there are several options available). Later on, we will provide you with an extensive list of all Lifeline Assistance providers for each state.
The general steps that must be taken in order to get free government phones in any state include qualifying and submitting an application with the required documents. We’ll go into more detail in the following subsections.
Basic Eligibility of Each State for Free Government Phone
Obviously, not everyone can get a free government phone. There are two ways for a household to qualify:
- Based on the income, or
- Based on the federal assistance programs participation.
Qualify based on the income
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines (see detailed numbers for 2020: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/federal-poverty-guidelines/). The guideline is based on your household size and state.
Proof of income is required. More on that in the ‘Application Documents’ subsection.
Qualify based on program participation
You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participates in one of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands):
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Proof of program participation is required. More on that in the ‘Application Documents’ subsection below.
Do you qualify? If yes, proceed with the application but first, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork ready.
Important Basic Application Documents of Each State for Free Government Phones
The application itself comes these days most commonly in a form of an online questionnaire, however, you can still apply via mail (more details about how to apply below). In case you are applying via mail, you will need to print out the application itself.
Aside from the application (only if you are applying via mail), you need to submit the following copies of documents:
- General documents required (always required):
- Identity proof: A document that proves your identity (first name, last name, and SSN4/date of birth) must be submitted. Common options include ID card, passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, W-2, etc.
- Residential address proof: A copy of an official document or a letter that contains the applicant’s address is required.
- Proof of Life (only in case of errors with above documents): To prove a consumer is living, they must submit one unexpired documentation that includes their date of birth (DOB) and Social Security Number (SSN) or Tribal ID number and second unexpired documentation that proves recent life activity within three months.
To view the full list of documents acceptable, follow this link: https://www.usac.org/lifeline/eligibility/national-verifier/acceptable-documentation-for-the-national-verifier/)
AND
- Documents required if applying based on income (one of the following):
- The prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information
OR
- Documents required if applying based on program participation (one of the following):
- To prove participation in one of the above programs, you must submit a document that, at a minimum, includes:
- Your name, or the name of your benefit qualifying person (BQP);
- The name of the Lifeline-qualifying program, such as SNAP;
- The government or Tribal program administrator or the managed care organization (MCO) that issued the document; and
- An issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration date that aligns with the benefit period.
- A membership card, cover letter, or other official documents including the above details will suffice.
- To prove participation in one of the above programs, you must submit a document that, at a minimum, includes:
Note: If you are applying via mail, you will need to have copies of the above documents. In the case of online applications, you will need to have scanned copies or digital photographs of those documents.
Basic Application Process of Each State for Free Government Phones
There are several options for how to apply for Lifeline Assistance and including an application (with the government) and enrollment (with the wireless carrier). You can apply for Lifeline Assistance directly at Lifeline Support Center (via mail) or online (via Lifeline National Verifier) and then find the wireless provider and enroll with them (recommended).
Or you can first find the wireless Lifeline provider and apply for Lifeline Assistance with them (in most cases you will be redirected via the same channels mentioned in the previous sentence).
Below are the steps for the recommended method. Make sure to have the copies or scans of the documents ready.
- Apply online:
- Visit https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline, select your state or territory and click the “Get started” button and follow the instruction as you complete the online application.
- Choose a wireless provider in your area.
- Enroll with the provider and enjoy the benefits of the Lifeline Assistance.
OR
- Apply via mail:
- Print out the application and fill it in
- English: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf
- Spanish: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/LI-SP_Application_NVstates.pdf
- Send the application together with the proof documents to Lifeline Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742
- Find and choose a wireless provider in your area
- Enroll with the provider and enjoy the benefits of the Lifeline Assistance.
- Print out the application and fill it in
Note: We will provide you with a full list of free government phone by state providers below. However, you may also use this practical online tool, where you search by your zip code (https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report).
The Benefits You Will Get When You Join Government Free Phone Program
As mentioned above, the general benefit for applying (and being accepted) for Lifeline Assistance is $9.25 to be used for your monthly telecommunication bill. However, most wireless providers that take part in Lifeline Assistance took this amount and offered a lot more. In most cases you will get:
- A FREE smartphone (Note: Not all carriers offer free devices)
- Unlimited minutes and texts (Note: Not all carriers offer unlimited; 1000 minutes is set as the minimum requirement)
- At least 3GB of mobile data at speed of 3G or faster
Aside from the above-listed benefits, there may be some additional ones since every wireless carrier has some special deals and offers available.
Free Government Phone Restrictions, Rules & Your Rights for Each State
Restrictions & Rules:
- Lifeline is only available to subscribers who can prove their eligibility.
- Only one discount is allowed per household. A “household” is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses.
- You need to recertify yearly.
