Free iPhone With Food Stamps: Can You Get One? (HOW)

ByNoli Sarmiento Last Updated:

The iPhone has long been one of the most expensive and popular gadgets on the market with millions of users in the United States and around the world.

Part of its appeal is its elegant design, seamless user experience, and camera that is touted as the best performer in the market.

Whether you are looking for practicality or style, the iPhone has it all.

But if you can’t afford to get an iPhone, are there ways to get one with food stamps?

You may be able to get a free iPhone with food stamps. Here’s how.

Can You Get a Free iPhone On Foodstamps?

Using an iphone for touchless pay
The iPhone has long been one of the most popular gadgets on the market with millions of users in the United States and around the world.

If you or your family are receiving food stamps you may be eligible to receive an iPhone through the government’s Lifeline program.

There are a number of companies that participate in the Lifeline program, so we’ll go over a few of them.

Lifeline Program and SNAP

Started under the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), the Lifeline program offers free government smartphones.

SNAP – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – is a government assistance program that also provides Lifeline Assistance.

To be eligible, you must fulfill the following requirements.

Income

For the 48 contiguous U.S states, eligible people must have gross monthly income at or below 135% of government poverty guidelines. 

  • Household gross income for 1 individual: $1,396
  • Household gross income for 2 individuals: $1,888
  • Household gross income for 3 individuals: $2,379
  • For each additional individual, just add $472 to the gross income.

Work

Individuals must also meet work requirements to be eligible for SNAP. Requirements include:

  • Registering for work
  • Working between 30 to 80 hours per week
  • Not voluntarily quitting a job or reducing hours
  • Taking a job if offered
  • Participating in employment and training programs, if assigned by the state

Savings/Resources

A household will still be eligible if they have $2,500 in countable resources (cash in the bank) or $3,750 if one member of their household is over 60 or disabled.

Individuals who are exempt from these (work, income, resource) conditions:

  • Seniors
  • Pregnant women
  • Children
  • People exempt due to physical or mental reasons

Read More: Free Phones for Seniors in California. If you or an elderly loved one is located in California, they may be eligible for a free phone!

Students

Students between the ages of 18 and 49 who are enrolled in college at least half the time are not eligible for SNAP.

Citizenship

Only legal U.S citizens are allowed to benefit from SNAP and non-citizens do not qualify unless:

  • They are legal immigrants living in the U.S for more than five years
  • Have been receiving disability-related assistance or benefits
  • Are children under 18

NOTE: These individuals must also fulfill other SNAP-related requirements (like income and resource limits).

Other Programs

If you already are a part of the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, then you may automatically qualify for SNAP.

In some states, the application for the SSI and SNAP are the same (so you automatically qualify for the other).

Companies That Offer Free iPhones Under Snap

people on smartphones
Getting a free phone means you can keep up with current events and stay in touch with friends and family.

Currently, only 3 companies offer iPhones under the Lifeline Assistance or SNAP program.

  1. Cintex Wireless
  2. SFone Wireless
  3. Newphone Wireless

Cintex Wireless Application Process

To be eligible for a free iPhone from Cintex Wireless, here’s how you apply.

  1. Go to the Cintex Wireless website’s application page
  2. Provide required info on the application form
    • Name
    • Date of Birth
    • Address
    • Government-issued ID
    • Last 4 digits of the social security number
  3. Submit documents that prove your eligibility
    • SNAP membership card
    • Cover letter
    • Income Tax Return
  4. Fill out the rest of the info and complete the form
  5. If your application gets approved, you will receive your free iPhone in a few days

SFone Wireless Application Process

  1. Go to SFone Wireless website and apply
  2. Provide the required information (including Name, Address, DOB, and Proof of Eligibility).
  3. You may get a call from the SFone Helpline for further verification
  4. If approved, you will receive your free iPhone in a few days

Newphone Wireless Application Process

  • Visit newphone.com
  • Provide the required info on the application page along with proof of eligibility
  • You will receive a confirmation email after approval
  • You will receive the iPhone in 7-10 business days

Which iPhone Will I Get with the Lifeline Program?

iPhone 6 and iPhone 7
Cintex provides an iPhone 6 or 7 for Lifeline participants.

The iPhone you get will depend on the company you choose and the availability of certain models with the company.

Unfortunately, there is no way you can choose a particular iPhone. Cintex provides an iPhone 6 or 7.

Is Free Cell Phone Service Provided by SNAP?

Free cell phone service is provided under the Lifeline program, but you will have to fill out the required application.

What Happens After I Apply for SNAP?

Your local SNAP office will send you a notice within 30 days of your application confirming whether you are or are not eligible for SNAP. 

During the 30 days, you will be called for an eligibility interview and you must provide verification of the information you provided on your application.

The interview is typically by phone or in person.

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program the Same as Lifeline?

The ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) is a new assistance initiative by the U.S. government to further help low-income families with their broadband costs.

Although Lifeline and ACP are different programs, they can be combined, so you can qualify for Lifeline and ACP with different companies and receive the related benefits.

Do Other Companies Offer Free Government iPhones?

Companies except for Cintex, SFone, and Newphone don’t offer iPhones.

However other companies do offer a free government cell phone.

These include:

If you’re not specifically looking for an iPhone then getting an Android may be the better option since more companies offer a free government phone and much more variety in the phone models. 

Similar Posts