The US Government provides equality for all Americans by helping low-income families access free internet services and phones. Your household may qualify for a free government phone through Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if you reside in Nevada. These programs aim at reducing the cost of your monthly cell phone or broadband services while offering a free device. If you qualify for Lifeline, you have a direct qualification to apply for a free cell phone through ACP.
The Affordable Connectivity program is a newly FCC-managed program that offers free or discounted broadband internet services, plus a discount on connected devices. Some providers combine ACP and Lifeline benefits to offer a free government smartphone, while others offer connected devices such as Laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. On the other hand, Lifeline is a long-serving program that helps low-income families with free internet plus a cell phone in some cases.
Nevada Lifeline Service is a government-aided wireless service that provides discounted cell phone services to qualified individuals and low-income families. However, Nevada-qualified customers must attain specific eligibility requirements, including participation in a government assistance program or a household income at or below 135% for Lifeline or 200% for ACP according to the federal poverty level. Nevada customers need to check their eligibility for the program and apply online along with relevant documentation.
Lifeline Free Government Cell Phones Program In Nevada
The Lifeline Assistance is a Federal Communication Communication managed program started in 1985 to help all Americans connect through phone service. Lifeline program offers monthly free cell phone and cellular service for eligible low-income customers. The cellular service includes a monthly discount of $9.25 and $34.25 for eligible customers on Tribal lands.
Lifeline allows only eligible consumers to enroll in the program, and documentation that proves the eligibility category is necessary. Notably, Lifeline service is non-transferable from one person to another, and the benefits are restricted to a single service line per household.
Qualifications For Free Government Smartphones In Nevada
1. Eligibility Based On Annual Household Income
To obtain a free government phone in Nevada through income level eligibility, eligible subscribers must attain specific eligibility requirements, including getting governmental assistance or an annual household income of 135% or below the federal poverty level. Generally, you may qualify for free government cell phones and smartphones if your total household income attains the below-poverty guidelines for your state.
2022 Lifeline Income Level Guideline in Nevada
Persons In Household | Income Level |
| 1 | $18,347 |
| 2 | $24,719 |
| 3 | $31,091 |
| 4 | $37,463 |
| 5 | $43,835 |
| 6 | $50,207 |
| 7 | $56,579 |
| 8 | $62,951 |
| Add $6,372 for each additional person |
2. Eligibility Based On Lifeline Assistance Programs
Another eligibility is a household member’s participation in one or some government assistance programs. In general, if a customer participates in any of the following programs, they are qualified for a free smartphone from the government in Nevada through Lifeline.
- Medicaid (not Medicare)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Section 8 Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Food Stamps currently Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension Benefit
Additionally, residents of Federally-recognized Tribal lands may also be eligible under the following programs:
- Tribally Administered TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (meeting income-qualifying standards)
Documentations need for free cell phone from Government
i. Identity Verification Documentation
When proving your identity, ensure the documents you submit include your full name and date of birth(DOB).
Documents Required:
- US Driver’s license
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of US Citizenship or Naturalization
- Valid military, government, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- ITIN document
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
ii. Program Participation Documentation
You must attach a letter or official document as proof if you are eligible for a free phone Nevada application based on government-aided program participation.
Documents Required:
- Benefit award letter
- Statement of benefits
- School documentation
- Approval letter
- Benefit verification letter
iii. Household Income Documentation
If you are eligible for a free phone in Nevada based on your income, you must submit a document that shows your annual income falls at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Documents Required:
- Recent income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Previous year’s federal, state, or Tribal tax return
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Child support award, Divorce decree, or a relevant official document showing your income
Applications For Getting a Free Government Phone In Nevada
You can enroll for a free government phone in Nevada through any of the following methods:
1. Online
You can proceed to the Lifeline National Verifier application system, sign up for an account, and check if you qualify.
2. By Mail
You can print and complete an application (English / Spanish) at the USAC website and mail it with your proof of eligibility to:
- USAC, Lifeline Support Center
- PO Box 7081
- London, KY 40742.
However, if you have any queries concerning your free government phone application or want an application mailed, contact Lifeline at 800-234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org.
3. Apply Through a Participating Wireless Provider
If eligible through the National Verifier, you are given 90 days to select a cell phone or internet Company and enroll for service. Using the USAC online search tool, you can look for a service provider that offers free cell phones in Nevada.
Things To Do to Get a Free Government Cell Phone in Nevada
- Choose Your Cell Phone Company
Find a wireless provider that offers a free smartphone from the government for Lifeline customers in Nevada. You can get the complete list of all Lifeline participating wireless providers by the state at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/. To find the complete list of options, tap “See the list of companies in your state” underneath the search results.
- Obtain an Application Form
You must sign up for the benefit through a phone or internet company if you are eligible. Navigate to your wireless provider’s official website and search for their online application form. If you apply through the USAC website, you can print an application form in English or Spanish.
- Fill out the Application Form
Fill out the application form with the required information. Ensure to collect the documents that prove your eligibility and verify your income, identity, and program participation.
- Attach Proof of Eligibility
You may have to provide additional information or documentation when applying for the Nevada free government phone program. You may be requested to prove your eligibility by uploading, alongside your application, proof of your identity, program benefit, and income.
Top 4 Free Government Cell Phone Providers in Nevada
Not all wireless providers that offer Lifeline services in Nevada participate in the free phone assistance program. However, Nevada-eligible customers can apply for a free government phone through any of the below providers participating in ACP or the Lifeline program:
1. Life Wireless
Life Wireless provides government wireless services to low-income households and individuals in Nevada. The Company offers free phone service plus free government cell phones by state, with eligible enrollment via the Lifeline phone program. Eligible low-income families can apply for free cell phones and receive additional free data from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The discounts are available to qualified Nevada customers who attain specific eligibility requirements, including government subsidies or a household income at or below 200% for ACP or 135% for Lifeline of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To apply, proceed to lifewireless.com, submit your ZIP code and email address, click the Apply Now button and follow the next steps.
2. Entouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a national wireless provider of ACP and Lifeline programs in 34 states, including Nevada and other states. enTouch Wireless offers a free cell phone service and a free 5.5″ phone to eligible low-income customers through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
If you participate in programs such as CalFresh, Medicaid, Food Stamps Medi-Cal, or are from a low-income background, you may be eligible for a 5.5-inch touchscreen.
To enroll, go to entouchwireless.com, click Enroll Today, and follow the prompts.
3. TAG Mobile
TAG Mobile provides Nevada Lifeline Service, a government-aided wireless service that offers discounted cell phone services to qualified low-income households and individuals. Nevada free government phone is available to eligible Nevada customers who attain specific eligibility requirements, including government assistance program participation. Besides, a household income should be at or less than 135% of the federal poverty level.
To apply, proceed to https://www.tagmobile.com/LifeLine/Enrolment, submit your email address and ZIP code, hit the Enroll bar, and follow the next steps.
4. TruConnect
TruConnect provides Lifeline in 37 states, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. The Company offer availability of wireless and internet service plans and free government cell phones and smartphone through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to all eligible Americans.
To get a free smartphone and monthly service from TruConnect, you must attain the income-based or program-based eligibility guidelines. If you reside in Nevada and are eligible for Lifeline or the ACP, you qualify for a free Android smartphone and monthly phone service from TruConnect as part of their ACP plan.
To apply, proceed to https://www.truconnect.com/offers/nlad_etc, submit your Zip code and email address and click the Apply Now bar.
Bottom Line
Low-income families and individuals residing in Nevada qualify to apply for a free government phone provided they are eligible. According to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, eligibility depends on a household income or participation in a government-sponsored program. Through participating wireless providers, the Affordable Connectivity program and the Lifeline program provide qualified low-income customers with free smartphone and cell phone services.