The United States government offers a variety of programs to help low-income households access essential services, including cell phone service. Through the Lifeline Program, eligible individuals can receive a free or discounted cell phone plan from participating companies.
This article will discuss the 20 best free government cell phone companies in 2023, as well as the eligibility requirements and benefits of the Lifeline Program. We will also provide tips for choosing the right free government cell phone plan for your needs.
List of Free Government Cell Phone Companies
Here is a list of the 20 best free government cell phone companies in 2023:
- Assurance Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- SafetyNet Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Tempo Wireless
- Terracom Wireless
- TruConnect
- US Cellular
- AirTalk Wireless
- Infiniti Mobile
- Copper Valley Telecom
- GCI
Who is Eligible for a Free Government Cell Phone?
To be eligible for a free government cell phone through the Lifeline Program, you must meet the following criteria:
- Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
- You must participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- You must not have received a Lifeline benefit from another company in the past 90 days.
How to Apply for Free Government Phone by Carriers
Here are the specific instructions to apply for free government phone:
- Assurance Wireless: To apply for a free government phone from Assurance Wireless, you can visit their website or call their customer service number at 1 (888) 321-5880.
- StandUp Wireless: To apply for a free government phone from StandUp Wireless, you can visit their website or call their customer service number at +1-800-544-5441.
- Access Wireless: To apply for a free government phone from Access Wireless, you can visit their website or call their customer service number at 1-866-594-3644.
- Q Link Wireless: To apply for a free government phone from Q Link Wireless, you can visit their website or call their customer service number at 518-436-3550.
- Cintex Wireless: To apply for a free government phone from Cintex Wireless, you can visit their website or call their customer service number at +1 (855) 655-3097.
- Life Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from Life Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at 1-888-543-3620.
- Easy Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from Easy Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at (877) 476-3451.
- enTouch Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from enTouch Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at 1-866-488-8719.
- NewPhone Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from NewPhone Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at +1 (855) 204-3667.
- Safelink Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from Safelink Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at 1-800-378-1684.
- SafetyNet Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from SafetyNet Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at 1-888-224-3213 or 1-800-700-4736.
- Tag Mobile: You can apply for a free government phone from Tag Mobile online or by calling their customer service number at 1 (866) 959-4918.
- Tempo Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from Tempo Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at 1-888-565-1011.
- Terracom Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from Terracom Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at 1-888-716-8880.
- TruConnect: You can apply for a free government phone from TruConnect online or by calling their customer service number at 1 (800) 430-0443.
- US Cellular: You can apply for a free government phone from US Cellular online or by calling their customer service number at 1 (888) 944-9400.
- AirTalk Wireless: You can apply for a free government phone from AirTalk Wireless online or by calling their customer service number at +1 (855) 924-7825.
- Infiniti Mobile: You can apply for a free government phone from Infiniti Mobile online or by calling their customer service number at 888-801-0012.
- Copper Valley Telecom: You can apply for a free government phone from Copper Valley Telecom online or by calling their customer service number at (800) 235-5414.
- GCI: You can apply for a free government phone from GCI online or by calling their customer service number at 1 (800) 800-4800.
Note: The eligibility requirements and application process may vary slightly from carrier to carrier. Be sure to check with the carrier you are interested in for more information.
Tips to Applying for a Free Government Phone
- Make sure you are eligible for the Lifeline Program. You can check your eligibility on the FCC’s website.
- Gather all of the required documentation. This may include your income information, proof of eligibility for the Lifeline Program, and a valid form of identification.
- Complete the application carefully and accurately. Be sure to answer all of the questions and provide all of the required information.
- Submit the application to the carrier you have chosen. You can usually do this online or by calling the carrier’s customer service number.
Once you have submitted your application, the carrier will review it and contact you if you are approved. If you are approved, the carrier will send you a free phone and SIM card.
Choosing the Right Free Government Cell Phone Company
When choosing a free government cell phone company, there are a few factors to consider, such as:
- Coverage area: Make sure the company you choose offers coverage in your area.
- Plan features: Compare the different plans offered by different companies to find the one that best meets your needs.
- Phone selection: If you have a preference for a certain type of phone, make sure the company you choose offers it.
What to Expect from a Free Government Cell Phone
Free government cell phone plans typically include a limited amount of minutes, texts, and data. However, some companies offer unlimited plans.
The type of phone you receive will also vary depending on the company. Some companies offer basic phones, while others offer smartphones.
Conclusion
If you are eligible for a free government cell phone, we encourage you to apply. Having a cell phone can make a big difference in your life, and there are many different companies to choose from. By following the tips in this article, you can choose the best free government cell phone plan for your needs.