A free phone? Is this for real? It actually is, yes. Assurance Wireless free phone can be yours in many states all across the US. Assurance Wireless is brought to people by Virgin Mobile and is essentially a federal Lifeline Assistance program. Through Assurance Wireless you can apply and receive a free smartphone, free minutes, free text, and even free monthly data. All of which are specific to each state where Assurance Wireless operates.
Currently Assurance Wireless offers free phone service in the following area:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Why You Choose Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is as reliable and has very good signal coverage as any other leading mobile operator. The main reason why you should be interested in their services is without a doubt an Assurance Wireless free phone. Getting a free smartphone sure is a great initial motivation to choose Assurance Wireless; however, there are other benefits that come with their high-quality services. As a user of the Lifeline Program, you get free minutes, texts, and a specific amount of data on a monthly basis, which are state-dependent. Furthermore, Assurance Wireless enables you to apply online, which makes the initial process very simple. They do, however, still offer an option of applying via standard mail or in person.
I also like their top-up plans ease, which allows you to add credit online by logging into your account or with the use of PayPal or Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards that are available in thousands of stores all over the USA. They also have an Unlimited International (Mexico and Canada) talk and text offer, which you can choose at a very affordable price.
What are the Steps to Get a Free Phone From Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless participates in not one, but two government assistance programs – Lifeline (which offers discounts on monthly cell phone or wireless services) and the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP (which offers discounts on monthly broadband services). Due to sufficient funds from the government, Assurance Wireless has decided to also offer free government phones to eligible customers.
You may be wondering how to get Assurance Wireless free phone. Well, the good news is that the process is relatively simple.
- First, you have to make sure to meet the Lifeline and/or ACP eligibility criteria. Being Lifeline-eligible is enough to get an Assurance Wireless free phone, however, if you are also ACP-eligible, you may be able to receive a more advanced device. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about meeting any special ACP eligibility criteria, as simply being Lifeline-eligible automatically makes you ACP-eligible as well. See the eligibility criteria in the next section.
- Secondly, as the government wants to make sure that their funds come into the right hands – the hands of people who are truly unable to purchase monthly services and devices, it also requires applicants to submit proof of their eligibility. You can check the list of acceptable documents below.
- Finally, you must apply for an Assurance Wireless free phone. You can do so directly through the provider or through the National Verifier. See the application process below.
How to Qualify for Assurance Wireless Government Lifeline and ACP Program
As mentioned above, the exact requirements for an Assurance Wireless Government free phone vary from state to state, thus it is best to check with a local Assurance Wireless dealer. However, if you any of the two requirements listed below, you are likely to qualify for a free Android phone and a state-specific deal.
Income-based Eligibility
Your annual household income is at or below 135% (Lifeline) or 200% (ACP) of the federal poverty guidelines. Note that this number varies by state.
Government Program Participation-Based Eligibility
You or any other member of your household participates in one of the following government benefit programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Only for ACP: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Only for ACP: Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Only for ACP: Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Both Lifeline and ACP programs are available per household not per person.
Note that applying for Lifeline/ACP also requires the applicant to be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and to be a resident of one of the states where the selected provider offers its services.
As mentioned above, requirements are state-dependent, so it is important to check which exactly applies to you. Visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and enter your ZIP code.
What Document Necessary for Assurance Wireless Free Phone
In order to apply for Assurance Wireless Lifeline and/or ACP program and essentially get your hands on an Assurance Wireless free phone, you will have to prove your eligibility. To do so, you may be required to submit some of the following documents:
- A copy of your identity verification – an official document that includes your full name and date of birth, such as:
- Passport
- A valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- S. Driver’s license
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- Government assistance program document
- A copy of your address verification – an official document that includes your full name and physical address, such as:
- A valid government, state, or Tribal ID
- Driver’s license
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- If you apply due to your low income, you will also have to provide a copy of your income proof – an official document that includes your full name and annual household income, such as:
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Divorce decree
- Child support award
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- If you apply due to your program participation, you will also have to provide a copy of your qualifying assistance program participation proof – an official document that includes your full name, the name of the program and the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last year or a future expiration date, such as:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- School documentation
Depending on your qualifications, state, plan, and other factors, you may also be required to provide some of the following:
- A duplicate address
- Proof of emancipated minor status
- Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number
- Proof of life
Make sure to provide clear, readable copies and never submit original documents.
