A phone is a valuable tool that connects people to what matters most. Through ACP free phone, not having a cell phone shouldn’t be a barrier between you and help. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly launched government program that offers discounts on customer’s broadband internet access monthly bills. Besides, eligible low-income families receive a free mobile device discount non-transferable across households.
Moreover, eligible consumers may get ACP free phone and service from any participating wireless provider. You may also transfer your ACP benefit to any participating provider at will. Various internet service providers, including landline and wireless internet service, participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can apply through an internet service provider providing the benefit in your State or territory.
Most importantly, you can qualify for a free device through the Affordable Connectivity Program based on your household’s annual income level of 200% or below. Alternatively, you’re eligible if you or your child or dependent participates in specific government assistance programs, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, or other programs. You may require proof of eligibility by submitting relevant documents when applying for the ACP benefits.
Benefits of Affordable Connectivity Program
The affordable connectivity program provides two benefits; connected devices and monthly broadband services. Generally, the ACP benefit includes a cell phone or broadband service discount for qualifying low-income families residing on tribal and non-tribal lands. Eligible households can get up to $30 on their monthly broadband service and $75 for eligible households on qualifying tribal lands.
Additionally, some ACP providers provide free smartphones from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and others. ACP also provides qualifying households a one-time device discount of up to $100 for an internet-enabled device, including a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop. If you purchase a connected tablet, you have to pay only $10-$50 to get the device discount.
Qualifications For ACP Free Phone
A household qualifies if one member of the household matches at least one of the below criteria:
- A household income level at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Attains the eligibility criteria for a qualifying provider’s existing low-income internet program
- A participant in one of the following assistance programs:
- SNAP
- Free and Discounted-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811
- Public Housing
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- or Lifeline;
- A Participant in one of the following assistance programs and resides on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
Application for ACP Program Free Phone
When applying for a free phone through ACP, you can go to Affordable Connectivity.gov to send an application or download a mail-in application. Besides, you can contact your preferred participating provider to choose a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. Some wireless providers feature an alternative application they’ll request you complete.
If you are already a Lifeline subscriber, you can contact your internet company directly to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). If you are currently a beneficiary of the Lifeline program, you do not have to reapply for the ACP free phone. You can apply for your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services. On the other hand, if you’re already in a low-income program with a non-Lifeline provider, you can contact your internet company directly to find out if you can enroll in the program.
There are three me to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. First, you can apply online by login in or creating a new account to finish the ACP application for a free device. If you apply online, chances are you’ll get immediate approval. The other method is to apply by mail or through a qualifying wireless provider.
Our Recommended Best ACP Free Smartphone Providers 2023
Not all wireless internet providers participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can utilize the Companies Near Me tool on the USAC website to identify an ACP company in your area. Then use your Zip code or your city and State to see the complete list of options under the “see the list of companies in your state” below the search results. However, below is a list of some of the best free smartphone providers you can get through ACP;
1. T-Mobile
Mobile is a proud participant in the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides internet service payment assistance to qualifying low-income households. The Company makes the program available through Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless.
Eligible households have a discounted or FREE Metro plan featuring unlimited talk and text. At the same time, Assurance Wireless eligible customers can get an unlimited plan plus a new free phone. You can apply for a free phone through T-Mobile by observing the following:
A) Check your eligibility.
Confirm your eligibility on the National Verifier site.
B) Apply for ACP.
After confirming your eligibility, go ahead and apply for the program. The National Verifier will prove or deny your application; if approved, you’ll get your ID number in up to two days.
C) Enroll and confirm.
Proceed to https://www.t-mobile.com/customers/affordable-connectivity-program
to fill out the ACP application form using the ID number given by the National Verifier. Shortly, you’ll receive a text confirming your enrollment.
2. Airtalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is a program managed by AirVoice Wireless, LLC, and serves eligible low-income American households. To participate in the AirTalk Wireless ACP, you must meet specific eligibility requirements set by each State where the service is available. Besides, these requirements depend on a person’s participation in state, Federal support programs or by attaining the 200% Income Poverty Guidelines defined by the US Government.
Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Company offers the best customer service on the most significant nationwide 5G/4G network. AirTalk provides a free 4G/5G LTE smartphone or SIM card alongside free talk, data, and text each month to eligible customers. There is a simple application process for the free phone, and you can receive top iconic quality phone brands such as iPhones, Google Pixels, Galaxies, Motorolas, and more. You can apply at https://airtalkwireless.com/apply and receive your free ACP phone within 7-10 business days.
3. TruConnect
TruConnect is an ACP participating service that gives free broadband service, discounted tablets, and devices to eligible low-income households. You can apply online, and after you’re approved, TruConnect will ship you a free new device or SIM card. In this case, you qualify for the ACP if you or a household member participates in programs including SNAP, Section 8, Medicaid, or other government programs.
Additionally, eligibility also depends on household income. The ACP’s qualifying gross household income level is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Threshold.
TruConnect FREE ACP plans include:
California Lifeline Customers
TruConnect’s California FREE ACP plan features at least 14 GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Non-California Lifeline Customers
TruConnect’s FREE ACP plans to feature at least 12.5 GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Stand-Alone Service
TruConnect’s FREE ACP plans to feature at least 8 GB of 4G/LTE data, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and your preferred LTE-enabled hotspot device or free Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphone.
4. Qlink Wireless
Q Link Wireless is the leading nation’s fastest-growing provider of the federal Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program. Q Link Wireless Lifeline customer receives Free phone service featuring Unlimited text, talk, and data every month. Besides, Qlink offers free phones or tablets with the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.
If you’re interested in ACP benefits, you can apply at https://qlinkwireless.com/acp/. You may also qualify if your gross household income is at or less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or if you’re currently unemployed. You may also qualify based on participation in government-aided programs such as:
- SSI
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Lifeline
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits Fund and more
5. Selectel Wireless
Selectel Wireless helps low-income families stay connected through the new Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP). You can get a free smartphone if you attain one of the set qualifications. Besides, new Selectel Wireless Customers receive a $30 monthly wireless service plan from the Company at no cost. The $30 Monthly Service Plan features Unlimited Text and Talk, plus 5 GB of high-speed internet each month.
You can apply for a free phone at https://www.selectelwireless.com/acp/ to check if you qualify. If you are eligible, complete the ACP Enrollment Form. The Enrollment Form applies for your monthly ACP benefit and confirms your shipping address for a Free Smartphone.
6. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless provides government lifeline and ACP services to eligible low-income Americans. You must attach proof of your eligible benefit program or verification of your income if you apply based on your income. Cintex Wireless feature
FREE Unlimited High-Speed Data, Text, and Talk is offered to eligible households as part of the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Programs.
Additionally, Cintex Wireless goes beyond to give qualified individuals a free smartphone, including hot models like iPhone 7, Galaxy S8, LG G7 ThinQ, and more.
You may qualify for a free ACP phone through Cintex Wireless if you or a household member participates in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SSI, SNAP/Food Stamps, and more. Additionally, you can qualify for Cintex Wireless based on your household income at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Threshold; you can get a free smartphone.
You can apply at https://cintexwireless.com/apply within a few minutes. After your application is complete, reviewed, and approved, your order will get shipped to you for free of cost within 5 business days.
7. Standup wireless
StandUp Wireless is a renowned Lifeline and ACP provider. Qualifying customers enrolling in ACP with StandUp Wireless will receive free phone, minutes, text, and data. Besides, customers qualify following programs like Medicaid, Federal Public Housing and Veterans Pension, SNAP, or depending on their gross annual household income.
All StandUp Wireless phone plans feature Unlimited text, talk, and data. Amazingly, combining your Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program benefits is FREE. When you combine your Lifeline and ACP Benefits, you’ll get:
- 10 GB of High-Speed Data – 5G/4G LTE
- Unlimited Additional Data
- Unlimited Talk and Text
- Nationwide Coverage
- Plus, a FREE smartphone
You can apply for ACP free phone online at https://standupwireless.com/apply-now. Then, submit your zip code and email address and tap “Begin Application.”
Bottom Line
Not every person qualifies to receive ACP benefits. There are eligibility requirements set aside by the US Federal Government that you must meet to get ACP free phone plus other benefits. The eligibility follows a household income level according to the Federal poverty guidelines or participation in government-sponsored programs. This guideline gives you detailed information on the ACP program free devices, but for additional information, you can go to https://www.fcc.gov/acp.