What Services Does Samsung Provide?
Samsung is a huge international company that produces electronic devices, smart appliances, TVs, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and more. As Samsung is a manufacturer, it does not provide any services. However, there are many other companies that sell Samsung devices and offer certain services as well.
Can I Get a Government Free Phone Directly From Samsung?
Samsung is not a phone, internet, or wireless service provider, as such, it does not participate in any government assistance programs, nor does it offer free government phones directly. Nevertheless, there are certain cell phone, internet, and wireless service providers that participate in a government assistance program and through it offer free Samsung government phones as well as free phones from other brands and free monthly services.
If Samsung Doesn’t Provide Free Government Phones Directly Then How to Get It
Samsung may not provide free government phones directly, but eligible customers can easily receive one from a phone, internet, or wireless service provider that participates in Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program/ACP (the two government assistance programs that offer free phones and monthly services). The process of getting a free Samsung government phone from a Lifeline/ACP provider is as follows:
- First, you have to make sure that you qualify for the Lifeline and/or ACP program. The eligibility criteria are listed in the next section.
- Secondly, you must prove your eligibility by providing proof documentation. You can see the acceptable documentation below.
- Thirdly, you must apply for the Lifeline/ACP program. See how to do so below.
- Finally, you must find a Lifeline/ACP provider that offers free Samsung government phones in your state of residence. When you do, you can apply for their program and free device. If your application gets accepted you will receive the benefits shortly.
How to Qualify for Lifeline and ACP to Receive a Samsung Free Government Phone?
As mentioned before, you can only get a free Samsung government phone or any other free government device through the Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) government assistance programs.
Lifeline is a government assistance program that was created in the 1980s to help make communication services more affordable for low-income people. It provides customers with a discount on monthly phone or internet services of up to $9.25 (or $34.25 for eligible Tribal households). Some Lifeline providers also offer free government phones from various brands.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, on the other hand, is a brand new government assistance program that offers discounts on monthly internet services. Some providers, if they decide to do so themselves, may also offer a one-time discount of up to $100 on internet-connected devices (tablets, laptops, or desktop computers), which is only available to customers if they pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50. Wireless providers who participate in both programs may offer mobile devices of higher quality and more recent models, as such, these providers are most likely to provide free Samsung government phones.
To qualify for Lifeline or ACP you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor. In addition, you must meet at least one of the FCC-determined eligibility criteria for each government program.
In order to qualify for the Lifeline program your household must meet one of the following requirements:
- Your annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or any other member of your household participates in one of the following qualifying Federal or Tribal 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
- 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
In order to qualify for the ACP program your household must meet one of the following requirements:
- You or any other member of your household participates in Lifeline.
- You or any other member of your household participates in any of the Lifeline-qualifying assistance programs listed above.
- You or any other member of your household participates in Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
- Your household participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- Your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- Your annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
What Documents are Required When Applying for Lifeline and ACP to Receive a Free Samsung Government Phone?
In order for people who are actually able to afford the phone and internet services and devices not to abuse the government assistance programs, applicants must prove their Lifeline/ACP eligibility. You can do so by providing some official, unexpired documents that include all the information that is needed to prove your eligibility (either low income or program participation) and verify your personal information.
To make sure your application process is as quick and smooth as possible, make sure to prepare a copy of a document of each section below.
Identity verification
To verify your identity, submit a copy of an official document that contains 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
- Government assistance program document
Address verification
To verify your address, submit a copy of an official document that contains 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
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
Low-income proof
To prove your household’s low annual income, submit a copy of an official document that contains your full legal name and annual income, such as:
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
Government assistance program participation proof
To prove your participation in a qualifying government assistance program, submit a copy of an official document that contains your full legal name, the name of the program, the name of the institution that issued the document, 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
- School documentation
Emancipated minors must also prove their emancipation status by providing an official document, such as a court document or an emancipation certificate. You may also be required to provide your Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number and prove that you are alive.
You can provide these documents both online (by attaching digital copies) or via mail (by submitting physical copies). However, make sure to never submit official documents.
How to Apply for Lifeline and ACP?
There are three ways to apply for Lifeline/ACP – online, by mail, or by contacting your selected Lifeline/ACP provider directly.
