Essential Guide to Qualifying for Free Obama Phones
Learn how to qualify for free Obama phones through government assistance programs or low household income. This guide explains eligibility criteria, documentation, and state-specific requirements to help you access affordable mobile services easily.

Essential Guide to Qualifying for Free Obama Phones
Obtaining a free Obama cell phone is straightforward as long as you meet certain eligibility criteria. These include participation in government assistance programs or having a low household income.
Verifying your eligibility for a free Obama phone, which can come with 250, 1000, or unlimited monthly minutes and texts, is quick and simple.
Are you enrolled in any of these federal or state support programs?
If yes, you automatically qualify for a free Obama phone.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefits
- Bureau of Indian Affairs Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start Program
If you don’t participate in these programs, don’t worry—you still may qualify through household income verification.

Is your total household income within the qualifying limits?
If your household income falls below a certain threshold, you may qualify without participating in assistance programs. This process involves verifying your annual household income and submitting relevant documents.
The household income considered is the combined earnings of all members over the past year. It must not exceed 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Though the Obama phone program is federally supported, individual states manage their own qualifications. Consequently, eligibility requirements and the number of free minutes and texts may differ between states.