How To Get Access Wireless Free Government Phone

My friend Alex badly needs a phone, because his phone was lost last week and still cannot be found. He is a low income person and cannot afford another phone immediately. I give him advice to apply for the Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity program. These are two government initiatives that provide free cell phones with free internet to eligible low income people. Alex applies for the program and gets approved. Now he needs a provider to get the program’s benefits. I suggest him for Access Wireless. Because I know that their service and network coverage is excellent. Now, Alex has a nice phone and we talk to each other on our cell phones for hours, seamlessly.

If you are a low income person and want to get a free phone with free internet, then you can try for the lifeline and/ or the ACP and choose Access Wireless as your preferred provider because of their excellent service and network.

Steps To Get Access Wireless Free Government Phone Through The Lifeline and ACP Program

Lifeline and The Affordable Connectivity Program offer free phones with internet access for free. You can also take this opportunity, if you are eligible for these programs. You can get the free phone by completing some steps. Here we mention the steps in short so that you may have an idea about the whole process. The steps are given below:

  • First, check if you are eligible for the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
  • If you are eligible, then collect proof documents of your eligibility.
  • Visit the USAC website and navigate to their online application section. If you want to apply via mail, take print out of the application form and the household worksheet from this website.
  • Fill out the application form and the household worksheet for online application. Do the same if you want to apply via mail.
  • Upload necessary documents( For online). Prepare photocopies of the documents. ( For applying via mail).
  • Submit your application with necessary documents. ( For online and via mail).
  • Wait for approval of the application.
  • If your application is approved, then contact Access Wireless so that you may get the free phone and other benefits from them.
  • Wait for 7 to 10 business days ( At least) to get the free phone and other benefits.
  • Now you have your free phone. Customize it as you like, and enjoy.

Requirements Needed To Apply For Access Wireless Free Government Phone

Access wireless offers free governments phone with free internet and some other benefits through the government initiatives the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. To participate in the programs, you have to fulfill some requirements. The requirements are simple. These are: your eligibility for the program and proof documents of the eligibility. In the upcoming section, we discuss these requirements.

Required Qualification for the Access Wireless free phone services

You can get a free phone from Access Wireless through the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. The eligibility for these two programs are almost similar. The difference is really a few. Here in this section we discuss the eligibility Criteria to get an Access Wireless free government phone. The eligibility criteria are mainly of two types. The Income based Criteria and The Program Participation based Criteria. 

Income based Eligibility

Income based eligibility for the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program is slightly different. They are given below:

  • Income based eligibility(For Lifeline Program): If you or your household annually earns at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines , then you or the household is considered to be eligible for the Lifeline Program.
  • Income Based Eligibility( For the Affordable Connectivity Program): If you or your household annually earns at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you or the household is considered as eligible for the ACP Program.

If you are ineligible for the income based eligibility, then you can try for Program Participation based Eligibility. 

If you or any member of your household participates or takes benefits from certain Government Assistance Programs, then you or the household is also eligible for the Lifeline and the ACP Program. Here we discuss in detail:

Program Participation Based Eligibility

  • Program Participation Based Eligibility for Lifeline:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). 
    • Medicaid.
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA).
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
  • Tribal Assistance Program participation for Lifeline: If you or your household live on Tribal lands, and you or any member of your household participates in the following programs, then you are eligible for the Lifeline.
    • Any of the federal assistance programs listed above.
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
    • Head Start.
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF).
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Program Participation Based Eligibility

  • Program Participation Based Eligibility For The ACP:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
    • Medicaid. 
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians)
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
    • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
    • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
  • Tribal Assistance Program participation for ACP: If you or your household live on Tribal lands, and you or someone in your household participate in the following programs, then you or the household is considered to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program:
    • Any of the federal assistance programs listed above.
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
    • Head Start .
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF).
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).

If You Have Already Received A Lifeline Benefit: Lifeline program is established by the government to make communication service affordable and available for low income citizens of our country. If you apply for the lifeline and are approved by the program then you are also qualified for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Other criteria that should be met: You must be at least 18 years old and if you are under 18 , then you must be an emancipated minor and you must be a citizen of the United States Of America. 

Documents That You Should Attach To The Access Wireless Free Phone Service Application Form

You have to submit documents in favor of your eligibility criteria. The documents for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity program are similar. In the upcoming section we discuss the documents needed for the Lifeline and The Affordable Connectivity Program. The documents are needed to verify your age, address, identity, income, etc.

