Free items always have some strings attached, but things are different for free cell phones: no deposit and no activation fees. Cell phones are must-have devices, but affordability becomes an obstacle to getting the device. If you lack the financial muscles to buy a new phone right away, the good news is you can get a free cell phone without any deposit or activation fees. Today’s topic will teach you how to get a free cell phone without any obligation under government-supported programs.
Free Phone No Deposit No Activation Fee- Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a permanent federal program that has existed for more than three decades, making cell phone and internet service more accessible for low-income households. Lifeline government program free phones come without any deposit, activation fee, or credit check. Low-income people attaining the eligibility requirements can benefit from a free cell phone, no deposit, and no activation fee. Through the Lifeline program, you can obtain a smartphone for free, ranging from basic phones to premium devices.
Furthermore, the Lifeline program applies to qualified low-income consumers in every state, commonwealth, territory, and Tribal land. The Lifeline program administration is through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). You can qualify for a free phone with no activation or deposit required through Lifeline based on the following criteria:
i) Based on Your Income
You can qualify if your income is 135% or under the Federal Poverty Guidelines based on your household size and state. When applying following these criteria, you may have to submit proof of income, including a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs.
ii) Based on Government Supported Programs
You can apply for a free cell phone with no deposit and no activation if you or an individual in your household participate in one of the federally aided programs. Also, you must show proof of participation, including a benefit letter or official document, when applying. The programs include:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- SNAP or Food Stamps
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Assistance Programs like:
- Any of the above federally supported programs:
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (income qualifying standard)
How do you apply for a free cell phone with no deposit or activation fee?
After you qualify based on the eligibility criteria discussed, the next step is to choose a phone or internet company near you that provides the Lifeline benefit and enroll for free phone and free internet service. You can also ask your existing wireless provider to register your Lifeline benefit to a service you already have if it provides the Lifeline benefit that features free phones with no activation or a deposit.
How do you get a free cell phone with no deposit and no activation fees with the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly started U.S. government program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This program helps low-income households afford internet service and connected devices like tablets, computers, or laptops. In addition, some wireless providers offer free smartphones to eligible applicants without any activation fee or deposit through this program.
However, you can qualify if your household’s income is at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Threshold or if you or someone you reside with currently gets a government benefit. Qualifying programs for no deposit, no activation, and free cell phone via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) include the following:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Pell Grant Awards
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Providers of Free Cell Phone No Deposit No Activation Fee
The following are the wireless carriers’ participation in Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program that offer free cell phones, no deposit, and no activation fee. They include:
1) Assurance Wireless
Through Lifeline and ACP combo, Assurance Wireless offers its eligible low-income consumers a free smartphone, unlimited texts, data, and talks, plus 10GB of free mobile hotspot data. First, begin applying at the Assurance Wireless website by submitting your ZIP code in the search box. Then, choose the plan that best fits you according to your state. Finally, press ‘Apply Now’ and follow the on-screen instructions to finish the application form.
2) enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP service provider that provides free government phones without any deposit or activation fee in 34 states. Eligible low-income customers can obtain a new premium Android smartphone plus a free cell phone plan featuring unlimited text, talk, and data.
You can sign up for this offer by navigating to the enTouch Wireless website, pressing ‘Enroll Today,’ choosing your state and plan, and finishing the online application form using the on-screen steps provided.
3) Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP participant affiliated with NewPhone and Airtalk Company, which offer the same benefits. If eligible, you can get a free phone with no deposit or activation, an ACP tablet, and monthly unlimited internet services with high-speed data, talk, and text. To sign up for this benefit, proceed to the Cintex Wireless website, tap ‘Apply Now,’ submit your ZIP code, and complete the application form following the prompts.
4) NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone is also a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers a free phone without a customer paying any deposit or activation fee. Eligible customers can choose from a large variety of free cell phones, including quality brands of smartphones and iPhones. In addition, you can get a free unlimited plan featuring monthly data, talk, and text. You can apply for this offer at the NewPhone Wireless website, then go to ‘Apply Now,’ input your ZIP code, and complete the application form.
5) SafeLink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is a prominent provider of Lifeline and ACP to eligible customers. If you pass the eligibility, you can receive a free smartphone. Also, you can enjoy unlimited talk, text, and data every month. To start your application process for a free phone with no deposit or activation fee, proceed to the Safelink Wireless website, submit your ZIP code, tap on ‘Start,’ and fill out the online application form with the required details, including personal info and eligibility proof.
6) TruConnect
TruConnect is yet another popular Lifeline and ACP provider. The company offers unlimited monthly talk, text, and up to 14 GB of monthly data. On top of that, you can obtain a free Android phone without paying any deposit or activation charges.
To enroll for TruConnect free cell phone, go to the TruConnect webpage, give your ZIP code and email address, and tap ‘Enroll Now.’ Then, follow the on-screen procedure to finish the application form.
7) SafetyNet Wireless
SafetyNet Wireless participates in Lifeline and ACP and offers eligible customers who meet the eligibility requirements for these program government benefits. At SafetyNet, eligible low-income customers get unlimited monthly text, talk, and data, including a smartphone, for a $0 deposit and activation fee.
Start your enrollment at the SafetyNet Wireless website and press ‘Let’s Go.’ On this page, you will provide your email address and ZIP code and tap ‘Check Availability.’ If the results show the benefits are available in your state, you can complete and submit the application form.
Conclusion
For customers asking how to obtain free cell phones with no activation fee and no deposit, you’re eligible if you qualify for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program offers customers a way of connecting to the telecommunication world by offering free phones and monthly internet services. You can look for a wireless provider near your area that provides these government benefits and apply for free cell phones, no deposit, and no activation through their website.