How To Get A Free iPhone From The Government

Maybe, it sounds impossible when you hear a question like, how to get a free iPhone from the government. It is like “Does this program exist?” Well, there are some possible ways how to get a free iPhone from the government.

For example, you can apply for Lifeline and ACP programs. If you are eligible participants, then you can try to get free iPhones through Lifeline service providers.

Why iPhone?

Recently, Apple launched the iPhone 13 model last year. It has many interesting features to grab your attention.

To start, it comes with a Super Retina XDR OLED screen display in size 6.1-inch and ROM 126 GB and RAM for 4 GB. People all over the world are amazed at the phones, but not all can afford the cost of the iPhone 13.

For this reason, the Government has considered the initiative to offer an iPhone 13 for free. It is only for low-income people. However, from the Lifeline Program and Affordable Connectivity Program, the Government provides the older versions of the iPhone below for free:

Apple iPhone 7
Apple iPhone 6
Apple iPhone 8
Apple iPhone SE
Apple iPhone 6s
Apple iPhone 6s Plus
Apple iPhone 7 Plus

If you wonder how to get a free iPhone from the government, you can try these options:

How to Get a free iPhone from the Government – Lifeline Programs

Lifeline is a popular program that provides free or affordable phone service for low-income and eligible customers. You are eligible if you can prove that your income is not more than 135% of the government poverty guidelines. Besides, you are eligible if you participate in a government program. For example, Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamps, and Medicaid.

If you can meet the eligibility criteria for the Lifeline program, you can get an iPhone for free within minutes and get texts from the service providers that provide free iPhones such as AirTalk Wireless that join in Lifeline and ACP.

Additionally, The Federal Communications Commission from Lifeline program offers discounts on the device services. This offer is available for low-income people.

If you want to try this program, you can meet the qualification by participating in one of the assistance programs here:

Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – SNAP
Supplemental Security Income – SSI
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribal head Starts

Other than that, you must meet the following qualifications:

Currently in a tribal area under the recognition of the federal.
A U.S. citizen or a legal permanent individual.
Have a legal Social Security Number

If you can meet the criteria for the Lifeline program, you will get a discount on your phone bill per month.

Eventually, you can check the availability of the discounts provided by the government easily. To do so, check it from your service providers. Many service providers give discounts to veterans, low-income people, and seniors. Contacting the service provider directly will give you valuable information about that offer.

Lifeline and Documents Requirements

If you think that you can meet the qualification and you are a low-income individual, here are the documents to complete your eligibility:

A latest, valid federal tax return
Proof that you are participating in a government assistance program: Medicaid/ Food Stamp/ Supplemental Security Income
A letter from your company as proof that you are at or under 135% according to federal poverty guidelines.

For veterans, provide the following requirements for your eligibility:

A copy of your DD214 form to state your dates of service and type of discharge.
A VA benefits letter to state your eligibility for your benefits.
A latest, valid federal tax return
Proof of participation in an assistance program run by a government, including Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Food Stamps
A letter from a company stating that you are below 135% of the poverty guidelines

Lifeline Assistance Providers

Under the EBB/ Lifeline program, some assistance providers offer free government iPhones and other smartphones:

1. Centex Wireless

Lifeline and EBB provider is very popular. The eligible customers of the EBB provider can get a smartphone together with free wireless data, calling minutes, or texts.

Yet, it is important not to expect to get the iPhone for free. It is possible if they can support you with an iPhone or other entry-level smartphone, depending on the availability.

2. Easy Wireless

This is also a popular option, known as Wireless for Hope. It is working together with the Lifeline program to provide a cell phone carrier for free. The goal is to support low-income communities.

Make sure that you can meet their FCC guidelines, disabled, low-income, or unemployed. The eligible participant can stay connected to the internet when they get this free smartphone from the government. Also, you have the opportunity to get a free iPhone from the government based on availability.

3. True Wireless

This provider is from Oklahoma and now, it has been operating in five states which are; Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Arkansas, Maryland, and Texas. The process is the same and you can get the old version of iPhones for free from the government.

Also, it is possible to get iPhone 6 or 6 S for free under this lifeline program assistance from the government. The carrier has some interesting plans for free wireless and free phones.

4. iPhone Wireless

The next way how to get a free iPhone from the government is by trying EBB provider. This is a popular provider because of helping eligible households during the Covid-9 pandemic.

The provider started the program in Arkansas, Maine, Rhode Island, Maryland, and West Virginia. Besides, the network is searching for wide expansion.

It is also interesting to know that the service provider has cooperated with Cintex Wireless to offer better service. Additionally, this network provider is also active in helping other free programs from the government.

5. NewPhone Wireless

This is a reliable Lifeline and EBB provider that provides wireless service per month, for free. The eligible customers can get free iPhones from the government during the Covid-19 initiative program from EBB.

You have the opportunity to get an iPhone for free from NewPhone Wireless until the end of the EBB program. Eventually, they extend their service for helping others who lost their job during the covid crisis.

How to Get iPhone for Free From Government – ACP Program

ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) was proposed by the FCC. The program offers more than $2.25 billion per year to increase broadband deployment, especially in low-income locations.

The fund for this program is from the Universal Service Fund, or USF. Currently, USF supports voice services in low-income and remote areas. But the proposal has got criticism from some people who state that it would be an unfair subsidy.

The ACP is on the right track, but only for the initial step. FCC still needs to take more action to make sure that all Americans get broadband access. Also, FCC needs to give more support, especially for broadband deployment in low-income locations.

Here is the process of how to get a free iPhone from the government through ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program):

Check the eligibility requirement before applying to this program
Provide documents to support your eligibility
Start applying for the ACP program
Wait for the confirmation. If your request is approved, find a service provider near you that offers a free iPhone 13 from the government.

Send Application Online

To apply, you can open this link: https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/

Next, enter your state and click “Get Started”. If you are currently their customer, log in using your details. But if you are new, you must register first by creating an account.

Once registered, log in and you will get an online application form. In this step, fill it in correctly. Upload your documents to meet the eligibility, double check. After that, continue by submitting your form together with the requested documents.

You may need to wait for the selection. If your application met their eligibility, they will contact you via email. To start your application via mail, you need to download the ACP application form first. Also, you must take a print of the application form. Don’t forget to include your Household worksheet. Complete the application form and be sure to attach a copy of your document requirements. Once filled out the form, send it to the ACP center for review.

Send Application via Service Provider

Another way to send the application is via a service provider. Most providers join this program. Here are the steps to apply via a service provider how to get a free iPhone from the government:

Choose the right service provider in your area
Visit the carrier’s official website
Enter the ZIP code in your area
Click on “Getting Started” or Apply Now.
You will see the application form, so fill it out by writing your details
Upload copies of your document requirements
Click on “Submit”

The carrier’s team will review your application. If you can meet their requirement, you will get the information via email.

Can You Get a Free iPhone from EBB Program?

Emergency Broadband Benefit or EBB Program is one of the big questions about whether the eligible participants can get the benefit to buy an iPhone. The short answer is no. You cannot use this EBB program to buy an iPhone.

The EBB program is available to provide a $50 subsidy per month and it is only for low-income households. They can use this money to cover the broadband internet service cost. Households use the subsidy to pay for an internet service plan that meets their needs, such as fixed or mobile plans.

The EBB program is not specific to a particular internet service provider. It also means that you can use the subsidy to decrease the cost of the current internet service plan you have. Alternatively, you can use the subsidy to move to a new provider if the plan offers better options for your needs.

Why Can’t You Use EBB Programs for a New iPhone

Here are some reasons why you cannot use the EBB program to buy an iPhone:

EBB program is only for internet service. Therefore, you cannot use the benefit to cover the cost of other services or products.
EBB program is a subsidy per month. It will only decrease the cost of your iPhone bill per month. Therefore, you cannot use the money as the upfront cost to buy a new phone.

If you are looking for alternative ways how to get a free iPhone from the government, always check their programs. For example, the Lifeline program provides a $9.25 per month discount for phone service to eligible households.

You can even use the discount to pay the cost of a plan for your iPhone. This means that you can use it to get an iPhone for free if you can meet the eligibility requirement for Lifeline Program. Also, you can check the local government to see the available programs to cover the cost of an iPhone.

Can You Get an iPhone With Cell Phone Carriers for Free?

When it is about finding the right cell phone deals, you may believe that the only way to get an iPhone for free is by signing up for a new contract with a particular cell phone carrier. However, it does not always work.

