Wondering if free cell phones for seniors are really a thing? We’ve got the answer.
Yes, there is a way to get a free cell phone but it is not from the government.
EASY Wireless will give you a FREE brand-new smartphone when you qualify for the Lifeline and/ or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
When you qualify you will also receive:
- FREE Monthly Talk, Text, and Data
- Access to Hotpots
- The ability to connect with friends family
- Security of being able to contact emergency services
And best of all, not only do you get a free cell phone, you can also reduce or even eliminate your monthly wireless phone and internet bill.
How Do You Qualify for Free Phone Service?
You may qualify for the free government phone service with EASY Wireless through your enrollment in a variety of government assistance programs. These programs automatically qualify you for the Lifeline and ACP programs.
The goal of the Lifeline and ACP programs is to bridge the “digital divide” by providing internet access and communication services for those who have limited access to these services.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline has been providing this great service since 1985 and the program helps low-income families, disabled individuals and other individuals who qualify to pay for their monthly phone service.
Ways to Qualify for Lifeline
You may qualify for Lifeline if you already participate in the following government assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
or if your income is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
What is the New Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a continuation of the U.S. government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, EBB, which provided discounts on monthly broadband Internet access service and certain connected devices.
The ACP program is funded by the Federal government to help families connect to the internet and reduce some of the financial burdens they face.
The program is designed to help all Americans, especially seniors gain access to the internet so they can improve their education, employment possibilities and enable them to stay connected to friends and family, giving every American the same opportunities.
Ways to Qualify for ACP
If you are qualified for Lifeline, you are automatically eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program!
But what happens if you do not qualify for any of the above programs?
Even if you don’t qualify for the Lifeline Program, you may still be eligible for FREE Talk, Text and Data, as well as a FREE smartphone.
There are additional programs available through the ACP program that can help you qualify.
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
- Women, Infant, and Children (WIC)
You may also qualify for ACP if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
I Qualify! How do I get my Free Smartphone?
You may get your free smartphone by signing up with a Lifeline and ACP Service Provider like EASY Wireless. When you join up with EASY Wireless and are verified for Lifeline or ACP, we’ll send you your free phone.
Looking for Fast Approval?
EASY Wireless associates can help you complete and submit your application quickly at any of our retail stores. You’ll get a new smartphone the same day if you are accepted.
Also, for just $10.99 plus tax, you’ll be able to buy a $120 value tablet as well.
Online Self-Enroll for Free Cell Phones for Seniors
EASY Wireless can still assist you if you are unable to visit one of our stores, just fill out the form below and complete our simple self-service option. Don’t worry if you get stuck; we have live agents on call who are ready to talk with you simply by clicking a button!
Prefer Over the Phone?
Call our customer service team at 888-792-0076 and a live rep will process your order and get your new phone right out to you.
What if You Already Have a Phone?
If you already have a phone that you know and enjoy, you can keep it.
EASY Wireless offers a Bring Your Own Phone program for those who already have a working device. This program allows you to keep your own compatible device by installing a free EASY Wireless sim card.
FAQ’s
What documentation do I need to provide to apply for Lifeline and ACP?
The National Verifier can automatically accept most applications. Consumers may need to provide documentation in certain cases if their eligibility cannot be verified via the program eligibility database (for example, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Income).
A proof of enrollment in a qualifying program, such as a recent (dated within the last 12 months) statement of benefits from a qualifying program, a letter of participation in a qualifying program, or other official documents of a qualifying program, is required to verify eligibility based on participation in such activity.
Can I use this free government smartphone as just an emergency phone?
The Lifeline program rules require you to use your service every 30 days if you have Lifeline service for free in order to keep your benefit, and you must follow all other Lifeline program regulations.
Resources for Government Assistance Programs
For more methods to get government assistance and decrease your monthly payments, see “How to Apply for Government Assistance Programs: The Comprehensive Guide.“