Truly how can you get AT&T wireless free government phone? You have probably heard about the federal program called Lifeline intended to provide phone and internet for low-income families.
The program will get you an AT&T wireless free government phone and let you purchase affordable monthly internet plans.
In this article, you will know how to check your eligibility for the program and get free government cell phones. You will also know some helpful notes on different states.
In the end, we will review some AT&T phones for sale without a contract so that you can use the services on your favorite but budget-friendly phone. Without further delay, let’s begin the process.
How To Get AT&T Wireless Free Government Phone
Getting unlimited plans for limited-income people is a reality now because of all mobile operators’ federal law and cooperation. With the AT&T Lifeline program, you can now afford a phone and a monthly internet package.
The main reason to get such deals is that you don’t have to maintain certain expensive conditions or sign contracts. But not all families can apply for the benefits, and let’s see who is eligible and how they can apply.
Check your eligibility
If you think that your current monthly internet, TV, and voice plan is becoming a burden to your existing income status, you can call for getting Lifeline assistance. It can reduce your monthly bills, and your kids will have the necessary internet connection to study properly.
2 main situations can qualify for the Lifeline program. The first one involves your income amount, and the second one involves your or your family member’s participation in any federal assistance programs.
- If your income is less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you will be eligible to apply for the monthly discount.
- If you or any of your family members are a beneficiary of the SNAP, SSI, FPHA, Medicaid, Veterans Pension and Survivors, or Tribal Programs, you will be eligible to apply for the monthly discount.
Lifeline conditions
The discount amount mentioned below only applies to a household and not an individual. Also, you won’t get both phone and internet discounts at the same time.
To summarize, one household can get either a monthly phone or internet plan discount from one service provider until they are eligible for the Lifeline program.
What you can get
By completing the application process, you will be eligible to get a $7.25 discount on your monthly phone bill or a $9.25 discount on your monthly internet bill. The discount amount can be increased to $25 if you live on federally recognized tribal lands.
Know how to apply
Applying for the program is easy as you have to check the availability, submit necessary documents, and wait for approval.
If you live anywhere in the US except California and Texas, you can call 855.301.0355 (Weekdays, from 8 am to 8 pm, Eastern Time). You will know what California and Texas residents need to do to check the availability in their areas.
Special notes for different states
The residents of Illinois can get an installation credit on top of the main discount. Some extra benefits also apply to the people living in Ohio, Michigan, and Minnesota. Our recommendation is to check the full detailed information from the official website of AT&T.
Top 5 AT&T unlocked smartphones.
You don’t necessarily have to choose from AT&T wireless free government phones because the models are pretty basic ones, and many people don’t like them. So, get one from AT&T deals for existing customers or the reviewed phones from below.
1. Apple iPhone 8, 64GB
This model is locked to use in the GSM network only, making it eligible to use in AT&T or T-Mobile networks. As this is a renewed phone, you can get it without spending, not so much.
The seller guarantees the same reliable performance that you get right out of a brand-new phone.
Key Features
- This one comes with iOS 11, but you can upgrade the iOS 13 for the latest security features and more useful functions.
- There are no card slots, but its internal 64GB memory is enough to store thousands of high-quality pictures.
- The 2GB RAM and Apple A11 Bionic chipset work together to ensure lag-free performance even under heavy pressure.
- Its camera configuration consisting of 12MP on the back and 7MP on the front will let you take professional shots.
- With its 1821 mAh battery, you can take pictures, use the internet, watch videos, or play games for hours.
Don’t worry about its quality or durability because a team of tech professionals tests and certifies it. All features and functions of this phone work like a brand new one to use for many more years.
Its front-mounted fingerprint sensor and face detection system will ensure maximum security. Also, the performance and camera quality are tested to ensure your utmost satisfaction. Below, you will know the key features of the iPhone 8 that will help you make a decision.
2. Alcatel OneTouch Ideal
This is the perfect phone for low-income people as it comes with a fairly cheap rate, yet all the smartphone features that one needs.
It is an unlocked phone that works perfectly on AT&T’s network. This can be the perfect AT&T cell phone for seniors because of its basic features and reliable performance.
Key Features
- This one comes with Android 4.1, but you can upgrade the version to another one for the latest security features and more useful functions.
- There is a dedicated card slot and its internal 8GB memory, which is enough storage for installing multiple apps.
- The 1GB RAM and MediaTek MT6577 chipset work together to ensure lag-free performance.
- Its camera configuration consisting of 8MP on the back and 2MP on the front will let you take good-quality shots.
