Not many people know that there are many opportunities for help out there, including when it comes to technology. Let’s be honest, in today’s world, a phone is a necessity. Did you know that there are some carriers that offer phones for free? Moreover, these carriers may offer additional benefits to assist with expenses associated with having a phone. Read on to find out how you can get a phone for free and many other great benefits!
It Is Possible To Get a Free Phone Through Two Federal Programs
You might feel weird, but there are legitimate support opportunities that offer free phones from the Lifeline Program and from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Now, let’s take a deep dive on what these two programs are and how you can benefit from them.
The ACP and Lifeline Program: How They Work
While both programs are available thanks to the FCC, they have different criteria and qualifications, however similar goals. For the ACP, they strive to support low income households with high-speed Internet access, and handling its cost. Whereas, Lifeline aims to help those of low income, with the cost of telephone services and more. Even though each program offers support in different areas, both look to assist with cost for those in need. The ACP offers discounts such as:
- Up to $30 per month for standard recipients
- Up to $75 per month for those that live on tribal lands
- Up to $100 one-time discount on eligible devices
It’s important to note that the devices must be purchased from participating vendors. When referencing the eligible devices, you may want to consider what is eligible. Of the eligible devices the most common include a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer in addition to the monthly discount. Each household is only eligible for one device and one monthly service discount. While the Lifeline program offers discounts such as:
- Up to $9.25 per month for standard recipients
- Max of 34.25 per month for those in tribal lands
For Lifeline it’s important to remember that you cannot receive a discount on multiple services at a time. Only one service at a time can receive the discount and it must be considered eligible. Of the eligible services you will see wireless, wireline, and internet services on the list and more.
Qualifying For These Programs
Like most federal programs there are qualifying factors people will need to meet. In reference to the ACP Program, families can become eligible in a number of ways. If at least one household member meets one of the requirements, that in turn makes the entire household eligible. To meet requirements a family member would only need to have received a Pell Grant during the current award year. However, that’s only one way! Other ways include taking part in existing federal assistance or qualifying for a provider program that already exists. You think that’s it? Nope! Furthermore, the household can qualify by having an income that is at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
As for the Lifeline Program, you can get benefits if you are already participating in some of the federal assistance programs. Of the many, here are a few you may already know like, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Another way to gain eligibility is by meeting specific income requirements. That includes making at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Carriers That Offer Free Phones
TruConnect
The ACP offers users the chance to receive a maximum of 14GB of data per month with this carrier. Moreover, the Lifeline Program allows consumers to receive unlimited calls and messages, along with free calls in specific countries. If you want to receive a free phone and free wireless internet service, then you should consider TruConnect. Additionally, in the case you are eligible, you can receive a free Android phone or Wi-Fi hotspot. You only need to put in your zip code and email address to figure out whether you can receive benefits.
True Wireless
True Wireless has partnered with ACP and the Lifeline Program. This allows them to offer unlimited service and a free LTE Android. In some cases, this may come along with a free tablet! There are benefits that come with affordable communication and True Wireless believes that everyone should access them. That would include security, connectivity, and opportunity.
Assurance Wireless
If you want to benefit from this kind of support, then you will need to meet conditions on a state or federal level. One of the requirements includes meeting criteria on income level and/or participating in an assistance program from one of the federal programs listed above. With Assurance Wireless, customers can receive a free phone and a decent plan that offers free and unlimited services. These free and unlimited services include data, minutes, and texts. Furthermore, the plan offers free mobile hotspot data of 10GB.
Safelink Wireless
Finally, Safelink Wireless is the final carrier on this list that offers a free phone. However, people that are eligible are the only ones that can receive benefits from this support opportunity. Safelink Wireless also offers the following benefits with the free phone:
- Unlimited phone calls and text messages
- 25GB of high-speed data and hotspot data of up to 5GB
- International calls to Mexico and Canada
Overall
With technology progressing at its current rate, the idea of grandma having a cellphone is becoming more of a reality. While some phones may cost an arm and a leg, there are programs put into place to help those who struggle, afford even the most basic phone. Though they are not the most known phone providers like AT&T or T-mobile. There are four carriers that offer free phones. These carriers are TruConnect, True Wireless, Assurance Wireless, and Safelink Wireless. They are partnered with programs such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The idea that these programs’ main goal is to help the world connect, is far from fetched. While being available thanks to the FCC, each program does it best to help where it can. That means providing discounts to those households who need it the most. Keep in mind they may not always be available in your area but you can always use the USAC tool to find more available carriers. Who knows, you might find some with better perks!