US Cellular ranks as the fourth-largest wireless service provider in the United States, delivering national network coverage through the Verizon network. This carrier provides a robust and reliable network plus a wide range of US Cellular services.
Through government-supported programs, eligible low-income customers can receive US Cellular free phones and plan to alleviate their living standards. Qualification is based on the eligibility criteria set by the US Federal government.
Besides the free government phones from US Cellular, customers also get prepaid plans and phones. The devices sold by the carrier are affordable and of top-notch quality. US Cellular provides the latest smartphones, iPhones, and Android phones free of charge if you enroll in an unlimited qualifying plan.
In this case, you can opt for various payment options, including monthly installments, with a 2-year contract, regular price, or prepaid. In this guideline, you will get enlightened on the process of applying for a US Cellular free phone from the government.
The company’s massive selection of cell phones meets all customer needs. You can obtain a free government phone and internet through the Lifeline and the Affordable connectivity program(ACP) if you meet the eligibility requirement. The eligible household qualifies for one benefit, and it’s not transferable.
The Best Ways To Get Us Cellular Free Phone
The best way to get US Cellular free phone is through the Lifeline or the ACP program. This program offers discounts on cell phone plans, thus reducing the cost of monthly service.
An eligible household may get the Lifeline discount on a cell phone or cellular service. To qualify, you must participate in any of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), initially Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Head Start (only households with the income qualifying standard)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families-Tribal TANF)
- According to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can also qualify if your gross annual income is 135% or below. Besides, the guideline depends on your household size and state.
US Cellular Free Phone Through Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP)
The affordable Connectivity Program is a support government framework that works similarly to Lifeline. The program helps eligible customers pay for internet and wireless service. You can receive up to $30 off monthly plans and up to $75 off for qualifying Tribal Lands customers.
Eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program
- A household qualifies to apply for US Cellular free phone through ACP if one member of the household:
- Qualifies for the Lifeline program;
- Receives benefits via the school breakfast program or the free and reduced-price school lunch program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, from the current academic year
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant at the current award year; or
- Participated in a Special supplemental nutrition program for (“WIC”) women, infants, and children.
- Possess a total household income at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty threshold for a household
Requirements And Applying Process
When applying for a free phone, you must confirm eligibility before sending an application to US Cellular to get benefits through the FCC Affordable Connectivity Program website. Most importantly, your US Cellular free phone application can only get processed by completing the Verification process.
To verify your eligibility based on either income level or government-aided program participation, you must submit the required documentation:
Application Process for Free Phones from US Cellular
Contact 1-800-447-1339 to find out more about Lifeline and apply. If you are applying based on income eligibility, you will need to provide the following:
- The previous year’s federal, state, or tribal tax return
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Recent income statements from employer or paycheck stubs
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefits, federal or tribal notice participation letter in General Assistance
- Child support, Divorce decree, or other official documents.
Notably, if you submit documentation that only entails part of the year, you must attach 3 consecutive months of the same document given within the previous 12 months.
Us Cellular Plans With Free Phones
If you enroll for a qualifying US Cellular free phone, you can get a free Samsung A13 5G or Moto G Pure. For Samsung A13 or Moto G Pure, you require a new line, port-in, and eligible prepaid service plan purchase. Below are some of the plans that come with FREE phones:
1. EVERYDAY
You can get unlimited nationwide talk, text, and data streaming for $ 40 /line for 4 lines.
Features:
- Unlimited Talk, Text & Data
- 25GB Priority Data
- HD Streaming
- 1 Redbox Movie Night
- Unlimited Mexico & Canada
- LTE Data
- Premium Robocall Solution
- 15GB Hotspot Access
2. EVEN BETTER
If you want more than the basics, Even Better doubled the best parts of the Everyday plan to make it attractive for $ 45 /line for 4 lines.
Features:
- Unlimited Talk, Text & Data
- 50GB Priority Data
- Full HD Streaming
- 2 Redbox Movie Nights
- Unlimited Mexico & Canada
- LTE Data
- Premium Robocall Solution
- 30GB Hotspot Access
Us Cellular Free Phone Upgrade Process
If you feel that the US Cellular free phone given by the government is not good enough for you, you can upgrade your device. To confirm eligibility for an upgrade, sign in to My Account and tap Manage Device to check the line’s eligibility. Besides, you may qualify to purchase devices and accessories in installments. US Cellular free phone upgrade requires your account to be current, with no past-due payments.
You can upgrade your device through the 3 below ways
- Log in to MY Account”
Click Manage Devices to confirm eligibility and Upgrade, or choose a new device through the Shop menu to purchase in installments.
- Contact 1-888-289-8722 US Cellular customer support for guidance on the upgrade process.
- Walk into the nearest authorized store.
Most importantly, you must be the Account Holder or an Authorized Contact on an original account and have your PIN.
Us Cellular Free iPhone – Great Overall
US Cellular has a diverse selection of smartphones, from basic phones midrange to high-end devices such as iPhones. Typically, US Cellular doesn’t offer free iPhones as part of government programs. However, you can get a monthly repayment plan and subscribe to a qualifying unlimited plan to get a free iPhone.
This offer requires device purchase through a 36-month installment contract, a postpaid service plan, and paperless billing. US Cellular states that the iPhone is payable via 36 monthly credits (credit varies), and trade-in may be a requirement. If you need a sophisticated device, you can choose from the below listed US Cellular free iPhones:
- iPhone SE
- iPhone 11
- iPhone 12
- iPhone 12 Pro Max
- iPhone 13 Pro
- iPhone 13 Pro Max
Us Cellular Prepaid Free Phone – Android
US Cellular free phone category offers basic Sonim, ANS, and LG phones, several varying iPhone models, and a collection of Google, Motorola, LG, and Samsung Android smartphones. Below are some of the most renowned and in-demand smartphones from the best manufacturers. You will always find a free phone at US Cellular from any of the following models:
- Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Plus 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra 5G
- Moto G Power
- Google Pixel 5
- LG V60 ThinQ 5G
- Motorola Moto E
- Google Pixel 4a Black
- Google Pixel 4A 5G – Black 128GB
- LG Stylo 6
- LG K92 5G
- LG K8x
Does Us Cellular Offers Free Government Phones
UScellular believes accessibility to telecommunication devices and services is essential to every community member. For this reason, this carrier offer programs in collaboration with the Federal Government for eligible low-income customers that provides free government phones and plan discounts.
US Cellular proudly takes part in Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. These are federal government benefit programs in that only qualified persons may participate. Through these programs, you can qualify for a free phone and plans from US Cellular. Applicants must submit documentation of household income or participation in an eligible government program. The discounts are only available for one member per household, whether landline or wireless.
Bottom Line
US Cellular free phones comprise deals and offers provided by the carrier during the promotional period or as a result of eligibility for a Federal government-supported program. Either way, they are some prerequisites to be met to apply for a free government phone or receive a free cell phone through offers and promotions. For US Cellular free phones from the government, you must qualify through Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity program.