How the Free Government Phone Works
Everything you need to know about getting a Free Government Phone through Lifeline — who qualifies, what's covered, and how to apply.
A Free Government Phone is a mobile phone with free or discounted monthly service for low-income households, made possible by the federal Lifeline program. Lifeline gives eligible households a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands). Providers like Free Link Wireless combine that discount with a phone so eligible customers pay nothing each month.
How a Free Government Phone works
The name is a little misleading: the government doesn't hand out phones. Lifeline is funded by the Universal Service Fund and pays a monthly discount toward your wireless service. Approved wireless companies, called Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs), apply that discount to your plan. Many carriers — including Free Link Wireless — also provide a phone at no cost or for a small one-time co-pay.
- You qualify through a program like SNAP or Medicaid, or by income.
- Your eligibility is verified, usually through the National Verifier run by USAC.
- You choose a provider and a phone, then the provider ships it and activates your service.
- You recertify every year to keep your benefit.
Monthly Lifeline benefit
Maximum federal discount per household, per month.
Source: FCC Lifeline program rules.
What you get with a Free Link Wireless government phone
- A smartphone — choose from iPhones or Samsung
- Unlimited talk and text plus high-speed data
- No contracts, credit checks, or monthly bill for eligible customers
- Free shipping and the option to keep your number
Who qualifies?
You qualify if you, a dependent, or someone in your household participates in any of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- Tribal programs (for residents of Tribal lands)
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Not sure? Use our two-minute eligibility checker.
Rules to know
- One per household. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household — not per person.
- Use it or lose it. If you pay nothing for service, you must use it (call, text, or data) at least once every 30 days.
- Annual recertification. You'll confirm you still qualify each year.
- Non-transferable. The benefit can't be given or sold to someone else.
Free Government Phone by state
Lifeline is available in every state, DC, and U.S. territories, and some states add their own benefits. Find details for California, Texas, Florida, New York, or any state.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Free Government Phone really free?
For eligible households, monthly service can be free because Lifeline covers the discount. Some phones carry a one-time device co-pay depending on the model.
How many free phones can a household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, whether for wireless or home internet.
How long does approval take?
Many applicants are verified the same day through the National Verifier. If documents are needed, review can take a few days.
Do I need a Social Security number?
Lifeline applications ask for the last four digits of your Social Security number or a Tribal ID number so your identity and eligibility can be verified.