8 Best Free Government Smartphones? (Full Guide)

Cell phones have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. You will need a cell phone at the very least for texting, calling, and data services. Furthermore, cell phones play an important role in connecting us with friends and family. Regardless of the distance, you can easily text or call your loved ones to check in on them.

People who cannot afford phones can now enjoy life thanks to free government cell phones. Given the digital age we live in, cell phones have become an important part of our lives not only for communication but also for a variety of other activities such as reading the weather, getting news updates, listening to podcasts, taking photos and videos, and so on.

Do you have any concerns about the availability of best free government smartphones? If this is the case, there is no need to be concerned. Today, we’ll clear everything up so you don’t have to live with doubts any longer. We will provide you with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about these phones. So, keep reading to find out more!

ARE FREE PHONES REALLY FREE?

The word “free” is frequently associated with concerns that the product or service is a scam. Because of this fear and lack of information, some Americans are unsure whether free government cell phones are truly free. There should be no reason to be afraid or alarmed.

In fact, the government currently provides free phone cell service to 15 million Americans. If you are new to the program, you should not be concerned; if you qualify, it is simple to become a program beneficiary. Initially known as Lifeline Assistance, the program was later renamed a free government cell phone service.

This means that you will be able to obtain a free cell phone that will allow you to communicate with your loved ones without breaking a sweat. The program is now in 49 states, including Washington, and has spread to parts of South America, including Puerto Rico.

Currently, many of these free phone companies operate at both the regional and national level and are recognized by the state. Getting to enroll in one of their programs or services should be a no-brainer for you.

IS THE US GOVERNMENT GIVING OUT FREE CELL PHONES?

If you have a low income, you may find it difficult to pay your cell phone plan’s monthly bills. It may come to a point where you will be unable to use your cell phone plans, in which case the US Government will step in to assist you.

The US government authorizes lifeline providers to provide free government phones to eligible American citizens. Across the country, there are numerous lifeline providers. Some cover a broad range of states, while others focus on a single state, such as the Oklahoma lifeline plans.

If you want to get a free phone and plan from the government, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Choose a lifeline provider

• You can find the best lifeline provider within your State by visiting lifeline assistance offices.

Step 2: Check if you qualify

• Once you have chosen the best service provider, make sure you qualify through low income or participation in federal assistance programs.

Step 3: Fill up the application

• The application form can be filled straight from their website. You should also attach documents to prove eligibility

Step 4: Check your mail

If everything is in place, you will get a confirmation that you have been approved for the lifeline services. Some of the phone you are likely to get a free government phone come from the following brands;

• Samsung
• Kyocera
• Nokia
• LG
• Motorola

WHERE CAN WE FIND FREE GOVERNMENT CELL PHONES?

There are numerous free phone service providers. Some provide nationwide coverage, whereas others only provide coverage in a few or a single state. The free government phone providers and offices within them have opened retail stores and offices throughout the states in which they operate.

People can easily access their services because they have stores in every state. They also have websites where you can apply for free government phone services without having to visit a retail location.

However, the main issue is locating the best service provider in your state, correct? This is where the Federal communication comes into play. This department has established lifeline offices in each state where you can go and learn about some of the service providers in your state. For example, from their offices, you can easily identify the best California lifeline plans.

There are also some lifeline providers with extensive coverage, such as;

• Qlink wireless
• Safelink wireless

You can visit their website to learn more about their services or go to FCC and navigate to the lifeline providers section.

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WHO QUALIFIES FOR A FREE GOVERNMENT CELL PHONE?

In the United States, the Federal State Government has some stringent regulations regarding the acquisition and use of free government cell phones. As you will see, not everyone is eligible for this free cell phone service. Every month, the free government cell phone comes with 250 – 1000 minutes of unlimited voice calls and texting.

If you qualify for free phone service, you will not be charged for either the service or the phone. In most cases, these free cell phone companies do the vetting and approval of those who qualify for their services.

The regulations and qualification criteria established by the Federal State Government are similar in each state. If you qualify for any of these Federal government programs, you will most likely be eligible for free cell phones.

1. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The Social Security Administration is in charge of this program. Beneficiaries of the Supplemental Security Income program include disabled people, people over the age of 65, and orphans who cannot adequately care for themselves due to a low income.

The program currently serves 8 million Americans, and the number is expected to grow in the near future.

2. Medicaid

If you come from a low-income family, this program, which is funded by both the state and federal governments, is ideal for you. Medicaid beneficiaries receive medical assistance in the form of nursing homes and personal assistance services.

If we look at Medicaid’s dominance in the United States, it has a pretty impressive track record. Their program serves people of all ages by providing health insurance coverage. Nearly 47 million Americans are currently served by the program.

3. Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP is a government-run program administered by the FNS – Food and Nutrition Service. This program’s primary beneficiaries are low-income families who live in the United States. In a figurative sense, the program is set to the number 44. 2 million American citizens. Each program participant receives an average of $125.51 per month.

4. General Assistance from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs oversees this federal government program. It provides financial assistance as well as assistance with food, shelter, clothing, and utility costs for Indian American families. The program has an Individual Self-Sufficiency Plan, which is updated on a regular basis by a social worker as needed.

5. Public Housing Assistance (Federal, Section 8)

This program is administered by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Its purpose is to subsidize low-income families’ rent. This program benefits 4.8 million Americans.

Families in need of Federal Public Housing Assistance will need to apply for a monthly voucher through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. You can earn up to $2000 per month if you participate in this program.

6. Tribal Head Start

The Tribal Head Start program is only available to Indian American families with a low monthly income. The program is aimed squarely at preschool children aged 3-5 years.

The program’s services are delivered through three pillars: emotional, social, and mental development. This is accomplished by ensuring funding for critical programs affecting children, such as education, health, literacy, and parental involvement.

7. Veteran’s Pension and Survivors Benefit

This is tax-free cash assistance that is offered by the government monthly to the following groups of people affiliated to deceased war veterans.

• A surviving spouse
• Un-remarried
• Unmarried children

A Veteran who has served in the military for less than 24 months and has never participated in a military war for at least one day is ineligible for the Veteran’s Pension and Survivors Benefit. To be eligible for the program, children must be under the age of 23 and enrolled in a Veteran Affairs institution.

In addition, if you are the child of a deceased veteran and are unable to support yourself or are disabled, you may apply for this program’s services. Regarding the program, no age has been specified for the unmarried spouse.

CAN I CHANGE THE SIM CARD ON A FREE GOVERNMENT PHONE?

The FCC recently issued new terms and regulations that resulted in a slew of positive reforms in the mobile sector, including the ability to switch service providers and bring your phone with you. Previously, you had to go through a lengthy process that included a lot of paperwork, but now you can do everything from the company’s website.

You can easily switch your sim card from your previous service provider without having to change your phone number. But, before you change your sim card, here’s what you should know:

• The sim card should use a similar network technology for your phone
• The phone should be unlocked
• You need to deactivate your plan with the previous service provider before switching the sim card.

Different network technologies are used by free government phones. So, if your phone is GSM-enabled, you should change your sim card if it is compatible with GSM networks. To change the sim card, I’ve compiled a list of simple steps to follow;

Step 1: Verify compatibility

• You can do this by contacting the customer service department of your new sim card provider.

Step 2: Fill in the blanks with your information.

• The service provider will ask for information such as your billing address, current phone number, name, and account number.

Step 3: Collect the sim card

• If you qualify and the phone is compatible with the sim card of your new carrier, you are good to switch to the new sim card.

BEST FREE GOVERNMENT CELL PHONE

Various companies offer two types of phones under the government’s free phone project: ordinary phones and touch screen phones. We chose ten of the best mobile phones based on their user-friendliness, amazing design, and long-term durability.

1. LG Stylo 4

This phone is sold unlocked. As a result, you can use any service provider, such as Verizon or AT&T. The phone has a 3300 mAh battery that can last up to 10 hours when fully charged. The device has security features such as fingerprint sensors and facial recognition, and you can change the password with a standard password.

2. Samsung Galaxy S9+

When it comes to government phones with touchscreens, the phone exudes majesty. The phone is provided by assurance and Safelink Wireless; however, you must enroll in order to use it.

