Gen Mobile Lifeline and ACP Plans

Gen Mobile, the fifth largest US mobile provider (according to their website), participates in both the Federal Lifeline and Federal Affordable Connectivity Programs. As a participant in these federal programs, they offer discounted phone and internet service to qualified low-income families or individuals.

Gen Mobile Lifeline Plans

There are two Gen Mobile lifeline plans. One for families living on qualified Tribal lands and one for non-tribal lands. The programs are as follows:

Tribal Land Lifeline includes:

Minutes: Unlimited
Texts: Unlimited
Data: 11GB
Cost for additional data: $10 for 1GB

Non-Tribal Lands (aka Basic Lifeline Plan) includes:

1,000 Minutes
1,000 Texts
4.5 GB data
Cost for additional minutes: $5 for 500 minutes
Cost for additional data: $10 for 1 GB

Both Lifeline plans include 411, directory assistance, nationwide domestic calling, Caller ID, call waiting, call forwarding, voicemail, 3-way calling, and no fee for calling 911, 611, 211, 311, 511 and 811.

Gen Mobile Affordable Connectivity Plans

If you qualify for the ACP program, you are entitled to receive a discounted device. You are subject to a co-pay of more than $10 but less than $50 towards the purchase of the device. The amount of the co-pay is determined by the model device you choose.

In addition to a discounted device, you receive a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service. If you live on qualified Tribal lands, that monthly discount is increased to up to $75.

As of this writing (April 2023), Gen Mobile is offering an unlimited talk, text, and 7GB data ACP plan and a free smartphone.

You also have the option to bring your own device to the Gen Mobile ACP program. Just make sure the device is compatible with the Gen Mobile GSM network. The phone must be unlocked, not under contract, and paid in full. Most unlocked AT&T, Cricket, T-Mobile, Simple Mobile, or Straight Talk phones are compatible. If you're unsure if your phone is compatible, chat with a representative online or call 833-528-1380.

Gen Mobile States of Operation

Gen Mobile offers service in all US states plus American Samoa, Guam, and US Virgin Islands. While they provide service in all states, their service might not cover the entire state. Therefore, entering your zip code on their site is essential to ensure they provide coverage in your area. After confirming coverage availability, take the next step to see if you qualify for the discounts.

Lifeline and ACP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the two federal programs, you must satisfy at least one of the following criteria:

Have a household income of 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify for Lifeline or a household income of 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

You or someone in your household receives benefits from one of the following government assistance programs:

Veterans' Pension or Survivor's Benefit
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Lifeline

Programs for individuals/families living on qualified Tribal lands

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Head Start (only households meeting the qualifying income standard)
Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

If eligible, you may enroll in either Lifeline or ACP or both. Since qualifying for the Lifeline automatically qualifies you for the ACP program, it makes sense to enroll in both. Doing so will give you the greatest discount with the broadest monthly cell/internet coverage.

Enrolling in Lifeline/ACP

After confirming eligibility, it's time to enroll. Visit the National Verifier to apply. Ensure you have the supporting documentation to prove you qualify for the programs. If you are eligible based on household income, provide the necessary paperwork to prove your annual income. Also, ensure to include household size, i.e., the number of people in the household.

If you qualify based on one of the assistance programs, you'll need a copy of the letter or official document as proof. If you are eligible based on an education-related program, in addition to a letter or official document, a copy of a screenshot will serve as proof.

In addition to the forms of proof listed above, you'll need a government-issued form of ID to prove you are who you say you are. Having the correct documentation makes the application process easier. Your approval should take about a half hour. Sometimes it takes longer depending on website volume or re-verification of certain documents.

PLEASE NOTE: The states of California, Oregon, and Texas have opted out of the Nation Verifier Database. As such, residents of those states must visit the appropriate governing authority. I've linked each of the states to the relevant authority.

Signing up with Gen Mobile

After you've received your Lifeline or ACP identification number, go to the Gen Mobile website and apply for service.

Things to Know

You must use the service at least once every 30 days. Gen Mobile will notify you if you haven't used your phone. You then have 15 days to use it, or you'll lose your benefit.

To maintain benefits, you must recertify eligibility annually

Although you may combine Lifeline and ACP benefits, you may only have one set per household. If you and your partner qualify for benefits and reside in the same household, only one of you may receive benefits due to the one-per-household rule.

Clear Captions, another free government program, is available to those with hearing impairment.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This site was created to help people find information about free government phones. The ower of this site does not mail, activate or repair free government phones nor provide phone service. If you have questions about phone service it is suggested that you contact the phone service provider directly.

Last Modified: 11 July 2023