Frequently Asked Questions

Free Device Finder is a comprehensive resource that helps Americans find free or discounted phones, tablets, laptops, and hotspots from federal programs, state initiatives, Lifeline providers, nonprofits, and school programs. We provide verified information and direct links to official application portals.

Yes! Free Device Finder is completely free to use. We don't charge any fees, and we don't collect or sell your personal information. The programs we list may have their own eligibility requirements and costs (many are free, some have small co-pays).

All programs listed on Free Device Finder are verified and link directly to official sources. We only include programs from:

• Federal government agencies (FCC, GSA, etc.)
• State government programs
• Official Lifeline providers
• Established nonprofit organizations
• Verified school district programs

Always verify program details on the official website before applying, and never pay upfront fees to apply for government assistance programs.

Eligibility varies by program, but common qualifications include:

• Participation in government assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, SSDI, WIC, etc.)
• Household income at or below federal poverty guidelines (typically 135-200%)
• Student status (for school-based programs)
• Senior citizen status (for some programs)
• Veteran status (for some programs)

Use our program finder to filter programs by your specific eligibility criteria.

It depends on the programs. Some programs allow you to receive benefits from multiple sources, while others have restrictions. For example:

• Lifeline: Only one Lifeline benefit per household
• ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program): Can be combined with Lifeline
• State programs: May have their own restrictions
• Nonprofit programs: Usually allow multiple applications

Always check the specific program's terms and conditions before applying.

Most programs require:

• Proof of identity: Driver's license, state ID, passport, or birth certificate
• Proof of address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement
• Proof of eligibility: Benefit letter, award letter, or proof of income

Specific requirements vary by program. Check each program's details page for exact documentation needs.

Application processing times vary:

• Lifeline: Usually 1-7 business days
• ACP: Typically 1-5 business days
• State programs: Varies by state, often 1-2 weeks
• Nonprofit programs: Can take 2-4 weeks or longer

Some programs may have waitlists, especially during high-demand periods.

Yes! Most programs accept online applications. Some also offer:

• Phone applications
• Mail-in applications
• In-person applications at local offices

Check each program's details for available application methods.

After submitting your application:

1. You'll receive a confirmation (email, text, or mail)
2. The program will verify your eligibility
3. If approved, you'll be notified and receive instructions
4. Your device will be shipped or you'll pick it up (varies by program)
5. You may need to activate service or set up the device

Keep your confirmation number and check your application status regularly.

Warning signs of scams:

• Requests for upfront payment or application fees
• Unsolicited calls asking for personal information
• Pressure to act immediately
• Requests for payment via gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency
• Websites that look suspicious or have poor grammar/spelling
• Promises that seem too good to be true

How to protect yourself:

• Only apply through official program websites
• Never pay to apply for government assistance
• Verify program legitimacy on official government websites
• Don't share personal information over unsolicited calls
• Use our verified program links

If you believe you've been scammed:

1. Stop all communication with the suspected scammer
2. Report it: File a complaint with the FCC and FTC
3. Contact your bank if you've made any payments
4. Monitor your accounts for unauthorized activity
5. Report identity theft if personal information was compromised

Legitimate programs will never ask for payment to apply or pressure you to act immediately.

Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service. ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) provides up to $30/month discount on internet service and up to $100 toward a device.

You can receive both benefits simultaneously! This means you could get up to $39.25/month in discounts plus device assistance. Learn more in our Lifeline Program guide.

Yes, some Lifeline providers and government programs offer free iPhones to eligible participants. Availability varies by state and provider. iPhone models are typically older generations but fully functional. Learn more about free government iPhone programs and how to qualify.

Yes! Many programs offer free tablets, including Lifeline providers, ACP programs, and nonprofit organizations. Tablets are often available through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or specific state initiatives. Discover free government tablet programs available in your area.

Yes! If you receive SNAP benefits (EBT), you may qualify for free tablets through various programs. SNAP participation automatically qualifies you for many Lifeline and ACP programs that offer free devices. Learn more about free tablet programs for EBT recipients.

Yes! Several programs offer free or low-cost laptops to SNAP/EBT recipients, including nonprofit organizations like PCs for People, EveryoneOn, and Computers With Causes. Some programs also offer laptops through school districts or state initiatives. Find out more about free laptop programs for EBT recipients.

Yes, some Lifeline providers offer free iPhones to eligible participants. While not all providers offer iPhones, several major carriers do provide iPhone models (typically older generations) as part of their Lifeline service. Check our free government iPhone guide for details on which providers offer iPhones.

Some Lifeline providers offer free phones when you switch to their service, especially if you're porting your number. However, availability depends on the provider and your eligibility. You can only have one Lifeline benefit per household, so if you're already enrolled, you'll need to transfer your benefit rather than apply for a new one. Use our program finder to find providers in your state that offer free phones.

Yes! Refurbished devices from reputable programs are:

• Tested and certified to work properly
• Cleaned and restored to like-new condition
• Often include warranties
• Environmentally friendly (reusing devices)
• Significantly more affordable than new devices

Programs like PCs for People, Human-I-T, and EveryoneOn are known for providing quality refurbished devices.