Free Government Phone in Tennessee
If you live in Tennessee and receive benefits like TennCare or SNAP, you may qualify for a Free Government Phone with unlimited talk, text, and data.
Quick answer
Yes. Eligible households in Tennessee can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives TennCare, 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 Tennessee?
You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:
- TennCare (Medicaid)
- SNAP
- 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.
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 Tennessee
- 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, Tennessee benefit records can be checked automatically.
- Get your phone. We ship free to any Tennessee address, and you can keep your current number.
Service across Tennessee
Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.
Popular phones in Tennessee
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 Kentucky
- Free Government Phone Virginia
- Free Government Phone North Carolina
- Free Government Phone Georgia
- Free Government Phone Alabama
- Free Government Phone Mississippi
- Free Government Phone Arkansas
- Free Government Phone Missouri
- All states
Tennessee Free Government Phone FAQs
Can I get a Free Government Phone in Tennessee with TennCare?
Yes. TennCare is Tennessee's Medicaid program, and Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program.
Does SNAP qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. SNAP is Tennessee's SNAP program, which qualifies your household for Lifeline.
How many Free Government Phones can a Tennessee household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household in Tennessee and every other state.
How long does it take to get a Free Government Phone in Tennessee?
Many applicants are verified quickly. After approval, phones typically ship within a few business days, depending on where you live in Tennessee.
Get your Free Government Phone in Tennessee
Check eligibility in about two minutes, then apply online. No contracts, no credit checks.