- “Use it or lose it” rule – if your Lifeline-supported service is free, you must use it at least once every 30 days. If you don’t, you will get a 15-day notice to use it or it will get turned off.
- If you change your address, no longer qualify for Lifeline, or more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, you MUST notify your company within 30 days.
- It is against the law to lie on any Lifeline-related forms or questionnaires.
Your Rights:
- The minimum service standards that your company is required to meet on Lifeline-supported services:
- At least 1000 minutes
- Speed of 3G or better and usage of at least 3 GB of mobile data per month
- Your company must have at least one device with hotspot functionality available for data plans.
- In case you are buying a bundle (if applicable), you can choose to apply Lifeline to the voice or the internet service.
- You can change companies at any time.
- Your company should offer proper support. If your provider is unresponsive or refuses to help you, contact your state’s public utility regulator, USAC, or the FCC to complain.
A Complete List of Free Government Phone Providers by Each State
As promised, you can find below free government phones by state list. All current Lifeline providers for each state and also for Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico are included. Unfortunately, there is no wireless provider that offers Lifeline free plans that would operate in all states.
In case there are any specific rules regarding the Lifeline Assistance application for that state, we will list that as well. Look up your state and choose the provider that you feel will best suit your needs (the states are in alphabetical order).
Alabama
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- North American Local
- Access Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- SouthernLINC Wireless
- AT&T Mobility
Alaska
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Arctic Scope Telephone Association Cooperative
- Alaska DigiTel
- Copper Valley Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Cordova Wireless Communications
- AT&T Mobility
Arizona
The poverty threshold requirement is set at 150% of the poverty guideline and not at 135% in Arizona.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Terracom
- Tag Mobile
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Total Call Mobile
Arkansas
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.Read more Government Free Phones in Arkansas
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Connexion Wireless
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Absolute Mobile
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Q-Link Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- True Wireless
- TruConnect
- US Connect
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Viaero Wireless
- US Connect
- AT&T Mobility
California
The household income threshold in California is a bit different from other states. The income requirement is set to be at or less than the annual limit for your household size. Other standard Lifeline qualification rules apply. Lifeline wireless providers in California tend to offer the most beneficial packages. Read more California Free Government Phone
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Feel Safe Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Access Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tag Mobile
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no companies that are offering Lifeline discounts in California
Colorado
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assurance Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tempo Communications
- Tag Mobile
- Stand Up Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- Tempo Communications
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no companies that are offering Lifeline discounts in Colorado
Connecticut
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discount:
- T-Mobile
Delaware
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
District of Columbia
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
Florida
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply, however, there are some providers that require 150% of the poverty guideline instead of 135%. Read more Free Government Phone Florida
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
Georgia
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Amerimex Wireless
- Access Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tempo Communication
- Life Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- SouthernLINC Wireless
Hawaii
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Q Link Wireless
- En Touch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers that offer Lifeline discounts in Hawaii
Idaho
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Q Link Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Illinois
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply. Read more Free Government Phone illinois
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- American Assistance
- Safelink Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- Access Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discount:
- US Cellular
Indiana
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply. Read more Free Government Phone Indiana
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Terracom Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tempo Communications
- Q Link Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
Iowa
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Tag Mobile
- TruConnect
- Stand Up Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Safelink Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discount:
- US Cellular
- iWireless
- Verizon Wireless
Kansas
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Access Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tempo Communications
- Safelink Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- Epic Touch / EpicPCS
- Viaero Wireless
Kentuck
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- TruConnect
- Tag Mobile
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Stand Up Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- American Assistance
- Q Link Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- Feelsafe Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Louisiana
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Terracom
- TruConnect
- Tag Mobile
- Access Wireless
- Connexion Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Stand Up wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Maine
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Cintex Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
Maryland
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assist Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- American Assistance
- Conexion Wireless
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Stand Up Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- US Connect
- TruConnect
- Terracom Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Connect
- T-Mobile
Massachusetts
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Stand Up Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
Michigan
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Feelsafe Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- American Assistance
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Stand Up Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tag Mobile
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Minnesota
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Tempo Communications
- TruConnect
- Terracom
- Q Link Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers in Minnesota offering Lifeline discount
Mississippi
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Missouri
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Life Wireless
- Access Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- American Assistance
- Easy Wireless
- Assist Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- TruConnect
- Tempo Communications
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- Total Call Mobile
- T-Mobile
Montana
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer Lifeline in Montana:
- Triangle Communications
- Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative
- Cellular One
