Nowadays, smartphones are an essential part of our lives, connecting us to the world at our fingertips. However, for those facing financial constraints, owning a high-end smartphone may seem like an unattainable dream. But what if we told you there’s a pathway to securing a cutting-edge device like the Samsung Galaxy Note without breaking the bank?
In this guide, we will unravel how to get a free government Samsung Galaxy Note. From understanding the eligibility criteria to navigating the application process, we’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring you have the knowledge and resources to embark on your journey towards a free government Samsung Galaxy Note.
About Samsung Galaxy Note
Samsung Galaxy Note is a series of high-end Android smartphones by Samsung – one of the best electronics brands in the world. All Note phone models include a stylus pen and software features that facilitate pen computing.
Samsung Galaxy Note Models
The Note series includes several different models that differ slightly in specifications and features, however, they are all reliable, packed with advanced features, and of the best quality. They include:
- Samsung Galaxy Note
- Samsung Galaxy Note 2
- Samsung Galaxy Note 3
- Samsung Galaxy Note 4
- Samsung Galaxy Note Edge
- Samsung Galaxy Note 5
- Samsung Galaxy Note 7
- Samsung Galaxy Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20/Note 20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Note Specifications
As mentioned before, different Note phones have different specifications. So, let’s take a look at the specs of one of the most popular Note models – Note 8.
- OS: Android 7.1.1 up to 9.0
- Internal storage: 64GB to 256GB
- External storage: microSDXC
- RAM: 6GB
- Display: 6.3-inch Super AMOLED
- Resolution: 1440×2960 pixels
- Battery: 3300 Li-Ion
- Main camera: Dual 12MP
- Selfie camera: Dual 8MP
- Features: Iris scanner, fingerprint, accelerometer, Samsung DeX, ANT+, Bixby commands, Samsung Pay, and much more.
Is it Possible to Get a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note?
It is possible to get a free Samsung Galaxy Note from the government. How? Well, the government offers two assistance programs for low-income households in need – Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both offer discounts on wireless services and devices and are striving to bridge the digital divide, giving all people equal opportunities by enabling them to stay connected to work, school, loved ones, emergency services, and more. Specifically, Lifeline offers discounts on monthly phone, wireless, or internet services and cell phones, while the new ACP program offers discounts on monthly broadband services and internet-connected devices.
The FCC manages these two programs and provides funds to participating wireless companies that then offer discounted or free wireless services and devices to eligible customers. Each company offers different plans and devices, however, many offer mid-range Android smartphones, including Samsung Galaxy Note models.
How Can I Get a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note
You can get a free government Samsung Galaxy Note from a Lifeline/ACP provider in your area. However, first, you must follow this process:
- Make sure you qualify for Lifeline and ACP. Participating in both programs will give you the best chance of receiving a free government Samsung Galaxy Note.
- Make sure that you can prove your eligibility by providing the required information and documentation.
- Apply for the two programs through the National Verifier and then choose a wireless company that offers a free Samsung Galaxy Note in your area and apply through that company as well.
Let’s break down these steps in the following sections.
How to Qualify for a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note
To be eligible for a free government Samsung Galaxy phone, certain criteria must be met. These requirements vary based on the program through which you are applying:
- Lifeline Program: If you are applying through the Lifeline program, it is essential to have an income that falls at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): If you are applying through the ACP, your total household income should not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
In addition to income qualifications, you may also qualify for a free Samsung Galaxy government phone if you participate in one of the following tribal or federal assistance programs:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) (ACP only)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program (ACP only)
- Federal Pell Grant (ACP only)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Additionally, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor to apply and the only applicant in your household.
List of Needed Information and Documents to Apply for a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note
To prevent abuse of government assistance programs by those who can afford phone and internet services, applicants must provide proof of eligibility for Lifeline/ACP. This involves providing certain vital information and submitting official, unexpired documents that contain the necessary information to establish eligibility based on income or program participation, as well as verify personal information.
You will likely be required to provide the following information:
- Full official name
- Date of birth
- Physical address
- Social Security Number or Tribal ID
- Contact information
- Information about how you qualify (based on income or participation in an assistance program)
You will also likely be required to provide copies of some of the following documents:
- Identity Verification: To confirm your identity, submit a copy of an official document that includes your full legal name and age, such as a valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID, passport, birth certificate, U.S. driver’s license, Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization, Permanent Resident Card or Green Card, or Government assistance program document
- Address Verification: To verify your address, provide a copy of an official document that includes your full legal name and physical address, such as a valid government, state, or Tribal ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage or lease statement, or most recent W-2 or tax return.
- Low-Income Proof: To demonstrate your household’s low annual income, provide a copy of an official document that includes your full legal name and annual income, such as a prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or paycheck stubs, Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, Retirement/pension statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing income.
- Government Assistance Program Participation Proof: To prove your participation in a qualifying government assistance program, submit a copy of an official document that includes your full legal name, the program name, the issuing institution’s name, and an issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration date, such as benefit award letter, approval letter, statement of benefits, benefit verification letter, or school documentation.
- Emancipated minors must also provide official documentation, such as a court document or emancipation certificate, to verify their emancipation status.
You can submit these documents online by attaching digital copies or through mail by submitting physical copies. However, it is crucial to never submit original documents to ensure their safety.
