How to Get Free Government Phone Indiana

Do you know that you can get a free Government phone if you are from Indiana?

That’s true. Low-income, financially depressed sections of Indiana can now receive a free phone through government assistance programs initiated to provide free internet and discounted internet-connecting devices like tablets, desktop computers, laptops, etc., to low-income groups in Indiana.

This service is provided under the federal Lifeline Program and an Affordable Connectivity program through the participating wireless service providers.

This article will provide detailed information on how to get a free government phone in Indiana, the eligibility, the application procedure, and more.

So, without further delay, let’s start.

Table of Contents

How to Get Free Government Phones Indiana

Lifeline and ACP are two government-support programs that provide eligible low-income people access to free or discounted internet.

The Federal Communication Commission supervises these government programs and provides subsidies to several wireless companies to offer free services and devices to eligible low-income people.

Lifeline is the old program that offers free internet and phones to participating qualified individuals. ACP is the new permanent program that replaced the older EBB program and provides discounted or free broadband and internet-using devices in different states of the country. However, you must participate and qualify for one or both government programs to get these free or discounted services.

Who is eligible for free government smartphones and free cell phones in Indiana?

To be eligible for free government smartphones in Indiana, you must participate in the Lifeline and/or ACP program, and to qualify for these programs, you must meet certain eligibility conditions.

Only households meeting the eligibility of these individual programs can apply for free government phones in Indiana –

The eligibility criteria to qualify for these government programs are discussed below.

Do I Qualify for Free Government Phone Indiana?

As mentioned, you can qualify for a free government phone Indiana if you participate in Lifeline and ACP programs by meeting its eligibility conditions.

The prerequisite to qualify for these programs are –

You should be 18 years of age.
You should be a resident of Indiana.

If you meet these two primary requirements, you can check the additional eligibility for these two government-supported programs in the next section.

How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government phones in Indiana?

You can qualify for the Lifeline Assistance Program for a free Government phone in Indiana if you satisfy one of the below eligibility conditions.

Income-based eligibility

If your annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Program-based eligibility

If you or any family members participate in one of the below-listed government-aided programs –

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

How to qualify for an ACP free government phone and unlimited service in Indiana

The eligibility criteria for ACP are quite the same as Lifeline. The only difference is that your income should be 200% below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Documents needed to qualify for free government phone Indiana through Lifeline and ACP program

Once you fulfill the eligibility criteria, you must prove your qualification by submitting valid official documents. The documents you need depend on what eligibility you qualify to apply.

Let’s see the official documents you can submit depending on your eligibility –

If you apply on an income basis, you must submit a document showing your full name, income statement, etc.

Accepted official documents are –

Current income statement from your employer
A paycheck stub
Previous year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
Divorce decree
Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
A social security statement of benefits
Child support award

If you apply on a program participation basis, you must provide a valid document showing your involvement in the program. The document should contain your full name, program name, date of issuance of the document, name of the authority issuing the certificate, etc.

Accepted official documents are –

Government Approval letter
Benefit award letter
Benefit verification letter
Statement of benefits

You may need documents verifying your age, address, and identity during the application. The official documents that can support these details are –

Birth certificate
Passport
U.S. Driver’s license
A valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
Most recent W-2 or tax return
Utility bill
Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
Mortgage or lease statement
Certificate of emancipation

It is crucial to note that you only need to submit a copy of any single document that proves your eligibility (either income-based or program based) during your application for a free government phone in Indiana.

How to apply for a Free Government Phone Indiana?

The final step to getting a free government phone in Indiana is to submit your application form. The application procedure is too easy, from knowing your eligibility to filling up the application form for Lifeline and ACP programs functional in Indiana.

You can refer to the eligibility and documentation required in the above section.

You can apply for a free government phone in Indiana by three methods –

Online application through the National Verifier

You can apply for the free phone through the National Verifier by following these simple steps –

Visit this link – https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline?ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D. You will reach the home page of the National Verifier.
Click on the drop-down icon near the “Choose” option.
Select “IN,” which stands for Indiana.
Click on the “Get Started” option.
You will be redirected to the application form for the Lifeline program.
Fill up the application form with relevant details.

Attach your eligibility documents.
Click on the “Next” icon once you complete filling up the details on one page.
Finally, click on the “Submit” icon.

Apply for a free Government phone in Indiana

The second method to apply for a free Government phone in Indiana is by mail.

You need to download the application form, print it off, fill it up, and send the application form with the eligibility documents to the address, USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.

If your application is accepted, you will be issued 90 days to sign up to a specific service provider for the free benefit and smartphone.

Apply for a free Government phone via Mail

In addition, you apply for a free government phone in Indiana directly through the service provider.

Please follow the steps below to do the same –

The first step is to find a wireless service provider offering services and a free phone in Indiana under the Lifeline or ACP programs.
Once you find your provider, contact the company to learn about their application procedure.
If your preferred provider offers an online application, visit its official website to start your application.
Fill up the application form with the relevant details as instructed.
Lastly, submit your application form with the essential documents to support your qualification.
Wait for the provider’s response.

If your application for the free government phone in Indiana is selected, you should get the free phone within 5-10 business days.

If your application is rejected, you may reapply by following a similar procedure.

If your provider offers an offline application, you can visit the provider’s office, get your eligibility reviewed by the company and fill out the application in person for a free government phone in Indiana.

Free government phone providers in Indiana

Several providers participate in Lifeline and ACP programs to offer their free or discounted services to eligible low-income people.

Here we have provided a list of wireless service providers that offer free or discounted government phones in Indiana.

American Assistance
Access Wireless
AT&T
Assurance Wireless
enTouch Wireless
Cricket Wireless
Good2Go Mobile
Clear Wireless
Boost Mobile
SafeLink Wireless
Infiniti Mobile
Life Wireless
Straight Talk Wireless
Qlink Wireless
TruConnect
Walmart Family Mobile
TerraCom Wireless
Xfinity Mobile

Conclusion

According to the Universal Service Administrative Corporation data, about 80% of Indiana households are eligible for the Federal Lifeline and ACP programs benefit, but only 20% have enrolled and received the benefit.

Therefore, Indiana’s low-income people need to be aware of these incredible programs that help them afford the internet and connect to the world. If you need a free government phone in Indiana, check your eligibility.

If you fulfill the conditions, please apply for a free government phone in Indiana with the help of our ultimate guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get a Free government phone in Indiana?

You can get a free government phone by qualifying for the Lifeline and ACP programs.

What is the best free government smartphone in 2022?

As of December 2022, the best free phone is the iPhone 8 from Cintex Wireless. The iPhone 8 has 64GB of storage 4.7-inch Retina HD display.

Can a Lifeline program be used for the internet?

Yes. The Lifeline program can be used for the internet.

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