Wisconsin is a state within the US with a percentage of its population living below the poverty line. This disadvantage makes it hard for many citizens to afford a vital device in today’s world, like a cell phone. Unfortunately, many low-income families in Wisconsin can’t afford the cost of buying a cell phone and paying monthly bills. The good news is that you can obtain free government phone Wisconsin if you qualify for the ongoing government support programs.
Having a cell phone help get in contact with your loved ones, pay bills, access emergency services, get a job, and even assist students in distance learning. The US Federal government, through the Lifeline program, helps low-income families on food stamps or meeting other qualifications get a free cell phone and monthly internet discounts. The Federal Communication Commission(FCC ) manages the free government phone service program, and they partner with specific wireless companies to offer free services and devices to those who qualify.
Lifeline is a government program that gives millions of eligible low-income customers free cell phone service. Again, the federal program only permits each household one free phone. The general eligibility entails participation in government-sponsored programs, or you may also qualify if your gross household income matches the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Suppose you are eligible for the Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) in Wisconsin; you qualify for a free smartphone from the government.
Best Ways To Get Free Government Phones In Wisconsin
Wisconsin-eligible low-income families can get a free government phone through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs are managed by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). ACP provides eligible households a monthly discount of up to $30 (up to $75 if you reside on qualified Tribal land).
As part of the ACP benefits, you can get a one-time discount of up to $100 on internet-enabled devices, including a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
On the other hand, Lifeline aims to lower the monthly internet, phone, or bundled service bill. If your household qualifies for Lifeline, you’ll obtain a $9.25 discount on your monthly wireless bills. If you reside on qualifying Tribal lands, you’ll get a discount of up to $34.25.
Eligibility Requirements For a Lifeline Cell Phone In Wisconsin
1. Based on Your Income
According to the table below, you apply for a free government smartphone in Wisconsin if your income is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline depends on your household size and state.
| Household Number | Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $18,347 |
| 2 | $24,719 |
| 3 | $31,091 |
| 4 | $37,463 |
| 5 | $43,835 |
| 6 | $50,207 |
| 7 | $56,579 |
| 8 | $62,951 |
| For extra person add; | $6,372 |
On this note, when applying for Lifeline, you may have to provide proof of income, including a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs.
2. Federal Assistance Programs
The other method Wisconsin residents can get a free cell phone from the government is through participation in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), before known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
You may have to submit proof of participation, including a benefits letter or official document, when applying for Lifeline.
2. Tribal Assistance Programs
If you reside on Tribal lands, you can apply for government benefits with a total annual income of 135% or below the Federal Poverty Threshold. Again, you qualify if your household member participates in the following:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households with the income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
Applying Process For Free Government Cell Phone Wisconsin
You can submit your application for Winscoin Lifeline benefits that include a free phone through any of the below channels:
1. Online
You can use the Lifeline National Verifier application system to enroll for an account and check if you qualify.
2. By mail
Print and fill out an application (English / Spanish) and send it with your eligibility proof to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
If you have queries about your application or wish an application mailed to you, you can contact Lifeline at 800-234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org.
Upon qualifying, you will be issued 90 days to select a phone or internet provider and sign up for service. You can check a service provider that offers Lifeline service in Wisconsin using the online search tool at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/.
3. Contact Your Phone Or Internet Company
After identifying your preferred wireless provider, request your phone or internet company to help submit your application. You can also apply through the Company’s website if the online application option is available.
Providers Who Provide Free Phones In Wisconsin
1. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a long-time federal Lifeline Assistance program provider in Wisconsin. The Company provides eligible low-income customers free phones, including free monthly data, free monthly minutes, and unlimited texting. Application for a free government phone through Assurance Wireless applies to individuals who qualify following the federal or state-specific eligibility criteria.
In this case, you are eligible if you participate in specific public assistance programs, including Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You can also qualify following a household income level of 135% or less based on the Federal Poverty Line.
