Important update to the Affordable Connectivity Program
As of February 8, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has frozen all new enrollments in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to a lack of Congressional funding. If your application was not accepted by February 7th, 2024, you are no longer eligible to receive discounted benefits.
Should Congress not renew funding for the ACP, the program will cease entirely by the end of April 2024. If you are currently participating in the ACP, you should receive written notice from your phone and/or internet provider with details on when your bills will increase.
For more details, visit the FCC's notice on the ACP wind-down.
Assurance Wireless is a T-Mobile-owned carrier that offers free phone service through the federal Lifeline Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). It provides one free government-subsidized phone and service plan per household to eligible customers. These customers may participate in other government assistance programs or qualify on an income-based level.
Keep reading to learn all about Assurance and how to find out if you qualify for a free phone and cell service.
Who Is Eligible for Assurance Wireless?
To receive the free phone and service from Assurance Wireless, you must meet certain eligibility requirements for the Lifeline Assistance Program or Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally speaking, you are likely eligible for a phone and plan if you are receiving assistance from another government program, such as:
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Federal Publish Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Low Income Home Energy Assitance Program
- National School Lunch Progam
- Greater Avenue for Independence
- Women, Infants, and Children Program
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Other state-specific programs
If you do not participate in a qualifying government program, you may be eligible for Assurance based on your income. As an example, these are the maximum income limits for the Lifeline Assistance Program and ACP in California:
Assurance Household Income Requirements
| Household size | Lifeline | ACP |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $28,500 | $25,760 |
| 2 | $28,500 | $34,840 |
| 3 | $33,100 | $43,920 |
| 4 | $40,300 | $53,000 |
| 5 | $47,500 | $62,080 |
| 6 | $54,700 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $61,900 | $80,240 |
| 8 | $69,100 | $89,320 |
For eligibility requirements in your state, visit the Assurance Wireless website.
How to apply to Assurance Wireless
You can apply for Assurance Wireless on its website. Simply enter your Zip code next to "Apply Now" to start the application in your state. Be prepared to show your proof of eligibility (enrollment in another government assistance program) or proof of income.
Assurance Wireless Plans
Like other ACP/Lifeline subsidized carriers, such as Q Link Wireless, Assurance Wireless offers two phone plans. The first plan combines Lifeline and ACP to give you unlimited everything, while the second is a limited plan through just Lifeline.
Lifeline and ACP Unlimited plan
The Assurance Unlimited plan combines the Lifeline Assistance Program with the ACP to get you unlimited voice minutes, unlimited text, unlimited data, and 10GB of mobile hotspot. After 35GB of data usage in a month, internet speeds may reduce during times of heavy network congestion. That is a pretty generous deprioritization threshold, considering average mobile data usage is about 5-8GB per month for most people. With 35GB, you’ll be able to watch about 60 hours of video in standard definition.
Lifeline-only plan
The base Lifeline-only plan includes voice minutes (limits vary by state), unlimited texts, and 4.5GB of mobile data. You can also purchase upgrades for extra data (each upgrade includes unlimited talk minutes):
- $15 for 500MB
- $20 for 1GB
- $30 for 4GB
- $45 for 10GB
Assurance Wireless Coverage
Assurance Wireless uses T-Mobile's networks to provide you with cellular service. T-Mobile’s coverage is very strong in large metropolitan areas and suburbs, thanks to its robust 4G LTE service, but has room to grow in rural areas.
You'll also have access to T-Mobile's 5G network, leading the country in coverage. It's important to note that you will need a 5G-compatible phone. Currently, Assurance does not provide a free 5G phone. However, if you already own a 5G smartphone, you can bring it to Assurance Wireless and access 5G.Assurance Phones
Assurance will provide you with a free Android phone (Assurance does not offer the iPhone) if you are eligible. Phones are limited to Assurance's inventory, most of which are budget-level smartphones. Some of the phones available through Assurance include the following:
- Alcatel Dawn
- Coolpad Illumina
- Kyocera Hydro Reach
- Moto G Pure
- REVVL 4 Plus
- ZTE Quest
Under a standard one-year warranty, existing customers may get a phone replacement if their phone was lost or damaged.
Low-Cost Phone Plans
If you are not eligible for the Lifeline Assistance Program or Affordable Connectivity Program, then you will have to pay for cell service. The good news is that with so much competition among various MVNOs, plenty of low-cost phone plans are available.
The cheapest plans available will have little to no data, but signing on to a low-data plan is a great way to save money if you can often use Wi-Fi networks. Here are some of the most popular phone plans for under $30/month:
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#1
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XFINITY Mobile 
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#2
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US Mobile 
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#3
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Twigby Mobile 
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#4
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Mint Mobile 
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#5
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Boost Mobile 
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#6
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Tello 
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#7
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TextNow 
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#8
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T-Mobile 
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#9
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TracFone 
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#10
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Cricket 
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If you are looking for a phone, check out our guide on how to get a free phone.
FAQs: Is Assurance Wireless right for you?
Is Assurance Wireless legit?
Yes. Assurance Wireless is a legit company owned by T-Mobile that offers free government-subsidized phones and plans to qualifying customers.
Is Assurance Wireless really free?
Yes! Assurance Wireless is free to customers who qualify for service through the Lifeline and ACP. Technically, the government is paying for the plans.
Is Assurance Wireless owned by T-Mobile?
Yes. Assurance Wireless is the Lifeline brand for T-Mobile. Assurance customers will have access to mobile services on T-Mobile networks.
Are Assurance Wireless phones good?
Yes. Assurance Wireless’ free Android phones will allow you to browse the internet, download the latest apps, watch videos, play games, and take photos.
Can Assurance Wireless phones be unlocked?
Yes. Assurance will unlock your phone after at least 12 months of service. The Assurance phone cannot have a lost or stolen claim against it.
Can I upgrade my Assurance Wireless phone?
Technically, yes. However, you are not likely to receive another free phone. Instead, you can choose to pay for an upgraded phone through Assurance or buy a phone elsewhere.
Angelo Ilumba
Senior Writer
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