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Federal Lifeline Program

A free 5G phone, on a network that actually shows up.

Free 5G Wireless is a nationwide wireless service provider and Lifeline partner. We help eligible households apply for Lifeline and get connected — a Free Government Smartphone, Free Government iPhone, or Samsung device, plus unlimited talk & text and monthly data, through our partner network of participating carriers.

No credit check No contracts Nationwide 5G/LTE

60-second eligibility check

Free

Do you receive Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance?

Is your household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines?

Is anyone else in your household already enrolled in Lifeline?

You may be eligible

Based on your answers, your household may qualify for a free Lifeline plan and device. Final eligibility is confirmed by the National Verifier during application.

Continue to Application

This quick check is for guidance only and does not submit any information. Formal eligibility is determined by the National Verifier when you apply.

Switch & save

Free phone when you switch to Free 5G Wireless

Bring your Lifeline benefit or number over — keep your number, skip the switching fee.

See switch offer
50/50
States & territories served
$0/mo
For qualifying Lifeline households
3–5
Business days, typical device shipping
1985
The year the federal Lifeline program began
About us

About Free 5G Wireless

Free 5G Wireless LLC is a nationwide wireless service provider and Lifeline partner dedicated to closing the digital divide for eligible Americans. Since our founding, we've focused on one goal: making it simple for qualifying households to access Free 5G Government Phones, tablets, and affordable wireless plans without the confusion that often surrounds government assistance programs. Through our partner network of participating carriers, we help customers apply for Lifeline service and get connected with a Free Government Smartphone, a Free Government iPhone, or another qualifying device — often within days, not months.

We work with households across all 50 states, including families receiving SNAP and Medicaid benefits, seniors on fixed incomes, veterans and their survivors, students balancing remote coursework, and individuals with disabilities who rely on dependable connectivity for telehealth appointments and independent living. For many of these households, a reliable Free Phone isn't a luxury — it's the difference between staying connected to a doctor, a job application, a school portal, or a loved one, and falling through the cracks. That's the transformation we aim for: not just handing someone a device, but restoring a line to the people, services, and opportunities that depend on being reachable.

Depending on eligibility, location, and inventory, customers may qualify for a Free iPhone Government Phone on our 5G network, a Samsung Galaxy device, or a 4G-capable smartphone in areas where 5G coverage is still expanding. We also help eligible households access a Tablet, an iPad, and — through select EBT-linked eligibility programs — a Laptop, useful for students, jobseekers, and anyone who needs a bigger screen for schoolwork or job applications. Already have a compatible phone? Our Free Phone When You Switch offer lets you bring your existing device and number over while still qualifying for Lifeline savings.

Since Lifeline began in 1985, it has helped generations of low-income Americans stay connected — and Free 5G Wireless continues that mission today with modern 5G and 4G LTE technology, real customer support, and a straightforward application process. We're not the FCC, USAC, or the National Verifier, and we don't control eligibility decisions, but we do everything we can to make the process fast, transparent, and human. Whether you're applying for the first time or switching from another provider, our team is here to help you get connected.

Free 5G Wireless at a glance

States & territories
50/50
Network technology
4G & 5G
Device brands
Apple & Samsung
Monthly cost, if eligible
$0/mo
Program began
1985

Who we help

  • SNAP & Medicaid households
  • SSI & Federal Public Housing recipients
  • Veterans & survivors
  • Seniors on fixed incomes
  • Students & jobseekers
  • Individuals with disabilities
Devices

Every device category, covered

From a Free Government iPhone to a Samsung tablet or an EBT-linked laptop, here's what's typically available by category.

CategoryExample devicesNetworkTypical use
SmartphonesFree Government iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Galaxy A Series5G & 4G LTECalls, texting, apps, telehealth
TabletsFree Government Tablet, Samsung Galaxy Tab AWi-Fi + LTE dataVideo calls, browsing, schoolwork
iPadsApple iPad (9th/10th Gen)Wi-Fi + CellularSchoolwork, job applications, reading
LaptopsLaptop with EBT-linked eligibilityWi-FiRemote learning, job search, resumes
Home Internet5G home internet router5GWhole-household Wi-Fi
Our impact

Communities we're proud to serve

A Free Government Smartphone or tablet can mean the difference between staying connected and falling behind. Here's who we help most often.

SNAP & Medicaid households

Millions of families already qualify through SNAP or Medicaid — often without needing extra paperwork beyond a current benefit letter.

