Guide

Free Government Phone in New York: How to Apply

Updated May 26, 2022 · 2 min read

If you feel you may be eligible for Lifeline Assistance, you may apply by going to the website of one of the providers or to the Lifeline Assistance website.

1. Who is Eligible for a Free Smartphone in New York?

  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
  • Section 8/ Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

New York residents can also qualify based on their income. If your total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can qualify for the Lifeline program. The Federal Poverty Guidelines are shown HERE.

Free government phone in New York.

As a part of the program rules, individuals must upload documented proof of their participation in a qualifying government benefit program or their income. Below are some examples of the documents you can upload as proof:

  • Three current pay stubs
  • Child support and spousal support document
  • Social security benefits statement
  • Pension or social security retirements benefit document, etc.
  • Once your application is approved, your device will ship within 7-10 business days.
  • You will also receive a shipping confirmation email with your order’s tracking number to easily follow along with the arrival of your shipment!

4. What Services Will You Receive?

  • A free monthly plan with unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data on the nation’s fastest 4G/5G network.