AT&T is one of the largest wireless phone carriers in the United States. Their massive selection of different brands of mobile phones is renowned all across the nation. The federal government offers you an AT&T wireless free government phone, but you have to be eligible for that.
The AT&T wireless phones will provide you with comprehensive network coverage, strong security in the network, special deals, best-prepaid plans, and many other affordable options. All you need to do is fulfill the requirements as an eligible candidate and submit all the documents to apply. Their emergency broadband benefits are also lucrative.
You can get a mobile from LG, Motorola, Samsung, iPhone, and other local brands. So, just participate in the program and enjoy the benefits within your budget range.
- What is the AT&T Wireless Free Government Phones & Lifeline Program?
- Why Use AT&T Wireless Free Government Phones?
- Qualifications Needed to Apply for The AT&T Lifeline
- Documents Needed While Applying for The AT&T Lifeline
- How to Apply for The Program
- Advantages of AT&T Wireless Lifeline Program
- Types of Free Phones You Can Get
- Activation of Your Free Phone
- The Emergency Broadband Benefits (EBB)
- Bottom Line
What is the AT&T Wireless Free Government Phones & Lifeline Program?
The program started when the federal government wanted to provide free or affordable mobile phones. Several companies participated in this program. AT&T is a reliable option for getting one of the phones even with a low household income.
When customers are eligible for the lifeline program, they can get a free government smartphone. Even if they can’t get a free phone, they can still get discounts on phone bills and internet bills.
However, the customer can’t get both internet and phone discount facilities. He has to choose one of them. And also, there’s one discount per household. The carrier can get low-cost internet service in his house if he participates in some assistance programs like supplemental security income (SSI) or supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP).
Why Use AT&T Wireless Free Government Phones?
Well, the main question is why people would want to use the AT&T wireless free Government phones or join the lifeline program. Therefore, before you dive into the detailed procedure of getting a free phone, you need to know the offerings of the AT&T wireless program.
High Network Coverage
It’s one of the prime reasons for getting an AT&T wireless free phone that provides strong network coverage with high-speed internet connections.
The company provides both 4G and 5G connections. With the 4G LTE network, you can connect with 99% of Americans. And even in the early stage of 5G, it provides the network to over 14000 cities and towns. You will get unlimited packages on both networks.
Extra Security
As you know, AT&T wireless is the 2nd largest company that provides such features to the eligibles. Therefore, their network security is also top-notch with 24/7 active protection. You can even block spam calls and get protection from Malware on the internet.
Get Special Deals
In the lifeline program, the company tries to give the most discount to eligible customers. For example, the unlimited elite plan includes unlimited Talktime, text, data, and 5G access. All of these features are only $50 per line. But you have to get at least four lines.
There are also other affordable plans like extra plans or starter plans, and surprisingly, all of them are below $100.
High-Speed Data Connection
The lifeline program comes with unlimited data plans and high-speed internet. However, there’s data deprioritization. This means that after a certain amount of high-speed data use, the internet speed will get slower gradually.
But with the high speed, you can stream HD movies or play games online or enjoy your favorite music seamlessly.
Best Prepaid Experience
You can also get no credit check prepaid plans with no annual contract included. Even the prepaid packages come at a low cost.
Qualifications Needed to Apply for The AT&T Lifeline
The AT&T company is providing free phones. But not everybody can get it, right? If you are a US citizen and want to get one of the services, you must fulfill the proper requirements first.
Income
As mentioned, the free phones are only for low-income households. Therefore, your income limit should be 135% or below the federal poverty guideline.
However, the guidelines vary in every state. So, make sure you know the poverty guideline of your state before applying for the lifeline program.
Government Assistance Programs
You or any household members need to be involved in any government assistance program. Many assistance programs are ongoing such as Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance, veteran’s pensions, tribal programs, SNAP, etc.
Additional Requirements
There are additional requirements to be eligible for the free government phone. They are:
- Need to be a current AT&T internet or phone service member with eligible locations.
- Have to subscribe to the programs according to lifeline minimum standards.
- Can’t use such discount offers from other companies that are under the lifeline program.
- Must rectify the discounts every year, or else you will be eliminated from the program.
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Documents Needed While Applying for The AT&T Lifeline
You need to attach several important documents when applying for a free phone in the lifeline program. The papers will be proof of your eligibility and identity.
Documents of Identity
At first, you have to submit some documents proving your identity as a U.S. citizen. For that, your state ID card, birth certificate, or driving license will be enough. Any of these papers will act as proof of your identity.
Income Papers
To show the income papers, the only option is the documents of taxes. You need to show your last state tax return, federal or tribal tax, or three consecutive monthly pay stub papers.
Documents from the Assistance Programs
You would need some documents from the assistance programs you are attending. For example, an SSI benefit letter, SNAP card, or other award papers would be enough.
How to Apply for The Program
The application process depends on your residential state. However, there are two ways of applying for the lifeline programs.
Outside the states of Texas, Oregon, South Dakota, Puerto Rico, or the Virgin Islands, you need to apply online through the official site of the lifeline program. Just go to the website and fulfill the necessary information with the eligibility documents. After the verification, you can choose specific services and even apply for a free phone.
In other states, you need to call the service center, submit the information and documents in certain stores, and wait for the call after verifications.
Advantages of AT&T Wireless Lifeline Program
In the lifeline program, you can get a free phone or relatable discounts while purchasing a phone from the AT&T company.
Even if you don’t get a phone, you can have their other offers. For example, the lowest $5 discount on your monthly wireless phone or home phone bill. If you are a citizen of tribal lands, you can get up to a $25 discount every month.
There are also unique packages that include unlimited Talktime, messages, and internet data starting from $35 up to $85, and you can get four lines.
Types of Free Phones You Can Get
You can get amazing discounts on branded smartphones like iPhone, Samsung, LG, and Motorola through the AT&T Lifeline Program.
However, expensive phones don’t come for free. But you can get discounts and monthly installments (up to 36 months). For example, you need to pay $5 a monthly installment to get a Samsung Galaxy device. On iPhone 12, you can receive up to a $700 discount.
There are also trading options available to enhance the discounts. Therefore, you can easily choose your phone from these options.
Activation of Your Free Phone
Most of the time, the phone from AT&T doesn’t come activated. You need to follow some simple steps to activate your phone and your packages.
Typically, when you insert the SIM card and switch on your phone, you can make calls or send messages. If not, you need to visit the official website of AT&T. Then, search for the option of “activate your device.”
After that, provide all the information and click “Continue.” The site will give you activation instructions. Even after that, if your phone is not activated, go to their nearest customer service and ask for help.
The Emergency Broadband Benefits (EBB)
This emergency broadband offer is only a temporary package for low-income households. With the EBB, you can reduce your monthly bill up to $50.
However, the discount can increase up to $75 per month if you are a citizen of qualifying tribal lands. All you need to do is get verification from the national verifier and then apply for the EBB from the AT&T website.
Read to know: How to Get AT&T Hotspot for Free?
Bottom Line
The AT&T company is working with the federal government to provide discount services to low-income citizens and their households. Their lifeline programs offer you a free phone, discount phone bill, internet bills, exchange offers, etc.
If you are eligible for an AT&T wireless free government phone by fulfilling the requirements, you will obviously get it and enjoy their various prepaid packages. However, the offers are available for one line per household. So, check your eligibility and apply for these offers today!
