Telecommunication services used to be a luxury. Some decades ago not all households (let alone individuals) had their own phones and that was OK, as people were used to communicating through the mail, in person, or by public phones.
In the 1980s, however, the American government recognized that telecommunications are a necessity rather than a luxury. Therefore, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) established a program called Lifeline, which is designed to ensure access to basic phone and telecommunication services for low-income families.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the FCC established another, temporary assistance program called Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), designed to help households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic. At the end of 2021, the government modified and extended the program, which is now known as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Both Lifeline and ACP have providers all over the country, which provide eligible low-income families a discount on wireless services and sometimes a free government phone. And while most Lifeline and ACP providers offer entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones for free, some (but very few) of them offer free government iPhones. In this article, you will find out all there is to know about free government iPhones, how to get them, free iPhone providers, other ways to receive an iPhone free of charge, and more.
Does The Government Really Provide Free iPhones
A few years ago finding a Lifeline (or ACP) provider that offered s to eligible low-income households was virtually impossible. The Affordable Connectivity Program didn’t exist yet and most Lifeline providers were focused on providing customers free phone and wireless services and perhaps a rather basic Android smartphone. As such, getting a free government iPhone was not an option.
Nowadays, there are some Lifeline and ACP providers that offer free government iPhones. These providers are very limited and they do not offer their services in all U.S. states, nonetheless, receiving a free government iPhone in the United States is indeed possible.
What is the Process of Getting a Free Government iPhone?
Now, that we have established that the government really does provide free iPhones, let’s discuss how to get one.
Step 1: First of all, you must qualify for the Lifeline and ACP programs, as only the people who qualify can apply for a free government iPhone and hope to receive it. You can verify your eligibility through the National Verifier.
Step 2: Secondly, you must prove your eligibility by providing copies of certain official, unexpired documents that contain all the required information.
Step 3: Then, you can apply for the Lifeline/ACP program.
Step 4: Once your application is approved, you can find a Lifeline/ACP provider that offers free government iPhones in your state of residence and area. Choose the provider that best fits your needs and apply for their monthly service discount and free device.
Step 5: If your application gets approved once more, you will be notified via email and you can expect to receive your free government iPhone and other benefits shortly.
How Do I Qualify For A Free Government iPhone Through Lifeline?
Now, that we have established that the government really does provide free iPhones, let’s discuss how to get one.
Free Government iPhone Eligibility and Required Documents
The first thing you need to know is that you can only receive a free government iPhone if you are Lifeline or ACP-eligible. Lifeline and ACP eligibility criteria are basically the same, however, there are a few differences.
Lifeline Eligibility Criteria
A person or household is Lifeline-eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Your household income is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or any of your household members participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs.
The applicant must also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where the selected provider offers its services.
Documents Needed for Lifeline Eligibility
In case a Lifeline provider in your area offers free government iPhones, you will have to prove your Lifeline eligibility to get one. The documents that may prove your Lifeline eligibility include:
- An official document that can prove your identity (name, address, date of birth). Document examples are a government, military, state, or Tribal ID, government assistance program document, Driver’s license, certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization, birth certificate, Social Security Card, or prior year’s tax return or W-2.
- An official document that can show your annual income. Document examples include your prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, Veterans Administration 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.
- An official document that can prove your program participation. Document examples include an approval letter, benefit verification letter, statement of benefits, or benefit award letter.
In addition, as only people of 18 years or more or emancipated minors can qualify for Lifeline, all emancipated minors must provide emancipation proof, such as a certificate or a court document.
- You may also have to prove your duplicate address, emancipated minor status, Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number, proof of life, etc.
How Do I Qualify For A Free Government iPhone Through ACP?
Affordable Connectivity Program Eligibility Criteria
A person or household is ACP-eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Your household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or any of your household members participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as Lifeline, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools, or certain Tribal Programs.
- You or any of your household members have received a federal Pell Grant award in the current award year.
The applicant must also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where the selected provider offers its services.
Documents Needed for ACP Eligibility
In case an ACP provider in your area offers free government iPhones, you will have to prove your ACP eligibility to get one. The documents that may prove your ACP eligibility include:
- An official document that can prove your identity (name, address, date of birth). See the examples above.
- An official document that can show your annual income. See the examples above.
