T-Mobile is one of the best 5G providers in the country with the largest 5G network coverage in cities and major towns. The carrier offers fairly-priced plans that cost $140 per month for three lines for the Magenta Max, $120 per month for Magenta, and $90 for the Essentials plan. The prices are inclusive of taxes and fees. They also feature unlimited 5G and 4G LTE data, unlimited talk and text, and advanced scam-blocking protection. Customers who cannot afford the AT&T plans can get discounts of up to $30 per month or $75 per month if they are living in the Tribal Lands through the ACP program.
T-Mobile is an ACP partner offering affordable internet and calls to low-income households that meet the ACP qualifying terms. The eligible households may also qualify for a free T-Mobile free government phone to help them access the internet and apply for jobs. You need to meet the poverty income guidelines or be a participant in an eligible Lifeline program like Medicaid to qualify for T-Mobile Affordable Program.
In this article, we look at the T-Mobile ACP program and how to qualify for a T-Mobile free government phone.
Why Choose The T-Mobile Free Government Phone
With many mobile virtual network providers offering free government phone service, you will have to choose the best carrier for your internet and calling needs. The ACP program gives eligible households the freedom to select their preferred phone carrier by offering a centralized approval platform. All households have to apply through the National Verifier before they can register with T-Mobile or any other carrier. The carriers do not have the liberty to deny approved households the phone service benefit. You can apply for the free government phone service with any phone provider that offers Lifeline and ACP benefits in your area.
T-Mobile partners with the government to provide high-speed internet to low-income families. The partnership helps to remove economic barriers and provide disadvantaged families with 5G internet needed to apply for jobs and complete assignments. Eligible customers get monthly discounts of up to $30 per month or up to $75 per month for households living in qualifying tribal lands. T-Mobile customers who qualify to receive the ACP benefits continue to enjoy exceptional calling features, such as free scam block, free caller ID, and a 5G network at no extra charge.
T-Mobile ACP benefits may vary between states and households, depending on the availability and monthly discount. Families that qualify for discounts of up to $75 per month will enjoy unlimited internet plans at no cost. Households that qualify for up to $30 per month may have to pay the remaining balance on their preferred plan. You can use the ACP benefits to discount any of the available T-Mobile plans. Customers who qualify for the T-Mobile ACP program will get:
- Free unlimited calling
- Free unlimited texting
- Free 5GB of high-speed data
Customers who need more data may get unlimited talk and text and up to 10GB of high-speed data for $10 per month. Other ACP benefits include unlimited talk, text, 5GB of high-speed hotspot data, and 100GB of cloud storage for $20 per month. Customers may also get unlimited text, calling, and high-speed data, including 15GB of hotspot data and 100GB of cloud storage for $30 per month.
You will also be eligible to receive other T-Mobile benefits such as:
- Travel benefits – T-mobile customers receive travel benefits that include 5GB of high-speed data in select Central European countries and full-flight Wi-Fi and streaming options with the Magenta plans.
- Cashback – T-Mobile rewards new customers with up to $1000 when they switch to T-Mobile and bring an eligible 5G phone through a virtual prepaid Mastercard.
- More 5G coverage – T-Mobile customers access more 5G bars in many places as long as they have a capable device and an applicable plan.
- More savings – T-Mobile offers greater savings on family plans compared to other major carriers like AT&T and Verizon. Families can save up to 20 percent on the third line per month with Essentials, Magenta and Max.
- 3 months free trial – Potential customers can try T-Mobile services without making a commitment. The carrier offers potential clients Network Pass that allows them to try the T-Mobile network for free for three months.
- Large selection of devices – T-Mobile offers a large selection of 5G smartphones to help customers upgrade and enjoy 5G network speeds. You can get free smartphones for new lines, zero-down purchases, and zero-down leasing devices.
How To Qualify For T-Mobile Free Government Phone
You can qualify for T-Mobile free government phone service if you come from a low-income family or by participating in an eligible Lifeline program. You may also qualify if any member of your household participates in an eligible government assistance program like the School Lunch or Breakfast program. The free government phone service is applicable once per household. A household is where people stay together and share income. People who live together but do not share income are separate households.
