Where To Get a Free Government Phone (And How To Start)

You can typically get a free government phone through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which are federal benefit programs offered through approved phone and internet companies, not directly from a government office. This article is for general information only; you must use official program websites or approved providers to apply or make changes.

Most people apply online through an approved provider’s website, by mail, or at an in‑person enrollment event or store. Which companies are available depends on your state and ZIP code, so the first step is usually to check eligibility and providers for your location.

Quick summary: How people usually get a free government phone

  • Main programs: Lifeline and ACP (often combined on one plan).
  • Who handles it: Approved phone/internet companies, overseen by the FCC and USAC, not HowToGetAssistance.org.
  • Basic eligibility:Low income or participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or some Tribal programs.
  • Where to start:National Verifier at the official Lifeline/ACP application site, or through an approved provider that uses it.
  • What you’ll likely need:Photo ID, proof of income or benefits, and proof of address.
  • What to expect: If approved, you typically choose a provider and plan; some providers offer a free smartphone plus monthly phone and/or data service discounts.

Does a Free Government Phone Apply to You?

You do not need to be unemployed or on every assistance program to qualify; you usually need either low household income or proof you participate in certain benefit programs.

Key eligibility clues

You may be eligible for a Lifeline/ACP phone and service if:

  1. Your household income is at or below a set limit.

    • For Lifeline, it is typically 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
    • For ACP, it has typically been 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
    • Income limits change over time and may differ in some areas; always check the current federal guidelines.

  2. You or someone in your household receives at least one of these benefits (list not exhaustive):

    • SNAP (Food Stamps)
    • Medicaid
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) / Section 8
    • Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
    • For ACP: in many cases, WIC, Free/Reduced School Lunch or Breakfast, or certain income-based energy or Tribal programs.

  3. You live on qualifying Tribal lands and receive Tribal-specific benefits, such as:

    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
    • Tribal TANF
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Only one Lifeline/ACP benefit is allowed per household, not per person, in almost all situations. A “household” typically means people who live together and share income and expenses.

Plain-language terms to know

  • Lifeline: Federal program that typically gives a monthly discount on phone or internet service, sometimes with a free basic phone.
  • ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program): Federal program that typically gives a discount on home or mobile internet, sometimes bundled with a phone plan.
  • National Verifier: Central system used to check eligibility for Lifeline and ACP.
  • Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC): An approved phone/internet company allowed to provide Lifeline/ACP service.

Eligibility rules and available providers vary by state and Tribal area, so your exact options often differ from someone in another ZIP code.

What You’ll Need Ready Before You Apply

Having documents handy can prevent delays in getting your free phone and service started.

Commonly required documents

You’ll typically need:

  • Proof of identity – for example, a driver’s license, state ID, Tribal ID, passport, or other government‑issued photo ID.
  • Proof of address – such as a utility bill, lease, mortgage statement, or official letter showing your name and address.
  • Proof of eligibility, which is usually either:
    • Proof of participation in a qualifying benefit program (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.), such as an approval letter, benefits statement, or current card with your name and program details, or
    • Proof of income, such as a recent tax return, pay stubs, Social Security benefits statement, unemployment benefits statement, or similar.

If your ID or benefit letter does not include your current address, you may need a separate address document. If you do not have traditional proof of address (for example, you are doubled up or unstably housed), some providers or the National Verifier may allow alternative documentation, but you may have to ask what they accept.

Real-world friction to watch for

A common reason applications get delayed is that names or addresses don’t match across documents (for example, your benefits letter has an old address), or the proof of benefits is expired or missing pages. Checking that your documents show your current name, address, and active benefits before you submit them can often prevent back‑and‑forth requests and speed up approval.

Your Next Steps: How to Apply and Where to Get the Phone

You usually go through two stages: (1) verify eligibility, then (2) choose a provider/plan and receive your phone.

Step 1: Check eligibility through an official channel

  1. Go to the official Lifeline/ACP application website.

    • The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees Lifeline and ACP, and the application is typically run through USAC’s National Verifier.
    • You can find it by searching for “Lifeline National Verifier USAC” or visiting USAC’s official Lifeline page on a .gov or .org government partner site.

