What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a government aid program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The program is designed to help make communications services more affordable and thus more attainable for low-income households. Since 1985, when it was established, Lifeline has provided a discount on phone service for households who struggle to pay for such services, ensuring that all citizens have the security and opportunities that come with having a phone and phone service, such as staying in touch with loved ones, work, education, healthcare, emergency services, and more.
Nowadays, the program offers discounts on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating providers. Providers also often offer Lifeline free phones. The program is part of the Universal Service Fund and it is available to eligible low-income households in every U.S. state, territory, commonwealth, and Tribal lands.
How Can I Get a Lifeline Free Phone
As you can see, being a Lifeline subscriber and receiving all of the program’s benefits sounds great. However, not everybody can enjoy the program’s perks. Becoming a Lifeline participant and receiving a Lifeline free phone involves a simple, yet strict process:
- First and foremost, you must check whether or not you qualify for the Lifeline program and a Lifeline free phone. To qualify, you must come from a low-income household or participate in a qualifying government assistance program. See the details in the next chapter.
- You must also be able to prove your eligibility by providing certain proof documentation. See the list of acceptable documents below.
- Then, you can apply for the Lifeline program and a Lifeline free phone. You can see how to do so below.
- Finally, wait for the approval and if your application gets approved, find the best Lifeline free phone provider in your area. You can see the list of the best companies that currently offer Lifeline free phones in the section ‘The Best Lifeline Providers That Currently Offer Free Cell Phones’.
How to Qualify for a Lifeline Free Phone
To receive a Lifeline free phone, you must qualify for the Lifeline government assistance program.
If you are currently not a Lifeline subscriber yet, you can qualify if you or another member of your household meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Your annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or another member of your household participate in one of the following qualifying federal assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- You or another member of your household participate in one of the following qualifying Tribal assistance programs:
- 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
Make sure that no other household members are Lifeline subscribers, as only one benefit is available per eligible household. In addition, to apply, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where your selected provider offers its services. If you meet these requirements, you can either apply yourself or through your child or dependent.
Once you subscribe to a provider that offers free government phones, you will receive both a Lifeline free phone and monthly services. You will be able to keep the phone forever, however, your free service benefit will expire within a year. In order to keep the benefit, you will be required to recertify. To do so, you must meet the same Lifeline eligibility criteria that apply to new subscribers.
In case you no longer wish to participate in the Lifeline program or if you no longer qualify for the benefits, you must notify your Lifeline provider within a month. You can unsubscribe at any time.
What Documents are Required to Apply for a Lifeline Free Phone?
When you subscribe to Lifeline, the USAC will try to confirm your eligibility, identity, address, and other provided information. If they are unable to do so, you may be required to show proof. You may be required to show proof of:
Household Income Documents
- To show your annual income, you may need to provide a copy of an official document that includes your first and last name and your annual income or your current pay for three consecutive months. Acceptable documents include:
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer
- Paycheck stubs
- 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
Program Participation Documents
- To show your qualifying program participation, you may need to provide a copy of an official document that includes your first and last name, the program name, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration date. Acceptable documents include:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
Age Documents
- To verify your age, you may need to provide a copy of an official document that includes your first and last name and date of birth, such as:
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s license
- Government assistance program document
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
Address Documents
- To verify your address, you may need to provide a copy of an official document that includes your first and last name and current 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
Life Documents
- To verify your identity and prove that you are alive, you must provide a copy of an official document that includes your first and last name, date of birth, and the last 4 digits of your social security number or full Tribal ID. Acceptable documents include:
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Prior year’s tax return or W-2
To show that you are alive, provide a copy of an official document that contains your first and last name and shows life activity within the last 3 months, such as:
- Government assistance program document
- Current utility bill
- Current income statement, such as a paystub
- Current mortgage or lease statement
Emancipation Status Documents
- If you are under the age of 18, you must be an emancipated minor to apply. You will need to prove your emancipation status by providing a copy of an official document that includes your first and last name and confirmation of emancipated minor status, such as:
- Certificate
- Court document
- Social security number or Tribal ID number. The documentation must include your first and last name and the last 4 digits of your social security number or full Tribal ID, such as:
- Social Security Card
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Military discharge documentation
- Unemployment/Workers’ compensation benefits
If any proof of documentation is needed, it will be required during the application process or the USAC will contact you after you submit your application.
How to Apply for a Lifeline Free Phone?
If you are Lifeline-eligible and able to prove your eligibility, you can apply for a Lifeline free phone online, via mail, or by contacting your phone or internet company directly.
Apply Online
- First, visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline.
- Choose your state or territory and press ‘Get started.
- You may be asked to log in or create a new account.
