With the dependence on wireless technology and online networks to survive modern life, it’s no surprise that an iPhone is one of the most coveted possessions. Aside from signifying wealth and status, an iPhone is a straightforward, user-friendly device for making calls, sending messages, accessing healthcare services, and staying connected through the internet.
However, financial constraints may limit who has access to an iPhone. That’s why the federal government is now working on keeping all Americans connected through government assistance programs.
In this article, learn more about the government’s program that provides discounted cell phone plans and free iPhone 7 models to people with financial needs.
Free Government iPhone Programs
iPhone 7 may be pretty dated compared to other iPhone models, but it still comes at quite the price. Since not all Americans can afford it upfront, the government administers the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through the Federal Communications Commission.
Through these initiatives, eligible applicants may use an iPhone 7 freely and get a discounted plan from a partner carrier. The program may be accessed as a Lifeline benefit, an ACP benefit, or a combination of the two.
To apply, you should check the eligibility process and choose between an online, mail, or carrier application.
Qualifications For A Free Government iPhone 7
To gain access to the free government iPhone 7, you should first initiate an application with Lifeline, ACP, or both.
For the Lifeline program, you must prove that your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The amount differs per state, so verify depending on your location.
However, if you apply through the ACP, you must show that your current income is at 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or lower.
You may also access the two programs if you are currently a part of government assistance programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
Aside from this, people from Tribal lands part of Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Tribal Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance are all qualified for the free iPhone 7 through Lifeline.
Document Requirements For A Free Government iPhone 7
If you deem yourself eligible for the free government iPhone 7, you must have the paperwork to prove it. Mainly, you have to prepare personal and eligibility documents. Here are some samples of the papers you must have copies of:
Personal Document Requirements
You should submit official documents containing your full name, date of birth, address, and citizenship. Some acceptable documents are:
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
- Government-issued ID cards
- Military ID card
- Lease or mortgage statement
- Passport
- Permanent resident card
- Tribal ID card
- Utility bills
- U.S. driver’s license
- W-2 return
Eligibility Document Requirements
As mentioned above, eligibility for these programs falls heavily on proof of low income or participation in a government assistance program. You may consider submitting any of these documents:
- Child support award
- Divorce decree
- Income statement certified by your employer
- Paycheck
- Statement of benefits from government assistance programs, including approval letter, benefit award letter, and benefits verification letter
- Veteran’s administration benefits
Lifeline And ACL Partners That Offer Free iPhone 7 Phone Service Plans
Getting a free government iPhone 7 is possible by finding service providers in your local area that are part of the program. Some of the top choices to consider include:
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless offers a Lifeline ACP combo plan with a free iPhone 7 to people from New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. It’s important to note that you must apply for a combo plan, as the Lifeline program only offers a SIM card, and the ACP program only comes with a basic phone.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless caters to people from Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, Oregon, Texas, and West Virginia. You can get the free iPhone 7, but you must apply from their website to see if you qualify.
NewPhone Wireless
Another service provider you can rely on for a free iPhone 7 is NewPhone Wireless. It offers Lifeline, ACP, and a combo plan for low-income individuals in Louisiana and Wyoming, but the combo is the only one that comes with a free phone.
Aside from the free iPhone 7, eligible applicants will also access unlimited talk time, texts, caller ID, voicemail, three-way calling, and 15 GB of 4G or 5G data.
Conclusion
The iPhone 7 is the perfect phone for people looking for a device with a good camera, ample storage, and the basic features you need for day-to-day use. If you need to stay connected but don’t have enough resources, the Lifeline and ACP programs are worth checking out. Check your eligibility and apply now to get your hands on a free iPhone!
If you want to learn more about free cellphone programs for low-income families, you can check out our free guide at Gov Relations!