- An official document that can prove your program participation. See the examples above.
- Other official documents that may prove your duplicate address or emancipated minor status.
What are the Main Reasons for Not Qualifying for the Lifeline and ACP Program?
In case you do not qualify for the Lifeline or ACP program, it may be for one of the following reasons:
- You are not at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- You are not a resident of one of the states where your selected provider offers its services.
- You do not meet any of the Lifeline/ACP eligibility criteria.
- You used to qualify but you no longer meet the requirement (your annual household income improved or you no longer participate in one of the government assistance programs).
- You are unable to prove your eligibility.
- You provide inaccurate information or invalid documentation during the application process.
How To Apply for Lifeline and ACP for Getting a Free Government iPhone
There are three ways to apply for the Lifeline or ACP program.
Online
To apply online, visit https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline for Lifeline and https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true for the ACP program. Login or create a new account. Fill out the online application form(s) by providing all the required information and copies of proof documentation. Submit the application.
Note: If you apply online, you may receive approval immediately.
By Mail
To apply via mail, you must first print out an application form. Print out a Lifeline application form in English at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf and print out an ACP application form in English at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf. When applying for the ACP program, it is also highly advisable to print out and complete the Household Worksheet, which is available at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf. Add the proof documentation and send the package to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
By Contacting Your Provider
You can also contact your chosen Lifeline/ACP provider in your area and ask if you can apply directly through them, instead of first applying through the National Verifier. If possible, the company will provide you with all the required information.
Apart From the Free Government iPhone, What Other Benefits Will You Get After Qualifying for the Lifeline and ACP Program?
In addition to the free government iPhone (or another free phone), Lifeline and ACP subscribers may also receive some of the following benefits:
- A Lifeline discount on monthly phone, wireless, or internet services of up to $9.25 for eligible non-Tribal households or $34.25 for eligible Tribal households.
- An ACP discount on monthly broadband services of up to $30 for eligible non-Tribal households or $75 for eligible Tribal households.
- Some ACP providers also offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device, such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Note: The exact list of benefits depends fully on the provider.
What are the Lifeline and ACP Plans That You Can Get With a Free Government iPhone?
The exact list of Lifeline and ACP plans that you can get in addition to the free government iPhone or another phone depends on your selected provider. However, many providers that offer both Lifeline and ACP discounts offer three types of free plans:
- Lifeline Only Plans – these plans tend to offer a limited amount of monthly voice minutes, a limited amount of monthly data, and unlimited texts
- ACP Only Plans – they tend to offer a limited amount of monthly voice minutes, a limited amount of monthly data, and unlimited texts
- Lifeline & ACP Plans – these plans may offer unlimited talk, unlimited text, and limited or unlimited amounts of monthly data, as well as some other attractive benefits, such as hotspot, voicemail, caller ID, etc.
Which Companies Provide Free Government iPhones in 2022
While many Lifeline and ACP providers offer free Android touch screen phones, there are only a few providers that offer free government iPhones. In this chapter, you can find out which Lifeline or ACP providers offer free government iPhones, what kind of an Apple phone you can expect to receive, and how to apply for a free government iPhone.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless (as well as its affiliate companies – Cintex Wireless and NewPhone Wireless) is a great nationwide Lifeline and ACP provider. It offers discounts to eligible residents of California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Qualifying households may receive a free government iPhone, Android smartphone, or flip phone, a discounted ACP tablet, and free monthly services with free minutes, texts, and data.
How to apply for an AirTalk wireless free Government iPhone?
- In order to apply for AirTalk’s ACP free services and phone, you must qualify. You must either participate in a government assistance program (such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc.), have a household income below 135% of the Federal poverty line, or have received the federal Pell Grant in the current award year. You must also be a resident of any of the states, where the company offers its services.
- You must prove your eligibility by providing all the necessary information and proof documentation.
- Visit https://airtalkwireless.com/apply and enter your ZIP code and email ID in the provided boxes to sign up. Follow the provided prompts to complete the form.
- Once you apply, wait for a confirmation letter. In case your application was successful, you may receive a free government iPhone or another smartphone in a matter of days.
