Have you’ve heard of government aid programs offering Free 5G Government Phones. Yet, how do you determine if you’re eligible? And which smartphone would serve you best?
If you’ve been on the hunt for information on how and where to acquire Free 5G Phones in 2023, then you’re in the right place.
By qualifying for and applying to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Lifeline, you can have one of these 5G government phones. Next, select a service provider that includes a complimentary phone in their ACP/Lifeline package. Consequently, you will receive a free 5G phone along with a monthly plan subsidized by the government.
This article will encompass everything from the steps required to obtain these free 5g government phones with free internet to the leading providers and companies from where you can secure one.
How to Get Free 5G Government Phones?
In order to acquire a free 5G government phone, it’s necessary to apply for either the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) or Lifeline Assistance program.
These programs include support systems such as food stamps, Medicaid, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). By being a participant in any of these schemes, you’ll gain eligibility to qualify for a free 5G phone.
Check Your Eligibility
To receive a free 5G government phone, it’s imperative that you meet the criteria for either the ACP or Lifeline programs. Certain telecommunications companies might necessitate participation in both. Below, you can verify your eligibility.
Here are the Lifeline Requirements.
Eligibility for the Lifeline program can be achieved through two avenues: income-based or by participation in another federal assistance program.
The income approach requires that your household earnings are at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. This threshold varies depending on your state of residence and the size of your household.
Refer to the table below for the annual income limits applicable for Lifeline qualification. Remember, these income guidelines might be marginally different in specific states like Alaska or Hawaii.
| Household Size | 135% of the Federal Poverty Line |
| 1 | $18,347 |
| 2 | $24,719 |
| 3 | $31,091 |
| 4+ | See here |
Alternatively, qualification for the Lifeline program can also be established if either you or a member of your household is already participating in another government-funded assistance program.
These programs typically have their own set of low-income criteria, so if you’re already enrolled in one, Lifeline takes this as an indication of your eligibility for their program due to income constraints or other applicable factors.
These programs are:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Specific Tribal Assistance programs are also acceptable:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
ACP Requirements:
In order to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), your household income should be 200% or below the federal poverty level. Another way to qualify for ACP is by satisfying any of the other specified criteria.
The income eligibility limits for ACP are provided below.
| Household Size | 200% of the Federal Poverty Line |
| 1 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $46,060 |
| 4+ | See here |
However, bear in mind that Alaska and Hawaii have distinct guidelines, so it’s recommended that you verify the specifics for your state prior to application.
If you meet one of these criteria, you are also eligible:
- Received a Pell Grant that year
- Meet your provider’s criteria
- Participate in a government-assistance program
- Have Lifeline
2. Apply for ACP or Lifeline
If you meet the requirements, it’s the right moment to submit your application for ACP or Lifeline. If you are already enrolled in Lifeline, there is no need to apply separately for ACP for various phone companies.
Simply get in touch with your company directly, and they will assist you in activating ACP benefits over the phone.
You have three options to apply for ACP: online, via mail, or through your existing internet service provider.
If you choose to apply online, start by creating an account and filling out the application. Applying online offers the advantage of potential immediate approval.
If you prefer to apply by mail, begin by printing out the application and household worksheet.
Fill out both forms accurately, gather the required proof documentation, and mail the completed forms along with the supporting documents to the designated address:
ACP Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742
To apply for ACP, you have the option to print the application in English or Spanish. It’s important to carefully read the instructions before filling out the application.
Similarly, you can print the household worksheet in English or Spanish, which includes specific instructions.
If you are unsure whether your current internet provider participates in the ACP program, the best approach is to contact them directly.
If they are part of the program, they should be able to guide you through their online or phone-based application process. It’s possible to continue with your existing plan while receiving the monthly ACP benefits.
When submitting an ACP application, you will need to provide personal information like your name, date of birth, and address. Additionally, you must provide proof documentation to validate your identity.
Acceptable forms of ID include your social security number, tribal ID number, driver’s license, passport, or military ID.
Lastly, you should be prepared to demonstrate your eligibility for ACP by providing proof of income. This can be accomplished through below documentation that verifies your income status.
- A tax return
- Three consecutive pay stubs, or
- Proof that you are already enrolled in a government assistance program through a copy of an official government letter
Applying for Lifeline
To apply for Lifeline, you have three options: online, mail, or through a phone/internet company. Online applications can be started by creating an account.
For mail applications, print and complete the Lifeline application here, and send it along with proof documentation to the USAC Lifeline Support Center at the provided address.
USAC Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742
Contact your phone/internet provider to check if they participate in Lifeline and can assist you with the application. Prepare your personal information, including address, date of birth, and full name, and verify your identity using specified documents.
Income eligibility requires tax returns or consecutive pay stubs, while government assistance eligibility requires official participation verification. When mailing the application, only send copies of official documents, not originals.
3. Choose Your Company
After confirming your eligibility for free phone and phone plan benefits, you can select a company. If your current provider is partnered with ACP and Lifeline, you might have already completed this step.
Otherwise, reputable options to consider are StandUp Wireless, SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, or Cintex Wireless.
These companies offer a free government phone along with their services and collaborate with ACP and Lifeline. Remember that not all companies offer their services in every state.
Once you have selected your phone company and plan, you should receive your new phone either in person or through mail. Upon receiving it, make sure to activate and charge the phone, and you’ll be all set to start using it!
The specific model of the 5G phone you receive will vary depending on the company. It could be from popular brands such as Apple, Samsung, Motorola, Xiaomi, Lenovo, LG, and others.
Top 7 Free 5G Government Phones in 2023
Here are the leading 7 5G smartphones offered through government programs:
- Iphone 13 Pro Max.
- Iphone 13 Mini.
- Samsung Galaxy A32.
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
- Tcl Revvl 5g.
- Motorola G Stylus 5 G.
- Apple Iphone 12 Mini
List of Free 5G Government Phone Providers & Companies
1. SafeLink:
SafeLink is a lifeline phone service provider that offers free 5G government phones to eligible participants of the program.
2. Cintex Wireless:
Cintex Wireless participates in the EBB program and provides eligible participants with free 5G phones and unlimited data.
3. AT&T:
AT&T offers a free 5G government phone when you trade in a fully functional mobile phone. If you have an older phone, you may be eligible for a discounted iPhone 12 mini or Samsung S21.
4. Verizon:
Similar to AT&T, Verizon allows you to trade in your phone for a new one. By activating a new line on Verizon’s unlimited data plan, you can qualify for a free Samsung Galaxy S20 FE.
5. Sprint:
Sprint, now merged with T-Mobile, enables you to obtain a free 5G phone by trading in a functional phone. With the partnership, you can expect even faster access to free 5G phones.
How to Get a Free 5g Phone When You Switch
To obtain a free 5G phone when switching providers, it is essential to have a fully functional phone to trade in. If you have an older phone, you can receive a substantial discount of $700-$800 and choose between a Samsung Galaxy S21 model or an iPhone 12.
Furthermore, if you sign up for the provider’s unlimited service plans, you become eligible for a complimentary 5G phone when you make the switch.
Does This Program Allow me to Upgrade My Old 4g Phone to 5g for Free?
Leading service providers such as T-Mobile offer the opportunity to trade in your functional 4G phone for a brand new 5G phone. Options include devices like the Samsung Galaxy A32, Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, and TCL Revvl 5G.
It is important to note that subscribing to their 5G unlimited data plan is often a requirement to access internet services on your new phone.