Free Government Phone in Ohio
Eligible Ohio residents can get a smartphone and Lifeline-supported wireless service from Free Link Wireless — with no contracts and no monthly bill.
Quick answer
Yes. Eligible households in Ohio can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives Ohio Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension — or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Who qualifies for a Free Government Phone in Ohio?
You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:
- Ohio Medicaid (Medicaid)
- SNAP (Ohio Direction Card)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- 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.
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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 Ohio
- 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, Ohio benefit records can be checked automatically.
- Get your phone. We ship free to any Ohio address, and you can keep your current number.
Service across Ohio
Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Toledo. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.
Popular phones in Ohio
Samsung
Free Galaxy Z Flip
$0 – $200* device co-pay
- 4G LTE
- 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED
- Foldable design
Apple
Free iPhone 15
$0 – $200* device co-pay
- 5G
- 6.1-inch Super Retina XDR
- 48MP Main + 12MP Ultra Wide
See all Free Government Phones →
Neighboring states
- Free Government Phone Michigan
- Free Government Phone Indiana
- Free Government Phone Kentucky
- Free Government Phone West Virginia
- Free Government Phone Pennsylvania
- All states
Ohio Free Government Phone FAQs
Can I get a Free Government Phone in Ohio with Ohio Medicaid?
Yes. Ohio Medicaid is Ohio's Medicaid program, and Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program.
Does SNAP qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. SNAP (Ohio Direction Card) is Ohio's SNAP program, which qualifies your household for Lifeline.
How many Free Government Phones can a Ohio household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household in Ohio and every other state.
How long does it take to get a Free Government Phone in Ohio?
Many applicants are verified quickly. After approval, phones typically ship within a few business days, depending on where you live in Ohio.
Get your Free Government Phone in Ohio
Check eligibility in about two minutes, then apply online. No contracts, no credit checks.