New York is the most densely populated state among states in America. It has a population of over 8.8 million, meaning that the living standards for low-income households are demanding, and acquiring phones is a luxury. Thus, the aided program offers you a free government phone in NY to ensure you stay in touch with family and friends without any bills. Eligible low-income families can also use the phone to look for employment and work online, for studies, and for other resourceful uses.
To register for a free government phone in New York, you must enroll in a Lifeline or ACP government-supported program. Consumers who qualify following the federal or state-specific eligibility criteria can obtain free phone and cell phone service from the government. However, the eligibility depends on an individual income or participation in a qualifying government benefit program. You must also provide legal documents for proof of eligibility when applying for these benefits.
Moreover, apart from a free phone from the government, qualified customers can get a discount on their monthly wireless service. You will enjoy monthly cell phone plans featuring unlimited text, talk, and data if you attain the requirements for a free government phone with ACP and Lifeline benefits. To acquire a free government phone in New York, you must be enrolled in a telecommunication company offering ACP and Lifeline services. Qualifying individuals can only receive one free cell phone per household.
Who Is Eligible For Free Government in New York
If you’re enlisted in a Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program, you should be allowed a free government phone in New York. This requires you to meet the following eligibility criteria.
Participation Criterion
Enrolling in following government-aided programs would help you get a free government phone in New York.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Reduced lunch and breakfast program
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Infants, Women, and Children (WIC)
You are also qualified for a free government phone in New York if you reside in a tribal land and participate in the following government-assisted programs.
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start( income based)
Income Criterion
a) You can qualify for a free government phone in New York if you have an annual income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guidelines for the Affordable Connectivity program
b) Based on this criterion, you are eligible for a free government cell phone in New York via Lifeline if you have an annual income of 135% or under the federal poverty guidelines.
What Documents Required For Proof Of Eligibility
- Identity Proof Documents
- Green card or Permanent Resident Card
- A valid government, state, military or Tribal ID
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- U.S. valid Driver’s license
- Birth Certificate
- Income Proof Documents
- Divorce decree, child support award
- Paycheck stubs
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Current income statement from your employer
- Veterans Administration Statement of Benefits
- Retirement/ pension statement of benefits
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
- Federal or Tribal or notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Participation Proof Documents
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Benefit verification letter
- School documentation
Free Government Phone In NY Application Process
Application for a free government phone in New York follows these simple steps:
- You have to affirm that you are eligible for Lifeline and ACP. You can realize this by visiting the national verifier.
- Choose a telecommunication carrier in your area offering free government phones in New York with a lifeline and ACP benefits.
- Register for a free government phone in New York through this carrier’s official website, and be ready to attach legal documents as proof of eligibility.
The Best Service Providers Of Free Government Phones in New York
1. enTouch Wireless
This telecommunication company offers broadband services and free phones to low-income households with Lifeline and ACP benefits. Eligible customers enjoy services devoid of contract. You will enjoy excellent plans ACP only plan, Kentucky lifeline plan, California lifeline plan, non-tribal lifeline plan, tribal lifeline plan, and ACP and Lifeline combo plan. In addition, you will increase your benefits by subscribing to the Lifeline and ACP combo plan consisting of unlimited calling, international calling to selected states, and high-speed unlimited data of up to 10 GB.
To enroll for a free phone from the government in New York with enTouch wireless:
- Visit the official website and tap to “Enroll Now” button.
- Then, input your zip code and email to get started.
- Complete the form with the correct personal details and attach the required legal documents before you submit.
- Ensure you choose your desired phone plan depending on your consumption.
- Upon a successful application, you will get a notification, and your free government phone in New York will be shipped to you based on the address you provided on your personal information.
Alternatively, you may contact enTouch wireless customer services at 1.866.488.8719 and be guided by the agent on the application process. However, you can also download the form, fill it out, and mail it.
2. Easy Wireless
This carrier provides free government phones in New York through Lifeline and ACP. Eligible customers will get phones without contracts, deposits, and credit checks. In addition, you will enjoy great phone plans of unlimited texts, data, and talks, which vary depending on the plan’s cost. Moreover, you will benefit from the additional features, which include: Call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail, caller ID, 3-way calling, 411 free access, and customer care service short code of 611.
To apply for easy wireless, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the official website and enter your zip code or email.
- Then navigate to the “Enroll Now” button and click.
- Ensure you give the correct information while filling out the form and attach the required legal documents as proof of eligibility, as discussed above.
- Proofread the document and click on submit.
Alternatively, you may opt for an offline application whereby you download the form and send it to Easy Wireless via mail. You can also reach easy wireless customer care service at +1 (877) 476-3451. The agent will direct you through the enrollment process.
Bottom Line
The government provides free government phones in New York to eligible low-income households. However, you must be enrolled in ACP and Lifeline to receive this device. The eligibility depends on meeting the income and government program participation criteria discussed above. ACP and Lifeline offer free government phones in New York through providers like enTouch Wireless and Easy Wireless.