Many Americans, especially low-income families, struggle to make ends meet in this post-pandemic current economy. As a result, it can be expensive for them to afford modern digital devices such as iPhones. The U.S. government is considering bridging the digital gap by providing low-income individuals with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) launch. This program offers free iPhone government phone to these low-income individuals.
The ACP program is only available to eligible families. Therefore, you must at least participate in government assistance programs such as Medicaid and food stamps to obtain a free iPhone from the government. Also, to qualify for this program, an individual must meet the income eligibility standard per the federal government poverty guidelines.
Besides attaining the eligibility requirements, you must attach some documents when applying for free iPhones from the government. You can channel your application through participating wireless providers like Qlink Wireless, Cintex, Life Wireless, and many others. The free Phone program from the government has been of help to many low-income individuals and has brought digital equality among American citizens.
Programs Giving a Free iPhone from the Government
Different government programs offer discounts on government-free iPhones. One of the most known programs is the Lifeline program. This program started in 1985 and is one of the oldest of the FCC’s discount programs. Lifeline offers a benefit on home internet, telephone, and internet services, plus a free phone to eligible low-income households.
The other program is the Affordable Connectivity Program, which launched after the expiry of the Emergency Broadband Benefit. This program offers a discount on connected devices such as iconic brands like iPhones plus free monthly internet services to eligible low-income families. On the other hand, the Veterans Affairs Wireless Telephone Discount program gives qualifying veterans free iPhones to access telehealth services.
Eligibility requirements for applying for a free government iPhone
Applicants must meet the prerequisites when enrolling for free iPhones for low-income people. There are eligibility requirements that a low-income individual must meet to acquire an iPhone. There are always two main factors determining the eligibility of an individual. They include income-based eligibility and program-based eligibility.
To meet the income-based eligibility factor, an individual’s annual household income must be at or below 135% for Lifeline or 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Besides meeting the income-based eligibility requirement, you must also be a participant in any of the following government assistance programs if qualifying through the program-based eligibility:
- Supplement Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Food Stamps
- Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefit
Also, participating in the following Tribal-based programs might be an added advantage to the tribal lands applicant to qualify for a free government iPhone.
- Tribal Head Start (income eligibility)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How Do Free Government iPhone Applicants Prove Eligibility?
You must submit eligibility documents during the application process upon meeting the two eligibility criteria. The following documents are essential since they make one stand a chance of being considered a qualified and an eligible applicant.
i) Documents that prove household income
According to the Federal Poverty Guideline, low-income individuals must provide the following documents to prove their income-based eligibility.
- Child support award
- Paycheck stub
- Current income statement from your employer
- Veteran’s Administration Statement of Benefits
- A divorce decree
ii) Documents to prove the program-based eligibility
The other qualification is participation in government assistance programs, and you should provide the following documents:
- Benefit verification letter
- Benefit award letter
- Statement of benefits
- Approval letter
iii) Submit Applicants
Applicants must also submit the below documents showing an individual’s identity, state of residence, and American citizenship.
They include:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- A valid-government-issued, state, military, or Tribal ID
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
- Driver’s license
How Do You Apply for a Free iPhone government phone?
After going through the eligibility requirements, you can initiate the applications for a free iPhone from the government. Applications can be made online, via mail, or by a service provider. When applying online, visit the ACP’s official website. Then, follow the instructions and fill in all the required details, upload all the needed documents, submit your application, and wait for review and approval.
Application via mail takes place in a way that you’re supposed to download the application form through a link on the USAC website. Then, fill in the form and attach hard copies of the required documents, and send them to the program’s center for review through their mail at ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Application through a service provider requires applicants to find a suitable service provider in their state of residence. You can find your ideal provider at Affordable Connectivity companies near me. Then, visit their preferred carrier’s official website, enter a zip code, fill in the required information, upload documents, and submit.
After a successful application and submission in whichever way, please wait 3 to 5 business days for the review and approval of their free government iPhone applications.
The 6 best providers of free iPhone government phone
1) Airtalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that offers eligible customers a free iPhone 7 or iPhone 7 Plus upon enrolling for ACP on their network. You may apply for a free iPhone if you receive help from Medicaid, SNAP/FoodStamps/CalFresh, or other government programs. In addition, you’re eligible if you come from a low-income family. Besides, customers also receive high-speed data, text, and talk every month.
2) Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is an eligible telecommunication carrier offering wireless services to low-income individuals in the U.S. This program offers ACP and Lifeline programs. A consumer is suitable for a free iPhone through ACP benefit if their income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, has no income, or if they enroll in specific government programs.
3) Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless participates in federally sponsored programs that give free devices and a discount on communication services to eligible individuals and families. Eligibility for Safelink services depends on income status and participation program.
Through an affordable connectivity program, Safelink subscribers are qualified to get an iPhone and a monthly discount on their service. Eligible SafeLink customers can now receive free monthly unlimited talk and text calls to Canada & Mexico, plus 25GB Total of High-Speed Data and up to 5GB of Hotspot Data.
4) Qlink wireless
Qlink Wireless is an American telecommunication company based in Dania, Florida state. The Company is among the best providers of Lifeline and ACP services. Eligible customers receive a free 8-inch tablet with Wi-Fi capabilities for only $10.01. To qualify, you must enroll in a government program like WIC or SNAP or meet the federal poverty income threshold of 200%. Eligible consumers may also receive a free iPhone for free and unlimited cell phone service.
5) True Wireless
True Wireless is also a telecommunication carrier that provides discounted subsidized wireless cell phone service through Lifeline. The Company serves eligible Americans in various states, including Texas, Arkansas, Maryland, and Rhode Island. True Wireless also offers the Affordable Connectivity Program, a government program providing free Android tablets, iPhones, and home internet service to eligible low-income earners. You can qualify by enrolling in Federal Pell Grant, WIC programs, or following your household income.
6) Life Wireless
Life Wireless offers government-free cell phone service and phones to low-income families and individuals through the Lifeline program. Qualified Lifeline program participants can participate in the federal government-funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You can get a free iPhone with 15 GB of 4G/LTE data, unlimited text, and talk through this program.
What are the brands of free iPhones that the government provides?
Through the participating free iPhone program providers, the government offers high-quality new and refurbished free iPhones that they give to qualified and eligible applicants. These specific iPhone brands are durable, have high storage capacity, and contain batteries for a long time without recharging them.
The following are the entrusted brands of iPhones that the government offers its eligible applicants.
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone 6
- iPhone 6 Plus
- iPhone 7
- iPhone 7 Plus
- iPhone 6S
- iPhone 6S Plus
- ACP iPhone
- iPhone 8
- iPhone 8 Plus
Conclusion
Generally, the free iPhone government phone program has been significant to low-income families and ensures they stay connected like all other individuals with high-income levels. In addition, the benefit has brought equality in communication among its citizens. However, some eligibility requirements apply for an eligible individual to meet to be considered fit for a free government iPhone.
One’s qualification for the program depends on these income level eligibility requirements or participation in a government-supported program. You can submit your application in three ways: online, by mail, or by contacting a participating wireless provider. After a successful review and approval of individuals’ applications, you will get the best iPhone models which the government through your preferred wireless provider.