Last Updated on January 15, 2024 by Lori Pace
Although monthly wireless services and phones are less expensive than they used to be, many people struggle to afford them. Unemployed and low-income people have a hard time paying for their phone and monthly wireless services. This is unfortunate, as a phone is essential to staying in touch with your family, friends, work, and emergency services. But, have you heard about getting a free iPhone with Food Stamps?
The American government recognizes that telecommunications should be a necessity and not a luxury. Therefore, the Federal Communication Commission (FCC), established Lifeline in 1980 to provide basic phone services to low-income families.
Although all Lifeline providers offer discounts on wireless services, some providers also provide discounted or free phones to Lifeline-eligible customers. Guess what? Lifeline eligibility is available to those who are eligible for the Food Stamp program.
Is Getting a Free iPhone Through The Food Stamps Program Possible?
To be eligible for Lifeline assistance, you must have participated in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programme or SNAP (formerly known under Food Stamps). Lifeline-eligible residents of the United States (including SNAP participants), are eligible to receive a monthly discount on wireless service and a government-funded cell phone.
Some Lifeline providers offer discounted services only, while others offer free or discounted mobile phones to Lifeline-eligible customers. The Lifeline provider will determine which device you receive. Many Lifeline providers that offer discounted or free cell phones will give you mid-range Android smartphones. There are Lifeline providers that offer iPhones, though they may not be in every state.
To answer your question, yes. It is possible to get a free iPhone through the Food Stamp (SNAP). Food Stamp participants are eligible for Lifeline and some Lifeline providers offer iPhones.
How To Claim a Free iPhone Through The Food Stamps Program?
Step 1 to Get a Free iPhone with Food Stamps
Lifeline, a government assistance program, is designed to provide basic phone and wireless service access for low-income families. It is a permanent program unlike the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB), which is a temporary program of the FCC that helps households and families who cannot afford internet service during the Covid-19 epidemic.
You must meet the FCC criteria to be Lifeline eligible. This is the same for all Lifeline providers. If a person or household meets one (or more), of the following criteria, they are eligible:
- A person whose income is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participates in federal assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance and Supplemental Security Income.
EBB eligibility is available to Lifeline-eligible persons, since the criteria for Lifeline are the same. You can be EBB-eligible even if you are:
- In the current award year, received a federal Pell Grant.
- The household experienced a significant loss of income as a result of job loss or furlough starting February 29, 2020. In 2020, the total income was at or below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint filers.
Step 2 to Get a Free iPhone with Food Stamps
After you have verified that you are eligible for Lifeline or EBB, you will need to locate a provider who offers services in your area and gives you free iPhones.
Step 3 to Get a Free iPhone with Food Stamps
Contact Lifeline providers in your area that offer free iPhones, and they will help you apply for the program. Most likely, the customer service representative will direct you to an internet application site. You will need to submit certain documentation and information that proves your eligibility and verifies your identity. After you have completed the form, and provided all required information, the provider will review your application.
After your application is reviewed, the provider will let you know if you are eligible for their benefits and program. In addition, you will be informed about next steps and when your phone will be delivered.
The Food Stamp or SNAP Eligibility Criteria
Federal rules require that your income and resources meet three requirements to be eligible for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program.
The household’s gross monthly income must not exceed 130% of the poverty level. The poverty line is lower for larger families than it is for smaller ones. The net income (or the household’s income after deductions) must also not exceed the poverty line.
Assets must not exceed certain limits. These limits apply to households that do not have an elderly member (an elderly person is one who is at least 60 years old). Households with an elderly member must have assets no more than $2,500, while households with such a member need assets no greater than $3,750.
However, not everyone can be SNAP eligible, regardless of their income or assets. Those who aren’t SNAP-eligible automatically include:
- Strike-affected people
- Immigrants without authorization
- Students who attend college for more than half of the time are not eligible.
- Some legal immigrants
Additionally, SNAP benefits are not available to unemployed adults with no children who live in their home and do not have disabilities. This is because many areas of the country limit the amount of SNAP benefits they receive every three years to those without disabilities.
Which Companies Offer a Free iPhone With Food Stamp Program?
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless provides EBB and Lifeline services, along with their offer for free monthly wireless services in five U.S. States – Arkansas (Maine), Maryland, Rhode Island, West Virginia, and Rhode Island.
You can get an entry-level to mid range Android smartphone as part of their Lifeline program. You may also be eligible for an iPhone as part of the EBB program. This depends on availability.
You must meet the following requirements to receive a Cintex Wireless iPhone for free:
- Participation in a government assistance program such as SNAP or SSI is required.
- Your household income is less than 135% of the Federal poverty level.
- You must be a resident in one of the five states: Arkansas, Maine Maryland, Rhode Island, West Virginia, or Rhode Island
You must complete the following steps to apply for a Cintex Wireless iPhone free of charge:
- Visit their website and enter your ZIP code and email ID to sign up.
- Ensure that you include all information necessary during the application process.
- All documentation required to prove your eligibility will be needed.
- To complete the form, follow the prompts on the screen.
- If you’re eligible, you will receive your iPhone or other smartphone within a few business days.
SFone Wireless
SFone Wireless is a rapidly growing company. It’s an Emergency Broadband Benefit provider, which helps families that were affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. They provide unlimited broadband service for free in Arkansas, Maine Maryland, Rhode Island and West Virginia. However, they plan to expand their services to other states very soon.
SFone Wireless and Cintex Wireless have partnered to offer customers a free iPhone/Android smartphone.