  • Documents to verify identity: Your identity is verified to make sure that it’s you who have applied for the program . Identity verification helps to prevent false application and thus ensure genuine persons apply for the program. For the verification of your identity, you have to submit any of the following documents.
    • Documents: A Driver’s license, Passport, or Birth certificate.
  • Documents to verify Age/Emancipation Status: A document with your full name and date of birth is needed to verify your age. You must be 18 years old or over to apply for the program. If you are under 18, then you must be an emancipated minor to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. If you are an emancipated minor, then you have to submit court documents to show your emancipation status.
    • Documents: A valid ID, Passport, Birth certificate, or Emancipation certificate.
  • Documents to verify Address: You need a document with your full name and physical address to verify your address. So, you have to submit one of the following documents.
    • Documents: A valid ID, Driver’s license, Utility bill, or a Recent mortgage or lease statement, W-2, or Tax return.
  • Documents to prove your Income: For the lifeline program , you have to submit a document that proves your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For the Affordable Connectivity Program, you need to submit a document that proves your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You have to submit any of the following documents to prove your income.
    • Documents: A prior year’s State, Federal, or Tribal tax return, Current income statement from your employer, Paycheck stub, Social Security statement of benefits, or Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits.
  • Documents to prove your participation in certain government programs: If you qualify through program participation based eligibility , then you have to submit a document that proves your enrollment in the program. This document may contain your full name, the program’s name, the document issuing institution’s name, and a valid date.
    • Documents: Approval letters, benefit award letters, benefit verification letters, or benefit statements. Along with other documents, you have to submit a document to prove that you are alive and another document to prove your social security number.

The Application Process For Access Wireless Free Government Phone & Services

Apply Through Online

You may apply online for a free government phone from Access Wireless under the Lifeline and The ACP program. The application process is as follows:

  • Apply For The Lifeline Program: If you want to apply for the Lifeline program online, you can apply through the USAC website. To apply online follow this link: “lifelinesupport.org/get-started“.
  • Apply For The Affordable Connectivity Program: If you want to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program online, you may apply through the USAC website. To apply online follow this link: “affordableconnectivity.gov“. 

Apply Through mail

  • Apply For The Lifeline Program Via Mail: You can apply to the Lifeline Program to get a free phone. If you do not have the opportunity to apply online , you may apply via mail. You may take print out of the application or collect paper application form from FCC office. Then fill it up and send it with necessary documents to the following address: Lifeline Support Center, P.O. Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 1877.
  • Apply For The Affordable Connectivity Program Via Mail: You may take print out of the application form from USAC website or collect paper application from FCC office . Then fill it up and send it with necessary documents to this address: ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.

Apply via provider ( Like Access Wireless):

  1. Go to : “accesswireless.com” 
  2. On the homepage enter your Zip code and tap ‘Apply Now’.
  3. Now Choose a plan from three plan options.
  4. Now the option comes: Yes , Bring my own phone/ No, I need a phone.
  5. If you bring your own phone and need only a SIM card, then please choose: ‘Bring My Own Phone’ Option. If you need a new phone and a SIM then choose: No, I need a phone.
  6. Now enter your email address.
  7. Now re-enter the email address.
  8. Click on the ‘Go To Enrollment’ option.
  9. Follow the onscreen instructions. Thus complete the application process.

Process To Check The Application Status Of Access Wireless Free Phone Application

After you have submitted your application, The USAC will review it and send you a confirmation email mentioning if your application is approved or rejected. You can check your application’s status before the USAC’s confirmation email. You may know the status instantly, if it is pending, or approved, or rejected through the application status check process. The steps are as follows:

  • Go to the official website of Access Wireless: “accesswireless.com“.
  • Now, click on the My Account tab.
  • Login to your account with your phone number and passcode.
  • After logging in, go to the ‘Application Status Check ‘ section and you can see your application’s status there. The status can be pending, approved, or rejected.

Types Of Free Phones That You Can Get From Access Wireless After Your Application Is Approved

Which phone brand and model you get from Access Wireless is uncertain. It depends on their phone availability, distributional state, and some other factors. And you cannot choose the government free phone you get from Access Wireless. Here are some brands and models you may get from them.

  1. Nokia 225 4G
  2. NUU A11L
  3. BLU C5L
  4. Samsung Galaxy A12
  5. Motorola G7 Play. etc.

The Way To Activate Your Access Wireless Free Phone And SIM

You can activate your phone and SIM in the following way.

