It is possible to get a free iPhone with Food Stamps after meeting specific requirements. Food Stamp Program, also called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal government program that provides food-buying assistance for low- and no-income people to maintain adequate nutrition and health. It is a federal aid program administered by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). However, specific departments of US states distribute benefits.
Since the program is for low-income households, the government programs can use it to offer free phones such as iPhones and other gadgets. You only need to provide your documentation, and you are good to go. You can get a free iPhone device through Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program. The two are government assistance programs meant to assist low-income households to benefit from free mobile phone services, phones, plus tablets.
An iPhone is among the best devices you can have. The devices are consistently ranked among the most powerful smartphones on the market. Apple designs its processors and operating systems, allowing for high optimization. Additionally, iPhones are known for their excellent security features. The features include Touch ID and Face ID, which allow users to unlock their handsets without entering a password. iPhones also receive regular security updates, which helps to keep them safe from malware and other threats.
How to get a free iPhone with Food Stamps
There are two ways you can get a free iphone with Food Stamps. They include the following.
- Lifeline
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
1. LifelineÂ
Lifeline is a federal initiative that provides discounted or free phone and internet service to low-income individuals and families.
To be eligible for Lifeline, you must meet specific income requirements. You can check your eligibility on the net at the Lifeline National Verifier website. If you are eligible, you can choose a participating carrier and apply for a free or discounted phone.
Some carriers that offer free iPhones through the Lifeline program include:
- Assurance Wireless
- Tracfone
- Safelink Wireless
- US Cellular
- T-Mobile
How to qualify for Lifeline
You can qualify with Food Stamps. However, other than Food Stamps, there are two ways to qualify for Lifeline. They include the following.
- Income: Your household income must be below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can find the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size and state on the Lifeline National Verifier website.
- Participation in an eligible government assistance program: You must participate in one of the following government assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- SSI
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start
How to apply for Lifeline
You can apply for the aid program through a participating carrier if eligible for Lifeline. You can find a list of participating Lifeline providers on the Lifeline National Verifier website.
Once you apply for Lifeline, you must provide proof of eligibility. The type of proof of eligibility you need will vary depending on how you qualify for Lifeline. For example, if you qualify for Lifeline based on your income, you must provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax return.
If approved for Lifeline, you will obtain a monthly discount on your mobile phone or internet service. The discount amount varies depending on the carrier and the type of service you choose. Your service provider will also send your free iPhone to your address.
2. Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP is a federal program that provides discounted internet service to low-income households. The FCC funds the program. Food Stamps can qualify you for the program. However, you may qualify for ACP if your household income is 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You can also be eligible for ACP if you participate in one of the following government assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- SSI
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start
How to apply for ACP
To apply for a free iPhone through ACP, you must provide proof of eligibility, such as a government-issued ID or proof of participation in a qualifying government assistance program. You can apply online, via mail, or at a participating ISP store.
Once approved for ACP, you will receive a free iPhone and a monthly plan with unlimited talk, text, and data. You can follow the process below to apply for a free iPhone.
- Check your eligibility at the FCC’s website.
- Choose a participating ISP.
- Apply for a free or discounted internet plan.
- Provide proof of eligibility.
- Receive your free iPhone and monthly plan.
Some service providers offering free iPhones through the ACP program include the following.
- Assurance Wireless
- Tracfone
- Safelink Wireless
- US Cellular
- T-Mobile
Documents needed for Lifeline and ACP application
The documents you must provide to apply for Lifeline and ACP will vary depending on how you qualify for the programs. They include the following.
- Lifeline
- Income: If you qualify for Lifeline based on income, you must provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax return.
- Participation in an eligible government assistance program: If you qualify for Lifeline based on your participation in a government assistance program, you must provide proof of participation, such as a letter from your benefits administrator.
- Government-issued ID: You must provide a government such as a driver’s license or passport.
- ACP
- Income: If you qualify for ACP based on your income, you must provide proof of income, such as a recent pay stub or tax return.
- Participation in a qualifying government aid program: If you qualify for ACP based on your participation in a government assistance program, you must provide proof of participation, such as a letter from your benefits administrator.
- Government-issued ID: You must provide a government ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- Proof of address: You must produce proof of address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Bottom line
If you are eligible for Food Stamps, you may also be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline, two federal programs that provide discounted or free phone and internet service to low-income individuals and families. Some participating carriers offer free iPhones to ACP and Lifeline-eligible customers. You can apply online, via mail, or at a participating carrier store.