Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions we hear most often about Lifeline, free government phones, and this website.
No. Free Government Phone is an independent, privately owned educational resource. We are not the FCC, USAC, LifelineSupport.org, any state agency, or any wireless carrier.
No. We do not process applications or make eligibility determinations. Approval is determined by the National Verifier and your chosen provider based on your actual documentation.
No. Available devices are set entirely by participating providers and vary by state, stock, and promotions. We describe general patterns and individual device specs for informational purposes only.
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 when congressional funding ran out. It is separate from Lifeline, which continues to operate. See our full comparison.
Generally only one Lifeline discount per household, regardless of how many household members individually qualify.
Lifeline provides a discount; many providers offer $0/month plans to qualifying customers, though some charge a small fee for certain devices or plan tiers. Confirm current pricing directly with your chosen provider.
USAC or your provider will contact you annually to confirm continued eligibility. Missing recertification can result in losing your benefit, so keep your contact information up to date.
Visit the FCC's Lifeline consumer page (fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers) and USAC's LifelineSupport.org for official, authoritative program details.