Mon to Sat 8am to 10pm EST · Sun 8am to 7pm ESTEnrollment: 1-800-463-4699

Free iPhone and Lifeline FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Yes, eligible households can get a free iPhone with Lifeline service. You qualify through programs like SNAP and Medicaid or through income, apply with a provider, verify with the National Verifier and then receive your device.

Reviewed by the iPhone Government enrollment teamLast reviewed:
Woman holding a free iPhone and reading FAQs

Your questions, answered

Tap a question to open the answer, then go deeper on Lifeline, eligibility or how it works.

Can I really get a free iPhone from the government?

The government funds Lifeline, which discounts phone service. Providers like iPhone Government offer free iPhones to approved households. See the facts.

Who is eligible for Lifeline?

Households receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, a Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, certain Tribal programs, or with income at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines.

What is the Lifeline benefit amount?

$9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 for eligible residents of Tribal lands.

Can I get both a phone and an internet Lifeline benefit?

No. Lifeline is one benefit per household, for phone or internet.

Is ACP still available?

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024. See ACP details.

Do I need good credit?

No credit check is required.

Can I keep my phone number?

In most cases yes. See switching.

Which iPhones are available?

Typically iPhone 14, 13, 11, 8 Plus and 7, depending on stock. See all devices.

Which phones support 5G?

The iPhone 13 and 14. See free 5G phones.

How do I stay enrolled?

Use your phone at least once every 30 days and recertify every year. See recertification.

How do I contact support?

Call 1-800-177-8829 for technical support or 1-800-463-4699 for enrollment and plan changes.

Sources and further reading

Related free phone and Lifeline pages

Lifeline Program

What is the Lifeline program? Learn the benefit amount, who qualifies, how to enroll and recertify, and how free phone service works.

Read more

Lifeline Eligibility

Check Lifeline eligibility in seconds. See qualifying programs like SNAP and Medicaid, income rules and what you need to apply for a free phone.

Read more

How to Get a Free iPhone

See how to get a free iPhone through Lifeline in five easy steps: check eligibility, apply, verify, choose a device and activate.

Read more

Free iPhones & Tablets

Browse free iPhones and tablets for Lifeline customers: iPhone 14, 13, 11, 8 Plus, 7 and free government tablets. Compare specs and apply.

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Contact iPhone Government

Contact iPhone Government by phone or email. Enrollment 1-800-463-4699, technical support 1-800-177-8829, SIM requests 1-675-338-8924.

Read more

Ready to get your free iPhone?

Check your eligibility, choose your device and apply online in about five minutes.