Tennessee Lifeline Free Government Smartphones and Cell Phones

Welcome to Tennessee Lifeline Free Government Smartphones and Free Government Cell Phones Page!

The state’s motto, Agriculture and Commerce, is very business-oriented. One would think that there should be no problems with employment in Tennessee because of it. In contrast to these hopes, there are many issues the average American faces in Tennessee all the time. The state made it to the TOP 10 U.S. states with the highest overall poverty rate. One million seventy-seven thousand people comprising 16.7% of the entire state’s population, live in poverty. These Tennesseeans have low incomes and are qualified for help from federal and local governments. Many are eligible for free government cell phones and free government smartphones when participating in the Tennessee Lifeline assistance program.

Lifeline Free Government Cell Phones Program in Tennessee

Some well-known Lifeline companies serve customers of Tennessee Lifeline. If you are looking for a company to get your free phone from the government, you can browse through the ones listed below. Given that you qualify, these wireless carriers will provide you with a headset and a discounted monthly plan.

Who is eligible for free government smartphones and free government cell phones in Tennessee?

If you participate in any or several of the following government assistance programs, you are probably eligible for a free phone from the government by Tennessee Lifeline:

  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
  • Section 8/ Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
  • Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

You can also qualify based on the household income rule: your household income has to be lower or at the level of 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines for Tennessee. For 2022 this number is shown in the table below.

Household size (number of people)Eligible annual income per household
1$17,388
2$23,517
3$29,646
4$35,775
5$41,904
6$48,033
7$54,162
8$60,291
For each additional person, add$6,129

Click here to see all steps needed to enroll in Tennessee Lifeline free government smartphones and a free government cell phone program.