Nowadays, you can not go about your day without your smartphone. They are an essential tool for staying in touch with loved ones and accessing crucial services. However, not all of us can actually afford to buy a smartphone. Fortunately, recognizing this issue, several government assistance programs have been set up to provide smartphones, even the iPhone 11, to those who can not afford them otherwise.
This article is especially for those of you who want to get your hands on a free government iPhone 11. It is an extensive guide on how you can get a free iPhone 11 through the Lifeline and ACP federal programs. We have covered everything from eligibility requirements to proof required to the application procedure and more.
Can You Get a Free Government iPhone 11?
The short answer to this question is: Absolutely! You can get a free iPhone 11 through certain government assistance programs, but only if you fit into the eligibility criteria.
As you know, several government programs offer free or discounted cell phones and services to qualifying people and families. Among these programs, the Lifeline Assistance Program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are the most popular.
The two programs seek to close the digital gap by making sure everyone has access to the necessary communication tools they need to stay in touch with loved ones as well as receive essential services.
For both Lifeline and ACP, you must submit an application and be accepted to get your new iPhone 11. You can fill out an online application or reach out to a service provider in your area to apply.
Government Programs that Provide Free Government iPhone 11
To get a free government iPhone 11, you will need to qualify for one of two government assistance programs, i.e., Lifeline and ACP. Let’s take a look at these programs in greater detail.
Lifeline Assistance Program
Lifeline is a federal program that helps disadvantaged and low-income people by offering them a discount on their phone bills or free cell phone and internet services. If you qualify for Lifeline, you can get a monthly discount of $9.25 on your phone bill; what’s more, any customers living on Tribal Lands can get an extra discount of $34.25.
Eligible households can use their Lifeline benefit to get a free or discounted government phone or tablet from a participating service provider.
Keep in mind that you can only get one Lifeline service per household. This means that each household—defined as any individual or group of individuals who reside together at the same address and share income and expenses—is only eligible for one Lifeline benefit.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is another federal program that was planned for the purpose of promoting universal access to reliable and high-speed internet services for everyone.
Through discounts on monthly bills as well as on the purchase of computer devices, the ACP aims to make internet service more accessible to those who might otherwise be unable to afford it.
If you qualify for ACP, you can get a monthly discount of up to $30 on your internet bill. Moreover, for any customers living on Tribal Lands, the discount can exceed up to $75 per month. Another great perk of ACP includes a one-time discount of $100 on a phone, laptop, or other computer device from certain participating providers.
However, you may need to contribute a small amount of at least $10 but no more than $50 for the purchase of the device.
Do You Qualify for a Free Government iPhone 11?
To be eligible for the Lifeline and ACP programs and obtain a free government-issued iPhone 11 in the US, you must meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
The government organization responsible for the Lifeline and ACP programs is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The eligibility criteria for Lifeline and ACP have been broken down into two main categories as follows:
Eligibility Criteria for Lifeline
Income-based requirements: You can qualify for the Lifeline program if your yearly household income is at/below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Program participation-based requirements: Your household can also qualify for Lifeline if one of the household members is enrolled in one of these government assistance programs (federal or Tribal):
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start Subsidy (only for households meeting the income standard)
- If you live on Tribal land and receive Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Eligibility Criteria for the ACP
Income-based requirements: You can qualify for the ACP if your yearly household income is at/below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Program participation-based requirements: You can also qualify for ACP if you (or someone in your household) participate in at least one of the government assistance programs listed under Lifeline. Otherwise, if a child in your family receives free or reduced-price school lunch.
WIC participation-based requirements: If someone in your household is enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), you are eligible for ACP.
