Several wireless carriers participate in the Lifeline Assistance program that assists low-income families. However, the benefits include free wireless services and free 5G government phones. Some of the participating carriers include Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, Sprint, and so forth. There are two types of cell phones through the government free phone project: ordinary cell phones and smartphones.
Lifeline is a program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help eligible customers with communication services. The low-income households benefit from the affordable wireless plan from participating Lifeline providers. Besides, the Lifeline providers offering free government cell phones for low income tend to give qualified customers entry-level to mid-range smartphones but not the latest features.
Fortunately, some Lifeline providers also provide flip phones, Apple cell phones, or sophisticated free 5G government phones. However, the device you get depends on the provider, availability, and location. Thus, it is impossible to decide precisely which cell phone brand and model you will get in advance. The cell phone from the government can either be an iPhone, an Android phone, a basic cell phone, a 4G phone, or a free 5G government phone.
Eligibility For Free 5G Government Phones
To be Lifeline-eligible, you must attain the FCC’s criteria, which is standard for all Lifeline providers. Thus, a household is eligible for Lifeline upon meeting one or more of the below criteria.
i) Income-based eligibility
A household must bear an income level below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a household, the income calculation comprises all the members’ incomes. Besides, these include salaries, inheritances, grants, and allowances. On the other hand, military housing, student grants, and menial wages do not get included.
Notably, some states feature different income percentages with varying income provisions ranging from 135% to 150%. Thus, it is advisable to confirm with the provider before applying. Additionally, note that no matter the number of members in your household, you can only receive one account on the free government smartphones program.
ii) Program-based eligibility
You can be eligible for a free 5G Lifeline smartphone depending on designated federal or state aid. If you are eligible for government programs, you must prove that you are needy. Also, some states have programs that give you a direct qualification for a free phone. So, even in the absence of federal programs, you can qualify through the state’s program.
Below are the Federal programs that give you qualification to the Lifeline government program.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA),
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- The Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
A household is also Lifeline-eligible if a member benefits in one of the following Tribal Programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households with the income qualifying standard)
- (Tribal TANF) Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Most importantly, if you or any household member meets one of the above criteria, your household can receive one Lifeline benefit from one qualifying Lifeline provider. Additionally, you must live in one of the states where a Lifeline provider provides its services.
Providers Of Free 5G Government Phones
Suppose you are a qualified Lifeline customer living in a state where a Lifeline provider provides free 5G government phones and provided proof documents. In that case, you can apply for Lifeline service on free phones for seniors on social security. Besides, you can qualify for a free 5G government phone from the following providers.
Thus, you need to find a good Lifeline provider that provides what you require in your state of residence. This guideline has provided a list of some of the renowned free 5G government smartphone providers in the United States. Notably, the exact amount of free data, text, and talk depends on the state, and the free government cell phone you will get depends on phone availability.
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2) Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a wireless provider as well as a Lifeline participant that operates in many U.S. states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, and Maryland. Plus, Michigan, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
With Assurance Wireless, the Lifeline-eligible customers can get:
- Free 10GB of mobile hotspot data up to 4G LTE speed
- Free monthly data
- Free unlimited texts
- A free Android 4G or 5G smartphone
- Free unlimited minutes
Application Process
To apply for Assurance Wireless Lifeline and receive a free 5G government phone, follow the below steps.
- Proceed to Assurance Wireless.
- Scroll down and click ‘Apply now’.
- You will get redirected to the provider’s application form. Complete by submitting the needed information and all necessary documentation.
- After applying, wait for a few days for the provider to inform you if you qualify.
3) Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is the best-known Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program provider that offer services in five U.S. states, including Arkansas, Maryland, Rhode Island, Maine, and West Virginia.
Through Cintex Wireless, qualifying customers can get:
- Free monthly data
- A free 4G/5G LTE smartphone (Android or iPhone)
- Free monthly minutes
- Free monthly texts
Application Process
To qualify for the Cintex government assistance program and get a free 5G government phone, follow the below steps.
- Ensure you are both Lifeline and ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) eligible, as you may require both to enroll in the program.
- Proceed to Cintex Wireless and input your ZIP code and email to sign up.
- Follow the instructions to complete the form. Submit all the necessary information and documentation which proves your identity and eligibility.
- After you apply, wait for several days for a confirmation letter.
4) SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a subsidiary of Tracfone and a Lifeline provider that operates in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, DC, Delaware, Florida, California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin.
At SafeLink, Lifeline-eligible subscribers can receive:
- Free unlimited data
- Free 10GB hotspot
- A free 4G/5G smartphone
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
Application Process
To receive a free 5G government phone from SafeLink, apply by below steps:
- Proceed to Safelink Wireless.
- Submit your ZIP code and click ‘Start.’
- You will get redirected to their online application form. Complete by availing the necessary information and documentation that proves your eligibility.
- Immediately you apply, wait for a couple of days for the provider to let you know if you qualify.
List Of Free 5G Government Phones
The following are the 5G government phones that you should consider:
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- OnePlus Nord 200 5G
- TCL REEVL 5G
- Motorola G Stylus 5G
- Apple iPhone 12 Mini
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro Max
- OnePlus 9 Pro
- Apple iPhone 13 Pro
- Google Pixel 5a
- Apple iPhone 13 mini
- Samsung Galaxy A32
- Samsung Galaxy A52
- Google Pixel 6 Pro
Final Words
If you qualify for a free 5G government phone, you can also enjoy a monthly cell phone service discount. To participate in the Lifeline program and get a qualified free 5G government cell phone from any Lifeline provider, you must be Lifeline-eligible. However, you qualify for a free phone from the government based on your income or program participation, and you can apply as an individual or a household.