How to Apply for an Assurance Wireless Free Phone
There are several options on how to apply for an Assurance Wireless free phone. You can use the phone, email, or regular mail, however, the simplest way is to visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and apply online. You will first need to enter your ZIP code to learn if the service is available for you and then simply follow the steps. You will be required to provide the necessary personal information and proof documentation.
If you prefer to apply in person, you will need (aside from the documents listed above) to print out and fill out the Lifeline application that can be found on the link below. To find a local Assurance Wireless dealer, simply use Google and type in “Assurance Wireless dealer near me”, which will give you solid results.
Lifeline Program Application (to be printed out and filled out): https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/forms/LI_Application_UniversalForm.pdf
Assurance Wireless Contact details:
URL: www.AssuranceWireless.com
Customer service line:1-888 321-5880
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AssuranceWireless/
Email: [email protected]
Some of the Assurance Wireless local offices where you can mail your application:
Arizona: 75 E Weldon Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85012 New York:Address: PO Box 686, Parsippany, NJ 07054-9726Illinois: Address: P.O Box 5040. Charleston, IL 61920-9907
Simply follow the above instruction and if you do qualify, you are very close to getting your hands on an Assurance Wireless free phone.
How Can I Check My Lifeline and ACP Application Status?
Once you submit your Assurance Wireless Lifeline/ACP application, the company will take its time to review your data and documents and notify you if your application gets approved or not within a couple of days. You will probably be notified via email.
In addition, you can also check your application status by visiting Assurance’s official website and logging into your account. There, you will be able to see your application status.
What are the Main Reasons for Not Qualifying for the Lifeline and ACP Program?
In case your Assurance Wireless Lifeline/ACP application did not get approved, any of the following could be the reason for it:
- You are in fact not eligible for the program (Lifeline/ACP).
- You are not at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- You are not a resident of one of the states where Assurance offers its benefits.
- Another member of your household is already receiving the benefit.
- You are already receiving the benefit from another provider.
- You failed to provide certain required information or documentation.
- You provided incorrect information.
- The provided information does not match the provided information at the National Verifier.
- You provided expired, blurry, or otherwise unacceptable documents.
If I Don’t Qualify for the Lifeline and ACP Programs, is There Any Other Way to Get a Free Phone From Assurance Wireless?
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline and ACP provider that only offers free phones to eligible Lifeline/ACP subscribers. If you don’t qualify for the program, you will, unfortunately, be unable to receive a free phone from Assurance Wireless.
What are the Assurance Wireless Lifeline and ACP Benefits That You Can Get With a Free Phone?
The list of benefits provided to Assurance Wireless customers depends on many factors, including:
- Your plan (do you qualify for a Lifeline plan, an ACP plan, or the most valuable Lifeline + ACP plan?)
- Your state of residence (different states offer different Lifeline/ACP benefits)
- Availability
The best benefits that are offered to residents of certain states and those who qualify for the best plan include:
- Free monthly wireless services with:
- Free unlimited texts
- Free unlimited minutes
- Free unlimited data
- Up to 10GB of free monthly mobile hotspot data
- Additional features, such as:
- A free voicemail account, call waiting, and caller ID
- Free 911 access
- Free unlimited calls to 211
- Free calls to customer care
- Nationwide network coverage (T-Mobile)
- Keep Your Current Home or Cell Phone Number
- Free Android smartphone
What are the Assurance Wireless Lifeline and ACP Plans
As explained at the beginning, not everyone is eligible for Assurance Wireless free phone. One must qualify (meet the specific conditions explained in the top section). Plans and benefits are also state-dependent, thus the information provided below may vary for you.
If you meet the conditions, then you may apply for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline free plan or the Lifeline + ACP plan. Another option is the Lifeline discount plan. Of course, Assurance Wireless also offers other paid plans. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline free plan
If you or your household qualifies (only one free deal per household is available), you get the following Assurance Wireless services:
- FREE AndroidTMSmartphone*
- 5 to 6GB of FREE Data Each Month**
- Unlimited FREE Texts Each Month
- A minimumof 1000 FREE Voice Minutes Each Month* (in California, customers get unlimited minutes)
The above is included in the Assurance Wireless free plan, however, if at any point you need additional credits or specific services, those may be added at a specific fee. This is easily done either from the web or from your phone.
*Customers who are reinstated within 60 days of their service end date get to keep the original phone and phone number.