Apply online
To apply online, you must visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline (for Lifeline) and nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true (for ACP). Fill out both online application forms by providing all the required information and digital copies of proof documentation. Submit the application and you will shortly be notified whether or not your application got approved.
Apply by mail
To apply by mail, print out the application forms, which are available at lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf (for Lifeline) and affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf (for ACP). When applying for ACP, it is also recommended to print out a Household Worksheet, which is available at affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf. Fill out all of these forms, add the supporting documentation and send the papers to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Apply via provider
Alternatively, you can also apply through your selected Lifeline/ACP provider directly. You can find all the information on how to do so in the following section.
How to Apply for a Samsung Free Phone?
To apply for a Samsung free phone, you must follow these simple steps:
- Find a Lifeline/ACP provider that offers free Samsung government phones in your state of residence. You must be a resident of one of the states where your selected provider offers its services, otherwise, you won’t qualify.
- Visit the provider’s official website.
- Most providers have an online application form, which you fill out by providing the required personal information and the documents that prove your eligibility.
- Some providers also allow customers to apply by mail.
- During the application process, you may also be able to choose a plan and even a device model.
- Once you apply, the provider will notify you about whether or not your application was approved in a few days.
- If you have any questions, make sure to contact the provider’s customer service.
Which Phone Do You Get for Free From Samsung?
It is important to note that most Lifeline/ACP providers do not reveal, which phone models and brands they offer in advance, as their offer depends on availability, location, and timing. However, most offer mid-range Android smartphones, which means that you could easily receive a Samsung smartphone. According to the few Lifeline/ACP providers that actually do reveal their phone models, you can expect to receive one of the following free Samsung government phones:
- Samsung A10E
- Samsung Galaxy A21
- Samsung Galaxy A32
- Samsung Galaxy A20S
- Samsung Note 8
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung S6 Edge
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy J3
- Samsung Galaxy S6
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Samsung Galaxy S8 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
- Samsung Galaxy A11
- Samsung Galaxy A20
- Samsung Galaxy On5
What Benefits Do I Get After Qualifying for Lifeline and ACP?
The exact list of benefits that you can expect to receive after qualifying for Lifeline and ACP depends on your selected provider. However, you can expect to receive the following Lifeline and ACP benefits:
Lifeline benefits
- A discount on phone or wireless monthly services of up to $9.25 or $34.25 for eligible Tribal families. The free or discounted services tend to include:
- A certain amount of monthly voice minutes (the amount depends on the provider and plan)
- Unlimited texts
- A certain amount of monthly data (the amount depends on the provider and plan)
- Perhaps a free government phone
ACP benefits
- A discount on monthly internet services of up to $30 (or $75 for eligible Tribal households).
- Perhaps a one-time discount of up to $100 on internet-connected devices. By paying a mandatory fee, the applicant may receive a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. This discount may also make sure that you get a better Lifeline free government phone.
What are the Lifeline and ACP Plans That You Can Get With a Free Samsung Government Phone?
The Lifeline and ACP plans that you can receive with a free Samsung government phone depend on the provider, however, providers that offer both government assistance programs tend to offer three types of plans:
- Lifeline-only plan (it usually comes with a certain amount of monthly minutes, texts, and data and in certain cases, an entry-level to mid-range Android smartphone or flip phone)
- ACP-only plan (it usually comes with a certain amount of monthly minutes, texts, and data and in certain cases, a discount on internet-connect devices)
- Lifeline and ACP plan (it usually comes with a certain amount of monthly minutes, texts, and data and in some cases, a high-quality free government phone (flip, Android, or iPhone) and even a discounted tablet)
Best Providers That Offer Free Samsung Government Phones
As mentioned before, only a few Lifeline/ACP providers reveal which free phone brands and models they offer in advance. Therefore, here are some of the providers that surely offer free Samsung government phones and some providers that surely offer free government phones but don’t reveal the models in advance.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is a reliable and popular Lifeline and ACP provider that not only reveals its phone models in advance, but it also enables you to choose the device that best fits your needs. The company offers three kinds of plans that offer free monthly talk, text, and data. The company also offers discounted tablets and free Samsung government phones and other phone brands (including iPhones).
