Are you a low-income household or a participant in a government assistance program? If so, you may be eligible to receive a free 5G government phone. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to qualify and apply for this program. Discover the best companies offering free 5G government phones, the eligibility criteria, required documents, and frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents:
- Checking Your Eligibility
- Applying for a Free 5G government phone
- Choosing Your Phone Company
- Enjoying Your New Phone
- FAQs
Checking Your Eligibility for a Free 5G Government Phone
To be eligible for a free 5G government phone, you must meet the eligibility requirements of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Lifeline.
Lifeline Program
You can qualify for Lifeline in two ways: income-based criteria or participation in specific government assistance programs.
Income Based Eligibility
For the lifeline program, income-based eligibility entails earning 135% or less of the federal poverty line.
Below is the income limit for 2023 by household size:
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $19,683 | $24,584 | $22,640 |
| 2 | $26,622 | $33,264 | $30,618 |
| 3 | $33,561 | $41,945 | $38,597 |
| 4 | $40,500 | $50,625 | $46,575 |
| 5 | $47,439 | $59,306 | $54,554 |
| 6 | $54,378 | $67,986 | $62,532 |
| 7 | $61,317 | $76,667 | $70,511 |
| 8 | $68,256 | $85,347 | $78,489 |
| For each additional person, add: | $6,939 | $8,681 | $7,979 |
Program Based Eligibility
You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
ACP Program
Your household must make 200% or less of the federal poverty standard to qualify for ACP.
Alternatively, you could meet one of the other criteria for the program.
Income-based Eligibility
In order to qualify for the ACP, your household income should fall within a certain range.
Specifically, if your income, your child’s income, or the income of a dependent in your household meets the criteria, you may be eligible.
This includes individuals participating in government assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or similar initiatives.
You are eligible for the ACP if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The table below reflects the income limit by household size, which is 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,160 | $36,420 | $33,540 |
| 2 | $39,440 | $49,280 | $45,360 |
| 3 | $49,720 | $62,140 | $57,180 |
| 4 | $60,000 | $75,000 | $69,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 | $87,860 | $80,820 |
| 6 | $80,560 | $100,720 | $92,640 |
| 7 | $90,840 | $113,580 | $104,460 |
| 8 | $101,120 | $126,440 | $116,280 |
| For each additional person, add: | $10,280 | $12,860 | $11,820 |
Program Based Eligibility
You may qualify for the ACP if you or someone in your household participates in any of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
How to Provide Evidence
When applying for the ACP, you may be required to provide a card, letter, or official document as proof of your participation in one of these programs.
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you reside on qualifying Tribal lands, you are eligible for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or someone in your household participates in any of the following programs:
- Any of the federal assistance programs mentioned above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
When applying for the ACP, you may need to provide proof of participation, such as a benefit letter or official document.
How to Apply for Free 5G Government Phones
Once you have determined your eligibility, it’s time to apply for either ACP or Lifeline.
You can apply online, by mail, or through your current internet or phone provider.
The application process will require personal information, proof of identity, and documentation to verify your eligibility.
This may include tax returns, pay stubs, or official letters from government assistance programs.
Ensure you follow the instructions provided by the service provider and submit the required documents accurately.
Sign up for a FREE Phone here.
Choosing Your Phone Company
After approval, you will have the opportunity to choose a phone company that offers free 5G government phones.
Some reputable companies include StandUp Wireless, SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, and Cintex Wireless.
However, not all companies operate in every state, so it’s important to check which companies are available in your area.
StandUp Wireless, for example, provides 10GB of high-speed data, unlimited talk, text, and data, and nationwide coverage with their free phone service.
