Free Government Phone in North Carolina
Free Link Wireless offers Free Government Phone service to eligible households across North Carolina, from Charlotte and Raleigh to smaller towns and rural communities.
Quick answer
Yes. Eligible households in North Carolina can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives NC Medicaid, Food and Nutrition Services, 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 North Carolina?
You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:
- NC Medicaid (Medicaid)
- Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- Tribal programs (for residents of Tribal lands in North Carolina)
- 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 North Carolina
- 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, North Carolina benefit records can be checked automatically.
- Get your phone. We ship free to any North Carolina address, and you can keep your current number.
Tribal Lifeline in North Carolina
North Carolina 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 North Carolina
Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including Charlotte, Raleigh, Greensboro, and Durham. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.
Popular phones in North Carolina
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 Virginia
- Free Government Phone Tennessee
- Free Government Phone Georgia
- Free Government Phone South Carolina
- All states
North Carolina Free Government Phone FAQs
Can I get a Free Government Phone in North Carolina with NC Medicaid?
Yes. NC Medicaid is North Carolina's Medicaid program, and Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program.
Does Food and Nutrition Services qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. Food and Nutrition Services (SNAP) is North Carolina's SNAP program, which qualifies your household for Lifeline.
How many Free Government Phones can a North Carolina household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household in North Carolina and every other state.
How long does it take to get a Free Government Phone in North Carolina?
Many applicants are verified quickly. After approval, phones typically ship within a few business days, depending on where you live in North Carolina.
Get your Free Government Phone in North Carolina
Check eligibility in about two minutes, then apply online. No contracts, no credit checks.