Free Government Phones in Florida: Eligibility, Signing Up

In Florida, several government programs offer free or discounted cell phones and services to qualified individuals. Among these programs, the  Lifeline Assistance Program  and the  Accessible Connectivity Program  (ACP) stand out as two of the most significant. Both programs aim to bridge the digital divide and help ensure that all individuals have access to the communications services they need to stay connected to family, friends and emergency services. 

The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal program that offers low-income families a discount on their monthly phone bill or a free cell phone and service. While the Lifeline program has been a widely recognized government assistance program since its inception in the 1980s, a new program called the Affordable Connectivity Program was introduced in 2021 to offer discounts on monthly broadband services.

Through the ACP, eligible households can receive a monthly discount on broadband service, which can be applied to Internet service plans that meet certain speed and data requirements. Additionally, some ACP providers also offer discounts on internet-connected devices such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. The ACP, like the Lifeline Program, provides low-income families with low-cost access to essential communications services. However, while the Lifeline Program primarily focuses on offering discounts on phone services, the ACP focuses on offering discounts on broadband services.

Many former Lifeline providers also now participate in the ACP, which means eligible families can receive a discounted cell phone and discounted broadband service from the same provider. It can be especially beneficial for families who rely heavily on their smartphones for Internet access.

It is important to note that only one Lifeline Program discount is allowed per household, and the discount can only be applied to a landline or cell phone, and not both. Additionally, some participating telephone companies may require a small fee or deposit for the cell phone itself. Therefore, you should carefully read the program terms and conditions before signing up to ensure you understand all costs and requirements involved.

Guide to Getting a Free Government Phone

Here is a step-by-step process for getting a free government phone in Florida:

1. Check your eligibility : The first step is to check if you are eligible for the Lifeline/ACP program. To do this, you need to meet the income or program participation criteria discussed below.
2. Find a Lifeline/ACP Service Provider : After confirming your eligibility, you need to find a Lifeline/ACP service provider in Florida. You can search for a provider on  Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website  or  Contact the Florida Public Service Commission.

Click here to  Get contact information for companies offering Lifeline services .

1. Sign up for Lifeline/ACP : You can sign up for Lifeline through the service provider of your choice. They will ask you to fill out an application form and provide documentation to verify your eligibility. You may be required to provide proof of identity, address, and income or program participation.
2. Choose a phone plan : Once your eligibility is confirmed, you can choose a phone plan that meets your needs. You may get a free government phone or a discount on your monthly phone bill, depending on the carrier and plan you choose.
3. Receive your phone : After you choose a plan, your carrier will send you your free government phone or activate your phone service at a discount on your monthly bill.

It's important to note that you need to recertify your Lifeline and ACP eligibility every year. If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, you may lose program benefits.

Do you qualify for a free government phone in Florida?

The Lifeline and ACP programs offer free phone, wireless, and Internet services every month and discounts on Internet-connected devices and phones that many people would be interested in receiving. These programs have limited resources and it is essential to prioritize assistance to those who need it most.

To qualify for the Lifeline and ACP programs and receive a free government phone in Florida, you must meet the eligibility criteria below.

The Lifeline Program Eligibility Criteria

1. Income-Based Eligibility : Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
2. Eligibility based on program participation : You must participate in one of the following government assistance programs (federal or tribal):

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start Grant (only families meeting income eligibility standard)
• If you live on tribal lands and qualify for Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
• Food distribution program on indigenous reserves

The ACP program eligibility criteria

1. Lifeline Eligibility : You must be eligible for the Lifeline program.
2. Eligibility based on program participation : You must participate in any of the Lifeline-eligible government assistance programs listed above.
3. Income-Based Eligibility : Your annual household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
4. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Participation : You must participate in the WIC program.
5. Participation in the Free and Reduced School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program : You must participate in the Free and Reduced School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including schools with USDA Community Eligibility Provisions.
6. Federal Pell Grant : You must have received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.

If you meet any of the above criteria, you may enroll in the Lifeline and ACP programs through an approved Lifeline service provider in Florida. The service provider will verify your eligibility by asking you to provide documentation such as proof of income or participation in a government assistance program. Once your eligibility is verified, you will receive a free government phone and may also be eligible for discounts on phones and other internet-connected devices.

How to sign up for Lifeline and ACP in Florida?

There are several ways to enroll in Lifeline and ACP in Florida. Regardless of your application method, you will need to provide proof of eligibility, such as proof of income or participation in a qualified government assistance program. Make sure you have all necessary documents on hand before submitting your application.

Here are three easy options for signing up for Lifeline/ACP:

1. Online registration : Many Lifeline and ACP service providers offer online registration on their websites. You can visit the provider's website, fill out the application form and submit it online. This method is practical and allows you to apply it in the comfort of your home.

Click here to use the tool Companies Near Me  to find Lifeline and ACP service providers in your area.

1. Registration by mail : You can also request a Lifeline or ACP application form from the service provider and fill it in manually. Once completed, you can send it back to the provider along with all necessary supporting documents. This method is recommended for those who do not have access to the internet or prefer to fill out a paper application.

Click here to download an application form for  Lifeline  It is  ACP .

1. Phone App : Some service providers also offer phone apps. You can call the customer service number and a representative will help you with the registration process. This method is useful if you have questions about the form or need help filling it out.

Before enrolling in Lifeline or ACP through a service provider, you may be required to enroll in the program through the Lifeline/ACP support center. You can do this online through the National Verification System:  Lifeline ,  Accessible Connectivity Program.

Lifeline and ACP Service Providers in Florida

Not all service providers participate in Lifeline and ACP, and eligibility requirements and program availability may vary by provider. To find a service provider that offers Lifeline or ACP in your area, you can search for providers using the Companies Near Me tool, contact your current provider, or call the Lifeline/ACP support center.

