Find your free government phone program in seconds.
FreePhone Guide is the plain-English directory of every federal Lifeline carrier active in your state. Real income limits, real qualifying programs, real step-by-step application walkthroughs — for every U.S. state and the District of Columbia.
$0 monthly bill
Federal subsidy covers the entire monthly cost at every carrier on this site.
Free smartphone
Most carriers ship a free Android phone to first-time enrollees within 5–10 business days.
Same-day approval
The USAC National Verifier confirms eligibility instantly in most states.
Switch anytime
No contracts, no early-termination fees. Move your benefit to a different carrier whenever you want.
Step-by-step state guides
Every U.S. state and the District of Columbia has its own dedicated Lifeline application walkthrough — covering income limits, qualifying programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.), the carriers serving that state, and the documents you need.
The 12 largest Lifeline carriers
USAC-approved national providers — each with its own deep-dive page covering monthly plan, free phones, networks, and which states it serves.
SafeLink Wireless
One of the largest Lifeline providers in the United States, serving more than 30 states.
37 states · 25GB / moAssurance Wireless
A federal Lifeline-supported service operated by T-Mobile.
49 states · 25GB / moQ Link Wireless
A nationwide Lifeline carrier offering free monthly service to qualifying households.
49 states · 20GB / moTruConnect
A multi-state Lifeline and ACP provider with bilingual customer support.
31 states · 14GB / moAccess Wireless
Provides Lifeline-supported wireless service in over 30 states.
31 states · 15GB / moStandUp Wireless
One of the fastest-growing Lifeline carriers in the United States.
35 states · 14GB / moCintex Wireless
A Lifeline service partner that ships free Android devices to approved households.
28 states · 10GB / moLife Wireless
A long-running Lifeline carrier serving rural and urban communities alike.
27 states · 8GB / moenTouch Wireless
Lifeline service available in select Midwest and Southern states.
19 states · 6GB / moAirTalk Wireless
Known for offering newer device models to ACP and Lifeline households.
31 states · 25GB / moeasyWireless
A growing Lifeline carrier with retail enrollment locations.
29 states · 10GB / moTag Mobile
A Lifeline provider operating across more than a dozen states.
20 states · 5GB / moStart with the basics
New to Lifeline? Read these foundational guides first.
How Lifeline Works
The federal $9.25 monthly subsidy explained: where the money comes from, how carriers receive it, and why your bill ends up at $0.
ACP vs Lifeline
What changed when ACP funding paused in 2024, and why Lifeline still delivers a free phone for every household that qualifies.
Required Documents
The exact paperwork the National Verifier wants — IDs, address proof, and program letters that get same-day approval.
Provider Comparison
Every approved carrier compared side-by-side: monthly data, network, free phone class, states served, contact info.
Income Limits 2025
The federal poverty guideline tables Lifeline uses — including the 135% threshold for every household size.
Annual Recertification
How to keep your free phone year after year. The five-minute USAC form, deadlines, and what happens if you miss it.
Why an independent Lifeline directory matters
FreePhone Guide is an independent reference site that helps low-income U.S. households navigate the federal Lifeline program. We are not affiliated with the FCC, USAC, or any wireless provider, and we do not collect applications on behalf of carriers — every recommendation links back to the carrier's own enrollment portal so you stay in control of your data. The federal Lifeline program has provided discounted phone service to qualifying households since 1985 and was modernized in 2016 to include broadband. About 7 million households use the benefit nationwide, and combined with the smartphones and free monthly minutes that participating carriers throw in, the program effectively provides a fully free wireless line to seniors, disabled adults, low-income workers, veterans, and families enrolled in SNAP or Medicaid.