If you’re a low-income individual from the US, you can get a free 5G government phone. The government runs a Lifeline Program that partners with providers nationwide to distribute devices to eligible individuals. If you come from a low-income household and participate in a government assistance program, you can apply for a free smartphone from the government. 

In this article, we will learn more about the application procedure, understand what you need to qualify for a free 5G government device, and highlight the providers you can consider. Providers such as Easy Wireless and Cintex Wireless are among those you can consider when securing a free smartphone. Let us find out more together below.

Get Your Free 5G Government Phone Through Lifeline Program 

Lifeline government program offers affordable and free cellular devices to eligible individuals. If you are looking for a way to get a 5G phone for free, consider applying to the Lifeline program.

How Can You Be Eligible?

To secure a 5G phone from the government for free through Lifeline, you must meet the following eligibility criteria;

  1. Income Eligibility

Your income should be at or below the 135% federal poverty guideline. However, this amount may vary depending on your household size and state. For instance, a one-person household will qualify with $18,347, while a 3-person household will qualify with $31,091.

  1. Government Assistance Program Eligibility

Lifeline also requires you to participate in government assistance programs. You need to be a beneficiary of at least one of the following programs;

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Specific Tribal Assistance Programs like Head Start and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

How to Apply to Lifeline

Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility for the Lifeline application, you can send your request to be a Lifeline program beneficiary. Here are some documents you will need for your Lifeline program participation application to be accepted;

  • Income documents, which include your recent pay slips
  • A valid national ID
  • Proof of program participation

To apply for the Lifeline Program, you can submit your interest online or via mail. Complete your application and mail it to the USAC Lifeline Support Center.

Step-by-step Guide to Get a Free 5G Government Phone

Do you want to secure a free phone from the state? Here is a quick and easy guideline you can opt for to secure a free 5G device with unlimited talk, text, and affordable data.

Step 1: Check If You are Eligible

Confirm your eligibility before applying for a 5G phone from the government. As seen in the section above, you must qualify through your income or participation in government assistance programs. Remember to gather the documents you need to verify your eligibility before you begin your application. 

Step 2: Fill in the Application

You can forward your application for a free 5G phone in two ways. First, you can apply for free devices through Lifeline’s official website or through a provider that partners with Lifeline. 

Step 3: Choose a Wireless Provider

There are different providers offering gadgets for free within various states. Select a provider that is close to you. These providers of 5G free government devices may include Airtalk Wireless, Assurance Wireless, Qlink Wireless, and Cintex Wireless.

Step 4: Select Your 5G Free Government Phone

Wireless providers allow you to select a free device from the models available. Moreover, the government’s free 5G phone models include Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Xiaomi, LG, and Motorola. 

Step 5: Wait for Approval

After submitting your application, the provider will counter-check if you qualify for a free 5G device. This process may take several business days to complete.

Step 6: Receive Your 5G Device

Once your application is approved, your new 5G device will be shipped to you, and you can enjoy your new phone.

Which Providers Can You Consider for Free 5G Devices?

If you are wondering which providers offer free 5G government phones, here are several you can check out.

  1. StandUp Wireless

StandUp Wireless, through Lifeline, gives individuals from qualifying households access to free digital devices. Individuals who are eligible for Lifeline through StandUp Wireless receive benefits such as free gadgets, free minutes, text, and data. You can get more details and an application form on their official website. Simply;

  • Visit their official website on your browser. 
  • On the home page, you will see an ‘Apply Here’ button on the right corner of your screen. 
  • It will lead you to another page to check their coverage before applying. Provide your Zip Code and tap on the Check button below it.
  • Once you confirm it’s available, click the ‘Apply Now’ button and follow the prompts to enroll for a free 5G device. 
  1. Assurance Wireless

Households that meet the income eligibility requirement can receive a free smartphone through Assurance Wireless. It extends its program to 49 states in the US, offering free devices and monthly cell service. If you qualify, you get to enjoy;

  • Unlimited minutes and texts
  • Unlimited Data that includes 25GB of high-speed data
  • Free 5G smartphone
  1. Cintex Wireless

Are you looking for a way to apply for a free smartphone from the government? Cintex Wireless has a Lifeline program through which you can acquire a 5G device for free. Visit their official website on your browser to check the program’s eligibility requirements. 

Once you go through their requirements, gather the documents you need for your application, and on the top right corner of the page, click on the Apply button. Follow the prompts to secure your free 5G smartphone from the government. With Cintex Wireless’s free phone offer, you will enjoy;

  • Free 5G smartphone that is certified by brands that you trust
  • Top tier quality
  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 15GB of Data
  • Fast and free shipping
  1. AirTalk Wireless

Air Talk Wireless provides lifeline benefits to qualifying individuals. You can get a free Apple or Samsung 5G smartphone if you apply through AirTalk.  To apply for a free 5G smartphone through AirTalk Wireless, you need to;

  • Visit their official website on your browser.
  • On the homepage, scroll down to the section that says, ‘Apply for your free smartphone with free service Today.’
  • Enter your zip code, then press the ‘Apply Now’ button. 
  • Notably, the free 5G government phone offers may vary depending on the location. Remember to check their qualification requirements by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ button beside it. 
  1. Easy Wireless

Easy Wireless plan offer for a free smartphone varies by state and subject. Check what is currently available before applying. You can claim your free government 5G smartphone service through Easy Wireless and get to enjoy;

  • Free 5G smartphone
  • Free unlimited talk and text
  • Free 6GB data plus hotspot
  • Free emergency service calls
  • Free voicemail

To apply, visit the Easy Wireless official website on your browser and navigate to the offer section. Click on the Sign-Up Button. It will take you to another page where you will; 

  • Enter your email in the section highlighted email
  • Below is the key to your Zip Code
  • Click the Enroll Now Button below the Zip Code 

Things You Should Consider When Seeking to Secure a Free 5G Government Smartphone

  1. Trade-in option: You can check if the provider offers a trade-in option when upgrading to a 5G smartphone. Some programs offer options to upgrade to better models, while others don’t. 
  2. Phone Availability: Check the models available under each provider to stand a chance to acquire a model you like. The models vary from Apple to Samsung and their specifics. 
  3. Additional Costs: You are applying for a free 5G government phone to cut costs. While at it, check to ascertain if there are extra costs like shipping fees, service costs, or activation charges. 
  4. Wireless Provider Coverage: ISP extend their services to different regions in the states. Before settling for one provider, consider the options nearby to you to ensure a faster and smoother shipping process. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I Get More than One 5G Smartphone? 

No. Lifeline qualifies just one individual per household. Therefore, you can only receive one smartphone for free. 

Q: How Else Can I Get a Free 5G Smartphone?

If you wish to apply for a free government 5G device, you can choose to approach larger carriers other than the providers mentioned above. You can apply through T-Mobile, Verizon, or AT&T for a free 5G phone from the government. 

Q: Why Does the Government Offer Free 5G Phones?

To seal the digital gap and ensure everyone can easily access technology regardless of social status. Everyone gets an equal opportunity to access educational materials, job opportunities, healthcare resources, and connect with loved ones. 

Summary

If you do not have enough funds to purchase a brand-new smartphone, you can consider securing a free 5G device from the government. As the guide above shows, you only need to qualify through the 135% federal poverty guideline. Additionally, you need to be a participant in SSI, SNAP, and Medicaid, among other government assistance programs. 

You can apply for a free device through the simple steps highlighted above. Depending on where you live, you can enroll through Easy Wireless, Cintex Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, or Assurance Wireless. With the above guidelines, you can secure your free 5G smartphone from the state today.