AT&T ranks as the third-largest telecommunication provider in the U.S. The carrier participates in the Lifeline program that offers eligible low-income families AT&T wireless free government phones and services. As part of the Lifeline program, the Federal Government offers free or affordable phones and services through participating wireless providers to those who qualify. Lifeline-qualified households also are eligible for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through AT&T.
Most importantly, low-income households benefit from AT&T wireless’s reliable services and discounted rates. With Lifeline through AT&T, you can reduce your monthly internet and phone costs if you’re on income constraint. The discount applies to AT&T home phone or wireless phone service. Notably, AT&T does not provide a Lifeline benefit on internet service. Again, AT&T doesn’t provide lifeline discounts if you receive discounts from other wireless providers.
In this case, eligible households receive $5.25 per month of an eligible voice service. Besides, qualifying AT&T customers residing on federally recognized tribal lands may get an extra $25 per month off their service. The Lifeline discount applies to one benefit per household, not per person, and a household can receive a Lifeline benefit from only one provider. You can pick the phone discount or the internet discount, but not both.
The Best Procedure To Get AT&T Wireless Free Government Phones
In the following we are talking about the most effectives ways to achieve AT&T free cell phones by obeys federal governments rules.
1. Lifeline
You may qualify for a Lifeline discount, depending on your income. If you meet the 135% or less household income requirements according to Federal Poverty Guideline, you are eligible for AT&T free government cell phone service. Additionally, you can qualify based on participation in any of the below government-sponsored programs:
- SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Tribal Programs (for eligible customers residing on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
However, qualifying customers must follow all applicable Lifeline eligibility to maintain their Lifeline benefits, including recertifying eligibility when requested.
i) Requirement And Application Process
The requirements for application entails you must live in an area where AT&T’s Lifeline program is. Customers eligible for a Lifeline discount on internet services must be existing AT&T internet customers and have a plan that attains the Lifeline program’s requirements and minimum service standards. Again, eligible customers must recertify each year to maintain the Lifeline discount. AT&T usually sends a reminder, and you must recertify within 60 of getting the notification. Otherwise, you will lose your discount.
For California  residents, you can call 800.288.2020 (Weekdays, from 6 am to 6 pm, Pacific Time) to begin the application process.For non-California and Texas residents, you can apply online at https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline  through the National Verifier. Alternatively, you can also download and print a copy of the application. After applying and getting approval from the National Verifier, contact us at 877.338.0496 (Weekdays, from 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time) to confirm if AT&T provides Lifeline at your location.
ii) Documentations
When applying for AT&T lifeline programs, you must attach several eligibility documents to your application form. Remember to give copies when submitting eligibility proof documents. When submitting documents based on income, you can avail of the 3 consecutive months’ pay stubs and your previous federal, state, or tribal tax return.
When providing documents based on participation in a government assistance program, you can submit a federal Public housing assistance award letter, Medicaid card, Supplemental security income benefit letter, or any other government-aided program cover letter. When proving identity, you can submit your State ID card, Birth certificate, or Driving license.
2. Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a federally managed program that helps eligible households afford connectivity services like free cell phones and internet plans. Through ACP, eligible low-income families can lower their internet or wireless bills by $30 monthly or $75 per month if they reside on Tribal lands. Interestingly, AT&T is proud to participate in the program.
If your annual household income is the same or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are eligible for AT&T ACP enrollment. Again, you qualify for the ACP if you (or a household member) participate in any of these programs:
- SNAP or Food Stamps.
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for (WIC) Women, Infants, and Children.
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA).
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Programs or School Breakfast Programs, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- If you reside on qualifying Tribal lands, you also qualify for the ACP
i) Requirement and Application Process
To enroll for the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) benefit through AT&T, proceed to affordableconnectivity.gov, as AT&T does not confirm eligibility. However, to speed up your enrollment, ensure to save your Application ID from the federal government’s National Verifier. After getting approved, you can contact AT&T at 855.512.9837 to enroll for ACP using your National Verifier application I.D.
If you are already approved for AT&T Lifeline, you need not re-apply for ACP. You’re automatically qualified.
ii) Documentations
To apply for ACP, you must submit your eligibility information to the National Verifier at www.affordableconnectivity.gov, reach out to 1-855-512-9837 with your application I.D. Then, enroll in the ACP through AT&T for your eligible internet service to finish your enrollment. In this case, Lifeline customers do not require an application I.D.).
To be eligible for ACP, you must present to the National Verifier, with documentation as required, that your household income level is equal to or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines; or that at least a household member participates in a qualifying federal sponsored program.
You may have to show a card, letter, or official document to prove participation in one of these programs when applying for the ACP. You may show proof of government-aided program participation by submitting documents like a benefits letter or official document when applying for the ACP.
The Phones That Offer AT&T
AT&T offers a versatile selection of cell phones from the most reputable brands, from basic flip phones to the latest and most advanced smartphones. Besides, you can find different cell phone plans at affordable and discounted rates. AT&T Lifeline offers discounts on wireless, home phone, and internet services for qualified low-income customers, a reliable network, and many other amazing deals on cell phones and plans.
Bottom Line
There are various qualifications to match to qualify for AT&T government phone through the Lifeline program. However, every state has its own requirements, and to ensure eligibility for the AT&T lifeline program, you should confirm with your state first. Besides, all states have similar eligibility requirements based on income level and government-sponsored program participation.