AirTalk Wireless Free Government expected iPhone model:
AirTalk Wireless offers numerous different free government iPhone models, including Apple iPhone SE, Apple iPhone 6, Apple iPhone 6 Plus, Apple iPhone 6s, Apple iPhone 6s Plus, Apple iPhone 7, Apple iPhone 7 Plus, and Apple iPhone 8. The company also offers several Android smartphones and flip phones.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a popular wireless service and Lifeline and ACP provider. It offers service in five US states (Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, and West Virginia). Eligible customers can get free monthly phone and wireless services with free minutes, texts, and data, as well as a free 4G LTE smartphone. Through Cintex’s ACP program you can expect to receive either a free Android smartphone or a free iPhone, depending on availability.
How to apply Cintex wireless free Government iPhone?
- In order to apply for Cintex’s ACP free services and phone, you must be eligible. You must either participate in a government assistance program (such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc.), have a household income below 135% of the Federal poverty line, or experience any substantial job loss since February 29, 2020. You must also be a resident of any of the 5 states, where they offer services (Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, and West Virginia).
- You must provide all the required personal information in documentation, which proves your identity and eligibility.
- Visit apply.cintexwireless.com and enter your ZIP code and email ID in the provided boxes to sign up. Follow the provided prompts to complete the form.
- Once you apply, wait for a confirmation letter. In case your application was successful, you may receive a free government iPhone or another smartphone in a matter of days.
Cintex Wireless Free Government expected iPhone model:
At Cintex Wireless you can expect to receive an Apple iPhone 6 (CDMA or GSM), an Apple iPhone 6S GSM, or an Android smartphone, such as LG Stylo 4, LG M150, Motorola E5, or Samsung Galaxy S7.
SFone Wireless
SFone is a large wireless service provider and a proud ACP provider, which helps out households affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. Currently, they offer their services in just a few U.S. states (Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, and West Virginia), however, they are planning to expand their services to other U.S. states shortly.
SFone’s ACP program has partnered with Cintex Wireless to provide free services and a free smartphone (Android or Apple) to their eligible customers.
How to apply SFone wireless free Government iPhone?
- In order to apply for SFone’s ACP program, you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you participate in a government assistance program, such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc., if your household income is below 135% of the Federal poverty line, or if you have experienced any substantial job loss since February 29, 2020.
- To apply, visit apply.sfonewireless.com/broadband. Apply online by providing all of the required information and documentation to verify your identity and prove your eligibility.
- Then, call SFone’s customer care at +1(855)655-3097 and talk to a representative to apply.
- If the company finds you eligible for the program, you may receive a free government iPhone or Android smartphone.
SFone wireless free Government Expected iPhone model:
At SFone Wireless you can expect to receive an Apple iPhone 6 (CDMA or GSM), an Apple iPhone 6S GSM or an Android smartphone.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless is another reliable phone and wireless service provider and a Lifeline and ACP provider. Through their Lifeline and ACP programs, they offer free monthly wireless services and free smartphones to low-income customers. NewPhone Wireless only offers free government iPhones through their ACP program, which is temporary. As such, you can only get an iPhone from NewPhone Wireless until their ACP program lasts (it is supposed to end either when the funds run out or when the Covid-19 pandemic officially ends – whichever comes first).
How to apply NewPhone Wireless free government iPhone?
- In order to apply for a NewPhone Wireless free government iPhone, you must be ACP-eligible. As such, you must either have a household income below 135% of the Federal poverty line, participate in a government assistance program, such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc., experience any substantial job loss since February 29, 2020, or receive a federal Pell Grant award in the current award year.
- Visit newphone.com and apply online. To do so, simply provide all the necessary information and documentation proving your eligibility.
- Once you fill in the application and press ‘Sign up’ to finish the process, the government’s secure system will verify your application.
- If approved, you will receive a free monthly service and a free phone. You can expect to receive a free phone within 7 to 10 business days. The shipping is free of charge.
NewPhone Wireless free government Expected iPhone model:
At NewPhone Wireless you can expect to receive an Apple iPhone 6 an Apple iPhone 6S, or an Android smartphone from a reputable brand such as Samsung, Motorola, or LG.
If I Don’t Qualify for the Lifeline and ACP Programs, is There Any Other Way to Get a Free Government iPhone
In case you are unable to qualify for the Lifeline and ACP programs or if none of the companies that offer free Lifeline and ACP iPhones operate in your state of residence, there are not many chances to get a free iPhone from the government elsewhere.
