The importance of a smartphone for a household cannot be emphasized any further. Today, every person should have one, or at least one in a family, because it’s the most efficient way to communicate. You can send messages and even call people worldwide through SMS and various video applications connected to the internet.
And if you want a device, you have thousands of options available for you. Of course, one reigns supreme when it comes to this — the iPhone. It remains the most desirable for Americans, as it is straightforward, long-lasting, technologically advanced, and packed with features.
If you can’t afford an iPhone because of low household income, here’s some good news. You can apply for a free government iPhone 11 with government assistance programs! Continue reading to find out how to qualify.
How The Free Government iPhone 11 Program Works
If you want access to free government phones, there are two programs you must know about — the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Through these programs, carriers can provide their customers with free smartphones, and if you’re lucky, an Apple iPhone 11.
Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal program by the FCC with the primary purpose of providing low-income households, and individuals access to more affordable phone and internet services. Through Lifeline, you can get a $9.25 discount on your monthly plan as long as you meet the eligibility criteria. Furthermore, if you live on Tribal lands, your discount can be up to $34.25. Aside from that, you get free phones from your service provider, depending on model availability.
Affordable Connectivity Program
On the other hand, the Affordable Connectivity Program is a more modernized version of a government program on communications, focusing mainly on internet connectivity over wireless access. Its purpose is to give discounts on monthly high-speed internet connections while ensuring access to laptops, smartphones, tablets, and others.
These two government programs have their own rules and guidelines, and you first have to complete and be successful in your application to get your new phone. You can process your application through their websites or head straight to a service provider in your city or state.
After applying, you can quickly get your device from the carrier. However, you cannot guarantee that an iPhone 11 will be the one provided for you. In some cases, you’ll be able to take your pick amongst the older iPhone models, like the iPhone 6 or iPhone 7, that the carrier still has in stock.
Qualifying For A Free Government iPhone 11
In order to enjoy the benefit of free iPhones from Lifeline or ACP, you must make sure you qualify for its eligibility criteria.
When it comes to the Lifeline program, you are eligible to receive the benefit if your household income stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, depending on the state you live in.
If you don’t meet this requirement, you may still be eligible if you are a participant in a government assistance program like:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
For those residing on Tribal lands, you may also get a free iPhone if you take part in these services:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
On the other hand, for the ACP, your income must stand at or be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you don’t meet this criterion, being a participant in the programs mentioned above or being a Lifeline program recipient allows you to qualify for the benefit.
What You Need To Do To Get A Free Government iPhone 11
In your application for Lifeline or ACP, you have to provide proof that you meet the eligibility requirements through personal documents and eligibility documents. Here are the things you have to prepare and submit:
Personal Documents
You should submit official documents that contain your full name, address, and date of birth. Some of the examples you can use are:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- U.S driver’s license
- Government-issued, Tribal, state, or military ID
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or naturalization
- Green card or permanent resident card
- Utility bill
- Most recent tax or W-2 return
- Lease or mortgage statement
Eligibility Documents
Eligibility documents refer to those showing you are earning a low income or participating in a government assistance program.
Income-related documents you can submit in your application include:
- Current income statement from your employer
- Paycheck stub
- Divorce decree
- Child support award
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Tribal or Federal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
You may also submit your proof that you participate in SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, and other government programs, like:
- Benefit verification letter
- Approval letter
- Benefit award letter
- Statement of benefits
Start Applying For A Free iPhone Today
If you meet the qualifications for the free government iPhone 11 program, you should not waste the opportunity and begin the application process right away. The benefits can help you and your family, especially if you need access to public services and a way to protect your family during emergencies.
You can get started by going to the Lifeline and ACP websites to submit your application form and complete the process.
Learn more about benefits available for low-income families through exploring Gov Relations. Check out our free resources today, like our guide to free government internet service programs!