An eligible household may qualify for up to $30 per month or up to $75 per month for households in the Tribal lands. The discount is applicable once per month. You may use it to get free phone service or discount your existing plan. T-Mobile allows eligible customers to discount their Magenta family plan. You may also qualify for a device discount of up to $100. The gadget discount is applicable once per household. Furthermore, you may have to make a copayment of between $10 and $50 to get the government-discounted device. You can qualify for the T-Mobile free government phone and ACP program if:
The Service is Available in Your Area
Although T-Mobile is a nationwide carrier with the largest 5G network coverage in America, the carrier’s ACP program is not available nationwide. T-Mobile offers Lifeline phone discounts in the following states;
- Florida
- Kentucky
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Pennsylvania
- Virginia
- Washington
- Puerto Rico
Note: Households from other states have to use other T-Mobile service providers to enjoy the discounted government phone service, such as Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless. Both Metro and Assurance Wireless use the T-Mobile network. However, customers may experience reduced internet speeds during peak times.
Meet the income threshold
You can qualify for the government Lifeline program if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Index. Households that qualify for the Lifeline program will be able to apply the Lifeline discount of up to $9.25 to most T-Mobile plans. T-Mobile customers living in qualifying Tribal Lands will get discounts of up to $25 per month.
Customers who need broadband connectivity discounts have to apply for the government Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Your entire household income should be at or below 200 percent to qualify for the ACP program. The income threshold for the ACP program varies by household size and state. A household with one member should have $33,980 in Alaska, $31,260 in Hawaii, and $27,180 in other states and territories to qualify for the ACP program. The income threshold increases to $45,780 in Alaska, $42,120 in Hawaii, and $36,620 in other territories for a household with two members.
Qualifying for the T-Mobile free government phone based on your household income requires documents that show your household earnings meet the ACP threshold. Your entire household income refers to the total earnings by all members before tax, including child support and alimony. You will also need to show proof of your identity to get the ACP benefits. Documents that show your full name, such as a government photo ID, State ID, military ID, and Tribal ID can help you verify your details. The documents that you can use to show proof of income include:
- A paycheck stub or current income statement
- Pension/retirement statement of benefits
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- A Veteran Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment compensation statement of benefits
- Tribal or Federal letter of participation in General Assistance
- Federal, Tribal, or State tax return
Table showing Federal Income Poverty Guidelines for Different household sizes and states:
| Household Size | Alaska | Hawaii | Other states and territories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,980 | $31,260 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $45,780 | $42,120 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $57,580 | $52,980 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $69,380 | $63,840 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $81,180 | $74,700 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $92,980 | $85,560 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $104,780 | $96,420 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $116,580 | $107,280 | $93,260 |
| Each additional person add: | $11,800 | $10,860 | $9,440 |
Participant in an Eligible Lifeline Assistance Program
T-Mobile customers that participate in Lifeline assistance programs can qualify for the ACP program. You do not need to apply again if you are already approved by the National Verifier to receive Lifeline benefits. Instead, you should contact T-Mobile customer care service to register for the subsidized phone plans. Lifeline participants must show proof that they are Lifeline assistance beneficiaries. An individual may also qualify through the Lifeline program if a household member is a Lifeline participant.
When applying for the ACP program, you should have documents that show your full legal name, enrollment into an eligible program, a future expiry date, and the name of the program. The issue date should be within the last 12 months. Some of the documents that you can use to show proof of Lifeline enrollment include:
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefits award letter
- School documentation
- Benefit verification letter
Some of the eligible Lifeline programs include:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- FPHA (Federal Public Housing Assistance)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
- Current award year Federal Pell Grant beneficiary
- School Breakfast or Lunch Program
The Tribal assistance programs include:
- Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
- Head Start
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- All eligible federal assistance programs
Top 5 Best T-Mobile Free Government Phones
1. TCL 30XE
TCL 30XE is an impressive smartphone with a highly responsive 2.2GHz Octa-core processor for multitasking. It is 5G-capable for high-speed uploads and downloads. The screen supports a 90Hz refresh rate for an exceptional viewing experience. TCL 30XE comes with a powerful 4500mAh battery with 18W charging. The battery can keep you working for an entire day.
TCL XE features 4GB of RAM that offers a smooth transition between apps. Gaming is smooth and fun, even if you are playing some of the resource-hungry online games. A large 6.52 HD display that supports 1600 x 720 pixels lets you watch videos and images with great detail. The phone’s camera can turn you into a professional photographer. A 13MP triple camera system lets you capture highly detailed images even in darker rooms. An 8MP front-facing camera comes in handy in social gatherings for those memorable photos.