Federal Pell Grant requirements: Someone in the household is the recipient of the Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Documents You Must Submit to Prove Your Eligibility
Before applying for the free iPhone 11 program, you will need to collect several documents to prove your eligibility for Lifeline or ACP. The list of documents can vary according to your state, but generally, you will need to provide the following types of proof:
Proof of identity and address: You can submit any official document that contains your full name, date of birth, and address. Some of these can include:
- passport,
- your government-issued ID or military ID,
- birth certificate,
- driver’s license,
- certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization,
- Green Card or permanent residence card, and
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document
Proof of income: To prove that you fit into the income eligibility criteria, you will need to provide any official document that mentions your yearly income. Some of these documents are:
- Your current pay stub
- your previous year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return,
- a Social Security statement of benefit,
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits,
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits,
- divorce decree, child support award, and
- a retirement/pension benefit statement
Proof of participation in government assistance programs: If you are enrolled in any of the above-mentioned government assistance programs, you will also need to provide proof of participation. For this, you can submit:
- your government assistance approval letter,
- a program benefit award letter,
- a statement of benefits, and
- a benefit verification letter issued by the relevant agency
Proof of participation in national school lunch programs: A valid document that indicates a student in your household is receiving benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
Proof for Federal Pell Grant: An official document that verifies you or a member of your household has received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
How to Apply for a Free Government iPhone 11?
You can apply for a free government iPhone 11 in several easy ways through the channel of your choice. You can try filling out an online application, mailing your application to the relevant agency, or just reaching out to your service provider.
Regardless of the application method, you will still need to provide proof of eligibility, such as proof of income or participation in a qualifying government assistance program. Be sure to have all the required documents ready before submitting your application.
You can choose the method of your choice from the following list of options at your convenience:
- Online application: The quickest way to apply for Lifeline or ACP programs is online through the official government website. This method is convenient and allows you to apply from the comfort of your home. Click here to apply online for the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline.
In addition, many Lifeline and ACP service providers offer online applications on their websites. All you need to do is visit the provider’s website, fill out the application form, and submit it online.
Click here to use the Companies Near Me tool to find Lifeline and ACP service providers in your area.
- Mail-in application: You can also get a Lifeline or ACP application form online and fill it out manually. Once completed, you can mail it back to the respective agency office in your area, along with any required supporting documents. This method is suitable for those who don’t have internet access or prefer to fill out a paper application.
Click here to download an application form for Lifeline and ACP.
ACP Mail Address: ACP Support Center
PO Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
Lifeline Mail Address: Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 1877
Once you are done with the application process, all you have to do is wait for the service provider team to respond. They will send you an email if your application is approved or rejected.
If your application is approved, the email will include the details about your offer and when you will get your free government iPhone 11. Your phone will usually be shipped within a week of approval.
Note: It is important to note that there is no foolproof way of making sure that you’ll get an iPhone 11. For some service providers, you might have to settle for one of the earlier models of the iPhone.
Popular Companies that Offer Free Government iPhone 11 through ACP/Lifeline
We must emphasize that the eligibility requirements and program availability may vary by your state or service provider. To find a service provider that offers Lifeline or ACP in your area, you can search for providers using the Companies Near Me tool, contact your current provider, or call the Lifeline/ACP support center.
Here is a list of some of the service providers that offer free government iPhone 11 through ACP or Lifeline:
- Boost Mobile
- AT&T
- Verizon
- Mint Mobile
- T-Mobile
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Blue Jay Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
Lifeline and ACP Customer Support
Lifeline Support Center
You can contact the Lifeline Support Center seven days a week, anytime between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
Phone: (800) 234 9473 (press 1 for English and 2 for Spanish)
E-mail: [email protected]
ACP Support Center
You can also contact the ACP Support Center seven days a week, anytime between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET.
Phone: (877) 384 2575
E-mail: [email protected]
Final Takeaways
The Lifeline and ACP are two government programs that provide free or discounted cell phones and services to qualifying people and families. To qualify for a free government iPhone 11, individuals must meet the eligibility criteria set by the FCC.
There are several methods to apply for these programs, including online applications through the official government website and mail-in applications. Popular companies that offer free government iPhone 11 through ACP or Lifeline include Boost Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Mint Mobile, T-Mobile, and more.