  1. Insert the SIM card into your phone. 
  2. Turn on the phone.
  3. Enter your SIM card PIN code. This is a four-digit code that is provided with the SIM card.
  4. Enter your phone number. This is the phone number that is associated with your SIM card account.
  5. Now, enter your activation code. This is a unique code that is provided by your cell phone carrier. You can find the activation code on the packaging that came with your SIM card . It can also be found on your carrier’s website.
  6. Now, review and accept the terms and conditions of service.
  7. Tap on “Activate” or “Submit.”
  8. 8. Wait for your phone to be activated. This may take a few minutes.

Once your phone is activated, you will be able to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and use the data services.

Types Of Plans And Services Offered By Access Wireless

Access Wireless offers Lifeline only, ACP only, and Lifeline- ACP combo (Best Value) plans. You can choose from any of these plans.

  • Lifeline only:
    • 1000 minutes.
    • Unlimited text.
    • 4.5 GB data.
  • ACP Only:
    • 1000 minutes.
    • Unlimited text.
    • 10GB High Speed Data.
    • 5GB Hotspot data.
  • Lifeline-ACP Combo Plan:
    • Unlimited Talk.
    • Unlimited Text.
    • Unlimited Data (15 GB of High Speed)
    • 5 GB Hotspot Data.
  • Here are the additional features that you get from all the plans:
    • Voice mail.
    • Caller ID.
    • 3-way calling.
    • Nationwide coverage.
    • Free emergency calls, etc.

The Limitations And Restrictions On The Free Government Phone From Access Wireless

There are some limitations and restrictions to get ACP /Lifeline benefits / get Access Wireless free phones. These are:

  1. Only those citizens, who are eligible through income or participation in government assistance programs, can apply for the program.
  2. Only one service discount and one time only device discount is given monthly to a household.
  3. Your Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program benefits are non transferable. That means you cannot transfer your ownership of the device and ACP /Lifeline service to another person, though he/she is eligible for the program.
  4. The address you provide for your phone service must be your place of residence.
  5. You must provide your date of birth, social security number as required by state, proof of identification, and proof of program participation on your application in order to be approved for service.
  6. Your provided information in your application and other documents should be authentic. If you provide wrong and unauthentic information willingly to get the benefits, then you will be punished. You even can be imprisoned , or barred from the program.
  7. In the Affordable Connectivity or the Lifeline program , you do not have the liberty to choose a phone brand or model. You have to accept any brand or model of phone that is given to you.
  8. You must use your service at least once a month. If you don’t do so your ACP/Lifeline Benefits will be dismissed.
  9. You must notify Access Wireless within 30 days if you no longer qualify for the program, or if you change your address.
  10. Any violation of rules for the Lifeline and the ACP program will result in your disenrollment from the program.

Now You Can Upgrade Your Phone With Limited Cost

If you get a free government phone from Access wireless under the Lifeline or the ACP program, you have the opportunity to upgrade your phone every 12 months for free.

To upgrade your phone, you may contact Access Wireless Customer care at 1-888-900-5899 and talk to a customer care agent. He/she will be able to help you determine if you are eligible for an upgrade or not and also can tell you which brands and models are available for upgrade.

Cost for upgrade: Access Wireless charges a one-time upgrade fee of $36. The fee is waived for the customers enrolled in the affordable Connectivity Program. But if you want to upgrade to a phone that is more expensive than your current phone, then you may need to pay the difference in price. You also have to pay taxes and fees on the new phone. The amount for taxes and fees depend on your location.

You can get a new phone with better features when you upgrade your current phone. Though some costs are associated with upgrading, you still benefit with upgrading your phone.

The Coverage Area Of Access Wireless And The Quality Of Their Network

 Most of the states of our country are covered by Access Wireless. You can visit their website and there you get the map of the coverage area. Access offers the latest 4G/LTE, 5G technology and seamless service nationwide.

FAQs

Can I get the Access Wireless free phone for completely free?

Yes, you can get the Access Wireless free phone for completely free of cost.

How long does it take to receive an Access Wireless free phone after applying?

After you have approved for the free phone from Access Wireless, you will receive your free phone within 7 to 10 business days via mail. You will get a shipping notification with tracking information once your phone has been shipped. But if you do not get the phone within 10 business days, you can contact Access Wireless customer support at 1-888-900-5899 to check the status of your shipment.

What if I have more questions about the Access Wireless free phone?

If you have more questions about the Access Wireless Free phone , you can contact the customer care at:

  • New Customers: 1-888-900-5899
  • Existing Customers: 1-866-594-3644

Customer Care Hours of Operation:

  • Monday – Friday: (8am – Midnight) EST
  • Saturday:( 9am – Midnight) EST
  • Sunday: (10am – 7pm ) EST