**Offer differs from state to state. To get detailed information for your state visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and simply enter your ZIP code into the designated area.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline + ACP free plan
If you or your household qualifies (only one free deal per household is available), you get the following Assurance Wireless services:
- FREE AndroidTMSmartphone
- Unlimited FREE Data Each Month
- Unlimited FREE Texts Each Month
- Unlimited FREE Voice Minutes Each Month
- FREE 10GB monthly mobile hotspot data (up to 4G LTE speed)
What to do If I Need More Minutes or Data?
You can get additional voice minutes at the following values:
- $5 for 250 additional voice minutes each month
- $0.10 for each additional voice minute
You can get additional data at the following values:
- $1 for 100MB of high-speed data for 30 service days
- $3 for 500MB of high-speed data for 30 service days
- $5 for 1GB of high-speed data for 30 service days
- $10 for 2GB of high-speed data for 30 service days
- $20 for 4GB of high-speed data for 30 service days
- $30 for 5GB of high-speed data for 30 service days
Assurance Wireless Plan Add-ons
Assurance Wireless offers the following paid plans:
- $15 Plan: unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, 5GBof total data (500MB plan data + 4.5GB FREE data)
- $20 Plan: unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, 5GBof total data (1GB plan data + 4.5GB FREE data)
- $30 Plan: unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, 5GBof total date (4GB plan data + 4.5GB FREE data)
- $45 Plan: unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, 5GBof total date (10GB plan data + 4.5GB FREE data)
Aside from the above plans, you can top up your existing account with data and minutes. Here is the price list:
You can read it if you want Free Government Cell Phone Companies With Plans and Qlink Free Phones And Service
How Do You Activate Assurance Wireless Free Cell Phone?
If you are looking to activate your free Assurance wireless cell phone, we assume that you already ensured that you are eligible for the Lifeline support, applied, and were mailed an Android™ Smartphone.
If that is actually the case, follow the steps below to activate your device.
- Press and hold the Power Button to turn on your phone. Allow hands-free activation to connect the phone to our network and then allow the phone to check for any updates. The phone will power off.
- After the phone turns back on, it may ask you to customize your phone. You may need to skip the setup screens and complete Step 3 first.
- Dial 611 and follow the recorded directions.
- When prompted, enter your Assurance Wireless Account PIN – it can be found at the top of your Assurance Wireless approval letter.
Note: Customers who sign up with a representative will receive help with the activation process.
Rules and Restriction for Assurance Wireless government free phone
There are certain restrictions when it comes to the Assurance Wireless government free phone, most are in line with general Lifeline Program.
- You or someone from your household participates in at least one of the federal benefits programs (e.g.: SSI, SNAP, FDPIR, TANF, BIA, Medicaid) or your household has to have low income – for most states that means you are at 135-150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or below.
- The Assurance Wireless is not yet available in all the states. To check the availability and if you qualify, simply visit their site (https://www.assurancewireless.com) and enter your ZIP code in the designated area.
- It applies per household*, not per person
- One household can apply only at a single wireless service provider. If you’re already using a Lifeline discount you can cancel it and use it at the Assurance Wireless but not at both.
- The benefits can’t be transferred to other households.
- To apply you must provide copy of your ID.
- You can only apply for one, either landline or wireless number.
- If you’re already using Lifeline discount for any other internet or phone services, you must cancel it in order to apply at the Assurance Wireless.
- Separate households that live at the same address are eligible, including residents of homeless shelters and nursing homes. Residents with temporary addresses are also eligible.
- If you apply through a representative in your neighborhood and the database indicates there is already Lifeline service at your address, the representative will assist you in filling out the Lifeline Household Worksheet.
- The address you provide for your phone service must be your place of residence, whether permanent or temporary.
* A household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. If someone else currently receives a discount at your address, Assurance Wireless will send you a Lifeline Household Worksheet for you to complete to provide proof of eligibility (to determine if there is more than one household living at your address).
What To Do If Assurance Wireless Phone Gets Damaged, Stolen, Broken, or Lost
Whether we want it or not, phones get damaged, broken, stolen, and sometimes we lose them too, thus it is important to know what action steps to take in case of any of these unpleasant events occur.
If your Assurance Wireless phone is lost or stolen
ACTION TO TAKE: If your Assurance Wireless phone is lost or stolen, call 1-888-321-5880 right away.
You should find a way (use a friend’s phone or a telephone booth) to call 1-888-321-5880 right away. That way you ensure no one else will use your remaining account balance. On Assurance Wireless site, they are not very specific because it really depends on your specific situation. However, they do point out that you may be charged for a replacement device and shipping. At the same time, their statement gives you hope that you may also not be charged for a new device.
