No, the U.K. government isn't giving free iPhone 13 Pro Max phones to those on certain benefits

By: Annet Preethi Furtado
May 11 2023

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Context

On a Birmingham-based Facebook page, a post carries a picture of an individual holding an iPhone alongside the text: "I just received my iPhone 13 pro max from the Government and I am so grateful.'' The post also asks whether others are receiving government assistance through food stamps, medical aid, Section 8, or any other type and encourages them to click on a link to claim their free phone, inviting users to "complete the short 20-second form and fill in your shipping address to ensure delivery at your doorstep.''

While the post was uploaded to a U.K.-based group, the U.K. government currently offers no such program that provides individuals with free iPhones, and the post refers to U.S. government schemes. The post has turned comments off, which often indicates the post could be a scam or a hoax.

In Fact

Though the U.K. government does not offer free iPhones through any benefit schemes, financial assistance is available for eligible individuals through various programs. For instance, people who receive benefits such as Universal Credit and Pension Credit can access low-cost broadband and mobile services through social tariffs. Major service providers also offer these social tariffs to people who receive Employment and Support Allowance, Jobseeker's Allowance, and Income Support. These social tariffs are similar to standard packages but at lower rates. However, social tariffs for mobile contracts listed on the Ofcom website are limited to "sim-only" options and do not include any device.

Further, the site linked in the post refers to the Free Federal Lifeline Assistance Program, a U.S. government initiative managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The website claims eligible Americans can obtain free smartphones, talk time, text messaging, and data and claims that those receiving food stamps or Medicaid are eligible for a free iPhone. The page also asserts that the program is open to eligible Americans, including those enrolled in other programs such as Supplemental Security Income, Veterans & Survivors' Pension, and Federal Housing Assistance, among others. However, the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program does not offer free smartphones with unlimited talk, text, and high-speed data to eligible individuals and families. It offers a monthly discount of $9.25 on service and up to $34.25 for those residing on Tribal lands, but not free handsets.

The programs mentioned on the webpage and caption, including Section 8, are U.S. government programs that offer monetary benefits. Medicaid provides health insurance, Section 8 offers housing vouchers, SSI offers monthly payments to those with disabilities, Survivors Pension is a tax-free monetary benefit for low-income surviving spouses and unmarried children of deceased veterans, and Federal Housing Assistance assists low-income families, older people, and people with disabilities in obtaining decent and safe housing. None of these are relevant to the U.K.

The website also features a brief quiz that inquires whether your household is registered with any government programs. Clicking "yes" or "no" leads to a different website promoting a product that supposedly improves eyesight. iPhones are not mentioned on either website.

The Verdict

Neither the U.S. nor the U.K. has any scheme that offers free iPhones as part of any benefits program. The Facebook post is a hoax spreading false information and is likely an attempt to promote a product or collect personal information.