You must meet the following requirements to receive a free iPhone by SFone Wireless:
- A household income must be below 135% of Federal poverty level.
- Participation in a government assistance program is required, such as SNAP or SSI, Medicaid and Federal Public Housing Assistance.
You must complete the following steps to apply for an SFone-free iPhone:
- Visit their website and provide all the necessary information and documentation verifying your identity and proving your eligibility.
- Contact their customer service at +1(855)655-3097 and tell a representative you want to apply.
- After you submit all documentation, you will receive an email confirming your receipt of the free iPhone. The product will be available until stocks run out.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone, another popular Lifeline provider and EBB provider is NewPhone. Customers in need can get free monthly wireless services as well as free smartphones (both Android or iPhones). These benefits are only available through the EBB program at NewPhone Wireless, and will expire in the near future. Any changes will be made to their existing customers.
You must meet the following requirements to receive a NewPhone Wireless iPhone for free:
- A household income must be below 135% of Federal poverty level.
- Participation in a government assistance program is required, such as SNAP or SSI, Medicaid and Federal Public Housing Assistance.
- You must have been awarded a federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- The household must have suffered a significant loss of income as a result of job loss or furlough starting February 29, 2020. In 2020, the total income for both single and joint filers must be at least $99,000.
You must complete the following steps to apply for a NewPhone Wireless iPhone:
- Apply online at the NewPhone website and complete the information required and click ‘Sign up Now’. You might also need to submit documentation that proves your identity or your eligibility.
- After you submit your application, all data and evidence will be checked through the government’s confidential and secure system.
- After your application has been approved, you will be eligible for the monthly service discount as well as a free phone. The phone will be delivered to you within 7-10 business days. Shipping is free.
Besides, you should check to see if these providers offer services in your area. These providers, if available and you are Lifeline- or EBB-eligible are your best options for a free iPhone with Food Stamp/SNAP.
Other Ways To Get a Free iPhone with Food Stamps
If you are eligible for the SNAP/Food Stamps program, or are otherwise Lifeline/EBB-eligible, your best chance of getting a free iPhone is to go to an EBB or Lifeline provider. EBB and Lifeline providers that offer iPhones for free are Cintex Wireless and SFone Wireless. However, they do not provide their services in all states.
Is there a way for people who do not live in the qualifying states to receive a free iPhone? Yes! There are many other ways you can get a free iPhone. There are many scams out there, so make sure you choose a legitimate way to get your iPhone.
These are the best ways to get an iPhone for free without falling for a scam.
1. Get A Carrier Deal For A Free Iphone
One of the simplest ways to receive an iPhone for free is by searching for carrier cell phone offers and deals. Most major carriers, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint offer promotional deals for free iPhones (as well as free Android smartphones) on a regular basis.
However, the thing about carrier deals is that they don’t actually offer phones completely free of charge. You can only get a free phone in exchange for signing a 24-month (or sometimes more) contract. So, you actually get the iPhone for loan and you are required to pay it off in 24 months in low monthly installments. In case you can afford to pay the low monthly installments but not the full price of the phone upfront, this may be a great option for you. This way, the only thing you will be required to pay upfront is a small ($30 to $50) activation fee and even this fee may be waived by the carrier company during promotion periods. Before you sign up, make sure you will be able to pay for the monthly installments and the plan.
Carrier companies also often offer ‘buy one, get one free’ promotions. If you have a friend or family member, who is currently looking to buy a phone, you can ask them to get this deal with you. If both of you sign up, you might be able to get cheaper fees.
Carrier deals for free phones change often, therefore you must check frequently to find an offer that fits your needs.
2. Get A Free Iphone By Becoming A Free Marketing Agent
Apple often gives out free iPhones for marketing purposes. For example, users who have a large social media following (preferably on Instagram or Facebook) may be able to receive a free iPhone in exchange for a number of social media promotions, which may get Apple new customers. In case you have a vast social media following, contact Apple and you might be able to make a deal.
3. Get A Free Iphone By Becoming A Reviewer
You may also be able to get a free iPhone if you apply as an iPhone reviewer. You can apply and receive a device to review from product testing. Simply sign up and provide your personal information. If your application gets approved, you will be notified.
You will be asked to fill out an offer-based questionnaire. You will have to review the product in 500 words or more and perhaps include a few photos and a video reviewing the product. In case you are selected as the best reviewer, you will receive a brand new Apple iPhone completely free of charge.
4. Get A Free Iphone By Entering A Giveaway Contest
Another way to get a free iPhone is by entering a giveaway contest or a competition in which the winner gets a free iPhone. Many iPhone giveaways can be found online, but you have to be careful not to enter a contest that is a scam, as the personal information you will be required to provide may be in danger.
Make sure to review their home page and their terms and conditions. In case you find a legit page, you can register and follow the on-screen prompts. If you win, you will receive an email confirmation and a phone call and you may get asked to post about the giveaway on your social media.
5. Get a free iPhone via Amazon Vine
You can get a free iPhone via Amazon Vine, a program that rewards people for making honest reviews of their products by giving them a free iPhone. Simply create an Amazon account and provide an honest product review. In case the review gets noticed by the right people, you may be asked to review their mobile devices in exchange for a free iPhone.
In addition to ways to get a free iPhone, there are also several ways to get a big discount on an iPhone, including:
- Carrier deals for discounted iPhones.
- Store discounts and deals on iPhones.
- Buying a refurbished iPhone, which is considerably cheaper than a new one.
- Buying a used or second-hand iPhone on online sites like Swappa, Amazon Renewed, eBay, Apple Refurbished Store, etc.
