A government phone is provided by Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) to low-income families. However, you can always upgrade your government phone, especially if you received a basic mobile phone. Alternatively, you can upgrade your government phone if you have lost your other mobile and want a more high-spec device. In most instances, when you sign up for an upgrade government phone, you will receive a premium phone, depending on availability.
If your government phone stops working and you cannot receive a free replacement, consider upgrading. In this case, you can choose from numerous latest iPhones and smartphones when you upgrade to a government phone. Government upgrade smartphones offer you a better functionality. With a compatible device, you can access 4G, LTE wireless connectivity, and 5G internet.
If you use a free government phone and want a better model, you can change your phone to a different high-end smartphone. Besides, you will have to pay an upgrade fee as upgrade devices are not offered for free. You can have the option to purchase various upgrade phones of your choice from your preferred wireless provider. If you buy an upgrade government phone, it comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.
Process To Free Government Phone Upgrade
Upgrading a free government phone is a crucial step in ensuring you catch up with the latest innovation in the smartphone world. This move helps you stay connected and make the most out of your device. The FREE government phone upgrade program is only available for eligible individuals who enroll for a free government phone.
Once you sign up for a free government phone, you are issued a primary phone, which depends on inventory availability. Fortunately, you’re not limited to sticking with your basic phone as you can freely upgrade it to your favorite newest model.
Eligible customers can upgrade their government devices through the ACP, a federal government program that provides all Americans with free phones, including iPhones and broadband Internet service. Your household receives a free smartphone and monthly service if you’re eligible. To receive the free phone through this program, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, which vary by state.
1. Lifeline Phone Upgrade
Lifeline is a government-assisted program that offers telecommunication services to qualified low-income families and individuals in the United States. Eligible low-income customers receive a free cell phone service. Lifeline phone upgrade is available to qualified customers who attain the set eligibility requirements by the US Federal Government.
The eligibility entails participation in government assistance or your household income. If you attain the Lifeline eligibility requirements, you can obtain one free smartphone and monthly service for your household. You can determine eligibility through the National Verifier by submitting proof of your qualification based on the following criteria.
2. Lifeline Eligible Programs
A Consumer can qualify for a free government phone through the Lifeline benefit if their income is at 135% or under the federal poverty guidelines, has no income, or they participate in the below programs:
- SNAP /Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
How to Upgrade My Government Phone
Wireless providers offer government phone feature upgrade options, including iPhones, Samsung Galaxies, and Google Pixel models. These upgrade phones have the latest features and technology, like extensive RAM and ROM, faster processors, higher-definition displays, and longer-lasting, fast-charging batteries.
Thus, how do you get to upgrade my government phone. If you’re purchasing your new smartphone outright at retail price, you can upgrade anytime. However, you must be eligible to upgrade your government phone using a monthly device-payment agreement.
Sign into your wireless provider page and see the Devices section for phone upgrade eligibility. Look for devices labeled as upgrade-eligible through a monthly payment agreement. If you’re ineligible for a monthly payment phone upgrade agreement:
- Tap on the device you want to upgrade or
- Tap on the Phone Upgrade Options button
On the Upgrade Phone page in your government phone provider, choose the new device you’d like to upgrade, features, and payment options, and check out the process.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline Phone Upgrade Process
Assurance Wireless is a prominent and renowned Lifeline Assistance Program service provider. Virgin Mobile owns the Company and provides free or subsidized cell phone services and phones to low-income families and government-aided programs beneficiaries. You may get an Assurance Wireless Lifeline phone upgrade if eligible for this program.
You can have an Assurance Wireless replacement phone due to damage or loss of your phone. Or, you can request an Assurance Wireless upgrade with a better smartphone than your current phone. To upgrade Lifeline Assurance Wireless phones, proceed to the carrier’s website. Then, go to “My Account” phone upgrade and check out the process. You can also contact the customer service number at 1-888-321-5880 to check your eligibility for a device upgrade.
SafeLink Government Phone Upgrade Process
SafeLink Wireless is a subsidiary of TracFone Wireless, Inc., a Verizon company that offers government services. The Company is a participating provider in Lifeline, a federally-sponsored program that offers a discount on telecommunication services to eligible low-income individuals across America. Eligibility for SafeLink government phone upgrade is determined by income or participation in state or Federal sponsered programs.
Through Lifeline, SafeLink customers can get a free mobile phone and a monthly discount on their service. If you want to upgrade your government phone through Safelink, proceed to the My Service section and select Upgrade Phone on the drop-down menu.
Bottom Line
Americans participating in Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program receive a free phone. However, you can update the phone you were issued with when you enrolled for the free government phone program. For users who want a more modern phone with high-end features, consider upgrading the government phone. Upgrade phones offer better functionality and are more advanced than your primary device. Proof of eligibility may be required by your provider on your eligibility for the government phone upgrade program.
