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 free government cell phone service in Ohio if you receive assistance from:
You may also qualify for the Ohio Lifeline program if your total household income meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
SNAP / FOOD STAMPS
MEDICAID
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
Free government phone service 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 ones. You 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 Ohio Lifeline eligibility requirements, enabling them to enjoy the benefits of staying connected through high-speed data plans.
*Promotional offer subject to eligibility for Lifeline; may be changed or withdrawn at any time; see plan page details; subject to our Terms and Conditions of Service and Agreement to Arbitrate Disputes.
You may qualify for the Lifeline assistance program in Ohio by participating in select government assistance programs or meeting income guidelines. Low-income residents in Ohio who are enrolled in one of the following programs can apply for basic local telephone service and participate in the Lifeline assistance program.
SNAP / FOOD STAMPS
MEDICAID
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME (SSI)
VETERANS PENSION AND SURVIVORS BENEFIT
FEDERAL PUBLIC HOUSING ASSISTANCE (FPHA)
You may qualify for Ohio Lifeline benefits if your total household income meets the poverty guidelines for your state.
| 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.
I only have good things to say about enTouch. Ive referred several friends because enrolling is easy and I got my free phone quickly!
This program is great! I needed help getting a new phone so I signed up with entouch. This is FREE so take advantage!!!
Great product. can’t beat free phone free service and customer service is as good if not better then most companies
You deserve the best service and that is what we are committed to delivering to you!
If you have unresolved issues after contacting enTouch Wireless Customer Support, you may contact:
Public Service Office:
180 East Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Dial 611 on your Lifeline phone to get support or answers to your questions (Monday – Friday: 11am – 11pm ET)
*All forms of ID must be valid and used before expiration date.
Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.
BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:
Head Start Award letter, should contain the following basic information:
TANF Award letter, should contain the following basic information:
Notice of Action (award letter) acknowledging eligibility for FDPIR benefits;
OR
FDPIR participation documents(e.g., a benefit card or copy of a benefit card);
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.
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:
Pension Grant Letter should contain the following basic information:
FPHA award letter should contain the following basic information:
Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA or on SSA letterhead.
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:
