If you are a student, veteran, disabled or senior citizen you might be eligible for free phone from government, not just phones, but also tablets and laptops for low-income households. And if you don’t know anything about whether you are eligible or not, how to apply, what are the possible free phone options, then worry not, because this page is to help you with all the information you need.
A federal government program named “Lifeline Program” managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) to make internet and phones easily accessible to the low-income families in the U.S. But there are some important aspects that you should understand.
The lifeline program is 100% authentic, As I mentioned earlier that it is a government backed and federal communications commissions supported program for the low income families with the aim of helping them give them the basic connectivity opportunities and basic benefits.
The program was initiated back in 1985 with the aim of providing basic communication services to the low-income households. You can also visit the official website of Lifeline program.
The Lifeline program does not just only offer free phones for seniors or specific individuals, But also discounted internet services, free laptop and tablet as well (based on the availability and your location, and provider.)
You will be considered eligible if the annual gross income of your house matches or below 135% as per the federal poverty guidelines. (Source: Lifeline Program).
If you or any person of your household is a member of any of the below government assistance programs then you are considered eligible.
Note: Only 1 Lifeline discount service and product is allowed per household. (Source: Lifeline Support, USAC)
These figures are based on 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (Source: ASPE)
Each additional household member adds:
We are an incredibly trusted and dependable informational providing website that helps you get legit information about multiple beneficial programs. So that everyone can access the amazing opportunities they can avail.
We gather and provide you the most authentic information to help you get the free facilities you deserve. We provide verified information with in-depth research after analyzing documentation.
Understanding the importance of updated information we ensure that you get the latest information about any aspect. So that you can smoothly process everything.
Our tried and tested process helps you avoid any complications and makes it easier for you to get free phones or affordable services.
We are here with one purpose, with the sole purpose of ensuring people don't miss out on what they deserve. With multiple scattered information we make sure to present in a single website with simplicity and clarity.
It depends on the provider you select, your state, and the available options in the stock. Some providers offer both 4g and free 5g government phones as well. With a wide range of android phones there might be some iphones available too. Some of the possible options in 2026 are:
Although, we DO NOT promise any specific model as there are some providers that offer free iphone for students and free iphone for seniors.
These are some of the popular free samsung phones that are offered by the providers (The models will vary as per state and the availability of the models).
Some google pixel models could be also available in the stocks. But you should keep in mind that none of these models are promised by the providers.
Apart from Samsung, Iphone, and Google Pixel there might be multiple good phone brands and models available for you to select like Motorola, and BLU.
Firstly, there is no guarantee of a specific phone model. Mostly the program provides the devices with basic facilities. As some people search for free iphone government phones. But getting modern phones totally depends on where you are, the service provider you choose and the available options.
Only one device or discounted service will be provided per household even if there are multiple SNAP or EBT cards available in the households.
Secondly, It is important to note that Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or EBT are just the programs if in you are enrolled in then it makes you eligible for this programs. They are proof that your household meets the guidelines. And these programs do not offer free smartphones separately.
You have to complete the application process through the online service provider like AirTalk Wireless, and not by food stamp offices.
You have to prove your eligibility every year to use the services, otherwise you will lose your services.
The lifeline program is a U.S federal government backed initiative that provides monthly discounted phone services, internet services, free phones, heavily discounted tablets and laptops for the low income households which are eligible as per the policies. It is a FCC (Federal Communication Commission) supported program that offers 1 benefit per household and it is managed through trusted and approved service providers to ensure the accessibility for people in different states.
The best and the easiest way is to apply through a trusted service provider. Below is a simple step-by-step process for you to apply.
Getting the benefits are just some steps away.
The basic rules of the lifeline program includes:
Texas State full
guide
California State step-by-step guide
Florida State comprehensive guide
New York State complete guide
Ohio State Specific information
Georgia State Guide to apply online
Complete steps for Pennsylvania residents
Illinois State Guide
Some of the most reliable considered providers include AirTalk Wireless, Assurance Wireless,
TruConnect, Cintex Wireless, Q Link Wireless, Easy Wireless, StandUp Wireless, and Safelink.
This brand is known for offering a wide range of products of different brands like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Google.
The provider is approved by the FCC, a legitimate provider that offers multiple discounted services like free data plans, text and calls minutes, and android phone.
It is also a provider which offers free plans like free calling, data and text that too with international calling in the states they are offering the services.
This provider offers free 4G/5G smartphones and services like free data, text, and calling. This provider offers mobile phones of different brands (based on availability) like Apple, Google and Samsung.
Apart from mobile phones and services this brand also offers free tablets but specifically for Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI.
Easy Wireless offers free phones and services including pell grant recipients. They provide a SIM, data upto 5GB, with free text and calling minutes.
This provider offers free SIM card with 5G accessibility and in some cases they also provide a smartphone with just basic features.
If you are enrolled in Medicaid or SNAP than you are eligible for Safelink free phone (if available) and free connectivity services each month.
We are proud to serve you and help you, we collect and present you the most helpful
information with the simplest way to make it super-easy for you.
Our research team analyzes and evaluates the data to present you with the best possible information.
Providing complete and legit information with proper guidance and assistance.
You can easily find companies and the best provider near you from the USAC tool of finding companies near me. Where you just have to enter your city/ state, Zip code, and select the program and then search it. You will see the available companies that are offering services and free government phones near you. Then you can choose any one of them to apply for the free phone or services.
The income should be equal or below 135% as per the federal poverty guidelines or enrolled in a program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
Yes, You can definitely reapply after you become eligible for the program or you ensure to meet the criteria that became the reason for rejection before.
The application approval only takes some minutes for approval, but sometimes it takes 1 to 3 business days.
You have to recertify because the providers need to know that you are still eligible to use the service, and if you fail to recertify then you will lose the benefits.
Driver’s License, State ID, award letter/ benefit card from programs like SNAP, income proof, Birthdate, and address.
