Who doesn’t like to become a tech-savvy person in this digital world, but unfortunately not everyone can afford one. So for those who have low income, what options do they have? Should they just let go of the thought of using a smartphone just because they can’t afford it?
Cell phones are not a luxury anymore; it has become a necessity. A basic plan would cost you somewhere around $114 per month whereas if you add the average cost of a smartphone the total would jump to $431 per month. This is a huge amount for people who are already struggling financially. This is the reason there are several government programs that allow low-income individuals and families to get a free phone without having to worry about putting additional financial strains on themselves.
You just have to run a search online to find out whether there are any government programs in your state offering a free phone or not. Once you locate the program, you just have to sign-up to receive your free phone.
But not all programs are the same. Some cater to the basic needs of individuals whereas there are other programs that give you more benefit. And the qualification criteria for each program is also different.
Which Government Programs offer a Free Phone?
To save you the trouble, we have compiled this list of a few programs that can get you a free phone. If you need some additional information, then you always have the option to Google it.
TAG Mobile
This program covers at least 19 states in the US and provides free-of-cost cell phone service. This program is specially designed for people with low income through a Lifeline discount.
If you qualify for this program, then you will receive:
- Free 1,000 voice minutes
- Free unlimited text messages
- Free caller ID, voicemail, and call-waiting
- Free 4.5GB LTE data per month
If you are a resident of California, then there’s a cherry on top offer for you by TAG Mobile. Not only you’ll get all the free services, but you can also get a free smartphone.
So before getting all excited, we advise that you do a little bit of research and find out the eligibility criteria as it varies from state to state. If you are already participating in any of the following government benefit programs, then you will surely qualify:
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
However, don’t get demotivated if you are not part of these programs because the program also supports people if their income is below or at 135% of the federal poverty level.
Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless program’s effectiveness can be gauged by the fact that over two million customers are already part of the program. This is another government-funded program that enables people with a cell phone to retain their existing number. The best part is, you’ll get to enjoy the largest network of 4G LTE/5G in the US.
Using Q Link Wireless’ FREE Always On Plan, you’ll receive all the services mentioned below:
- 911 emergency calls
- Access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations
- Free SIM card
- Free activation
- Three-way calling
- Unlimited data
- Unlimited picture messages
- Unlimited talk and text
- Voicemail
Once your eligibility gets confirmed, you’ll receive a SIM card kit. You can have it delivered to your home and there are no activation charges. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about the phone plan as it gets renewed automatically every month.
If you apply today, then chances are that you’ll get a free tablet as Q Link Wireless is running a promotional campaign for a limited time.
SafeLink Wireless
This is another option for people with low income that enables them to continue using a cell phone and phone service. The plus point is that there are no obligations and you can cancel it anytime you want. SafeLink Wireless offers you the liberty to avail phone services without keeping yourself bound to any contract or expensive bills every month. If you have a smartphone, then you can easily get the following plan:
- SIM Card
- 350 voice minutes
- Unlimited texts
- Caller ID
- 4.5GB data
- Voicemail
- 411 directory assistance
Moreover, you can also get this plan without losing your existing cell phone. Your household income is the primary factor that determines your eligibility, however, if you are part of SSI (Section 8), Medicaid, SNAP, and Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.
You can apply to this program by visiting the website of SafeLink Wireless directly. However, the state or city you live in may affect the plan, so do enter your ZIP code on the website of the company to know for sure what benefits you can reap.
EnTouch Wireless
If you’re looking for a free smartphone, then EnTouch Wireless can give you one. If you qualify for their plan, then you’ll get a free Android 5.5-inch smartphone with a decent monthly plan that will include:
- Unlimited voice minutes
- Unlimited texts messages
- 6GB data
The same plan can be availed if you already own a phone and wish to continue using it. If you’re part of the following programs or belong to a low-income household, you can be eligible for the program:
- CalFresh
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Medi-Cal
- SSI
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
If you want to find additional information before availing the plan, then EnTouch Wireless website is your best friend. In some cases, customers may even get free unlimited data, so it is vital to check all the information.
Need more information about how to get a free phone?
There are several other programs through which you can get free phone service and a cellular device. You just have to do some additional research to explore your options. One thing is certain that your income and the state you live in may affect how much support you can get from such government programs. So, don’t forget to do additional research if you think that any of the above-mentioned programs are not ideal for you.