- Sagebrush Cellular
Nebraska
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Tempo Communications
- EnTouch Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Viaero Wireless
- US Cellular
Nevada
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply for program participation, however, there is a slight difference when it comes to income-based eligibility. The annual income for a family with one member is $17,226, while that of a family with eight members is $59,562. Families with more than eight members should add $6,048 for each additional member.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- TruConnect
- Tempo Communications
- Terracom Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Q Link Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- American Assistance
- Absolute Mobile
- Access Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless carriers offering Lifeline discounts in Nevada
New Hampshire
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- Viaero Wireless
New Jersey
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply, however, there are some providers who require 150% of the Federal Poverty guideline.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
New Mexico
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers that offer Lifeline discounts in New Mexico
New York
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Verizon Wireless
- T-Mobile
North Carolina
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- T-Mobile
North Dakota
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Tempo Communications
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Nemont Wireless
- AT&T Mobility
- Verizon Wireless
Ohio
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply. Read more Free Government Phone Ohio
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- TruConnect
- Access Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- American Assistance
- Stand Up Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- i-Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Feelsafe Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
Oklahoma
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply. Read more Free Government Phone Oklahoma
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- True Wireless
- Assist Wireless
- TruConnect
- Easy Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Feelsafe Wireless
- Sprocket Wireless
- Infinity Mobile
- Q Link Wireless
- Life Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- EpicPCS / Epic Touch
Oregon
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- EnTouch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
- US Cellular
Pennsylvania
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Q Link Wireless
- Feelsafe Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- SafetyNet Wireless
- TruConnect
- Terracom Wireless
- American Assistance
- Amerimex Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discount:
- T-Mobile
Puerto Rico
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Absolute Mobile
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- AT&T Mobility
- Centennial de Puerto Rico
- Total Call Mobile
- Claro de Puerto Rico
- T-Mobile
- Open Movil de Puerto Rico
Rhode Island
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- True Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Feelsafe Wireless
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- ClearTalk Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- American Assistance
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers offering Lifeline discounts in Rhode Island
South Carolina
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- TruConnect
- EnTouch Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Stand Up Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Feelsafe Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- ClearTalk Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers offering Lifeline discounts in South Carolina
South Dakota
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- EnTouch Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- AT&T Mobility
Tennessee
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply. Read more Free Government Phone Tennessee
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Cleartalk Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- T-Mobile
Texas
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply, however, there are some providers with less strict poverty threshold set at 150%. Read more Free Government Phone and Plans Texas
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- True Mobile
- TruConnect
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom
- Stand Up Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- AT&T Mobility
Utah
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Tempo Communications
- Stand Up Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers offering Lifeline discounts in Utah.
Vermont
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Q Link Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- There are no wireless providers offering Lifeline discounts in Utah.
Virginia
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
- US Cellular
Washington
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Assurance Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- T-Mobile
- AT&T Mobility
- Inland Cellular
- US Cellular
West Virginia
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- US Connect
- Terracom Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tag Mobile
- Safelink Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Stand Up Wireless
- Gulf Coast Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Life Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- American Assistance
- Access Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- AT&T Mobility
Wisconsin
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Access Wireless
- TruConnect
- American Assistance
- Terracom Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- EnTouch Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Feelsafe Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- US Cellular
- AT&T Mobility
- Verizon Wireless
- Element Mobile
Wyoming
Standard Lifeline qualification rules apply.
Carriers that offer free cell phone services:
- Tempo Communications
- EnTouch Wireless
Carriers that offer Lifeline discounts:
- Nemont Wireless
FAQ’s
What If You Don’t Qualify For A Government Free Phone?
If you do not qualify, you are not able to get Lifeline Assistance. In that case, your best options are to explore highly affordable prepaid plans, such as offered by Tracfone or similar prepaid service providers.
If the device is what you are after, you can explore special deals where often devices can be included for free. You can also explore more affordable refurbished phones.
What To Do If The Government Free Phone Is Lost Or Stolen?
Each company has its specific policy set in place for such unfortunate occasions. Some even offer to send you a free replacement device, while you will need to pay a smaller fee for a replacement phone with others.
Whichever carrier you use, make sure to immediately call its support and report the issue. They will provide you with further instructions.
Does the government Really Give Free Cell Phones?
Yes, it is 100% true. However, only to those who qualify.
What Kind of Phones Can I Get Free?
In most cases, free government phones come in form of entry-level smartphones. Companies never provide detailed information regarding the phone models given for free.
What is The Best Free Government Cell Phone?
Since companies never provide detailed information regarding the phone models for free, it is impossible to provide that information.
Do Any Carriers Offer Free iPhones?
No. Free government phones come in a form of entry-level smartphones or in some cases in form of flip phones (mostly upon customer’s request). iPhones are upper-level smartphones and are not offered for free.
Is it Possible to Get Free Smartphones or Touchscreen Phone?
Yes. Almost all wireless providers that take part in the Lifeline Assistance program and decide to offer free devices offer free smartphones, which all have touchscreens.
Can I apply online for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. Online applications are available directly at Lifeline Support (details above) or via carriers‘ websites.