Highlights
- 13MP triple main camera system
- 8MP front-facing camera
- 6.52 HD screen
- 4,500mAh battery
- 4GB of RAM
2. Motorola Moto G Pure
Motorola Moto G Pure is for those who spend hours on travel. The phone comes with a long-lasting 4000 mAh battery that keeps you connected for up to two days. Moto G Pure features an octa-core processor that makes it suitable for work and high-end gaming. A 3GB RAM ensures a smooth switch and access to apps for multitasking. You will not notice lags as you play games. Moto G Pure comes with a large 6.5-inch max vision HD screen for exceptional colors.
Moto G Pure has a dual camera system that lets you experience the world and keep lasting memories without buying expensive photography gear. It comes with 13MP and 2MP main rear cameras that make photography a fun activity. A 5MP front camera lets you keep your social media friends entertained with lovely images and videos.
Highlights
- 5MP front camera
- 13MP + 2MP main rear cameras
- 6.5-inch max HD screen
- 3GB RAM
3. T-Mobile Revvl 6
A large 4500 mAh battery gives you the confidence to work outdoors without worrying about charging. Revvl 6 can keep you entertained for up two days. It comes with a powerful triple-camera system that lets you capture beautiful outdoor and indoor photos. A 5MP front camera makes family and group time memorable. The phone supports a 5G network for quick uploads and downloads. Revvl 6 features 4GB of RAM that makes multi-tasking effortless whether you are watching videos or listening to music. The phone has a large 6.5-inch HD display that supports 1600 x 720 pixels.
Highlights
- 13MP + 2MP + 2MP triple camera
- 4,500mAh battery
- 6.5-inch HD display
- 4GB of RAM
4. Wiko Voix
Wiko Voix brings power and flexibility into your hands. It is powerful enough for work and beautiful for play. It comes with a powerful 2.0 GHz quad-core processor and 3GB of RAM which makes it suitable for a busy lifestyle. A long-lasting 3,400mAh battery will keep you entertained for an entire day. You will spend hours streaming movies thanks to a large 6.5-inch display and 4G network capability. The phone comes with a dual-rear camera system (13MP + 5MP) for professional-like photography needs. You will also keep refreshing your profiles with detailed selfies thanks to a 5MP front camera. Wiko Voix further comes with 32GB of internal memory for your storage needs.
Highlights
- 3,400mAh battery
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal memory
- 13MP +5MP dual camera
- 5MP front camera
5. Samsung Galaxy A03s
Samsung Galaxy A03s is a powerful, dependable smartphone for a busy lifestyle. The phone comes with a powerful 5000mAh battery that offers you the power to last two days. It has a large 6.5-inch display for comfortable viewing. You can stream movies for hours without eye fatigue. Galaxy A03s features a 13MP triple camera system that captures picturesque photos and videos. A 5MP selfie camera lets you take clear group photos even in darker rooms.
Highlights
- 13MP triple camera system
- 5MP selfie camera
- 5000mAh battery
- 6.5-inch HD display
Conclusion
T-Mobile has one of the largest 5G network coverage in the US. It also offers a host of great deals, including free three months trial, free devices, and affordable plans. The carrier further partners with the government through the Lifeline program to offer affordable plans to low-income households. However, you will need approval from the National Verifier to get the T-Mobile free government phone service.
People Also Ask
Yes, but the service is not available everywhere. Although T-Mobile is a nationwide carrier, it is only approved to offer T-Mobile a free government phone plan in seven states. The T-Mobile Lifeline program is available in Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and Puerto Rico.
New and existing T-Mobile customers can qualify but the Lifeline program is for low-income households. You will need to get approval from the National Verifier to enroll for the T-Mobile free government phone service.
The phone that you will get will depend on the running promotion and the available stock. Nonetheless, you can expect to get a phone from the leading brands, including Samsung, Motorola, and TCL. Some of the phones you may get include Samsung Galaxy A03s, Wiko Voix, T-Mobile Revvl 6, Motorola Moto G Pure, and TCL 30XE.
Yes. You will keep the free government phone if you cancel your service plan.