What Company Gives Out Free Government Phones? Get Your’s Now
For low-income households, affording cell phone service can be difficult. Luckily, the Lifeline Assistance program offers free government phones, discounted plans, and subsidized services from various wireless carriers. But what company actually provides the free “Obama phones”?
This guide will cover the major providers that offer Lifeline phones and plans. We’ll explain how to qualify for a free phone, the application process, and tips for getting approved. Read on to learn which companies distribute free government cell phones and discount plans to eligible residents.
What is the Lifeline Phone Program?
First, let’s overview the basics. Lifeline is a federal program that aims to make phone and internet service affordable for all Americans. It’s sometimes referred to as the “Obama phone” program.
Lifeline provides subscribers with discounted or free mobile phone service including:
- Free cell phones
- Free monthly minutes
- Free texts
- Discounted smartphone plans
- Low-cost home internet
The benefit is limited to one per household. Lifeline cell phones generally include simple voice/text devices as well as smartphones.
What Companies Offer Free Government Phones and plans?
So what company gives out free government phones and plans? The FCC has authorized several major wireless carriers to provide subsidized Lifeline service:
Assurance Wireless
Owned by Virgin Mobile, Assurance Wireless offers a free Android phone with 350 monthly minutes, unlimited texts, and 1GB of data. You must be approved for the Lifeline program to enroll.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless provides a free phone with 350 talk minutes and 4.5G data each month after being approved for Lifeline. Android smartphones and basic phones are available.
TracFone Wireless
Through its SafeLink Wireless brand, TracFone offers Lifeline recipients a free phone and service plan with 350 minutes and 3GB data monthly.
TruConnect
TruConnect offers new Lifeline customers a free Android phone bundled with service plans starting at $15 per month for 1GB data.
Access Wireless
Access Wireless provides a free Lifeline phone and talk/text plus 500MB of data monthly to eligible low-income households.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless offers a free Lifeline phone with 250 monthly minutes and unlimited texts for qualified applicants. Refurbished smartphone options are also available.
StandUpWireless
Through parent company TracFone, StandUpWireless offers free government phones with 500 minutes, unlimited texts, and 4G LTE service monthly to eligible customers.
Boom! Mobile
Boom! Mobile provides a free 4G LTE smartphone plus 350 monthly minutes, unlimited texts and 2GB of data for $0 per month to qualified Lifeline recipients.
How to Qualify for a Free Government Phones
Now that you know the major companies offering free government cell phones, how do you qualify? The Lifeline program is limited to one phone line per household. To get approved, you must show:
- Income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Participation in certain government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, and more
You will need to provide documents that prove eligibility such as the prior year’s tax return, pay stubs, or your SNAP participation letter. Income qualifications vary by state and household size.
Some providers allow you to qualify based on low income alone. Others require you to be enrolled in a government program. Check with your preferred Lifeline carrier to confirm eligibility.
Applying for a Free Phone from Lifeline Providers
Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you can apply for Lifeline service including a free phone from participating providers. Here are some key steps:
- Choose a provider – Compare free phone offers and plans from the companies above. You can often check availability by ZIP code.
- Prepare documents – Have income statements, award letters, or proof of program enrollment ready to show you qualify.
- Apply online or by phone – Start the Lifeline application with your chosen provider. Call or complete the online forms.
- Submit eligibility proof – Upload or fax the required income documents and proof of participation in government programs.
- Confirm approval – Your provider will review eligibility and notify you if you’ve been approved for Lifeline service and a free phone.
The approval process can take 2-4 weeks. Once enrolled, you’ll receive a free smartphone or basic phone with service starting on your assigned date. Ongoing eligibility checks are required to remain in the Lifeline program.
Lifeline Phone Plans and Features
In addition to a free phone, Lifeline providers offer discounted or even free wireless plans. Here are some common features:
- 350-500 free voice minutes per month
- Unlimited texting
- 1 to 4GB free data on 4G LTE networks
- Free calls to customer service
- No contracts required
- Bring your own compatible device option
Since Lifeline is government-subsidized, advanced features like mobile hotspots or international calling are limited. But all plans include unlimited 911 access. Data rollover and texting capabilities can vary. Compare plan details from each carrier.
Can I Get Internet Through Lifeline?
Some Lifeline providers also offer subsidized high-speed home internet plans for around $10 per month. Additionally, the new Emergency Broadband Benefit helps households struggling with internet costs.
You generally must meet the standard Lifeline eligibility requirements to qualify for low-cost home internet service. Check with local Lifeline carriers to learn more about affordable connectivity options for your home.
Using Your Lifeline Benefit
Once enrolled with Lifeline phone service, be sure to follow the program’s terms of service. Only use the allotted minutes and data each month. Let your provider know immediately if you no longer meet eligibility requirements.
Above all, avoid Lifeline fraud by limiting your household to just one subsidized phone line. Make the most of your free minutes and stay connected on a tight budget!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for a free Obama phone?
You must show a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in certain government assistance programs like Medicaid or SNAP.
How much does a Lifeline phone cost per month?
Lifeline phones themselves are free. Monthly service is discounted, with most plans starting at $0/month for 350 minutes and 1-2GB of data.
What companies offer the best free government phones?
Top Lifeline providers include Assurance Wireless, Q Link Wireless, Safelink Wireless, Access Wireless, and TruConnect based on free phone selection and cellular data.
Can I get 2 free phones from Lifeline?
No, the Lifeline program limits benefits to just one phone line per household. Having more than one Lifeline device can lead to service termination.
How many minutes do I get with a Lifeline phone?
Most Lifeline plans offer 350-500 monthly minutes for voice calls without any overage fees. Plus unlimited domestic texting is standard.
Title: What Company Gives Out Free Government Phones? Get a Lifeline Phone
Meta Description: Wondering what company provides free government cell phones? This guide covers all major Lifeline providers offering discounted and free phones, plans, and how to qualify.
Let me know if you would like me to modify or expand on any part of the article! I aimed to provide a helpful overview of the major Lifeline wireless companies, plans, eligibility, and how to apply.
