It often happens that we feel life has twisted our arms regarding finances. Much of our ability to get through day-to-day survival depends on the flow of cash through our pockets. It is excellent, though, that now we do not have to rely on our wages only since our government decided to pitch in and started various assistance programs. Free government smartphones and free cell phones distributed to low-income people through Lifeline Assistance is a great opportunity to ease the financial burden experienced by many these days. Here is the answer to the “how do I get a free phone?” question.
Before you start the application process for a free government phone, do not forget to make sure you eligible for one, i.e., your income is within the mandatory limits, or you are program-eligible. If you are uncertain whether you or a member of your household qualify for free government smartphones and free government cell phones, please refer to our AM I ELIGIBLE? Page and learn all the specifics. In case when you are pretty sure you qualify for the Lifeline wireless mobile phone and service discount, follow the three easy steps described below and get a free government cell phone as soon as possible.
3 Steps To Free Government Smartphones and Free Government Cell Phones
Step 1. Choose a Telephone Company
Lifeline companies are present in every state, as well as Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico. Most of them provide the services in many states, but not all of them. Before you start an enrollment process by selecting the best company to suit your wishes and needs, you should see what telephone companies give free government cell phones and smartphones in your state. Visit our STATES page to find a list of U.S.A. states; choose your state, and you will get to a state-dedicated free government cell phone page. There, you will be able to find the complete list of participating telecommunication providers in the state of your selection, along with thorough information on state-specific eligibility requirements.
Click here to choose your state now
In case that you already know which company you want to get your free phone from, you have evaluated all pros and cons of signing up for it and have chosen a preferable monthly plan, go to the next step.
Step 2. Fill Out and Submit an Application
Once you have finalized a decision for the service provider, you need to complete an enrollment application. Every provider, including Budget Mobile, Assurance Wireless, i-Wireless, and Safelink Wireless, has its application form available upon request. No matter which company you get your application form for free government cell phones, they all will require such data as your name and last name, address, and date of birth. Other details about yourself and the household you are a part of might be asked for, as well. Always make sure you provide accurate data since any mistakes, intentional or unintentional, might result in longer processing time, which will lead to you not getting a free smartphone or cell phone from the government for a while.
Another thing to keep in mind at the stage of application form filling out, some documented proof of your Lifeline assistance eligibility will be required. For the income-eligible applicant’s stream, a document such as an actual income statement from your current employer or federal tax return form for a previous year will do. For those applying through the program’s participation stream, docs like Medicaid benefit cards will work just fine. Of course, only copies of original documents are requested. Every year of your enrollment in a free government cell phone program, you will be asked to recertify your eligibility by submitting the documented proof.
How can I get a free government cell phones application?
Option one. Go to the website of the carrier you have selected, and download the application form directly from there.
Option two. Call the carrier’s customer service number and ask them to send you the application by mail or by fax.
How can I submit my free government smartphones/cell phone application?
Option one. Do it via the Internet. Most telephone companies allow to submit the filled application form and upload the copies of required documents via their website.
Option two. Send your free government phone enrollment application by fax or by regular mail to the company address.
Step 3. Receive a phone and service
The provider has to check your identity and determine if your income or assistance program participation allows you to get a free phone and discounted monthly service. In addition to all these, each company checks if your household is not getting a landline or wireless Lifeline assistance at the moment of your application.
If everything goes well and there is no need for any additional documents, an applicant will be approved for the Lifeline free government cell phones program. Typically, it takes one to three weeks (sometimes, less time or more is required for processing) to receive a free phone with discounted service by mail. Most often, it is possible to contact the customer service of the provider by telephone, email, or live chat and learn about the current status of your application.
To summarize, here are all steps to free government smartphones, free government cell phones:
- Check if you qualify for free phone assistance.
- Choose a Lifeline carrier in your state.
- Fill out and submit an enrollment application.
- Provide any supporting documents required.
- Please wait for your free phone from the government to come via regular mail, and then activate it.
Click HERE to find free government smartphones or free government cell phones provider in your state.