Tips to Get an iPhone from Cell Phone Carriers

There are some possible ways to get a new, free iPhone without even signing up for any contract. Here are the tips to help you get a free iPhone with cell phone carriers:

Update yourself with information about the latest deals and promotions. Several cell phone carriers provide promotions and deals, for big events. For example, for the new year, Christmas giveaways, and others. The deal can be a free iPhone. Therefore, check your cell phone carrier to find a new deal.
Get the benefit of special deals. From time to time, usually cell phone carrier provides special deals for their loyal customers. It is possible if they offer a free iPhone. Therefore, keep an eye out for the deals and then take benefit of them when it is available.
Some cell phone carriers have referral programs. If you can refer a carrier to a friend, they can give you a free iPhone. Just check your carrier to see this offer.
If you are a loyal customer, it is great to start a negotiation with your cell phone carrier to get a free iPhone. Make sure that they know how long you have been a loyal customer and how amazed you are with the services they have brought to you.
If you think that the latest model is not your concern, then you can get a free iPhone based on a refurbished model. Most of these phones are good just like the new models but at more affordable prices. Therefore, you can check it with your cell phone carrier to see this offer.

Frequently Asked Question – How to Get Free iPhones from Government

Asides from the information above, some people also searching for the questions below:

Does the Government Offer free iPhones?

The government offers free phones for low-income households, but there are some eligibility requirements to know. The government also provides discounts for phone services. But it is only for certain communities of people, such as veterans or seniors. While you may not be able to get a free iPhone, you can still have other opportunities for your phone bill.

What Must You Know About Free Government iPhone Program?

Well, the free iPhone from the government sounds like a great program. However, there are several things you must know:

The phone is only for low-income Americans joining in Lifeline program.
The phone is only for a specific carrier such as Assurance Wireless, Virgin Mobile, ReachOut Wireless, SafeLink Wireless, and others based on the consideration of the government.
The government-free iPhone comes with minimal data, texts, and minutes.

So, if you want a new iPhone but you cannot afford it, try your luck by participating in many giveaways. If you are trying to get giveaways for free iPhones, make sure that it is not a scam so there are no ones who will steal your data information.

Also, if you want to buy a new iPhone but the price is too expensive for you, it is better to save up. After that, you can buy one, or wait for your family or friend to upgrade their device so they can give their old device to you.

What Other Programs from The Government to Get Free Phones?

Besides the free iPhone from the government, there are other programs available for you to get Android phones at no cost. The Android phone free government programs are available through the same program that provides the iPhone 11 for free.

From this program, the government wants to help low-income Americans so they get free cell phones and free minutes per month. The free minutes are useful for text messaging, voice calls, and data usage.

If you are looking for programs that provide free phones, you can call the local government office. Otherwise, visit Federal Communication Commission or FCC website.

Can I Get an iPhone for Free From Other Sources?

If you cannot meet the eligibility criteria on how to get a free iPhone from the government, you can try it from other sources. For example, you can participate in credible online surveys and then sign up to get free trials.

Several companies offer free iPhones. They use this way as their marketing plan. Another method to get a free iPhone is by trading the old one at the Apple Store. It is possible to get good deals on other websites as well, such as Craiglist.

Eventually, some companies give free iPhones for their employee benefits package. Or, you can try to find an influencer who gives away a new iPhone for free. The last ways for you to try are by participating in a few charities or non-profitable organizations.

Can I Get an iPhone from Apple for Free?

iPhone is one of the most popular Apple flagship products. It is also one of the most expensive products they launched on the worldwide market. So, if you want to get an iPhone from Apple for free, you can try the following tips:

Get an iPhone from Apple for free by participating in a beta testing program. This program lets Apple test new features and then get feedback before launching them to the public. If you can be beta testers, you are part of the program and you can get a free iPhone from this giant company.
Get a free iPhone from the company by following an iPhone giveaway. There are some forums and websites that offer these giveaways. If you are lucky enough, you can get a free iPhone.
If you have no interest in beta testing or joining in an iPhone giveaway, try to trade your old iPhone for a new one, at no cost. Of course, this is a special offer, so it will not happen every day. So, stay tuned to the official website to get this opportunity.

Summary

There are a few ways if you want to get a new iPhone for free. One way is by contacting your state or your local government agency. Another way is by contacting the Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program. Also, check your service provider to see if they provide government discounts.

“Can I get a free, latest iPhone from the government?” Well, there is no way how to get a free iPhone from the government if you need the latest version of the iPhone. However, you still have the opportunity to get the other basic smartphones if you can meet the eligibility of criteria.

There are opportunities to get iPhones among the programs if you are lucky enough. However, you will get a free phone from the government if you are in need. If you are still looking for an iPhone, there are many alternative ways to get the best deals.

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