Free Government Phone in New York
Lifeline helps thousands of New York households stay connected. Here's how to get a Free Government Phone in New York, who qualifies, and how to apply.
Quick answer
Yes. Eligible households in New York can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives New York Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension, or Tribal benefits — or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Who qualifies for a Free Government Phone in New York?
You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:
- New York Medicaid (Medicaid)
- SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- Tribal programs (for residents of Tribal lands in New York)
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Not sure? Use our eligibility checker.
Lifeline income limits by household size
Maximum yearly household income (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, 48 states + DC). Bars show household size.
12345678
Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines × 135%. Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher. Limits update yearly — confirm on USAC's Lifeline site.
How to apply in New York
- Check eligibility using the programs above or your income.
- Apply online with the Free Link Wireless application.
- Verify your eligibility. Your eligibility is confirmed through the Lifeline National Verifier, run by USAC. In many cases, New York benefit records can be checked automatically.
- Get your phone. We ship free to any New York address, and you can keep your current number.
Tribal Lifeline in New York
New York has federally recognized Tribal lands. Eligible residents of those lands can receive enhanced Lifeline support of up to $34.25 per month and may also qualify through Tribal programs such as BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (income-qualifying), and FDPIR. Learn about Tribal Lifeline.
Service across New York
Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers, as well as the capital, Albany. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.
Popular phones in New York
Apple
Free iPhone 8 Plus
$0 – $200* device co-pay
- 4G LTE
- 5.5-inch Retina HD
- Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto), 2x optical zoom
See all Free Government Phones →
Neighboring states
- Free Government Phone New Jersey
- Free Government Phone Pennsylvania
- Free Government Phone Connecticut
- Free Government Phone Massachusetts
- Free Government Phone Vermont
- All states
New York Free Government Phone FAQs
Can I get a Free Government Phone in New York with New York Medicaid?
Yes. New York Medicaid is New York's Medicaid program, and Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program.
Does SNAP qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. SNAP is New York's SNAP program, which qualifies your household for Lifeline.
How many Free Government Phones can a New York household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household in New York and every other state.
How long does it take to get a Free Government Phone in New York?
Many applicants are verified quickly. After approval, phones typically ship within a few business days, depending on where you live in New York.
Get your Free Government Phone in New York
Check eligibility in about two minutes, then apply online. No contracts, no credit checks.