In Alabama and Mississippi, C Spire, a telecom provider, provides the Lifeline program. Eligible low-income consumers can receive a free phone and a monthly cell phone plan discount through this federally administered program. Through the Lifeline Assistance program, low-income individuals and those receiving income-based assistance can obtain a phone at no cost, allowing them to stay in touch with friends and family. The lifeline advantages of free telephone and internet service cannot be transferred from one individual to another.
Given that the majority of individuals require a free phone, it’s wise to be aware of the prerequisites. You must first ensure that your household’s annual income falls within the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Another qualifying need is to be enrolled in a government-sponsored program, like SSI. The same robust network experience, including cutting-edge 4G LTE and premium 5G coverage nationwide, is what all qualified customers for C Spire free phones can expect.
Additionally, you will receive a $9.25 monthly credit for wireless service, meeting basic bandwidth standards, as well as a free phone. Alternatively, a $5.25 monthly credit for wired or wireless service that barely meets the bare minimum of voice standards. However, the Lifeline program only allows consumers who meet the National Verifier requirements to apply for a free C Spire phone. Additionally, you must provide proof of your qualifications for this offer.
How to Get Free Phones from C Spire
You must first demonstrate your eligibility and submit the necessary paperwork to receive a free phone from C Spire. Once you have completed the application process, you will receive your chosen smartphone. Let’s begin by learning how you finish your process.
Requirements to receive free phones from C Spire
Participation in government subsidy programs and the annual household income determine eligibility for the C Spire free phone. Among them are:
Income-Based: The income of an eligible customer must be 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less.
- Security Income Supplement (SSI)
- Food Stamps were once known as Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), now known as SNAP.
- Medicaid Survivors Benefit and Veterans Pension
Other qualifying programs for clients living on Tribal Lands are listed below:
- General Assistance Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Food Distribution Program for Tribal TANF on Indian Reservations
- Only homes that meet the qualifying income criterion are eligible for Head Start.
Read more: Free Government Phones for the Elderly – How to Get
Required documentation for free C Spire phones
Depending on your eligibility requirements, you must attach one of the documents listed below:
- How to Provide Evidence of Income
- Your employer’s most recent income statement or pay stub
- The federal, state, or tribal tax return from the prior year
- decree of divorce
- reward for child support
- Statement of benefits for unemployment or workers’ compensation
- Statement of Benefits from the Veterans Administration
- Notice letter for federal or tribal participation in general assistance
- or another formal document that contains details on revenue
Applications for obtaining free phones
The initial step is to submit a request form to C Spire and an application to the National Verifier. The information you provide to C Spire must match the information in your filed and accepted application if you are eligible with the National Verifier. Additionally, the phone number needs to be your C Spire number.
After that, submit your application by clicking the link to the National Verifier form. When you submit your request to C Spire, be sure to include your Application ID.
Fill out the form at cspire.com/lifeline as soon as you are eligible with National Verifier to start the process of requesting your internet discount and the C Spire free phone application. Once again, the data must include your C Spire phone number and match the information you submitted with your application to the National Verifier.
C Spire will contact you if there is a problem with your free phone application. If not, give C Spire a few business days to respond to your free phone application.
How to Provide Evidence of Program Involvement
Statement of benefits from a federal, state, or tribal program that qualifies, either recent or from the prior year
Notice letter of participation in a federal, state, or tribal program that qualifies
Documents about program involvement
An additional formal record attesting to the customer’s enrollment in an eligible state, federal, or tribal program
READ MORE: Verizon Free Phone When You Switch
C Spire Prepaid Free Phones Plans
C Spire offers prepaid programs inspired by its customers. These plans offer free countrywide 5G service. With any new line, both new and existing clients can take advantage of the best-prepaid phone offers. Additionally, if you have been a prepaid C Spire client for at least six months, you might be eligible for an exclusive upgrade.
The following are included in C Spire’s free prepaid phone plans:
1. A PREPAID 10GB PLAN
This prepaid phone plan, which includes paperless billing and autopay, costs $25 per month. This feature includes:
- 10GB of fast data
- Unlimited basic data, calls, and text
- Including a mobile hotspot
- 5G premium countrywide
- Add a line of tablets for only $25 a month.
- Extra lines only cost $25 a month.
- Included are taxes and fees.