Here is a list of the top providers:
| Boomerang Wireless* | 866-488-8719 |
| American Assistance* | 866-966-2628 |
| Infiniti Mobile* | 888-801-0012 |
| StandUP Wireless* | 800-544-4441 |
| Access Wireless | 866-594-3644 |
| Assurance Wireless* | 888-898-4888 |
| Q Link Wireless* | 855-754-6543 |
| True Wireless* | 877-412-1919 |
| Safelink Wireless* | 800-723-3546 |
| CellSpan* | 844-235-7726 |
| BTI Communications* | 888-541-3850 |
| Air Voice Wireless* | 877-247-7799 |
| Verizon* | 800-837-4966 |
| Safelink Wireless* | 800-723-3546 |
| Q Link Wireless* | 855-754-6543 |
| Assurance Wireless* | 888-898-4888 |
| Infiniti Mobile* | 888-801-0012 |
| Access Wireless | 866-594-3644 |
Apply for your FREE 5G Phone HERE!
Enjoying Your New Phone
Once you have selected your phone company and plan, you will receive your new 5G government phone.
Make sure to activate and charge the device upon receipt.
Now you can enjoy the benefits of your new phone, including faster 5G speeds and reliable connectivity.
FAQs About 5G Government Phones
Here are the most frequently asked questions about how to get free 5G government phones.
Can I get a free 5G government phone if I am unemployed?
Yes, you can get a free government phone for unemployed workers after qualifying for the ACP and Lifeline programs.
How Long Will It Take for the Company to Send My Free 5G Government Phone?
If you are eligible for a free government phone, the company will attempt to ship your device within at least 24 hours after your benefits have been approved.
However, it depends on the company and the availability of the phone.
It may also take at least 3–7 business days.
Can I keep my current phone number when I switch to a free 5G government phone?
Yes, in most cases, you can keep your current phone number when you switch to a free 5G government phone.
During the application process, you will have the option to port your existing number to the new phone.
Simply provide the necessary information and follow the instructions provided by the service provider.
Keep in mind that porting your number may take a few business days to complete.
Can I upgrade my free 5G government phone to a newer model?
The availability of phone upgrades may vary depending on the service provider.
Some providers offer upgrade options that allow you to switch to a newer model after a certain period of time.
However, it’s important to note that not all providers offer this option.
It’s best to check with your specific service provider to determine if phone upgrades are available and what the requirements are.
Can I use my free 5G government phone with a different service provider?
Generally, free 5G government phones are locked to the specific service provider that provides them.
This means that they can only be used with that particular provider’s network.
However, there may be exceptions or options available to unlock the phone for use with other carriers.
If you wish to use your free government phone with a different service provider, it’s recommended to contact both the current and desired service providers to inquire about compatibility and potential unlocking options.
What happens if I lose or damage my free 5G government phone?
If you lose or damage your free 5G government phone, it’s important to contact your service provider as soon as possible.
They will guide you through the process of obtaining a replacement device.
Keep in mind that there may be certain requirements or fees associated with replacing a lost or damaged phone.
It’s advisable to review the terms and conditions provided by your service provider regarding lost or damaged devices.
Can I transfer my free 5G government phone benefits to another person?
No, free 5G government phone benefits are non-transferable.
The phone and accompanying benefits are intended for the qualified individual or household as specified during the application process.
It is not permissible to transfer the phone or benefits to another person who does not meet the eligibility criteria.
If someone else in your household qualifies for their own free government phone, they will need to apply separately.
Free 5G Government Phones Summary
Accessing free 5G government phones is a valuable opportunity for low-income individuals and those participating in government assistance programs.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can determine your eligibility, apply for ACP or Lifeline, choose a reputable phone company, and enjoy the benefits of a 5G-enabled device.
Remember to check the availability of companies in your state and stay informed about the latest offerings and plans.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to stay connected with a free 5G government phone in 2023.
Questions?
We hope this article on Free 5G Government Phones was helpful to you!
If you have additional questions about Free 5G Government Phones, please let us know in the comments section below.
Want to know if your state will be sending P-EBT in July? Check out our article on Summer P-EBT Payment Dates for July 2023.
In the meantime, be sure to check out our other articles on SNAP EBT and Food Stamps: