Free Government Phone FAQ

Yes, through Lifeline. The government benefit pays for your phone service, and iPhone Government includes an eligible iPhone at no cost when you enroll. See how the free iPhone works.

Households that receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, a Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, or certain Tribal programs, or that have income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See full eligibility rules.

$0 a month for eligible customers. Unlimited talk, text and data are included with no contract and no credit check.

Many applicants are approved in minutes by the FCC's National Verifier. If documents are needed, review usually takes 1–3 business days.

Yes. Number porting is free. Learn more in Free Phone When You Switch.

Your SNAP case (delivered on an EBT card) qualifies you. Use a SNAP approval letter or benefit statement as proof, never your card number or PIN.

SSDI on its own is not a Lifeline program, but SSI is. You may still qualify through income or another program.

Unemployment isn't a qualifying program, but if your household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines, you qualify by income.

Yes. If a child or dependent in your household is on Medicaid or SNAP, your household can qualify.

Everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses. Roommates who keep separate finances can be separate households.

Yes, data never shuts off. Each plan includes a monthly high-speed allotment that varies by state. After you use it, speeds are reduced until your next cycle.

Our Lifeline plans are $0 for eligible customers. In a few states, optional add-ons may carry taxes, which we disclose before purchase.

Yes, low-cost data top-ups are available in your account or by calling technical support.

We operate on nationwide 5G and 4G LTE networks. The exact network depends on your address and is confirmed during enrollment.

Turn on Wi-Fi calling in your phone's settings. Calls and texts then route over your home Wi-Fi.

Most phones are certified pre-owned and fully tested; some tablets and upgrade models ship new. Condition is listed on each product page.

You can choose any device that's in stock for your state. Upgrade models may have a one-time co-pay that's shown before you confirm.

Yes. Every device ships with an activated SIM card for your Lifeline plan.

Defective devices can be exchanged within 30 days. Contact technical support at 1-800-155-2929.

Check Settings › General › About › Carrier Lock on iPhone, or ask your current carrier. Phones paid off for 60+ days can usually be unlocked for free.

Your Lifeline benefit is removed and service may be suspended. You can reapply, but you'll go through verification again.

Yes. Call 1-800-745-6161 and our team will walk you through it.

Usually not. Many customers are recertified automatically through state databases. If not, you'll get a list of accepted documents.

Yes. Free Lifeline service must be used at least once every 30 days, by making a call, sending a text or using data, or it may be de-enrolled after a 15-day notice.