Georgia ranks third in the list of states with highest cell phone usage in the United States. With an average monthly search volume of 442.54 per 100,000 citizens, this statistic highlights how essential a functioning cellphone is to Georgian residents. However, many individuals face financial challenges that prevent them from accessing cell phones and data, making free government phone Georgia program a vital solution for their needs.
Let’s find out how you can get free cell phone services if you also live in Georgia.
1. Does Georgia Have Government Assistance?
What is the best free government phone program? As of now, the government is running a program called Lifeline to assist low-income households and individuals in affording broadband and internet connection. Qualified participants can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on their phone or internet bills. For eligible consumers living on Tribal lands, the discount increases to up to $34.25 per month.
This initiative extends to every state and commonwealth in the U.S. If you reside in Georgia, you may also qualify and gain access to these services.
To get a free phone, you should apply for Lifeline via a service provider that partners with the program. If you get an approval, you may get subsidized phone plan as well as a free phone or tablet as a benefit from the provider.
Before July 2024, Lifeline and ACP used to run simultaneously with an aim to bridge the modern-day digital divide. However, ACP winded down due to a lack of funding from the Congress. Therefore, that left Lifeline the best free government phone Georgia and other states now.
2. Who is Eligible for Free Phone from Government?
The first step before applying for free government phones in Georgia is checking your eligibility. If you’re wondering who can qualify for Lifeline, below are the main criteria:
- If you are participating in certain government assistance programs, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- If your household income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Your Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
When applying for Lifeline, you may be required to provide proof of income, such as a tax return or three back-to-back pay stubs.
3. How to Get a Free Government Phone in Georgia
To ensure your chance of securing a free cell phone, choosing a trusted provider is one of the most essential steps. Among the many Lifeline partners, AirTalk Wireless has earned many hearts with their avid customer service and, of course, the phone choices that stand out in the market.
Without further ado, let’s take these simple steps to get a free phone ASAP. You can choose the best phone for senior citizens, for students, and more, all based on your preferences.
Step 1: Access AirTalk Wireless
You can access the website of AirTalk Wireless, enter your zip code to see whether you live where Lifeline is available and click Apply.
For example, if you are a Georgia resident, the zip code you must enter may vary from 30002 to 30097, depending on your county and city.
Step 2: Pick a phone plan
Next step is something you cannot skip. Choosing a phone plan is part of the Lifeline Program. So, before you opt for a cell phone, make sure you also get a suitable Plan from 4 packages: Lifeline Basic Plan, Plus Plan, Premium Plan, and Unlimited Plan.
Step 3: Pick your free phone
The free government phones from AirTalk are from a variety of top brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, etc. Do note that AirTalk Wireless also offers a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program that lets customers use their current phone with their free cell phone service.
Step 4: Submit required documents
You can only get approvals from both AirTalk Wireless and the National Verifier if you manage to upload proof of eligibility. Some documents you need, depending on your eligibility criteria, are:
- Current or last year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal or Tribal program
- Program participation documents
- Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program, etc.
Step 5: Wait for your phone
Typically, applications are approved within 20-30 minutes. However, some may take 3-4 days or longer to process. Once your order is finalized, your device will be shipped within 7-10 business days.
4. List of Best Free Government Phones to Get in Georgia
Whether you’re looking for a free government phone Georgia iPhone, Samsung, or for various targets like seniors and veterans, AirTalk Wireless collection might have something that meets your expectation:
| Brands | Phone choices from AirTalk |
| Samsung | – Galaxy S9 – Galaxy S8 |
| Motorola | – One 5G ACE |
| Nokia | – Nokia C300 – Nokia 2760 Flip |
| Apple | – iPhone 8 Plus |
| CAT | – CAT S22 Flip |
| FOXXD | – FOXXD A56 |
With AirTalk, you can also be eligible for discounted tablet bundle and a slew of one-of-a-kind benefits below:
- Up to 10GBs of high-speed data
- Unlimited talk and text
- Free international calls to 200+ countries including Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and More.
- Free delivery, etc.