Those without a permanent place to live or shelter are considered homeless. These individuals and low-income families can receive a free cell phone for homeless under the federally funded Lifeline program, which was established during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eligible families can connect to the digital world and maintain communication with friends and family by using the free cell phones provided to the homeless. These organizations give free or inexpensive internet in addition to free cell phones to qualified homeless people.
In general, the majority of homeless shelter residents are unable to purchase a smartphone. They therefore need a phone in order to access online learning, obtain essential information, and report any emergencies, including illness or insecurity. Thanks to the American Federal Government, homeless persons can now own smartphones and benefit from the security features of a cell phone. Numerous low-income and homeless individuals are eligible for free smartphones that come with free internet service plans that include limitless data, call, and text. You must, however, fulfill some qualifying requirements in order to qualify.
The Federal Poverty Guidelines’ Lifeline or ACP income criteria must be met in order to be eligible for free cell phones for those without houses. As an alternative, you need to sign up for a government benefit program that qualifies, such as Public Housing. In order to be eligible for a free phone, homeless applicants must make sure they match the conditions. Next, get in touch with a local phone company that provides ACP or Lifeline services. Must include supporting paperwork with their application to demonstrate their income or program-based eligibility.
How Homeless People Can Get Free Cell Phones
Step 1: Verify Your Qualifications
Verify your eligibility before beginning any application for free smartphones for the homeless offered by the Affordable Connectivity Program or Lifeline. In this instance, in order to be eligible for a free phone, you have to meet certain income limits as stated in the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Additionally, you must be enrolled in eligible government subsidy programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and others, as will be clearly stated shortly. The FCC’s National Verifier website allows you to verify your eligibility.
Step 2: Pick a Wireless Provider That Participates
Selecting a participating wireless carrier comes next after eligibility has been verified. In every state, the FCC collaborates with a number of internet service providers (ISPs) to supply qualified homeless people with free cell phones Such as:
- Easy Wireless,
- TruConnect,
- Assurance Wireless,
- Cintex Wireless,
- Q Link Wireless and others are some of these providers.
The USAC website has a comprehensive list of participating providers.
Step 3: Sign up for the Free Homeless Cell Phone Program.
The next step is to apply for a free phone through Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program after deciding on your chosen participating provider. Depending on the service you select, the application process varies. To apply, however, the majority of providers will ask candidates to call a customer service agent or complete an online enrollment form.
Step Four: Get a Free Cell Phone
You will receive your free cell phone if your application for one through Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program is accepted. Depending on stock availability, this program usually provides a feature phone or a basic smartphone. In certain instances, the program might even cover the price of a top-notch smartphone from companies like Apple or Samsung.
Are You Eligible for a Free Government Phone for Homeless People?
i. Meet the requirements of the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines
Those who are homeless are eligible for a free government phone through the ACP or Lifeline. An applicant must meet the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline or have an annual gross income of 135% to be eligible for these programs. ACP requires a Federal Poverty Policy income of 200% or less. This recommendation is based on your state and household size.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
Most significantly, when applying for a free phone for homeless persons based on economic requirements, you might need to provide proof of income, such as a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs.
ii. Federal Assistance Programs Based on Qualifications
If you (or someone in your homeless shelter) take part in any of the following programs, you can receive a free phone through ACP or Lifeline:
- Food Stamps, or SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under Medicaid
- Assistance for Federal Public Housing (FPHA)
- Survivors Benefit and Veterans Pension
- The National School Lunch Program
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) Federal Pell Grant
Programs for Tribal Assistance consist of:
- Head Start (only for those who meet the standard income requirements)
- Food Distribution Program for Tribal TANF on Indian Reservations
- General Assistance Bureau of Indian Affairs
- You could be required to submit a benefits letter or other official document as proof of participation when applying for programs that have program-based requirements.
Application Process Obtain a Free Cell Phone for homeless
Applying online, by mail, or by contacting your phone or internet provider are all options. To apply online, go to acpbenefit.org and fill out the application for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Lifeline.
To apply by mail, print an application form from the ACP’s official website in either Spanish or English, then fill it out with the necessary details. Next, print the household worksheet, complete it, and send it to the following address:
ACP Support Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773, P.O. Box 9100
Or Lifeline Support Center, Wilkes-Barre, PA 1877, P.O. Box 9100
Another option is to apply for ACP and Lifeline services by filling out an application on the website of your phone provider. Within a few business days of submitting your application, you will be mailed a free cell phone if you qualify.
The Greatest Cell Phone Program for the Homeless
There are two types of free cell phone programs: the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline.
Lifeline Program
For qualified consumers, phone service is subsidized under the Lifeline government assistance program. A free phone or SIM card and a monthly allocation of free talk, texts, and data are given to eligible homeless persons. The federal government lowers the cost of free cellphone service for low-income families and homeless people under this initiative. The federal government acknowledged that denying homeless families access to a phone could put their personal safety at greater risk.
ACP Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, is a recently launched federal free government phone program that provides connectivity to Americans with low incomes, including those who are homeless. When qualifying households fulfill the program-based or income-based eligibility conditions, they can get a free smartphone and monthly phone service. However, each qualifying household is only permitted to have one free cell phone and a monthly subscription for the homeless.
Bottom line
People experiencing homelessness may remain in the dark if they are unable to access contemporary technological developments. A cell phone is essential for homeless people’s personal protection, education, job hunting, communication with friends and family, and access to breaking news and information. Those without housing can apply for a free phone program if they meet the state’s eligibility requirements for Lifeline, which is also worth noting. The federal government promises free phone service and to all Americans phone service and support. If qualified, please note that only one free cell phone for the homeless and monthly service will be available per household regardless of income or participation the program.