To apply, go to airtalkwireless.com and follow the on-screen prompts.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is AirTalk’s affiliate company, therefore it offers similar high-qualify free phones (including free Samsung government phones, free flip phones, and free Apple phones). It also offers ACP discounted tablets and free monthly wireless services that include free monthly talk, text, and data.
To enroll, visit cintexwireless.com and follow the on-screen instructions.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone is also AirTalk’s affiliate company. As such, it also enables customers to choose if they wish to receive a free Samsung government phone, a free flip phone, or a free iPhone and which one. The company also offers ACP discounted tablets and free monthly wireless services with free talk, text, and data.
Sign up by visiting newphone.com, pressing ‘Apply Now’, and following the instructions.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless is a Lifeline/ACP provider that does not allow customers to choose their phone model nor does it provide information about the available free phone models. However, as the company offers free Android smartphones, chances are that you will receive a free Samsung government phone. The provider also offers free monthly services with unlimited talk, text, data, and hotspot data.
Go to accesswireless.com and follow the prompts to apply.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is another excellent Lifeline and ACP provider that offers both free government phones and tablets. They do not reveal their offered phone models in advance. The company also offers eligible customers monthly service plans with unlimited talk and text, high-speed data, and more.
You can enroll at standupwireless.com.
enTouch Wireless
Even though enTouch Wireless does not state its free government phone models, chances are that it offers free Samsung government phones, as it is a reputable government assistance provider and Samsung is a reputable brand. The phones they offer feature large screens and Android OS, and are new. The company also offers free service plans with free talk, text, data, and international calling.
Start your application process by following the instructions at entouchwireless.com or Check out more enTouch Wireless Free Phone and Plans.
Life Wireless
One of the most popular Lifeline and ACP providers is also Life Wireless. The company offers qualifying customers free unlimited data, talk, text, 5 GB of hotspot, and a smartphone (the brand and model are unfortunately not revealed).
Apply by visiting lifewireless.com.
If I Don’t Get a Free Phone From Samsung Under the Lifeline and ACP, What Other Ways Are There to Get a Free Samsung Phone
In case you don’t qualify for the Lifeline/ACP assistance program or can’t find a provider that offers free Samsung government phones in your area, there are also some other ways to receive a free Samsung device, including:
- Through a charity or a non-profit organization (only for low-income households)
- Through a school, library, or church (only for low-income households)
- By finding a carrier deal (you can get a free phone by switching to their services, adding a line, purchasing a select plan, trading in your old device, or buying another device at full price)
- By finding a retailer deal (those are especially generous around the holidays)
- By becoming a marketing agent
- By becoming a reviewer
- Via Amazon Vine
- By entering an online giveaway (make sure to avoid scams)
What Other Phones Can I Get From the Government Except Samsung Phones
In addition to free Samsung government phones, which are considered one of the most reputable and high-quality phone models currently in the market, Lifeline and ACP participants also provide numerous other free government phone brands and models, including:
- Alcatel Go Flip 4 (flip)
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone 6 (Plus)
- Apple iPhone 7 (Plus)
- Apple iPhone 8
- Coolpad Belleza (flip)
- Google Pixel
- Google Pixel 4
- LG G8 ThinQ
- LG K51
- LG Stylo 6
- LG Tribute Empire
- LG V50 ThinQ 5H
- Motorola G Stylus
- Motorola Moto G7 Play
- Motorola Moto G8 Power
- Motorola Z4
- Nokia 2820 V Flip
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus N100 Nord
- OnePlus N200 Nord 5G
- Unimax U693CL
- Wiko U307
Can I Get a Samsung Free Tablet Under the Lifeline and ACP?
To receive a free government tablet, you must find an ACP provider or one that participates in both government assistance programs, as discounts on tablets are only offered through the ACP program. As is the case with free government phones, providers also tend to not reveal their offered free tablet models in advance. However, according to the ones that do, you can receive the following free Samsung government tablets:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2018 or 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
Note: All of these devices are currently available at a discounted price to eligible customers at AirTalk Wireless, which also offers free Samsung government phones. However, their offer may change in the future.
