The Real Way to Get Government Free iPhone

Yesterday I flashed my new iPhone during a drink with friends. Obviously, it’s sleek, elegant, sturdy, reliable, powerful, and just absolutely amazing.

“How on Earth were you able to afford this magnificent device?” one of my friends exclaimed.

“I got it for free,” I winked at him.

Obviously, this caught the attention of all the people present. A new and amazing iPhone for free? How?! Everyone wanted to know everything.

“I got it from the government.” A free government iPhone? How?

As I shared with them yesterday, today I have decided to share with you, exactly how I received it and therefore how you can receive your very own free government iPhone from top providers .

Let’s dive right in to uncover all the tips and tricks and make sure that in a week or so, you will already get to enjoy your new, advanced, and brilliant device.

Step By Step Guide to Get a Free Government iPhone

now that we’ve established that the government indeed provides complimentary iPhones, let’s delve into the process of acquiring one.

Step 1: Begin by ensuring your eligibility for the Lifeline and ACP programs, as only qualified individuals can apply for a free government iPhone. Verification of eligibility can be done through the National Verifier.

Step 2: Subsequently, validate your eligibility by submitting copies of specific official, unexpired documents containing all required information.

Step 3: Proceed to apply for the Lifeline/ACP program.

Step 4: Once your application receives approval, identify a Lifeline/ACP provider within your state of residence that offers free government iPhones. Select a provider aligning with your needs and apply for their monthly service discount and the complimentary device.

Step 5: Upon receiving another approval notification, typically via email, anticipate the arrival of your free government iPhone and additional benefits in the near future.

Who Qualifies for a Free Government iPhone

The first requirement for receiving a free government iPhone is meeting the Lifeline and ACP eligibility criteria. Granted, both Lifeline and ACP individually offer free government phones, however, to receive a free iPhone, you must qualify for both assistance programs. Luckily, the criteria are very similar and being Lifeline-eligible will in fact, also automatically qualify you for ACP.

Lifeline Eligibility Criteria to Get Free Government iPhone

An individual or household qualifies for Lifeline if they satisfy any of the conditions outlined below:

• The household income falls below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Any member of the household participates in specific federal assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or designated Tribal Programs.

Additionally, the applicant should be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and must reside in one of the states where the chosen provider extends its services.

Documents Required for Lifeline While Apply for Free Government iPhone

If a Lifeline provider in your vicinity offers free government iPhones, you’ll need to demonstrate your Lifeline eligibility. Documents that serve as proof of Lifeline eligibility encompass the following:

• An official document validating your identity, including your name, address, and date of birth. Examples of such documents are government, military, state, or Tribal ID, government assistance program documents, driver’s license, certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization, birth certificate, Social Security Card, or the prior year’s tax return or W-2.
• An official document showcasing your annual income, such as your previous 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 any other official document containing income information.
• An official document confirming your program participation, like an approval letter, benefit verification letter, statement of benefits, or benefit award letter. Given that Lifeline eligibility is limited to individuals aged 18 or older or emancipated minors, any emancipated minor must provide evidence of emancipation, like a certificate or a court document.
• Additional requirements may include proving duplicate address, emancipated minor status, Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number, proof of life, etc.

ACP Eligibility Criteria to Get Free Government iPhone

A person or household qualifies for ACP if they satisfy one or more of the following conditions:

• The household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• The applicant or any household member participates in specific 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.
• The applicant or any household member has received a federal Pell Grant award in the current award year.

Additionally, the applicant must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and reside in one of the states where the chosen provider offers its services.

Documents Required for ACP Eligibility While Applying for Free Government iPhone

If an ACP provider in your locality provides free government iPhones, you’ll need to demonstrate your ACP eligibility. The documents that can serve as proof of your ACP eligibility encompass:

• An official document validating your identity, including name, address, and date of birth. Refer to the examples mentioned earlier.
• An official document illustrating your annual income. Refer to the examples provided earlier.
• An official document substantiating your program participation. Refer to the examples mentioned earlier.
• Additional official documents that may substantiate your duplicate address or emancipated minor status.

Process to Apply for Free Government iPhone

There are three ways to apply for the Lifeline or ACP program.

Online Application Procedure

For an online application, visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home&ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D for Lifeline and https://getinternet.gov/apply?amp;awsl=link-from-how-to-apply&id=acp&ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D for the ACP program. Either log in or create a new account. Complete the online application form(s) by furnishing all necessary information and attaching copies of required proof documentation. Submit the application. Note: Immediate approval may be granted for online applications.

Application Process Through Mail

To apply through mail, start by printing an application form. Obtain 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 strongly recommended to also print and complete the Household Worksheet, accessible at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf. Include the necessary proof documentation and dispatch the package to Lifeline/ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.