Seniors & veterans

Simplified billing, larger-text devices, and a dedicated line to family, doctors, and VA benefits.

Students & jobseekers

A tablet, iPad, or laptop for schoolwork and job applications — staying connected to opportunity.

How it works

From application to activation in four steps

Lifeline is a federal benefit program overseen by the FCC and administered by USAC. Free 5G Wireless guides you through applying and getting your device shipped and activated.

01

Check eligibility

Answer a few questions about household income or program participation — SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and more all qualify.

02

Apply online

Submit your application through our secure form. We'll confirm your details through the National Verifier.

03

Get approved

Most applications are reviewed within a few business days. We'll email and text you your status.

04

Activate your device

Your free device ships to your door. Activate it in minutes with the included instructions, or bring your own phone.

Devices

Free devices available to qualifying households

Device availability varies by eligibility, location, inventory, and participating service provider. Not every model is available in every state.

Free government smartphones

Free Government iPhone and Samsung Galaxy options, with 4G/5G data, a camera, and app access — at no cost to eligible applicants.

Browse phones →

Free government tablets

Tablets for browsing, video calls, and schoolwork — including combo offers that pair a tablet with your phone plan.

Browse tablets →

Bring your own device

Already have an unlocked phone? Skip the device and bring your own — we'll activate a free SIM on your existing hardware.

BYOD guide →
Popular phones

Frequently requested smartphones

Eligible for Lifeline
Free Government iPhone 15

Free Government iPhone 15

Refurbished-eligible, 5G capable, subject to inventory.

$799$0 with Lifeline
View details
Eligible for Lifeline
Samsung Galaxy S24

Samsung Galaxy S24

Android 5G smartphone, large display, dual camera.

$699$0 with Lifeline
View details
BYOD friendly
Galaxy A Series

Galaxy A Series

Budget-friendly 5G Android line, wide state availability.

$0 with Lifeline
View details
Unlocked
Shop unlocked phones

Shop unlocked phones

Purchase an unlocked 5G phone outright to use with any plan.

From $49
Shop now
Coverage

Nationwide 5G & LTE coverage

Free 5G Wireless partners with major nationwide networks to deliver reliable talk, text, and data — in cities, suburbs, and most rural areas. Coverage and available technology vary by ZIP code.

Check coverage in your area

Sample regional data coverage

Urban areas
98%
Suburban areas
93%
Rural areas
74%
5G availability
61%

Illustrative figures. Use the coverage checker for an address-level result.

Eligibility

Who qualifies for Lifeline?

You can qualify through your household income or through participation in a qualifying government assistance program. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.

  • Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • SNAP (food stamps)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
  • Tribal-specific programs (additional support available)
See full eligibility guide
Why Free 5G Wireless

Built to make Lifeline simple

Plain-language guidance

We explain eligibility, documents, and timelines in plain English and Spanish — no jargon.

One application, less runaround

We help you get your Lifeline application right the first time, reducing back-and-forth delays.

Real support

Call, text, or chat with a real person if you get stuck at any step.

Transparent about limits

We tell you upfront what varies by state, inventory, and provider — no surprises.

Resources

Latest guides

Customer reviews

What applicants say

Sample layout — publish only real, verified customer reviews before launch.

Sample
★★★★★

"The application walkthrough was clear and I knew exactly what documents I needed before I started."

JT
J.T.
Verified applicant — placeholder
Sample
★★★★★

"Support answered the phone quickly when I had a question about my shipment."

MR
M.R.
Verified applicant — placeholder
Sample
★★★★☆

"Straightforward process. Would have liked more tablet options in my state."

DL
D.L.
Verified applicant — placeholder
Providers

Compare Lifeline providers

See how coverage, devices, and plan features stack up before you apply.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

For eligible households, the Lifeline service benefit is free. Devices vary — some are provided at no cost, others may require a co-pay depending on inventory and provider.
Many applications are reviewed within a few business days, though it can take longer if additional documentation is required by the National Verifier.
In most cases, yes — you can port your existing number during activation. See our number porting guide for details.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. You can transfer your existing Lifeline benefit to a new provider once every 60 days.
See our Privacy Policy for exactly what we collect, how it's used, and who it may be shared with as part of processing your Lifeline application.
Get started

See if your household qualifies today

It takes about a minute, and there's no obligation.