Apple iPhones are considered very high-end devices, therefore charities, non-profits, and other organizations that may cooperate with the government usually do not offer free Apple devices. Instead, they may offer free entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones or flip/feature phones with basic options. Nevertheless, there are some other ways to get a free iPhone, which have nothing to do with the government and are available for both low-income people and others.
What Other Phones Does The Government Offer for Free
Lifeline and ACP-eligible customers may expect to receive a free 4G LTE/5G smartphone from a high-end brand, such as Apple (one of the providers listed above), Samsung, Motorola, LG, and more.
Most Lifeline or ACP providers offer entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones and the exact device brand and model you may expect to receive depends on various factors, including the provider, availability, and location.
Some of the most common smartphone models Lifeline and ACP providers offer for free include:
- LG Stylo 4
- LG M150
- Motorola E5
- Samsung Galaxy S7
- Alcatel Dawn
- Kyocera Hydro Reach
- ZTE Prestige 2
- NUU A3
- ZTE Wrap Elite N9518
Which Companies Offer Free iPhones When You Switch
Several carriers and wireless companies offer free iPhones to customers when they switch to their services or add a new line. These promotional deals may also include some other conditions, such as purchasing a select plan, trading in an old device in good working condition, buying a phone at full price to get another one for free, etc.
Some of the carriers that currently offer free iPhones when you switch to their company are:
- T-Mobile. You can get an iPhone SE (2nd Gen) for free when you switch. This is an online-only deal that comes visa 24 monthly bill credits when you add a new line on a qualifying rate plan.
- Verizon. You can get an iPhone 13 mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone SE (3rd Gen), and some certified pre-owned models for free when you switch. This deal requires a new line and a specific plan and it’s paid through 36 monthly credits.
- Metro by T-Mobile. You can get an iPhone SE for free when you switch to an eligible plan.
- Boost Mobile. You can get an iPhone SE (2nd Gen) for free when you switch to an eligible plan.
Can I Get a Free iPhone Other Than The Government iPhone
In case you are either not Lifeline or ACP-eligible or if you are not a resident of any of the states where the three Lifeline and ACP providers who offer free government iPhones operate, you may be unable to get a free iPhone from the government.
If so, you will be pleased to know that there are also some other ways to receive a free iPhone. These other methods include:
- Getting a carrier or retailer deal: Many carriers and retailers offer free iPhones in exchange for signing a 24-month (or more) contract. This means that instead of paying for the phone upfront, you will pay for it in 24 low monthly installments.
- Participating in a survey offer: Certain survey platforms enable you to collect credits or points. Once you have collected enough points, you can use them to buy an iPhone.
- Working for Apple or other tech companies: Some tech companies offer free iPhones for their employees.
- Becoming a free marketing agent: If you have a large social media following, Apple may give you an iPhone for free in exchange for some online promotions, which may bring them new customers.
- Becoming a reviewer: You can apply to become an iPhone reviewer. If your application gets approved and you are chosen as the best reviewer after writing a good product review, you may receive a free iPhone.
- Entering a giveaway contest: There are lots of giveaway contests online, however, beware, as many of these contests are scams. If you find a legit page, simply follow the on-screen prompts to register. If you win, you will receive a free iPhone and in exchange, you may be asked to post about it on your social media.
- Getting a free iPhone via Amazon Vine: You may also get a free iPhone via Amazon Vine – a platform that rewards people for making honest reviews of their products. You can create an Amazon account and provide an honest product review. If your review gets noticed by the right people, you may get asked to review their phones in exchange for a free iPhone.
- By choosing a used, second-hand, or refurbished phone, instead of a new one. There are many online and physical market platforms where people sell or even give out used, second-hand, or refurbished devices. Search the internet for such options and contact the seller. You may be able to receive an iPhone in great working condition for next to nothing.
Can I Get a Free iPhone From Apple?
Unlike some other companies, Apple does generally not provide free phones for their employees. As such, finding employment at Apple may not get you what you are looking for.
However, sometimes Apple does offer free iPhones for people with huge social media followings that agree to promote Apple and its products in exchange for a free phone. But in order to make that kind of deal with Apple, you must really have a huge following and make sure that your followers are likely to buy a product after you promote it.