2. PREPAID PLAN WITH 30GB
The aforementioned prepaid option, which includes paperless billing and autopay, costs $40 per month. Among the features are:
- 30 GB of fast data
- Unlimited basic data, text, and voice
- Premium around the country 5G
- Including a mobile hotspot
- Add a line of tablets for only $25 a month.
- Extra lines only cost $30 a month.
- Included are taxes and fees.
3. PREPAID 60GB PLAN
This plan includes autopay and paperless billing, and subscribers pay $50 each month. This C Spire free phone plan has the following features:
- 60GB of fast data
- Unlimited basic data, calls, and text
- Including a premium countrywide 5G mobile hotspot
- Add a line of tablets for only $25 a month.
- Extra lines only cost $35 a month.
- Included are taxes and fees.
4. PREPAID 90GB PLAN
The following services are included in this $60/month prepaid plan with AutoPay and Paperless Billing:
- 90GB of fast data
- Unlimited basic data, calls, and text
- Including a premium countrywide 5G mobile hotspot
- Add a line of tablets for only $25 a month.
- Extra lines only cost $45 a month.
- Included are taxes and fees.
How to Upgrade C Spire Phones
When you upgrade, you replace your old C Spire phone with a new one from the same line. By purchasing one at full price or with monthly installments, you can update your C Spire phone. To upgrade your phone, ensure that there is no outstanding balance on your C Spire account. You can still upgrade your C Spire phone if you still owe money on your existing smartphone. However, the cost of your new gadget will include the leftover amount.
Additionally, qualifying trade-ins might earn you bill credits of up to $300. The trade-in value of your phone will be automatically determined when you sign up to upgrade it on cspire.com or through the My C Spire app. Visit the bargains page to view the currently featured bargains, or sign in at cspire.com to view upgrade discounts customized for you before you start looking for your upgrade device.
How to Unlock C Spire Free Phones
Your C Spire phone must meet the following requirements to be eligible for unlocking:
- There must be no outstanding balance on your C Spire account.
- An active device payment plan agreement or promotional offer contract must not cover the phone.
- There were no reports of the device being lost or stolen.
- After that, you can submit an unlock request for your free phone using the IMEI of your smartphone. By entering *#06# on your phone’s dial pad, you can determine the IMEI of your device. Then, when asked, enter the 15-digit IMEI number.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the C Spire Free Phones Program?
C Spire participates in the federal Lifeline Assistance program. Qualified individuals receive:
- A monthly credit of $9.25 toward qualifying wireless service (meeting minimum broadband standards), or
- A $5.25 monthly credit for voice-only service
2. Who is eligible?
You may qualify if you meet one of the following:
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
- You participate in federal aid programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or receive Pell Grants or free school meals
3. Which plans are available with the life line credit?
Eligible for either:
- Broadband-capable plan: includes data + voice (receives $9.25/month credit)
- Voice-only plan: for talk/text (receives $5.25/month credit)
4. Can I get a free or deeply discounted phone?
While Lifeline covers service cost, C Spire may offer promotions such as “Free Phone + $25 Unlimited Plan” on prepaid lines. Availability and terms vary by region and time.
5. How do I apply for the free phone program?
- Check eligibility via income or program participation.
- Go to C Spire’s Lifeline Assistance page to begin
- Provide documents verifying income or program participation.
- Complete application via their site or visit a local store.
- Once approved, select and activate your device and plan.
6. Is this benefit eligible in addition to other promotions?
Generally, you cannot combine Lifeline credits with other device promotions. However, prepaid offers like “Free Phone + $25 Unlimited Plan” may be available independently
7. How often must I recertify?
Lifeline participants must recertify annually to confirm eligibility and continue receiving the credit.
8. Can everyone in the household get a free phone?
No. Only one Lifeline benefit per household—this applies even if multiple individuals qualify
9. Can I use a phone I already own?
Yes. C Spire supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) with eligible prepaid plans. You may also access other prepaid promotions
10. How often can I change plans or phones?
- Plan changes: You can switch to any qualifying Lifeline or prepaid plan at any time.
- Device upgrades: Not covered by Lifeline. Other options like Early Upgrade (for phones purchased via C Spire) may allow you to upgrade after 6 months
Bottom line
The US Federal Government offers free phones and internet discounts as part of its initiatives to close the digital divide in the community. By signing up with the C Spire wireless carrier, you can be eligible for a free phone if you are a Lifeline Assistance Program participant. A free C Spire phone is available to qualified consumers with low incomes or those receiving government assistance programs, such as Medicaid.
