Free Government Phone With Unlimited Talk, Text & Data

What is a free government phone?

The name is a little misleading. The phone itself comes from your Lifeline provider, and the government benefit pays for your service. The program is Lifeline, run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered by USAC. Learn the full background in What Is Lifeline?

• $9.25Monthly federal benefit per household
• $34.25Enhanced benefit on Tribal lands
• 1Lifeline benefit per household

Who qualifies for a free government phone?

• SNAP (food stamps / EBT)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8, public housing)
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
• Tribal programs: BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, FDPIR, Tribal Head Start (income-based)
• Or a household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which is $21,546 a year for one person in 2026

Check the 2026 income chart and household rules on our eligibility page.

What phones can I choose?

iPhone Government gives you real choices, not a basic flip phone. Pick an iPhone, an Android flagship like the Galaxy Z Flip, or a phone and tablet combo. Browse every model on the devices page.

How do I apply?

1. Start the online application with your ZIP code.
2. Tell us which program you're on, or your household income.
3. We verify you with the National Verifier, usually within minutes.
4. Choose your free phone and we ship it with an activated SIM.

Prefer to talk? Call enrollment at 1-800-745-6161, Monday–Saturday 8 a.m.–10 p.m. EST and Sunday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. EST.

How do I keep my service active?

Two simple rules: use your phone at least once every 30 days (a call, a text or using data counts), and recertify once a year when we or USAC remind you. Our recertification guide walks you through it.