How to Get a Free (Or Cheap) Smartphone From the Government

Affect’s telehealth addiction treatment program for alcohol and drugs works entirely through a smartphone app. There’s no need to go to a rehab clinic near you to get an outpatient treatment program that really works. With Affect, care comes right to you wherever there’s cell phone coverage. But what if you don’t have a phone?

If you don’t have a smartphone, it’s possible to get a free smartphone or one at low cost with government assistance so you can join our recovery program and get sober.

You may be eligible for free mobile phones and low-cost cell phone plans under the government’s Lifeline Assistance program. Lifeline can also lower the cost of internet service so you can use your home Wi-Fi to access our recovery program.

This government program was created for people who have trouble affording their monthly cell phone bill. If you need to get a free cell phone from the government, or get government assistance to help pay for your cell phone or internet bill, we’ve got some information about the Lifeline program, how to tell if you are eligible, and how to apply.

Am I Eligible For a Free Phone?

Are you wondering if you qualify for a free phone? If you’re currently receiving government assistance, you may be eligible for a free government cell phone. Anyone who is currently enrolled in one of the programs listed below is eligible:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
• Medicaid
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Head Start
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you’re not already a part of any of these programs, you need to demonstrate that your earnings are at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you’re the only member of your family and want a free government cell phone, you’ll need to show that your annual income is less than $12,760. 

Each additional person in your home raises your maximum by $4,480 – in other words, the more people in your home, the simpler it is to enroll for a free government mobile phone and a low-cost cell phone plan.

You’ll need the following to apply for Lifeline:

Once you have all of the necessary information, signing up is simple. To complete the Lifeline application online, log in or set up a new account. You can also apply online or over the phone through your chosen phone or internet provider in filing your application.

If you reside in California, Oregon, or Texas, click the links to go to your state’s website or contact your internet or phone provider for information on how to apply for the program.

Lifeline also accepts applications by mail. Fill out a Lifeline application after printing it and then mail it to this address along with copies of your proof papers. 

Lifeline Support Center

PO Box 7081

London, KY 40742

After your application has been received and reviewed, USAC’s Support Center will send you a letter telling you the status of your application. This should take two weeks or less.

You can call the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473 if you have a handicap and require assistance with your Lifeline application.