Application Process by Contacting With Free iPhone Providers

Alternatively, reach out to your chosen Lifeline/ACP provider in your locality and inquire about the possibility of applying directly through them, bypassing the National Verifier. If feasible, the company will furnish the required information.

List of Other Benefits You Get With iPhone After Qualifying for the Government Program

Alongside the provision of a complimentary government iPhone (or an alternative free phone), Lifeline and ACP subscribers may access a range of additional benefits, which could include:

• A Lifeline subsidy, allowing for a discount of up to $9.25 on monthly phone, wireless, or internet services for eligible non-Tribal households or $34.25 for eligible Tribal households.
• An ACP subsidy, enabling a discount of up to $30 on monthly broadband services for eligible non-Tribal households or $75 for eligible Tribal households.
• Certain ACP providers may extend a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of an internet-connected device, such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.

Please note that the specific benefits provided may vary depending on the chosen provider.

The specific range of Lifeline and ACP plans available, in addition to the complimentary government iPhone or another phone, is contingent upon the provider you choose. Nevertheless, many providers that extend both Lifeline and ACP discounts generally present three categories of free plans:

• Lifeline Only Plans: Typically featuring a restricted allotment of monthly voice minutes, a limited amount of monthly data, and unlimited texts.
• ACP Only Plans: Usually encompassing a limited quantity of monthly voice minutes, a restricted amount of monthly data, and unlimited texts.
• Lifeline & ACP Plans: These plans may include unlimited talk and text, along with either limited or unrestricted monthly data. They might also offer supplementary benefits like hotspot access, voicemail, caller ID, and more.

List of Free Government iPhone Providers

Each Lifeline and ACP company offers a different set of benefits – both services and devices. In terms of devices, most offer mid-range Android phones and only a few of them are generous enough to also offer free government iPhones. In fact, so far, only three Lifeline and ACP providers have confirmed to offer free government iPhones to eligible low-income customers. Nonetheless, as most government assistance providers don’t reveal which phone models they offer in advance due to frequent changes in availability, certain other companies may also secretly offer free government iPhones at certain times and in certain states. However, as they haven’t ever revealed it, we must stick to the list of companies that have confirmed to offer free iPhones for people in need. These companies are:

AirTalk Wireless

AirTalk Wireless, along with its affiliates Cintex Wireless and NewPhone Wireless, stands out as a leading Lifeline and ACP provider nationwide. Operating in states such as Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Idaho, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, New York, New Jersey, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. AirTalk Wireless extends discounts to eligible residents. Qualifying households have the opportunity to acquire a complimentary government iPhone, Android smartphone, or flip phone, along with discounted ACP tablets and free monthly services encompassing minutes, texts, and data.

How to Enroll to Receive an AirTalk Wireless Free Government iPhone?

• To be eligible for AirTalk’s ACP free services and phones, participants must qualify by engaging in a government assistance program (e.g., SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc.), maintaining a household income below 135% of the Federal poverty line, or receiving the federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
• Proof of eligibility through necessary information and documentation is a prerequisite.
• Visit https://airtalkwireless.com/apply, input your ZIP code and email ID, and follow the prompts to complete the form.
• Post-application, await a confirmation letter. Successful applicants may receive their free government iPhone or other smartphones within days.

AirTalk Wireless Free Government Expected iPhone Model:

AirTalk Wireless offers a range of 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. Additionally, the company provides various Android smartphones and flip phones.

Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless stands out as a renowned wireless service, Lifeline, and ACP provider, extending its services across several U.S. states, including Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. Eligible customers in these regions have the opportunity to access complimentary monthly phone and wireless services, inclusive of free minutes, texts, and data, along with a free 4G LTE smartphone. Through Cintex’s ACP program, beneficiaries can anticipate receiving either a free Android smartphone or a free iPhone, depending on availability.

How to Enroll to Receive a Cintex Wireless Free Government iPhone?

• To qualify for Cintex’s ACP free services and phone, applicants must meet eligibility criteria. This includes participation in a government assistance program (e.g., SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc.) and/or maintaining a household income below 135% of the Federal poverty line. Additionally, applicants must be residents of any of the five where Cintex offers services.
• Provide all required personal information and documentation to verify identity and eligibility.
• Visit https://cintexwireless.com/apply, input your ZIP code and email ID, and follow the prompts to complete the form.
• Following the application, await a confirmation letter. Successful applicants may receive their free government iPhone or another smartphone within a short timeframe.

Cintex Wireless Free Government Expected iPhone Model:

At Cintex Wireless, recipients can expect to receive an Apple iPhone 6s, an Apple iPhone 7, or an Android smartphone such as LG Stylo 4, LG M150, Motorola E5, or Samsung Galaxy A51.

NewPhone Wireless

NewPhone Wireless emerges as a trusted phone and wireless service provider, offering Lifeline and ACP services to its customers. Through these programs, NewPhone Wireless extends free monthly wireless services and smartphones to individuals with low income. The benefits are available to qualifying low-income residents of Louisiana and Wyoming.