- You will be redirected to the online application form. Complete it by providing the required information and documentation.
- At the end of each page, press ‘Next’, and in the end, submit your application.
Apply Via Mail
- Print out a Lifeline application at lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf
- Complete the form and add copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Apply by Contacting Your Lifeline provider
You can apply for the Lifeline program at the USAC’s Lifeline support center and find (and contact) a provider that offers Lifeline free phones afterward. Alternatively, you can first find a suitable Lifeline provider and apply for the Lifeline benefits through the provider directly. See the best Lifeline free phone providers below.
Are There Any Restrictions for a Lifeline Free Phone?
As Lifeline is a government assistance program, it comes with certain vital rules and restrictions, which must be followed:
- The Lifeline benefit is only available to one person per eligible household.
- The Lifeline benefit is non-transferable – it cannot be transferred among households or members of the same household even if eligible.
- Eligible households can only receive one Lifeline benefit from one provider at a time. You can, however, switch to another Lifeline provider in your area at any time.
- In order to continue receiving the benefits, you must use them at least once every 30 days.
- If you are no longer eligible, you must notify your provider within 30 days.
- You must reapply for the Lifeline benefit once every year.
The Best Lifeline Providers That Currently Offer Lifeline Free Phone
There are many carriers, MVNOs, and other phone and wireless companies that participate in the government assistance program and offer Lifeline free phones throughout the country. Some of the best Lifeline providers that offer both free monthly phone and wireless services and Lifeline free phones include:
Access Wireless
Eligible customers can receive free monthly service with unlimited talk, unlimited text, unlimited data (15 GB of high-speed), hotspot data, and a Lifeline free phone (Android smartphone). To learn more about Access Wireless Free Phone and apply, go to accesswireless.com.
AirTalk Wireless
This Lifeline provider offers free monthly service with high-speed data, unlimited talk, and unlimited text, as well as a free phone (flip phone, Android smartphone, or iPhone). You can read more about How to Get AirTalk Wireless Free Government Phone and enroll at airtalkwireless.com.
American Assistance
At American Assistance you can expect to receive a free smartphone with a free monthly plan that includes free monthly data, unlimited talk, and unlimited text. To learn more about American Assistance Free Phone ,Sign up at americanassistance.com.
Assist Wireless
This Oklahoma-based wireless service assistance provider offers free 5.5-inch phones and Lifeline plans with unlimited, talk, text, and data. You can see the locations and details of Assist Wireless Free Phone and apply at assistwireless.com.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless offers free unlimited monthly minutes, free unlimited texts, free monthly data, and 10 GB of hotspot data, along with a free smartphone. To learn more about How To Get Assurance Wireless Free Phone and, Apply now at assurancewireless.com.
Cintex Wireless
Qualifying customers can receive free monthly service with high-speed data, unlimited talk, and unlimited text, as well as a free phone (flip phone, Android smartphone, or iPhone). See details for Cintex Wireless Free Phone and apply at cintexwireless.com.
Copper Valley Telecom
At Copper Valley Telecom, you can sign up for free monthly service with free talk, text, and data, and a Lifeline free phone. To do so, visit cvtc.org.
Easy Wireless
Easy Wireless offers monthly smartphone services with free unlimited talk and text, free data and hotspot, and a free smartphone. Find out more about the company’s government benefit program Easy Wireless Free Phone and enroll at myeasywireless.com.
enTouch Wireless
This nationwide Lifeline provider offers free monthly services that include free unlimited text, talk, and data, and a free 5.5-inch smartphone from the government. To learn more about How to Get enTouch Wireless Government Free Phone and sign up, go to entouchwireless.com.
Infiniti Mobile
The provider offers free wireless service with free talk, text, and data, and Lifeline free phones. Learn more about How to Get Infiniti Mobile Free Phone, Get started at infinitimobile.com.
Life Wireless
Free cellular service with unlimited data, talk, and text, 5 GB of hotspot data, and a smartphone is also offered by Life Wireless. Read more about Life Wireless Free Phone and apply at lifewireless.com.
NewPhone Wireless
This is a Lifeline provider that offers free monthly service with high-speed data, unlimited talk, and unlimited text, as well as a free phone (basic flip phone, Android smartphone, or iPhone). You can learn more about How to Get NewPhone Wireless Free iPhone and sign up at newphone.com.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a Lifeline provider that offers free cell phone service with unlimited data, talk, and text, as well as a new phone or tablet. Get more information on Qlink Free Phones And Service Guide and enroll at qlinkwireless.com.
