Maryland is the 18th state, in terms of U.S. most populated states, with a population of over 6.15 million. However, 10.3% of its population is considered low-income households. In other words, they have an annual income below the federal poverty guidelines. Therefore, purchasing a cellphone is a luxury. Through the Federal communication commission (FCC), the government of Maryland has found a way to assist low-income households by providing free government phones in Maryland.
Free things are pretty enticing. Thus, there must be a way to rule out unqualified households. First, you must meet the eligibility requirement for programs such as Lifeline or ACP to qualify. In this case, you must have the required income qualification at or below the federal poverty guidelines. The income criterion of getting a free government phone in Maryland depends on the program you apply with: that is, Lifeline requires 135%, and for an affordable connectivity program (ACP), you will need 200%.
In addition, there are several government-assisted programs through which you can qualify for free cellphones in Maryland, like SNAP and Medicaid. To ensure that only eligible households get free government phones in Maryland, you must provide verification documents based on your eligibility criterion. To apply for a free phone in Maryland, you will enroll in a service provider that will later be discussed in detail in this article. Let’s get started on how to get a free government phone in Maryland.
How Do I Qualify For Free Government Phone For Maryland Inhabitant
First and foremost, to qualify for free phone in Maryland, you must be a beneficiary of federally aided programs for low-income households. These programs are Lifeline Assistance and ACP, and their eligibility criteria are as discussed below:
1. Lifeline Assistance Qualifications
You qualify for a free government phone in Maryland through Lifeline if your annual household income is 135% or below the federal poverty guideline. Moreover, you are eligible for a free government phone in Maryland if you are a participant in any of these government and tribal programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Medicaid
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Income-based Head Start
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
2. Affordable Connectivity Program Qualifications
A low-income household is qualified for free cell phones in Maryland with an annual income of 200% or below the federal poverty guidelines. Moreover, you are also qualified for a free government phone in Maryland if you are enrolled in any of these tribal or government-aided programs:
- If you have received a federal Pell Grand in the present year award
- If you are a beneficiary of the reduced school lunch and breakfast program.
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Housing Assistance, like public housing
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Lifeline
- WIC
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
Which Documents Do I Need To Get a Free Government Phone In Maryland
The best way to verify your eligibility for a free government smartphone in Maryland is by providing legal documents. These documents must have your legal name and should prove your eligibility based on the criterion of your qualifications. They are as listed below:
- If you qualify based on the participation criterion, you will provide these documents to verify: School documentation, Approval letter, Benefit verification letter, Benefit award letter, and Statement of benefits
- Suppose you are qualified based on income criterion. In that case, you will provide any verification documents: Social Security letter of benefits, Veterans Administration letter of benefits, Child Support document, paycheck stub, latest tax return document, Workers compensation document, or unemployment letter, and a retirement or pension document of benefit.
- In addition, there are other important documents that you must provide for you to get a free phone in Maryland. These documents include:
- Birth certificate
- Utility bill
- Passport / permanent resident card or Green card
- Mortgage/ lease document
- Naturalization/citizenship U.S. certificate
- Valid driver’s license
Free Government Phone Maryland Application Process
Eligibility verification for free cell phones in Maryland through Lifeline or ACP is the first step to getting started. You will realize this by visiting the national verifier. Then you can opt to apply directly through the ACP or Lifeline website. Although eventually, you will have to contact a service provider that will provide you with a free government phone in Maryland.
The next step is where you will fill out the application form on the ACP/lifeline official website. Then attach the necessary documents verifying your eligibility for free government phone Maryland and submit. Downloading the application form and sending it via mail to the ACP/ lifeline center is an alternative application option. If your application form is approved after review, you will enroll with a service provider and apply for a free cell phone in Maryland.
What Are The Restrictions Of Free Government Phone Maryland
- Free government phone in Maryland is limited to only one member per household.
- You can only receive free cell phone Maryland services from one provider at a time.
- Free government cellphone Maryland benefits (Lifeline and ACP) are not transferable. That is, you cannot transfer to any other person.
Best Service Providers Offering Free Government Phone Maryland
Standup Wireless
If eligible, you can get a free government smartphone in Maryland devoid of contract from standup wireless with a lifeline and ACP benefits. Moreover, you will enjoy fantastic phone plans with free government phones in Maryland, like unlimited talk and text. You will also get data which will vary depending on the phone plan of your choice.
In addition, you will get high-speed data of up to 10 G.B. along with nationwide coverage. You can subscribe to standup wireless by entering your zip code or email address on their official website. Be ready to provide legal documents as eligibility proof for a free government phone in Maryland.
TruConnect
You can get a free cellphone in Maryland through Truconnect if enrolled in ACP or the Lifeline assistance program. Eligible households enjoy unlimited talk and text at zero cost. You will also enjoy unlimited international calling and a free SIM card. The data on each plan is different, and these plans include ACP-only plans, lifeline plans, and Truly unlimited plans.
To apply for free government in Maryland, visit the official website and provide your zip code. Then fill out the application form as per instructions and attach verification documents before you click the submit button.
Cintex Wireless
This service provider company is availed by HTH Communications, LLC, and provides free government phone Maryland to eligible households. You must be enrolled in ACP and the Lifeline assistance program for qualification. You will receive these benefits as a Cintex wireless customer: free unlimited talk and text, picture messaging, and data deals that vary with the type of plan you choose. These plans are the ACP plan, lifeline plan, and ACP and lifeline combo plan.
To start, visit the Cintex wireless official website and enter your zip code. Fill out your personal information and attach clear documents to eligibility proof for a free government smartphone in Maryland.
TAG Mobile
This wireless company provides free government phones in Maryland to eligible low-income households. Therefore, you must meet the income and participation program eligibility criteria (Lifeline and ACP). You will enjoy unlimited monthly minutes, global text, and 8.5 GB of data.
Moreover, you will get voice mail, call waiting, and caller I.D. at zero cost, and no hidden fees will be incurred. You will visit their official website to apply for a free government phone in Maryland through TAG Mobile.
Bottom Line
Lifeline and ACP are government programs through which you can get free government phones in Maryland. However, you must subscribe to a service provider through whom you can apply for a free government phone in Maryland. The best service providers who offer free government phones in Maryland include TAG Mobile, Cintex wireless, Stand up wireless, and TruConnect.
