First, you need to identify the participating wireless providers near you to receive a free government phone. In collaboration with select internet service providers, the US government offers free government phones through Lifeline and the newly developed Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). However, to find a free government phone stands near me, you can use the Companies Near Me tool available at Lifeline support companies near me.
On this page, you can search by using your zip code or city and state. Besides, if you want to find the complete list of options, you can tap “See the list of companies in your state” below the search results. Notably, the search results may not display every Company near you. A provider may still offer free government phone even if it is not on this list.
Most importantly, to learn if Lifeline services get provided in your area, search by submitting your 5-digits ZIP Code or search using your state. Then select your state of residence and see how you can qualify for a free government phone in your area. However, some providers offer slightly different coverage, cell phones, and services. Thus, you need to review all available options and pick the best provider before applying for free cell phone service.
Steps To Get Free Government Phone Services
Free government phones require the applicants to follow the below steps to get started:
i) Locate a Free Government Phone Stands Near Me
Numerous free government phone stands are delocalised all over the United States, and hence, you must find a free government phone stand that serves your state and is close to you. You can visit the USAC page and use your ZIP code to see your state’s available free government phone providers. You must also understand their eligibility terms and coverage to get a provider that suits your needs.
ii) Check Eligibility
After identifying your preferred free government phone stand near you, the next step is to check if you are eligible or not to receive a free government phone. However, eligibility terms vary depending on participation in the Federal assistance program, income level, disability, or other acceptable criteria.
Therefore, you can visit your preferred free government phone stand and ask about various eligibility requirements. If you attain the minimum qualifying requirements, you can now proceed and fill out the application form for a free government phone.
iii) Fill out the Application Form
After meeting the eligibility terms, you can now proceed and fill out the application form. You can retrieve the application form online or at your state’s nearby free government phone stands. Notably, you can fill out the physical form from the free government phone stand near you, send it via mail, or make your application online.
The online application is faster compared to a mailed application, and thus applicants prefer to fill this form online. When submitting this form, remember to attach some personal details such as:
- Your official name
- Your address
- Your date of birth
- Your Social Security Number (SSN)
A copy of the eligibility document that proves whether you qualify based on a low income, participation in a government assistance program, or through a disability.
A Government-issued ID (for the online application form, attach soft copies of your eligibility documents). With these documents ready, you can send your application and wait for its approval.
iv) Eligibility Documents Submission
Eligibility for a free government phone depends on income level or government-sponsored program participation. However, the following is the documentation you need to submit to prove program participation eligibility. You should attach a document that shows the following details:
- The name of the Lifeline-qualifying program like Medicaid, SSN, SNAP, etc.
- Your name or the name of your benefit qualifying person
- The Tribal program administrator or the managed care organization that provided the document
- An issue date within the last 6 months or the program expiration date.
However, if you are a low-income family, you need to submit the below eligibility documents to qualify for a free government phone:
- Applicant’s Social Security statement of benefits
- Applicant’s current income statement
- Applicants’ last year’s state, federal, or tribal tax returns.
- Worker’s or unemployment compensation statement of benefits
- Child support award, divorce decree, or any other related document that shows details about your income
- Tribal or Federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance.
- If you qualify through a disability, submit a document that can ascertain the same.
v) Wait for a Free Government Phone Approval
After submitting the relevant documents and sending your application form, the next step is to wait for approval. Typically, the approval process can take a few business days. If your application is successful, you will get notified, and the free government phone will get delivered to you through the address you provided during the application process.
On the other hand, if your application gets declined, you can reapply or consider other better alternatives. After you qualify for a free government phone, the provider of your choice will send you a cell phone and a SIM card toolkit. After getting the phone, you can activate it and be good to go.
Best Free Government Phone Providers In Your State
The best way to find a local Lifeline wireless provider is to visit their official website and utilize their local store locator to identify the local representative. Many wireless providers lack local store locators on their sites. Thus, you can Google them or contact their support center.
1) Life Wireless
Life Wireless is a carrier that provides free government phones to all qualified low-income households. Besides getting a free phone, you will enjoy unlimited text and talk plus 30GB of data. This carrier packs a wide variety of free phone stands around the US. Thus, you can now go to any of the following states and enquire how you can get Life Wireless free government phones.
California
- Life Wireless, Cellular Accessories, 6269658563, 19070 La Puente Rd, West Covina, CA 91792
- Life Wireless, Arco & Bk Mart, 3237779700, 9600 S. Avalon Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90003
Texas
- Life Wireless, Tiger Express, 4099450060, 1025 N. 5th Avenue, Texas City, TX 77590
- Life Wireless, Drive-in Food Mart, 4099458653, 2903 Palmer Hwy, Texas City, TX 77590, Ohio
- Life Wireless, Addisu Bakery & Carry Out, 6142352727, 873 S. Hamilton Rd, Whitehall, OH 43213
- Life Wireless, 2480 North High Inc, 6142686298, 2480 N. High St, Columbus, OH 43202
Michigan
- Life Wireless, AM-PM, 7703030053, 2535 COBB PKWY, SMYRNA, GA 30080
- Life Wireless, Jonesville Quick Stop, 475 E Chicago St, Jonesville, MI 49250, Georgia
2) Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline service provider that has been in existence for quite some time. Interestingly, this provides participation in Lifeline and the newly developed Affordable Connectivity Program to offer qualified households free phones with free plans. To receive these benefits, you must meet the eligibility terms.
Assurance Wireless is available to qualifying household members residing in Arizona, Arkansas, Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, California, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Utah, Wisconsin, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia.
Moreover, to find an Assurance Wireless free government phone stand near you, proceed to Assurance wireless website and submit your zip code to check the carrier services available in your area. Besides, you may call 888-321-5880, and a representative will guide you about the available Assurance Wireless phone stands near you. Contact Assurance Wireless headquarters, PO BOX 686 Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.
3) Access Wireless
Access Wireless also provides free government phones and plans is Access Wireless. Low-income people who meet the eligibility requirements receive a free smartphone plus an affordable cell phone plan. This carrier offers coverage to most parts of the US. Thus, you will quickly identify a free government standing near you.
However, some of the states covered by Assurance Wireless include North Carolina, Michigan, Washington, California, Arizona, New York, Texas, Iowa, Rhode Island, and Vermont. To find the exact location of the Access Wireless free government phone stands near you, you can contact 886-594-3644.
Headquarters
- 1 Levee Way, Ste 3104, Newport, Kentucky, 41071, United States, (866) 594-3644, Dayville, Connecticut Office
- 561 Hartford Pike, Dayville, Connecticut, 06241, United States, (860) 412-9033, Orlando, Florida Office
- 7651 Southland Blvd, Orlando, Florida, 32809, United States, (866) 594-3644
Final Words
When looking for free government cell phone service, the first step is to determine if your preferred wireless provider operates in the state where you live. However, the people who qualify for free government cell phones must enroll through the Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Besides, you can use the tool on the USAC website to see the list of companies near you and pick your preferred choice that offers coverage in your state. Then, you can apply through them and wait for your free government phone.