What is Lifeline Phone Service?

Lifeline, a national government benefit, extends the provision of the best free government phone service in Ohio and nationwide to millions of eligible customers. This program aims to ensure vital connectivity for individuals and families by offering complimentary phone services, facilitating communication, and access to essential resources.

You may qualify for Ohio Lifeline free government cell phone service in Ohio if you receive assistance from:

  • SNAP / Food Stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Other government programs

You may also qualify for the Ohio Lifeline program if your total household income meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Snap Icon

SNAP / FOOD STAMPS

medicare icon

MEDICAID

social security icon

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

Why is Free Government Phone Service Available to Ohio Residents?

The free government phone service in Ohio first appeared in 1984, when the Federal Government started the Lifeline program in Ohio and other states to help low-income and disadvantaged individuals or families who couldn’t afford basic phone services. The primary goal of providing free government phone plans in Ohio was to offer opportunities for low-income individuals across the state to stay connected. Over time, free cell phone service and other Lifeline discounts have greatly improved the lives of millions of qualified customers, going beyond what was initially envisioned.

With the help of the Lifeline cell phone program in Ohio, residents can gain access to essential phone services to help them stay connected to loved onesYou may be eligible to enroll with one of the many Ohio Lifeline providers if you have lost your job, have a disability, or have a low income that exceeds the Lifeline income limits in Ohio.

The Ohio Lifeline telephone program is fundamentally committed to treating phone service as a core necessity of life for families and households. enTouch Wireless enhances this mission by offering all eligible individuals discounted or free cell phones in Ohio. This program specifically aids low-income families and households meeting Lifeline eligibility requirements, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of staying connected through high-speed data plans.

ENROLL TODAY

Get FREE Monthly Talk & Text + 4.5GB!*

Ohio’s #1 Choice for FREE Government Phone Service*

Servicing 36 states nationwide!

FREE PLAN*
  • 10GB Data* – Limited Time Only
  • Unlimited Talk and Text*
  • No Contract, No Hidden Fees

*Promotional offer subject to eligibility for Lifeline; may be changed or withdrawn at any time; see plan page details; subject to our Terms and Conditions of Service and Agreement to Arbitrate Disputes.

Free Phone Service

Do I Qualify for FREE Phone Service?*

You may qualify for Ohio Lifeline by participating in select government assistance programs or meeting income guidelines.

QUALIFY BY PROGRAM

Snap Icon

 SNAP / FOOD STAMPS

WHAT DO I NEED?

medicare icon

MEDICAID

WHAT DO I NEED?

social security icon

SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)

WHAT DO I NEED?

VETERANS PENSION AND SURVIVORS BENEFIT

WHAT DO I NEED?

federal public housing icon

FEDERAL PUBLIC HOUSING ASSISTANCE (FPHA)

WHAT DO I NEED?

You may qualify for Ohio Lifeline benefits if your total household income meets the poverty guidelines for your state.

Qualify by Income in Ohio

Persons in Household Income
1 member $20,331
2 members $27,594
3 members $34,857
4 members $42,120
5 members $49,383
Each additional member $7,263

*Based on 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Source: U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines Used to Determine Financial Eligibility for Certain Federal Programs, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, January 17, 2024. If you provide documentation that does not cover a full year (such as current paycheck stubs), you must submit three (3) consecutive months’ worth of the same type of document from the previous twelve months. NOTE: All new applicants will need to submit proof of government assistance in order to complete enrollment. There are several easy methods to submit proof eligibility; you will be able to select what method is best for you later in the signup process.

FREE Talk/Text + 4.5GB Data Every Month!*

Join The Thousands of Happy enTouch Wireless Customers

review 1

I only have good things to say about enTouch. Ive referred several friends because enrolling is easy and I got my free phone quickly!

review 2

This program is great! I needed help getting a new phone so I signed up with entouch. This is FREE so take advantage!!!

review 3

Great product. can’t beat free phone free service and customer service is as good if not better then most companies

Join the enTouch Wireless family!

You deserve the best service and that is what we are committed to delivering to you!

ENROLL IN ENTOUCH WIRELESS LIFELINE SERVICE

Ohio lifeline service

Contact Ohio Commission

If you have unresolved issues after contacting enTouch Wireless Customer Support, you may contact:

Public Service Office:
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215

enTouch Wireless Customer Support

Dial 611 on your Lifeline phone (Monday – Friday: 11am – 11pm ET)

Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

  • Prior Year’s State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation Benefits Statement
  • Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
  • Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
  • Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
  • Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
  • Social Security Benefits Statement

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)

BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribal Head Start

Head Start Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

TANF Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Notice of Action (award letter) acknowledging eligibility for FDPIR benefits;

  • Name of the beneficiary;
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

OR

FDPIR participation documents(e.g., a benefit card or copy of a benefit card);

  • Name of the beneficiary
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

Lifeline Program

Due to sharing many of the same eligibility requirements those currently enrolled in the lifeline program may qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also.

 

Medi-Cal / Medicaid

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

CalFresh / Food Stamps / SNAP

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Pension Grant Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Participant’s name
  • Address
  • A decision about the participant’s monthly entitlement amount
  • Payment start date

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

FPHA award letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Date of the award,
  • Name of the beneficiary, and
  • Award amount.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA or on SSA letterhead.

  • Consumer’s name
  • Date
  • Eligibility Date
  • Claim number OR Other consumer identification number
  • Payment amount

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

SNAP / Food Stamps / CalFresh

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status