- With its 1800 mAh battery, you can take pictures, use the internet, watch videos, or play games for hours.
With a Quad-core processor and other supporting hardware, you can expect a standard operating speed. For browsing the internet, accessing basic phone features, and doing simple daily tasks.
Moreover, you will love the compact phone size that will fit perfectly in your hands and pocket. Below, you will know the key features of the Alcatel OneTouch that will help you make a decision.
3. LG K8 Phoenix 2 K371
If you don’t like small screens and want something with a standard 5” display, this phone from LG can be your pro-choice.
With slightly better RAM capacity and a faster processor, you can get more speed and improved performance than the previous one.
Key Features
- This one comes with Android 6.0 (Marshmallow), but you can upgrade to 7.0 (Nougat) for the latest security features and more useful functions.
- There is a dedicated card slot and its internal 16GB memory, which is enough storage for installing multiple apps.
- The 1.5GB RAM and MediaTek MT6735 chipset work together to ensure lag-free performance even under heavy pressure.
- Its camera configuration consisting of 8MP on the back and 5MP on the front will let you take professional shots.
- With its 2125 mAh battery, you can take pictures, use the internet, watch videos, or play games for hours.
When you notice the battery configuration, you might think 2125 mAh will not be enough for you. But its software and hardware optimization, along with battery saver mode, can get you through a busy day easily. This feature not only increases the runtime but also prolongs battery life.
Moreover, this phone can support the 4G network speed so that you can take the most benefits from your operator. Below, you will know the key features of the LG K8 Phoenix 2 K371 that will help you make a decision.
4. Samsung Galaxy Note 8
The model says everything for itself, and you can get such a flagship phone for a meager price.
Though this is a renewed phone that supports the GSM network and works perfectly with AT&T, you won’t have to worry because this phone is certified for reuse.
Key Features
- This one comes with Android 7.1.1 (Nougat), but you can upgrade to Android 9.0 (Pie) for the latest security features and more useful functions.
- There is a dedicated card slot and its internal 64GB memory, which is enough storage for installing multiple apps.
- The 6GB RAM and Qualcomm MSM8998 Snapdragon 835 chipset work together to ensure lag-free performance even under heavy pressure.
- Its camera configuration consisting of 12MP+12MP on the back and 8MP+2MP on the front will let you take professional shots.
- With its 3300 mAh battery, you can take pictures, use the internet, watch videos, or play games for hours.
Its 6.3″ infinity display will give you the ultimate movie-watching experience, yet don’t feel uncomfortable holding it for hours. You will also love this phone for its battery backup and super-smooth performance.
The configuration and build quality are so advanced and intelligently put together that you can use it for many years to come, even if the technology upgrades. Below, you will know the key features of the Galaxy Note 8 that will help you make a decision.
5. LG G6 H871
The last one on the list is another LG phone that can also pick a fight with other flagship phones on the market. Its 5.7” display is built with the highest quality to make sure life-like color reproduction.
Key Features
- This one comes with Android 7.0 (Nougat), but you can upgrade to Android 9.0 (Pie) for the latest security features and more useful functions.
- There is a dedicated card slot and its internal 32GB memory, which is enough storage for installing multiple apps.
- The 4GB RAM and Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 821 chipset work together to ensure lag-free performance even under heavy pressure.
- Its camera configuration consisting of 13MP+13MP on the back and 5MP on the front will let you take professional shots.
- With its 3300 mAh battery, you can take pictures, use the internet, watch videos, or play games for hours.
Its IP68 rating and Gorilla Glass 3 protection keep it safe from small accidents and save you any money for repairs. You will also admire its processing power and smooth performance, even with multiple apps at the same time.
At the top and the bottom, you will see a minimum bezel, which makes the design attractive and fit into your pocket despite its huge display size. Below, you will know the key features of the LG G6 H871 that will help you make a decision.
Final Verdict
We know that many of our readers don’t like the models of AT&T wireless free government phones, and that is why we gathered some affordable phones with standard features.
Those who want a brand new standard Android phone without spending much can go for the LG K8 Phoenix 2 K371. If there is not enough signal strength in your area, you can check out AT&T signal boosters.
You can also check out the renewed Samsung Galaxy Note 8 if you have more budget. For flagship phone lovers, this is a great deal. There are also people preferring iPhones over anything but can’t afford one. So, we listed and reviewed a renewed Apple iPhone 8, 64GBfor them. You can now enroll for the lowest internet and voice plans from the Lifeline program and get the phone you like the most.