  2. Create an account or log in.

    • You’ll usually enter your name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security Number (or other approved ID number), and address.

  3. Upload documents if requested.

    • If the system can’t confirm your eligibility automatically (for example, your state database doesn’t connect), you’ll typically be asked to upload or mail proof of benefits or income.

  4. What to expect next:

    • Many applications get an instant or same‑day decision; others may take longer if manual review is needed.
    • If approved, you’ll receive a confirmation code or approval letter you can give to a provider.

If you cannot apply online, the Lifeline/ACP website typically offers paper applications you can print and mail, and sometimes a phone number to request a mailed form.

Step 2: Choose an approved provider in your area

Once you are approved by the National Verifier (or as part of that process, if you start with a provider), you need to pick a company that offers Lifeline/ACP phone service where you live.

Common paths:

  • Search by ZIP code on the official Lifeline/ACP pages to see a list of approved providers in your area.
  • Visit or call local phone companies, wireless carriers, or small regional providers that advertise Lifeline/ACP plans and ask if they offer a free device plus service discount.
  • Some providers have kiosks, tents, or partner stores (often in shopping centers or outside government offices) where staff can help you enroll in person.

A simple phone script you can use:
“Hi, I’m calling to ask if your company offers Lifeline or ACP service with a free phone in my ZIP code, and what documents I need to sign up.”

Step 3: Enroll in a plan and receive your phone

  1. Pick your plan.

    • Some providers offer free smartphones, while others provide a SIM card for a phone you already own.
    • Ask about minutes, texts, data amounts, hotspot use, and any extra fees or taxes.

  2. Complete the provider’s enrollment.

    • You may need to give your National Verifier application ID, sign a form stating that there is only one Lifeline/ACP benefit in your household, and agree to the provider’s terms.

  3. What to expect next:

    • If enrolling in person, you may receive a phone on the spot once everything is approved.
    • If enrolling online or by phone, the device is typically shipped to your address; timelines vary by company and are not guaranteed.
    • Service usually starts when the phone or SIM is activated, which may require calling a number or following activation steps included in the box.

Avoid Mistakes and Scam Warnings

Because free phones and service involve personal data and federal benefits, scammers often try to imitate these programs.

Common snags (and quick fixes)

  • Being charged for a “free” phone:

    • Quick fix: Ask clearly whether there are any upfront device fees, monthly fees, or taxes, and get plan details in writing or via email when possible.

  • Accidentally having more than one Lifeline/ACP benefit in a household:

    • Quick fix: Before applying, confirm no one else at your address is already using Lifeline/ACP, or be ready to explain a separate household situation if it truly applies (for example, unrelated roommates with separate finances).

  • Giving information to an unofficial site or person:

    • Quick fix: Only submit Social Security numbers, IDs, or documents through official program websites (.gov, USAC), phone company websites you can verify independently, or in-person at a provider’s store or authorized kiosk.

Scam and safety tips

  • Do not pay anyone a “processing fee” to get a free government phone. The Lifeline/ACP benefit itself is not supposed to require a fee to apply.
  • Be cautious of people who approach you in parking lots or door-to-door and ask for your full Social Security Number without clear identification or proof of which company they represent.
  • To check if a provider is legitimate, you can look them up on the official FCC Lifeline or USAC websites, or call 211 (the official community services line in many areas) and ask for help locating approved Lifeline/ACP providers.

If This Doesn’t Work: Other Ways to Get a Phone

If you do not qualify for Lifeline or ACP, or you are denied even after correcting documents, there may still be options for basic connectivity.

  • Low-cost carrier plans: Some phone companies offer discounted prepaid or low‑income plans separate from Lifeline/ACP.
  • Local nonprofits and charities: Community organizations, domestic violence shelters, and homeless service providers sometimes have donated phones or short‑term phone assistance for people in crisis.
  • Libraries and community centers: While they may not give out phones, they often offer free computer and internet access, which can help you apply for jobs, benefits, or contact support services until you secure a device.

If your application is denied and you believe you qualify, the official Lifeline/ACP portal typically explains how to appeal or submit more documentation, or you can contact the program’s help line listed on the official site for guidance on what went wrong and what to do next.