Which Providers Offer Free Government Smartphones?
In addition to the very few Lifeline and ACP providers that offer free government iPhones, there are many other Lifeline and ACP providers that offer free Android smartphones. These providers include:
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Infinity Mobile
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- TruConnect
- True Wireless
What Else Should You Know About The Free Government iPhone?
Can I Upgrade My Free Government iPhone?
It depends on the provider. Most providers allow you to upgrade your free government phone, however, in comparison to the free government phone, you have to pay for the upgrade phone.
How Long Will It Take to Receive Approval?
How long it takes to receive approval also depends on the provider. Most providers will tell you whether or not you are approved for their Lifeline or EBB program in a day or two. In addition, many providers let you know when you can expect to hear from them while applying for the phone.
Can I Keep My Own Number?
Yes, most Lifeline providers allow you to keep your own number, regardless of your previous provider.
I Have Already Received a Government iPhone From Another Provider – Can I Get Another One?
No, each household is only allowed to receive one government free phone from one provider. If you or any of your household members have already received a free government phone before (regardless of the brand and model), you cannot receive another free phone from another provider.
Can I Switch to Another Provider?
Yes, you can switch to another provider at any time. However, if you already received a free government phone from your previous provider, the new provider will only be able to offer you free monthly services.
What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP is a temporary government assistance program by the FCC designed to help families struggling to afford internet services during the Covid-19 pandemic. It provides low-income families with a discount of up to $30 per month (or $75 on Tribal lands) towards broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet if the customer pays a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50. The ACP program will expire when the fund is expended or six months after the end of the public health emergency (whichever comes first).
What Is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a permanent government assistance program by the FCC designed to help make communication services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline providers offer eligible low-income families discounted or free monthly mobile services and cell phones.
What Do I Do if My Free Government iPhone Is Damaged?
What to do if your free government iPhone is damaged (or broken, lost, or stolen), also depends on the provider. However, it is usually best to call the provider and notify them about what happened immediately. They will be able to advise you on what to do next. If your device got damaged or broken due to your own fault, whether or not you can get a replacement or a repair for free depends on what kind of insurance you have.
How To Get Free Government iPhone With Lifeline Program
In order to get a free government iPhone with the Lifeline program, you must follow the simple steps below.
- Step 1: Make sure you are Lifeline eligible. You can see the Lifeline eligibility criteria above. You can verify your eligibility through the National Verifier.
- Step 2: Find a Lifeline provider that offers services and free government iPhones in your state of residence.
- Step 3: Contact the Lifeline provider that offers services and free government iPhones in your state of residence and ask them how to apply for their program and get the free iPhone.
Are Free iPhones Really Free?
Yes, Lifeline and ACP providers tend to provide iPhones that are completely free of charge to eligible customers.
Can I Get a Free Government iPhone If I Live on Tribal Lands?
Absolutely! People living on Tribal lands actually tend to have a better chance of receiving a free government phone, as many Tribal assistance programs make you both Lifeline and ACP-eligible.
Does the Government Offer Free 5G Phones?
Yes, many Lifeline and ACP providers also offer free 5G phones.
Does the Government Offer Free 5G Touch Screen Flip Phones?
Not currently. There are only a few 5G touch screen flip phones currently available (e.g. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 3) and as they are all very modern, advanced, and expensive devices, no Lifeline or ACP provider offers them.
What is the Benefit of Combining Lifeline and ACP?
Combining Lifeline and ACP is the only thing that can make you eligible for a Lifeline and ACP Combo plan, which always comes with the most valuable benefits. In addition, only people who qualify for both programs can hope to receive a free government iPhone.
Are Government Phones Unlocked With Carriers?
It depends on each individual carrier. However, even if the device is locked, you can request to unlock it after you have paid for all of your services.
Do Free Cell Phone Providers Have Reliable Customer Care?
Again, it depends on the provider, however, most have reliable customer care services.
Is It Possible to Upgrade My Free Government Flip Phone to iPhone?
Yes, some Lifeline and ACP providers will allow you to do so. However, you should keep in mind that upgrade phones are never completely free of charge.
Can I Get a Free Tablet From the Government? Yes! Many ACP providers also offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device, such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. However, note that according to the government rules, each eligible customer must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 in order to receive the device
