How to Qualify For A Free Government Subsidized Smartphone

2 minute read

By Tabatha Adams

Not everyone can afford a smartphone, or the required accompanying plan, despite being nearly essential these days. Fortunately, there are government-subsidized programs that provide free or low-cost smartphones to eligible low-income individuals. Start a search today to find out how you can qualify for one.

What are Government-Subsidized Smartphones?

Government-subsidized smartphones are special phones provided by the government to help people who have trouble buying their own. These phones can be super cheap or even free!

The government provides these phones through a plan called Lifeline. This helps people who don’t have a lot of money or who are going through hard times. 1 This is a great program because it makes sure everyone can stay connected no matter what. You can find out more about this program by looking online.

How to Qualify for a Free Government-Subsidized Smartphone?

To get a government-subsidized smartphone, you need to meet some requirements. For example, you need to make less than or equal to 135% of what the government considers poverty, or you need to be part of certain government help programs like Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 2

There are other rules, too. Start looking online now to see if you can get a free phone!

What Are the Cell Phones and Plans?

Some programs might give you simple flip phones, while others might have cheap smartphones. Also, some plans from the government might give you a phone for $0 dollars down, while others might need a small payment upfront or each month. 3

Do some research and read everything carefully so you know what kind of phones and plans you can get.

How to Apply for a Government-Subsidized Smartphone?

To get a phone, you first need to find a phone company in your area that’s part of the program. Big companies like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless are part of it, as well as smaller ones. Luckily, you can look online to find out which companies near you are in the program.

Start Searching Today

Everyone should be able to have a smartphone, but not everyone can pay for one. Thankfully, there are government programs that can help you get a phone for free or for a lower price. So, what are you waiting for? Start looking now to see if you can get a free smartphone.

Tabatha Adams

Contributor