SafeLink Wireless
Eligible customers can apply for a free smartphone and free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and a certain amount of data at safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome.Learn more about How To Get SafeLink Government Free Phone
SafetyNet Wireless
Qualifying customers can receive a free phone and monthly service with free talk, text, and data every month. Find out more about How to Get SafetyNet Wireless Free Phone and apply at safetynetwireless.com.
StandUp Wireless
This Lifeline provider offers free service with unlimited talk and text, 10 GB of high-speed data, unlimited additional data, and a free Android phone. Find out more about How to Get Standup Wireless Free Phone and begin the application process at standupwireless.com.
Tag Mobile
At Tag Mobile, you can receive Lifeline service with up to 8 GB of free monthly data, unlimited talk and text, and a free smartphone. Find out more about Tag Mobile Lifeline Free Government phones Apply at tagmobile.com.
TerraCom Wireless
Qualifying customers can apply for a free smartphone and free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and data at terracomwireless.com.To learn more about Terracom Wireless Free Phone
TruConnect
TruConnect provides Lifeline free phones and free phone and wireless service with unlimited talk and text, free data, and free international calls to select countries. Learn more TruConnect Free Phone From the Government and enroll at truconnect.com.
True Wireless
This provider offers free cell phone service with free talk, text, and data, and in some locations a free smartphone. To learn more about True Wireless Free Phone , You can sign up at gotruewireless.com.
Which Phones Can I Get for Free if I Qualify for the Lifeline Program?
Most Lifeline providers do not disclose which phone models they offer in advance, as the offer depends on the location and availability. However, most of them promise to provide eligible customers with an entry-level to mid-range Touch screen Android smartphone with all basic features. However, there are some Lifeline providers that also offer basic flip phones and Apple iPhones. In case you qualify for the Lifeline program and find a Lifeline free phone provider in your area, you may expect to receive one of the following Lifeline free phone models (depending on your provider):
- Alcatel Go Flip 4 (flip)
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone 6
- Apple iPhone 7
- Apple iPhone 8
- Coolpad Belleza (flip)
- Google Pixel
- LG G8 ThinQ
- LG K51
- LG Stylo 6
- Motorola Moto G7 Play
- Motorola Moto G8 Power
- Motorola Z4
- Nokia 2820 V Flip
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus N200 Nord 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Note 8
What are Lifeline Minimum Service Standards and Support Amounts?
The Lifeline minimum service standards and support amounts change in time. Currently, the minimum service standards and support amounts are:
- 1000 minutes of mobile voice
- 4.5 GB of monthly mobile broadband data with at least 3G speeds
- 1229 GB of fixed broadband with 25/3 speed
- $5.25 of voice support amount per month
- $9.25 of broadband support amount per month
How Do I Recertify if I Already Receive Lifeline Benefits?
As mentioned before, eligible Lifeline subscribers must recertify once a year. You will receive a notice from the USAC’s Lifeline support center to which you must respond in 60 days.
You can re-certify:
- Online at nv.fcc.gov/lifeline.
- By mail (print out and complete the recertification form at lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/manage-my-benefit/Lifeline-Recertification-Application-Form-5630.pdf, add proof documentation, and mail to Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742).
- By phone at (855) 359-4299 (call, enter the application ID number included in the letter, and follow the prompts; this option is only available if you don’t have to provide proof documentation).
How to Change My Lifeline Provider?
If you already have a Lifeline provider but wish to switch to another provider, you can do so at any time. To do so, call your current provider and inform it that you wish to transfer your Lifeline benefit. You will be required to fill out a form that shows your eligibility.
Can I Use My Current Cell Phone Number With a Lifeline Free Phone?
Yes, Lifeline providers tend to allow it.
Is There a Contract on a Lifeline Free Phone?
No.
What if I Don’t Use All My Service Each Month?
You don’t have to use all of your benefits each month, however, to continue receiving the benefits, you must use them at least once a month.
What if I Need More Minutes or Data Each Month?
Many Lifeline providers offer top-up plans to purchase more minutes or data.
How Often Do I Need to Renew My Eligibility?
Once a year.
Can I Get Services From a Provider if I Am Not Eligible for Lifeline?
Free Lifeline services are only available for Lifeline subscribers.
What if My Lifeline Eligibility Status Changes?
You must notify your Lifeline provider within 30 days.
How Long Is the Warranty on My Lifeline Free Phone?
It depends on the provider, however, many providers offer a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty.
What if I Lose My Lifeline Free Phone?
You must call your Lifeline provider immediately. The representative will tell you what to do next.
Can I Upgrade My Lifeline Free Phone?
It depends on the Lifeline provider. Some providers allow it and others don’t. However, upgraded phones are not free of charge.
Can I Make Long Distance Calls With My Lifeline Free Phone?
Absolutely. Some Lifeline providers even offer free calls to select countries.