Here is a list of some of the service providers participating in Lifeline/ACP in Florida:

1. Access wirelessly
2. American Assistance
3. Wireless assistance
4. ATT
5. Blue Gaio Wireless
6. Clean wirelessly
7. Good2Go Mobile
8. Wireless life
9. QLink wireless
10. Safelink wireless
11. Wireless StandUp
12. mobile tee
13. Verizon Wireless
14. Virgo Mobile
15. Wireless Warranty
16. Cox Communications
17. Comcast XFINITY
18. Mediacom Communications
19. Windstream Communications
20. Wireless unit

Lifeline and ACP Program Rules

The Lifeline/ACP Restriction Rules refer to the regulations imposed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on companies that participate in the Lifeline Assistance Program or the ACP program. These rules help ensure that Lifeline and ACP program benefits are used appropriately and help those who truly need them. They include:

1. One discount per family : Only one family member can receive a Lifeline/ACP discount, and only one Lifeline/ACP discount can be claimed per family.
2. Eligibility Check : Lifeline/ACP service providers are required to verify the eligibility of each subscriber before providing the service.
3. Recertification : Lifeline/ACP subscribers must recertify their eligibility every year.
4. Cancellation of subscription : Lifeline/ACP subscribers who are no longer eligible must be terminated from the program.
5. Usage requirement : Lifeline/ACP subscribers must use their service at least once every 30 days to avoid being unenrolled from the program. Failure to comply with this requirement will result in a notification from the provider, giving you 15 days to use the service. If you do not use the service within the given period, it will be disconnected.
6. Duplicate registration ban : Enrolling in more than one Lifeline/ACP program per household or transferring benefits to another person is prohibited.
7. Limitations of the ACP plan : The ACP program has a limited number of data and voice minutes available each month, and the service provider must notify subscribers when they reach 80% and 100% of allocated usage.

Have questions?

If you have further questions, you can contact any of the following:

Lifeline Support Center

You can contact the Lifeline Support Center seven days a week, anytime between 9 am and 9 pm ET.

Telephone: (800) 234 9473 (press 1 for English and 2 for Spanish)

Email: [email protected]

ACP Support Center

You can also contact the ACP Support Center seven days a week, anytime between 9 am and 9 pm ET.

Telephone: (877) 384 2575

Email: [email protected]

Florida Public Service Commission Office of Consumer Assistance and Outreach

Phone: 1-800-342-3552

Fax: 1-800-511-0809

Email: [email protected] .

Write to: Florida Public Service Commission Office of Consumer Assistance and Outreach 

2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard Tallahassee, 

Florida 32399-0850 

Site:  www.FloridaPSC.com

Some frequently asked questions

What benefits does the Lifeline free phone plan offer?

The Lifeline program provides eligible low-income families with free or discounted telephone service, which may include the following features:

1. Free monthly minutes : The Lifeline program offers eligible families a certain number of free monthly minutes, which can be used for voice calls and text messages.
2. No long-term contract : The Lifeline phone plan does not require a long-term contract, which means participants can cancel service at any time.
3. Calls identifier : Most Lifeline phone plans come with caller ID, which lets you see who's calling before you answer the phone.
4. voice mail : Some Lifeline phone plans also come with voicemail, allowing callers to leave a message when you can't answer the phone.
5. National coverage : Lifeline phone plans typically offer nationwide coverage, meaning you can use your phone to make and receive calls anywhere in the United States.
6. 911 emergency services : The Lifeline phone plan also offers access to 911 emergency services, ensuring participants can get help when they need it.

It's important to note that the specific features of a Lifeline phone plan may vary depending on the carrier and the state in which you reside. Therefore, it is best to check with the Lifeline service provider in your area to determine the specific features and benefits of your phone plan.

I already receive benefits from Lifeline; Do I need to request the ACP separately?

If you are already enrolled in the Lifeline program, you typically do not need to separately enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This is because the ACP is an additional benefit provided to eligible families who are already enrolled in the Lifeline program.

To access the ACP benefit, you can contact your current Lifeline provider or another participating provider that offers ACP service in your area. The provider will help you select a service plan that meets your needs and offers additional discounts.

However, it is crucial to know that some participating providers may require current Lifeline beneficiaries to complete an alternative verification process to confirm their eligibility for the ACP program. This process may involve submitting additional documentation or information to the provider to ensure you meet eligibility requirements.

How can I check if my family qualifies for the Lifeline/ACP enhanced Tribal benefit?

To determine whether your family is eligible for the Lifeline/ACP enhanced tribal benefit, you must meet the following criteria:

1. You or a member of your family must be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe or must live on qualified tribal lands.
2. You must participate in at least one of the following qualified federal assistance programs:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start (only families meeting income eligibility standard)
• Medicaid
• National School Lunch Program Free Lunch Program
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

If you meet these two eligibility criteria, you may qualify for the Lifeline/ACP program's enhanced Tribal benefit, which provides an additional discount of up to US$34.25 per month on phone or Internet services in addition to the standard Lifeline discount of up to US$ 9.25 per month on phone or Internet services.

What happens when I no longer qualify for Lifeline?

If you no longer meet the program's eligibility criteria, your Lifeline service may be terminated. However, you contact your telephone company within 30 days of not meeting eligibility requirements and apply for the Transitional Lifeline Assistance program. It is a federal program that offers a discount of 30% on the fixed monthly tariff for basic residential service. 

The Transitional Lifeline Assistance program helps individuals who may no longer qualify for the regular Lifeline program. If you are approved for the Transitional Lifeline Assistance program, you can receive the discount for up to a year after you no longer meet Lifeline's normal eligibility criteria.