Assurance Wireless provides the most generous cell phone plan that combines Lifeline service with the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible customers receive unlimited texts, data, and minutes, plus 10 GB of Mobile Hotspot Data.
To enroll, go to https://www.assurancewireless.com. If you prefer to enroll for Lifeline Only service, you can skip the Assurance Wireless Unlimited enrollment step during the application process. You can apply by clicking the Apply Now button and entering your Zip Code.
2. Entouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a national wireless cell phone service provider for both the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides free phones and free talk, text, and data to eligible customers in Wisconsin and other states. enTouch Wireless provides a free government phone with free service to eligible individuals nationwide in 34 states.
If you participate in programs such as CalFresh, Medicaid, Food Stamps, and Medi-Cal or are considered Low Income, you may be eligible for a 5.5-inch touchscreen.
To enroll, go to www.entouchwireless.com and enter your email address and zip code. Then, provide the required information up to the final step.
3. Feelsafe Wireless
FeelSafe Wireless is a renowned Lifeline Assistance program provider managed by Airvoice Wireless. If you are a resident of Wisconsin, you can enroll in FeelSafe Wireless Lifeline and obtain your free cell phone or smartphone accompanied by 500 texts, 1,000 minutes, and 4.5GB of data every month without a bill.
To apply for a free government phone through Feel Safe Wireless Lifeline, you must attain the general eligibility criteria and begin the process by filling out the FeelSafe Wireless application at www.feelsafewireless.com. Afterward, tap “Apply Now .”When prompted, submit your ZIP code, hit “Apply Now, ” and follow the next instructions.
4. Life Wireless
Life Wireless provides government-aided wireless services to low-income families and individuals in Wisconsin. Qualified customers get Free cell phone service plus a free cell phone. Life Wireless offers Lifeline discounts to eligible Wisconsin customers who attain specific eligibility requirements, including participation in government program subsidies or a household income at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To enroll, go to https://www.lifewireless.com/enroll/. Start by submitting your email address and ZIP code. Next, follow the proceeding instructions until you finish the application.
5. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is recognized as the leading Lifeline Provider across the United States and has existed for over 10 years. The Company offers Cell Phone Service via the federal Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible low-income families in Wisconsin receive free unlimited monthly talk, data, and text to eligible.
You can qualify for free service by participating in government benefit programs, including Food Stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, SSI, and other tribal programs. Besides, if your annual income is 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guideline, you can apply and qualify for a free phone in Wisconsin.
To apply, proceed to https://enroll.qlinkwireless.com/signup.Then, submit your Zipcode and Email address and click the ‘Get it Now ‘button to start.
6. TruConnect
TruConnect provides free government cell phones in 37 states, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The availability of wireless and internet services and free devices is through qualification for the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to all eligible Americans.
In other words, you’re eligible for a free android smartphone if you qualify for Lifeline or the ACP in Wisconsin. Eligible plans feature at least 12.5 GB of 4G/LTE data, Wi-Fi hotspot capacity, and a free Android smartphone. TruConnect Lifeline plans feature unlimited talk and text and free international calling.
To obtain a free smartphone and monthly service, you must attain the income-based or program-based eligibility requirements. You qualify for applying to a free phone in Wisconsin if your household income level is at or less 135% of the Federal Poverty Threshold. Besides, the qualifying programs include SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, FPHA, and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
Eligible Tribal aided programs include the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (if you qualify by income), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Apply at https://www.truconnect.com/states/wisconsin at the ‘Apply Now button. Then, submit your Zip code and email to get started and follow the prompts until the process completes.
Bottom Line
Eligible customers in Wisconsin may apply for a free government phone if they qualify to participate in Lifeline or ACP. These government programs require an application for eligible customers who attain eligibility based on income or program-based eligibility. You can apply through a participating wireless Lifeline provider in Wisconsin and ensure you have the required documentation that proves eligibility.