JamieA free-of-charge smartphone can be a life-changing element for many Florida residents who can’t afford one. If you’re one of them, you have a few ways to get a free government phone in Florida.
Ways to Get A Free Government Phone in Florida
You can choose between two categories of options if you want a free government phone. One of them is available for all states, whereas the other one could be Florida-specific.
- Lifeline
Lifeline, the federal assistance program, offers you the best shot at getting a government smartphone. Though the program is designed to offer low-cost cellular and internet connectivity to those struggling financially, it offers an opportunity to get a decent smartphone.
Because Florida is one of the states where the Lifeline program is made available, you can choose between multiple levels of discounts based on your eligibility status. If you are eligible to enrol in Lifeline, you should consider it for the best results.
- Local Programs in Florida
Many local programs in Florida also work with the government to offer affordable connectivity for those who are struggling. You can count on one of these programs to get a smartphone. One limitation we have found is that the eligibility criteria may vary based on the program.
You might also have to settle for a generic smartphone or a flip phone instead of something more reliable. But if you have an active support community nearby, you can check it out.
Since we cannot be sure of the local programs in Florida, we will focus on the Lifeline program and how it can offer a free smartphone.
How to Qualify for the Lifeline Program?
The essential eligibility criteria for the Lifeline program is your household income. Please note that we are talking of a household, not an individual. However, you have a few ways to prove your eligibility if you already benefit from other assistance programs.
- First, you can show your proof of income. Your pay slips and tax stubs are enough to show that your total household income is below the limits set by the federal poverty guidelines. The limits for one-person and two-person households in Florida are $20,331 and $27,594, respectively.
- If you already benefit from programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or FPHA, your eligibility for the program is enough to qualify for the Lifeline program. Similarly, other programs like Tribal TANF and the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance can also offer a quick way to qualify for the program.
- Thanks to the Safe Connections Act, survivors of problematic circumstances such as domestic violence and human trafficking are also eligible for the Lifeline program. However, you still need to prove that your total income is less than the upper limit.
By the way, you can expedite the qualifying process for Lifeline if your child or dependent(s) are enrolled in one of the programs we have mentioned.
Application Procedure: Overview
The application procedure for getting a free government phone through the Lifeline program involves three major steps:
- You need to qualify for the Lifeline program and complete the application process through the official site.
- Once you receive a positive response, you can use it to contact one of the many Lifeline partners nearby. It is essential to consider multiple options so that you can choose the best one.
- Once you confirm a service provider, you can contact the company to start the process via Lifeline. You will likely get the smartphone and subsidised internet/cellular plan in a day or two.
You should keep in mind that the Lifeline program expects you to pay for the internet/calling service. However, the plan charges will be pretty low since the program can offer discounts up to $40.
You can also go in the opposite direction, where you contact the service provider and apply for Lifeline through it. You may find better deals this way since companies also benefit when they offer a Lifeline-enabled plan to one of the eligible users.
Free Government Phones You Can Get
Multiple service providers may offer different devices, including generic smartphones and branded ones. You may also find deals where you can co-pay for a better device—a fraction of the cost, of course. You can look for devices like the Apple iPhone 11 and Samsung Galaxy S9.
Conclusion
As we always recommend, gauge your options before you apply through a wireless provider. Make sure that you’re getting the maximum discount you are eligible for.
