Ohio is found in the Midwestern United States, with a population of almost 11.8 million. With this dense population, among them low-income families, the US Federal government provides free government phones Ohio to eligible households. However, you must be enrolled in Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Programs powered by Federal Communication Commission. In other words, you must qualify based on income and participation in a government-aided program like SSI.
In addition, the free government phone Ohio program is limited to only a single member per household. Eligible households will enjoy a free government phone Ohio with additional features like 3-way calling and voice calling, among others. Moreover, you will also get excellent plans which constitute unlimited talks, text, and data, depending on your phone plan. Furthermore, you must be enrolled in a telecommunication service provider company like Truconnect and AirTalk Wireless, through which you will apply for your free government phone Ohio.
To obtain a free government phone based on income criteria in Ohio, you must meet the income criteria of 135% or less of the federal poverty guidelines for Lifeline. However, for ACP, your household income must be 200% or under the federal poverty guidelines for the Affordable Connectivity program. You must also provide legal documents as proof of eligibility when applying for this free cell phone benefit. This write-up explains how to get a free government phone in Ohio.
Who Is Eligible For Free Government Phone Ohio
You can be for a free phone in any of the following ways:
- Lifeline
- Affordable connectivity program
Qualification Through Lifeline
You are qualified for free phone government phone Ohio with lifeline benefits if you meet the following eligibility criteria.
- Based on income, you are eligible if you have an annual household income of 135% or less of the federal poverty guidelines.
- For the participation criteria, you must be a participant in any of the following government-aided programs:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Reduced lunch program and breakfast program
Based on tribal lands and participation in these government-aided programs:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Income-based Head Start
Qualification via Affordable Connectivity Program
For eligibility for free government phone in Ohio, you must meet the following criteria.
- If you have an annual income of 200% or under the federal poverty guidelines for the Affordable Connectivity program.
- You must participate in any of these government-assisted programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
You are also qualified if you are a resident in tribal lands and you participated in the following government-aided program:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
- Head Start
Documentation For Proof Of Eligibility
You must submit the following documents as proof of eligibility for a free government phone in Ohio.
- Identification Documents
Green card or Permanent Resident Card
A valid government, state, military or Tribal ID
Certificate of US Citizenship or Naturalization
US valid Driver’s license
Birth Certificate
- Participation proof documents
Statement of benefits
Benefit award letter
Approval letter
Benefit verification letter
School documentation
- Income proof documents
Divorce decree, child support award
Pay check stubs
Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
Current income statement from your employer
Veterans Administration statement of benefits
Retirement/ pension statement of benefits
Social Security statement of benefits
Tribal or Federal participation letter in General Assistance
How To Apply For Free Government In Ohio
Since ACP and Lifeline don’t offer free government phones in Ohio, you must enroll in a nearby service provider to apply. Follow the below steps to enroll for a free government phone in Ohio.
- Visit the national verifier to confirm your Lifeline and ACP programs eligibility.
- Locate your desired service provider with ACP and lifeline benefits.
- Visit the official website of your service carrier and apply
- Fill out the correct information on the form you will be provided with and attach the required legal documents.
- Proofread your form before you submit it.
- You will receive a notification on a successful application, and your free government phone Ohio will be shipped to you.
- Alternatively, you may call their customer care services and be directed on how to apply.
Best Service Providers For Free Phone In Ohio
1. TruConnect
This telecommunication service provider offers free government phone Ohio with a lifeline and ACP benefits. If you qualify with ACP benefits, you will enjoy a $30 discount, whereas if you qualify with tribal land criteria will get up to a $75 discount. In addition, these government phones come with unique plans that include international calls, unlimited talk, text, and data.
If you subscribe to TruConnect in Ohio, downloading the MyTruConnect app would be helpful. This app will allow you to:
- Upgrade your device.
- Manage your account quickly.
- Top Up your international minutes or data if you run out.
- Find hotspot locations.
- Earn rewards that turn into free minutes and data.
2. Airtalk Wireless
Airtalk is a mobile virtual network operator powered by AirVoice Wireless, LLC. Eligible customers get free government phones in Ohio without contracts and hidden fees. Furthermore, you will enjoy 5G national network coverage. You will also enjoy bringing your own phone program, especially when you want a phone upgrade.
To enroll, visit Airtalk Wireless’s official website and enter your zip code. Then tap “Apply Now” and fill out the correct personal information. Proofread the form and attach legal documents before you submit the document. You will also choose your desired phone plan, including the Lifeline plan, ACP plan, and Lifeline and ACP combo plan.
Bottom Line
If enrolled in a Lifeline program or ACP, you can acquire a free government phone in Ohio. The two programs require you to attain income eligibility requirements depending on your household size or government subsidy participation criteria. Moreover, you must provide legal documents as eligibility proof, including proof of your identity. To apply, you can visit a participating wireless provider like Truconnect or Airtalk Wireless.