How to Enroll to Receive a NewPhone Wireless Free Government iPhone?

• To apply for a NewPhone Wireless free government iPhone, eligibility for the ACP program is a prerequisite. Eligible individuals must have a household income below 135% of the Federal poverty line, participate in a government assistance program (e.g., SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans survivors’ pension benefit fund, etc.), or received a federal Pell Grant award in the current award year.
• Visit https://newphone.com/apply and complete the online application by providing all necessary information and documentation to validate eligibility.
• Upon submitting the application and finalizing the process by clicking ‘Sign up,’ the government’s secure system will verify the application.
• If approved, beneficiaries will receive free monthly service and a complimentary phone within 7 to 10 business days, with shipping covered at no cost.

NewPhone Wireless Free Government Expected iPhone Model:

At NewPhone Wireless you can expect to receive an Apple iPhone 6, iPhone 6S, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone SE, or an Android smartphone from a reputable brand such as Samsung, Motorola, or LG.

Alternative Ways to Get a Free iPhone Beyond Government Programs

If you find yourself ineligible for the Lifeline and ACP programs or if the Lifeline and ACP providers offering free government iPhones do not operate in your state, obtaining a free iPhone from the government may prove challenging. Typically, charities and organizations working with the government do not provide free Apple devices due to their high-end nature. However, there are alternative avenues to secure a free iPhone, unrelated to government initiatives.

Non-Governmental Methods to Obtain a Free iPhone:

1. Carrier or Retailer Deals: Many carriers and retailers offer free iPhones with the commitment to a 24-month contract, spreading the cost over monthly installments. Moreover, through promotional deals, you can get a free iPhone if you switch to a provider, add a line, purchase a select plan, or trade in an old device. You should check the promotional deals at T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Metro, Boost Mobile, Mint Mobile, and other carrier companies. Keep in mind that all promo deals are limited-time only, as such, when you find one that suits your needs, make sure to act quickly, otherwise, it may not be available anymore.
2. Survey Offers: Engaging in certain survey platforms can earn you credits or points that can be redeemed for an iPhone.
3. Employment with Tech Companies: Some tech companies offer free iPhones as perks for their employees.
4. Marketing Agent: Individuals with a substantial social media following might receive a free iPhone by promoting the brand online.
5. Reviewer Opportunities: Applying to become an iPhone reviewer can result in receiving a free device for producing quality reviews.
6. Giveaway Contests: Participating in legitimate online giveaway contests offers a chance to win a free iPhone, although caution is advised to avoid scams.
7. Amazon Vine: Participating in Amazon Vine, a platform rewarding honest product reviews, may lead to receiving a free iPhone for review purposes.
8. Used or Refurbished Options: Opting for a used, second-hand, or refurbished iPhone, available through various online and physical marketplaces, can be a cost-effective way to obtain the device.

FAQ

What Tend to Be the Main Reasons for Not Qualifying for the Lifeline and ACP Program?

If you find yourself ineligible for the Lifeline or ACP program, it could be due to various reasons, including:

• You are below 18 years of age or not an emancipated minor.
• You are not a resident in one of the states where your chosen provider offers services.
• You don’t fulfill any of the Lifeline/ACP eligibility criteria.
• You previously qualified but no longer meet the requirements (your household income has increased, or you are no longer participating in a government assistance program).
• You are unable to substantiate your eligibility.
• You provide incorrect information or invalid documentation during the application process.

Can I Get a Free iPhone From Apple?

While Apple typically doesn’t provide free phones for its employees, there are occasional instances where individuals with substantial social media followings may receive free iPhones in exchange for promoting Apple and its products. However, securing such a deal with Apple requires a significant and influential social media presence, ensuring a substantial likelihood that followers will make purchases based on promotional efforts.

What are the Names of Other Free Government Phone Providers?

While only a few Lifeline and ACP providers extend the offer of free government iPhones, there is a broader range of providers that provide free Android smartphones. Some notable 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, and True Wireless.

Other than the iPhone, What Phone is Available for Free from the Government?

Apart from iPhones, Lifeline and ACP-eligible individuals can anticipate receiving a free 4G LTE/5G smartphone from renowned brands like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, LG, and more, depending on the provider. The specific smartphone model provided varies based on factors such as the provider, availability, and location. Common models offered include Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus, Samsung Galaxy A10E, Google Pixel 4XL, Unimax U693CL, Wiko Life 3, Schok Volt, Motorola G Stylus 2020, LG G7 ThinQ, OnePlus 7T, Alcatel Go Flip 4, and others.

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 Do You 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.

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 touchscreen 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.

Do Free Cell Phone Providers Have Reliable Customer Care?

Again, it depends on the provider, however, most have reliable customer care services.

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.