How to Apply for a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note
To get a free government Samsung Galaxy Note, you must apply for Lifeline and ACP. First, you must apply through the National Verifier and then through your chosen provider.
Step 1: Apply Through the National Verifier
- Online Application: To apply through the National Verifier online, 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). Complete both online application forms, ensuring that you provide all the necessary information and upload digital copies of the required documentation. Once submitted, you will receive a notification regarding the approval status of your application.
- Mail Application: To apply by mail, download and print the application forms from the following links: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf (for Lifeline) and https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf (for ACP). For ACP, it is also advisable to print the Household Worksheet, available at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf. Complete all the forms, include the supporting documentation, and mail them to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, P.O. Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
- (Alternative) Provider Application: Some Lifeline/ACP companies allow customers to apply directly through them. The necessary instructions for doing so can be found in the subsequent section.
Step 2: Apply Through a Selected Provider
Regardless of whether you must first apply through the National Verifier or if the company allows you to apply directly through them, applying for a specific provider’s services is a vital step in receiving a free government Samsung Galaxy Note. This step includes:
- Find a Lifeline/ACP company that offers a free government Samsung Galaxy Note in your area.
- Find the full list of Lifeline/ACP providers in your area at https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Visit each provider’s website or contact them to compare their offers and ask if they offer the device you’re looking for. You can also see the potential free Samsung Galaxy Note providers in the following section.
- When you find a company that suits you, visit its website, find the online application form, and complete it by providing all the required information and documentation.
- During the application process, you will likely have to choose a plan and perhaps even a device.
- The company will notify you about their decision ASAP and send you a free phone and SIM card.
What Assistance Providers Offer Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note
The only two companies that have confirmed to offer free government Samsung Galaxy Note models are:
- AirTalk Wireless. This company offers free plans, discounted tablets, and free phones of the customer’s own choice. One of the devices to choose from is currently a Samsung Galaxy Note phone. See the offer at https://airtalkwireless.com/phone/detail/180 and apply at https://airtalkwireless.com/apply.
- NewPhone Wireless. This company also offers free plans, discounted tablets, and free phones, including a Samsung Galaxy Note. See the offer at https://newphone.com/free-phone and apply at https://newphone.com/apply.
Most other Lifeline/ACP companies don’t allow customers to choose a device themselves, nor do they reveal the available options. However, the following providers are also likely to offer a free government Samsung Galaxy Note model:
- Cintex Wireless (as an AirTalk and NewPhone affiliate company it is especially likely to offer such devices; learn more at https://cintexwireless.com/)
- Access Wireless (https://www.accesswireless.com/)
- Assist Wireless (https://www.assistwireless.com/)
- Easy Wireless (https://myeasywireless.com/)
- enTouch Wireless (https://entouchwireless.com/)
- Life Wireless (https://www.lifewireless.com/)
- ReachOut Wireless (https://reachoutwirelessphone.com/)
- StandUp Wireless (https://standupwireless.com/)
- TruConnect (https://www.truconnect.com/)
Which Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note Models Are Currently Available
Currently, the only confirmed available free government Samsung Galaxy Note model is the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 – one of the most advanced and popular Note models. You can see this model’s specifications in one of the earlier sections. This phone model is currently surely available at AirTalk Wireless and NewPhone Wireless, however, other Lifeline/ACP companies may also offer it to eligible customers.
Moreover, the listed Lifeline/ACP companies also offer other Samsung phone models, as well as devices by Apple, Motorola, Alcatel, etc.
What Other Benefits May I Receive Through Lifeline/ACP
If you apply for Lifeline, you will also likely receive a free or discounted phone or wireless plan with free monthly talk minutes, text messages, and data.
If you apply for ACP, you will also likely receive a free or discounted data plan. Moreover, some ACP companies offer discounted tablets.
You will receive the best benefits if you apply for both assistance programs.
Is There Another Way to Get a Free Samsung Galaxy Note if Not Through the Government
In case you are unable to get a free government Samsung Galaxy Note, you can try your luck elsewhere. For instance:
- Check with local charities or non-profit organizations
- Find a carrier/retailer promo deal, however, make sure to read the conditions
- Try your luck online by participating in surveys, reviews, or giveaway contests
FAQ
Can I Get a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note Directly From Samsung?
No. Samsung is a smartphone manufacturer, not a wireless service provider. As such, it doesn’t participate in the Lifeline or ACP program, which offer free devices from the government.
Can I Get Another Samsung Phone Free from the Government?
Yes, Lifeline/ACP companies offer a variety of other Samsung phones free of charge, including Samsung Galaxy S9+, Samsung Galaxy A02s, Samsung Galaxy S8, etc.
Can I Get a Free Government Samsung Tablet?
Yes, in addition to free smartphones, ACP providers also offer free tablets (including Samsung tablets). However, to obtain an ACP tablet, you must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50.
Is Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note Really Free?
Yes, unlike tablets that demand a mandatory co-pay, free government phones are completely free of charge.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Free Government Samsung Galaxy Note?
The application process is quick and both the National Verifier and your selected provider will do their best to approve (or reject) your application as soon as possible. After being approved, the provider will strive to send you a free device as soon as possible (depending on availability) and you should receive the phone in a matter of days.