If your Assurance Wireless phone is damaged or broken
ACTION TO TAKE: If your Assurance Wireless phone is damaged or broke, call 1-888-321-5880 to arrange for a new device (within the first year).
Assurance Wireless offers a one-year warranty on all their phones, provided by the original equipment manufacturer. This means if your phone is damaged, breaks down, or is not working properly within the first year, you will most likely get a new phone without any complications. To request a replacement cell phone, you must call the company at 1-888-321-5880.
If your phone breaks down after the first year, the company will take further look into your situation and decide how to proceed. You might have to pay for a new device.
Furthermore, you should know that the replacement device may be different than your original device since they cannot assure the same models.
OVERAL RULE: Whether you lost your phone, someone stole your phone, it stopped working or got damaged you should call Assurance Wireless at 1-888-321-5880 ASAP and explain your situation. If you’ve had your phone for less than a year, your chances of getting a new one, in either case, are much greater.
What if the Assurance Wireless Free Government Phone Doesn’t Work? Is There Any Warranty?
As mentioned above, Assurance Wireless phones come with a one-year warranty provided by the original equipment manufacturer. As such, if your phone starts malfunctioning or does not work during the first year, you should contact the company’s customer support service as soon as possible and you will likely receive a replacement phone. To request a replacement phone, contact the company at 1-888-321-5880.
How Do I Recertify to Continue My Service
Once you apply for the Assurance Lifeline/ACP services and if approved, you will only receive the benefits for 1 year. If you remain eligible and you wish to continue receiving the benefits, you must recertify your service once a year.
If you are a resident of any Assurance state except CA or TX, you will be contacted by the Universal Service Administrative Co (USAC) when it’s time to renew your benefit.
California residents will be contacted by the California Lifeline Administrator and Texas residents will be contacted by the Texas Low Income Discount Administrator (LIDA) when it’s time to recertify.
To recertify, visit https://www.assurancewireless.com and complete the form to continue receiving the benefit.
5 Best Free Phones at Assurance Wireless
Herein, we will cover the 5 best free phones available through the Assurance Wireless free government phone program. You must be aware that the type of phone you will actually be able to get for free greatly depends on your location and current availability.
To check which phones are available for you, visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/help-center/phone-guides and enter your zip code inside the area where it says “enter zip code”.
Note: We must tell you that Assurance Wireless only promises to provide those who qualify with A FREE ANDROIDTM SMARTPHONE. Thus the level of a smartphone is not defined.
You must be reasonable and not expect the latest top-notch android smartphones or Free Touch Screen phone to appear on that list. These are all more-or-less entry-level smartphones that won’t enable you to take spectacular photos or videos, however, they will provide you with all the functions a smartphone has to offer, and most importantly enable you to stay in touch with your family, peers, and co-workers, which is the true purpose of the phone.
In case you don’t like touch screens, they do offer models with a classic dial pad.
Let’s take a closer look at 5 free phones that we believe are the best option.
ZTE PrestigeTM 2 – Assurance Wireless free phones
ZTE is one of the best Assurance Wireless free phones. It is suitable for those who prefer a large screen since it is equipped with a 5.0” display. It also has a solid 5MP rear camera.
Specifications & Mean Features:
- 0″ Touchscreen Display (854×480) TFT
- M3/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 5MP Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2035mAh Battery (up to 17 hours talk time)
- 1GHz Quad-Core Processor
- 16GB ROM/2GB RAM
Coolpad Illumnia – Assurance Wireless free phones
Coolpad Illumnia is another decent option. Compared to ZTE Prestige 2 has less RAM, which will make it slower when it comes to processing more advanced tasks, however, it also has a 5MP camera with flash and all other useful features, including calculator, calendar, and Wi-Fi.
Specifications & Mean Features:
- 0” Touchscreen Display (854×480) FWVGA
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDtm Card Compatible
- 5MP with Flash, Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2150mAh Battery (up to 12 hours talk time)
- Android Go Operating System
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
ANS WikoTM Life – Assurance Wireless free phones
ANS Wiko Life has also a slightly less powerful processor, however, it has an even larger 5.5” touchscreen and very good battery time.