The Samsung Galaxy S9+ is intriguing because it supports CDMA and GSM network technology. It runs Android Pie and has two chipsets to improve performance.

3. Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

With its excellent AMOLED screen, the Samsung Galaxy S7 provides the best possible live streaming and gaming experience. It has a 12MP rear camera with impressive features like panorama and autofocus. It has a 32GB storage capacity. The phone is powered by Android 8.0.

4. NUU Mobile A5L

If you want a free government phone with lots of features, this is the phone for you. One of the most impressive aspects of the NUU Mobile A5L is its 2650 mAh battery, which provides up to 16 hours of talk time. According to the provider, it supports 4G LTE connections. As a result, you will benefit from faster download and upload speeds.

5. Blu Advance

While the Blu Advance is new, it includes all of the features you’d expect from a government-free smartphone. It has a curved 5.2-inch HD display. The phone has 8GB of internal storage and 1GB of RAM.

The only disadvantage is that it lacks a USB-Type C connector. This makes it untrustworthy when transferring data to a PC.

6. iPhone 7

This device has unique features that will not disappoint you. First, it has a high-quality security protocol, such as a front-mounted fingerprint sensor and a face recognition scanner. It has a sleek design and a beautiful apple logo, which many people adore. It has a large storage capacity of 128GB, 64GB, and 32GB.

7. Galaxy J3 Tracfone

While the phone is old, it has some amazing features. For starters, it is powered by a Qualcomm processor, which provides optimal quality performance when gaming and apps do not crash frequently. Because of its simplicity and brightness, the Samsung Galaxy is ideal for the elderly.

8. LG Electronics K30

Because the LG K30 is unlocked, you can use it with any carrier. It has a sleek design that will appeal to both the young and the old. The phone has a 5.3-inch display with HD resolution, making it ideal for streaming and gaming.

It has high-quality cameras, with a 13-megapixel rear camera and a 5-megapixel front camera. HDR, panorama, and in-depth sensors are among the camera’s impressive features. It has an accurate and faster fingerprint scanner for added security.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR FREE TOUCH SCREEN GOVERNMENT PHONES?

No one is given a free government phone. Nonetheless, you can get the phone quickly, as the device will be delivered to you in 7 days. You must first enroll in a government-approved lifeline assistance program before applying for free phones.

If you are a participant in any program, you must provide proof by submitting documentation to your preferred cellphone provider. The federal poverty regulations are the second requirement. To be eligible for free phone service, your income must not exceed 135% of the guidelines. If you meet these requirements, you will be eligible to receive a free phone.

HOW TO APPLY FOR FREE TOUCH SCREEN GOVERNMENT PHONES?

The application procedure is simple. You will be required to demonstrate your eligibility for a free government phone before one is issued. Once you have the necessary paperwork, you go to your preferred cellphone provider, who will assist you in obtaining a free touch screen phone.

However, make certain that the cellphone provider will provide you with the best network coverage. To apply, go to your preferred carrier’s website and fill out a form. Following that, if you are eligible, a smartphone will be delivered to your location within 7 days.

HOW DO YOU RENEW FREE GOVERNMENT PHONE SERVICES?

Anyone on the lifeline assistance program is required by the government to renew his or her eligibility. This is due to the fact that many people prefer to use free phone services even after their poverty level has decreased.

Or perhaps they haven’t participated in any life assistant programs. Every year, the free government phone program is supposed to be renewed. Visit your service provider, and they will assist you. If you do not renew, your cellphone provider may disable your device’s services. Your phone will be useless because the services are locked to that specific carrier. So, make sure you renew your license every year.

CONCLUSION

Mobile phone service providers that work with the Lifeline Assistance program offer a variety of plans with varying features. This means that the free government cell phone plan available in your state may differ from what is available in another state. The disparity can be attributed to geographical differences as well as FTC regulations.

Some service providers only provide services in a single state, while others provide services in multiple states. As a wise consumer, you should begin by weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each of the providers in your area in order to find a suitable government-sponsored plan that meets your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions