If you are searching for a free phone in Arkansas, I will give you detailed information on how to go about it. Phones, especially smartphones, are expensive; thus, most households cannot purchase them. Interestingly, there is a way you can get a free phone and enjoy communicating with your friends and relatives. You will learn how to get free government phones in Arkansas shortly, so stick around.
Arkansas Public Service Commission works with the Federal government to offer free government phones and services to low-income households in Arkansans through the Lifeline assistance program. The primary goal is to provide every household in the state with a phone to use for their communication needs. After all, every person in the country is entitled to the freedom of communication. A phone is among the essential tools necessary for sending and receiving information.
To ensure the free phone program goes on successfully, the federal government collaborates with several telecommunications service providers to help financially challenged households get free devices. Also, another program similar to Lifeline, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), assists less fortunate families to get free broadband for work and home use and discounts on devices such as tablets, laptops, and desktops.
How to obtain free government phones in Arkansas
If you live in Arkansas, you can get a free phone if you qualify for Lifeline. However, you must follow guidelines to receive the device since no one will give you the free service unless you take the necessary steps. You can follow the simple steps below to apply for Lifeline and get a free phone.
- Visit nv.fcc.gov/lifeline to access the National Verifier’s website.
- Choose Arkansas as your state of residence.
- Next, you will land on the online application form to fill it out.
- Submit all the required documents.
- Submit your application.
After submitting your application, you should wait for the approval. You will select your preferred service provider if you pass the qualification test. After that, you will receive your free phone at your physical address within 7-10 working days. Remember that you can still apply through your participating service provider.
Eligibility Criteria for free government phones in Arkansas
Understanding how you can qualify for the free government phone before applying is crucial. You may qualify by income, whereby your household should have a gross annual income of 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You can also qualify through various assistance programs, which include the following.
- Supplemental Security Income
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Programs specific to tribal lands, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Head Start.
Documents required for free government phones in Arkansas
For you to prove that you are eligible for Lifeline, there are certain documents you must submit. To prove qualification by income, you should submit documents such as;
- Previous year’s federal, state, or Tribal tax return
- Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Income statement from your current employer or a paycheck stub
- Child support award, divorce decree, or another official document with income information
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Federal/Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
To prove that you qualify by income, you should provide documents such as;
- Benefit award letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- Approval letter
You also need to provide your date of birth documents. Any of the following can work.
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- Government assistance program document
- Driver’s license
- Certificate of US Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
Furthermore, the federal government requires Lifeline applicants to prove their Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number. You can bring any of the following.
- Social Security Card
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Military discharge documentation
- Unemployment/Workers’ compensation benefits
To prove your address, you can bring documents such as;
- Utility bill
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Driver’s license or other government, state, or Tribal ID
Free Government Phone Providers in Arkansas
Arkansas has various Lifeline service providers you can opt for when applying for your free phone. These include the following.
1. Life Wireless
Life Wireless is a good option if you live in Arkansas and are looking for a Lifeline provider. You can visit the company’s website and apply for your free phone. You also get free text, unlimited voice, and data when you combine Lifeline and ACP programs.
2. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless has been offering Lifeline services for a while. It provides free government phones to low-income households in Arkansas and other states as long as they qualify. It allows you to combine Lifeline and ACP services and get free text, unlimited talk, and mobile hotspot data.
3. enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless Lifeline program allows Arkansas residents to obtain free government phones if they have the necessary qualification documents. You also get 500 free text messages, 1000 minutes of talk time, and 100 MB of data through the Lifeline program.
4. Assist Wireless
Assist Wireless is among the leading Lifeline providers in the US. You can get your government-subsidized phone and service when you sign up for the Lifeline and maybe ACP programs. The company allows you to apply online.
5. TruConnect
You can also consider TruConnect‘s Lifeline plus Affordable Connectivity program to get a free phone and unlimited phone calls, unlimited monthly data, text messages, and free international calling.
6. SafeLink Wireless
The company assists low-income Arkansas households in obtaining free phones when they apply and qualify. If you enroll in the Lifeline, you receive free 25 GB of high-speed data plus 5 GB of hotspot data. You can also combine Lifeline with ACP.
7. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless‘ allows you to apply for the Lifeline program online and choose from various smartphone models made by reputable companies. They give devices such as Galaxy S8, iPhone 7, and a OnePlus N200 Nord 5G. Apart from a free phone, you get talk time, free and unlimited texts, and data.
Bottom line
Arkansas is among the states of the US that participate in Lifeline and even the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can get a free government phone if you qualify and apply for the Lifeline service. To qualify, you must have all the necessary documents, such as your identification, address, proof of program participation, and Social Security Number.