Specifications & Mean Features:
- 5” Touchscreen Display (960×480) FWVGA
- M4/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDtm Card Compatible
- 5MP with Flash, Rear Facing Camera
- Removable Li-ion 2500mAh Battery (up to 16 hours talk time)
- Android Go Operating System
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
ZTE QuestTM Plus – Assurance Wireless free phones
ZTE Quest Plus is suitable for those who are looking for a smaller smartphone that will feat your hands and pockets more easily. It has a solid processor and even a front camera.
Specifications & Mean Features:
- 0″ Touchscreen Display (800×480) TFT WVGA
- M3/T3 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Bluetooth 4.1, Speakerphone, Calculator, Calendar, Access Public Wi-Fi, up to 32GB microSDTM Card Compatible
- 0 MP Rear-Facing Camera/0.3 MP Front Facing
- Removable Li-ion 1600mAh Battery (up to 14 hours talk time)
- 1GHz MSM8909 Quad Processor
- 8GB ROM/1GB RAM
ALCATEL ONETOUCH CinchTM
Alcatel Onetouch Cinch is a basic phone, suitable for those who prefer to avoid touch screens. It is equipped with a responsive dial pad, which makes navigating the menu and operations like calling, texting, and calculating as simple as possible.
Specifications & Mean Features:
- 8-inch QQVGA (128×160) Display
- M3/T4 HAC Rating for the hearing impaired
- Alarm Clock, Calculator, Calendar, Stop Watch, World Clock
- Removable 750mAh Battery (talk time up to 4 hours)
Assurance Wireless Free Phone Everything You Need to Know
How good is Assurance Wireless?
On paper and based on customers’ reviews, Assurance Wireless is one of the best options for Lifeline support eligible households.
Are Assurance Wireless free phones really free?
Yes. A household that is eligible for the Lifeline support and applies with Assurance Wireless will receive a free device (Android phone).
How long does Assurance Wireless take for a free phone?
If you order online, the delivery will depend on your location and current delivery conditions. It typically takes no longer than a couple of days.
Who has the best free government phones?
The devices that certain companies give for free are all typically entry-level Android phones. Since companies do not provide details on which devices exactly will be given for free, it is impossible to make a more detailed comparison.
What is the toll-free number for Assurance Wireless?
1-888-321-5880.
Can I use another phone with Assurance Wireless?
No, Assurance Wireless does not offer a ‘Bring Your Own Phone’ option. To use their service one must use their free phones.
Does Assurance Wireless have a hotspot?
Yes. However, you need to ensure that your phone supports this feature and also check that your plan includes hotspot impulses.
Can you put Assurance Wireless SIM card in another phone?
You can try, however, according to the official information provided on their website, their SIM cards do not function with other devices (t.i. non-Assurance Wireless phones).
Note: Since T-Mobile took over, this policy is in transition, and customers can expect to be able to use the Assurance Wireless SIM card with compatible devices shortly.
Does Assurance Wireless use GSM or CDMA?
Assurance Wireless used to use CDMA, however, since it has been bought by T-Mobile in 2021, it is now a GSM-based carrier.
What Towers does Assurance Wireless use?
It now uses T-Mobile towers.
Can you use a Sprint phone on Assurance Wireless?
This is still not officially confirmed, however, since both, Assurance Wireless and Sprint, are now part of the T-Mobile family, this option is normally expected.
Are all iPhone models compatible with Assurance Wireless?
Officially, the only phones compatible with the Assurance Wireless are the ones provided by them for free. However, since T-Mobile is now in charge, we can expect this to change shortly.
Can I Upgrade My Assurance Wireless Free Phone?
Yes, you can. Assurance Wireless upgrade phones are discounted, but they are not free of charge.
Can I Get a Free SIM Card From Assurance Wireless?
Yes. If you are eligible for Assurance Wireless Lifeline/ACP services, you will not only receive a free SIM card but also a free phone.
What Carrier Does Assurance Wireless Use?
Assurance Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator that uses T-Mobile’s network towers and offers its customers T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
Does Assurance Wireless Have Reliable Customer Care?
Assurance Wireless has a reliable customer care service, which can be contacted by phone at 1-888-321-5880 or by mail at Assurance Wireless, P.O. Box 5040, Charleston, IL 61920-9907.
What If I Do Not Use the Free Service?
If you don’t use your Assurance Wireless Lifeline/ACP free services at least once every 30 days, you will lose the benefits.
Is Assurance Wireless a Part of the T-Mobile Family?
Yes, it is T-Mobile’s MVNO.
