FCC Lifeline Program Provider
Free Government Phone with Lifeline Service
A free government phone is a cell phone with free monthly talk, text and data provided through the federal Lifeline program. If you receive SNAP (EBT), Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans Pension — or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines — you can apply with Phone Government and get a free smartphone plus $0 monthly service, with no contract and no credit check.
- No credit check
- $0 monthly for eligible customers
- Free shipping
- Keep your number
- Secure application
$0
monthly cost for eligible customers
$9.25
monthly Lifeline benefit (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands)
9
free device models to choose from
10 min
average time to apply online
Free Lifeline Devices
Which free government phones can I get?
Choose from Apple iPhones, Samsung Galaxy 5G foldables, tablets and combos — free with qualifying Lifeline enrollment through Phone Government.
- Most popular
Apple iPhone 13
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - 5G foldable
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - Great value
Apple iPhone 11
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - Premium 5G
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - 2-in-1 deal
Smartphone + Tablet Combo
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - Tablet
Apple iPad (Wi‑Fi)
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - Compact
Apple iPhone 8
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device - Tablet
Android Tablet
$0.00 with Lifeline*View device
Popular free government device offers
Explore the offers our customers ask about most.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for a free government phone?
You qualify for Lifeline if you — or a child or dependent in your household — participate in one of these federal programs, or if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
| 1 person | $21.1k |
|---|---|
| 2 people | $28.6k |
| 3 people | $36k |
| 4 people | $43.4k |
| 5 people | $50.8k |
| 6 people | $58.3k |
| 7 people | $65.7k |
| 8 people | $73.1k |
Add $7,425 for each additional person. Limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii and are updated every year — confirm current figures with USAC.
How It Works
How do I get a free government phone?
Most customers finish the application in about 10 minutes. We do the paperwork with the Lifeline National Verifier for you.
- 1
Check eligibility
Confirm you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension or meet the income limit.
- 2
Apply online
Complete our secure application in about 10 minutes and choose your free device.
- 3
Get verified
We submit your application to the Lifeline National Verifier and help with any documents.
- 4
Receive your phone
Your free phone and SIM ship at no cost — activate and start talking, texting and browsing.
Free Lifeline Plan
What comes with free government phone service?
Lifeline Free
$0/month
- Unlimited talk & text nationwide
- 4.5GB high-speed data every month
- Mobile hotspot, voicemail, caller ID & 911
- 5G & 4G LTE partner networks
- No contract, no credit check, no hidden fees
| Lifeline Free | 4.5 GB |
|---|---|
| Lifeline Plus | 15 GB |
| Unlimited | 25 GB |
| Tribal Lifeline | 25 GB |
Unlimited and Tribal plans continue at reduced speeds after the high-speed allowance.
Phone Government applies the full benefit so qualifying customers pay $0 for the base plan.
Coverage
Is Phone Government available in my area?
We provide Lifeline service on nationwide 5G and 4G LTE partner networks across the United States. Enter your ZIP code to check availability and start your application.
Nationwide coverage
Reliable 4G LTE everywhere we serve, with 5G where available.
Real support, 7 days
Tech support from 8am to midnight EST every day.
Secure & private
Your information is encrypted and used only for Lifeline enrollment.
Free devices
Phones and tablets from us when you enroll through Phone Government.
What is the Lifeline program?
Lifeline is a federal benefit created in 1985 and run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). It helps eligible low-income households afford phone and internet service with a monthly discount of $9.25, or up to $34.25 for residents of Tribal lands. Learn more about Lifeline.
Why choose Phone Government as your Lifeline provider?
Phone Government focuses on one thing: helping eligible Americans get connected for free. We apply your full Lifeline benefit so the base plan costs $0, ship a free smartphone or tablet with your service, help you through the National Verifier, and support you after activation — including annual recertification reminders so you never lose your benefit.
Can I switch my Lifeline service to Phone Government?
Yes. If you already have Lifeline with another company, you can transfer your Lifeline benefit to us and receive a free device. You can also bring your own phone with a free SIM card.
Free government phone FAQ
What is a free government phone?
A free government phone is a cell phone with free monthly service provided through the federal Lifeline program. Lifeline lowers the cost of phone service for eligible low-income households, and providers like Phone Government include a free smartphone when you enroll.
Who qualifies for a free government phone?
You qualify if you or someone in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans and Survivors Pension, or if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Tribal residents can also qualify through Tribal programs. See Lifeline eligibility.
How do I apply for a free government phone?
Apply online in about 10 minutes or call 1-800-633-7797. We verify your eligibility with the Lifeline National Verifier and ship your free phone after approval.
Is the free government phone really free?
Yes. Eligible customers pay $0 for the Lifeline Free plan and $0 for the device we provide. There are no activation fees, no contracts and no credit checks.
Can I get a free iPhone from the government?
Yes — through Lifeline providers. Phone Government offers iPhone 13, iPhone 11, iPhone 8 and iPhone 7 models to qualifying customers. See free government iPhone.
How many free government phones can a household get?
Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household. A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses.
Can I keep my current phone number?
Yes. You can transfer your existing number to Phone Government at no cost when you enroll.
What documents do I need?
Usually a government ID and proof of program participation (such as a SNAP, Medicaid or SSI benefit letter) or proof of income (such as a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs).