What Services Does TruConnect Offer
TruConnect is a popular American nationwide wireless service provider. It is a California-based MVNO (mobile virtual network operator) that provides cell phone service with access to T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
TruConnect participates in two government assistance programs, Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), offering free cell phone services and free mobile phones to eligible low-income customers. The Lifeline and ACP provider offers free and discounted cell phone plans, tablets, broadband services, mobile and hotspot devices, responsive customer support service, and other reliable services.
Current TruConnect customers enjoy either a Lifeline plan, ACP plan, or a Lifeline + ACP plan that includes free monthly talk, text, data, international calls, and other perks. Qualifying households also received a TruConnect free phone or hotspot through the combo plan. In addition, ACP subscribers were even able to receive a free or discounted ACP tablet. However, as the ACP program is currently winding down, some changes are bound to happen.
Is it Still Possible to Get a TruConnect Free Phone?
Receiving a TruConnect free phone and other Lifeline/ACP benefits sure sounds great. However, while it was very straightforward to get a free device a few months ago, now, things are a bit more complicated.
Until February 2024, you could simply receive a TruConnect free phone if you qualified for both Lifeline and the ACP program. This way, you were able to apply for the Lifeline + ACP Combo plan, which included a free smartphone. Now, things are different. In February 2024, the ACP program stopped accepting new applications, as the program is winding down, with April 2024 being the last fully funded month. Existing ACP households enrolled before the freeze can remain enrolled until the program’s end if they meet FCC rules. De-enrolled households won’t be able to reapply during the freeze. Existing ACP participants should review notices from their internet providers and USAC, the program administrator, for updates. They should also consult their provider to understand how the program’s end will affect their service and bills. For further information, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov.
That being said, it is possible that the funding of the ACP program will resume after a while and things may return back to normal soon. After all, it’s the people who create the demand and the ACP program has proven to be indispensable, as it provided eligible low-income customers with a stable internet connection and connected devices, both of which are vital for work, education, and other important personal issues in this modern day’s world.
As we are currently in a transition era, slowly winding down the ACP program, most wireless providers have not yet updated their websites to reflect the new reality and to explain exactly what are the options after the ACP program is no longer available.
Nonetheless, TruConnect is likely to continue offering free phones to low-income people who qualify for Lifeline and can prove their eligibility.
What is the Process of Getting a TruConnect Free Phone?
To receive a TruConnect free phone through Lifeline, you will be required to go through a strict process, which enables the government to make sure that you really qualify and that you need free services and devices but are unable to pay for them.
First, you must check the government’s strict eligibility criteria (listed in the following section) and make sure that you meet them.
Secondly, you must prove your eligibility. You can do so by providing some official documents that contain all the required information. See the list of documents in the section ‘What Documents Are Required When Applying for Lifeline to Get a TruConnect Free Phone?’.
Next, you can apply for the Lifeline program. See how in the section ‘How to Apply for Lifeline?’.
Finally, if your application gets approved, you can apply for a TruConnect free phone. Learn how in the section ‘How to Apply for a TruConnect Free Phone?’.
How to Qualify for Lifeline to Get a TruConnect Free Phone
Only qualifying households can apply for and receive government assistance benefits. The Lifeline eligibility criteria are determined by the FCC.
TruConnect offers Lifeline in 38 US states and territories, including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. To qualify for TruConnect’s Lifeline program, you must be a resident of any of these areas, be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor, and meet the following eligibility criteria.
According to the government rules a household is Lifeline-eligible if it meets one of the following eligibility criteria:
- The annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- A household member participates in one of the following qualifying Federal or Tribal assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- SNAP/CalFresh
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veteran and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC – California Only)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
If you meet these eligibility requirements, you should be able to receive one free smartphone and monthly service for your household.
What Documents are Required When Applying for Lifeline to Get a TruConnect Free Phone
It’s not enough to qualify for a government assistance program, you must also prove your eligibility. When applying you will be able to do so by providing certain unexpired official documents that contain all the required information and verify your information.
The documentation that you may be required to provide depends on your eligibility criteria. In addition, you may be asked to verify your personal information.
- Submit an official document that includes your first and last name and income to prove your annual household income. For example:
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or paycheck stubs
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Divorce decree
- Child support award, etc.
- Submit an official document that includes your first and last name, the name of the qualifying government assistance program, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration date to prove your participation in a qualifying government assistance program. For example:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- If asked to verify your identity or age, submit an official document that includes your first and last name and date of birth. For example:
- A valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s license
- Government assistance program document
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- If asked to verify your address, submit an official document that includes your first and last name and physical address. For example:
- A valid government, state, or Tribal ID
- Driver’s license
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
In addition, emancipated minors must also prove their emancipation status by providing a court document or a certificate of emancipation.
How to Apply for Lifeline?
There are three ways to apply for Lifeline – online, via mail, or directly at your selected provider.
Apply Online
To apply for the Lifeline program online, go to https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home. Choose your state or territory and press ‘Get started’. You may be required to log in or create a new account. You will then be redirected to the online application form. Complete it by providing the necessary information and documentation. At the end of each page, press ‘Next’, and in the end, submit your application.
Apply Via Mail
To apply for the Lifeline program via mail, print out a Lifeline application at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf. Complete the form, add the copies of your proof documentation and send the package to Lifeline Support Center, P.O. Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
See how to apply at your selected provider (assuming that your selected provider is TruConnect since you wish to receive a TruConnect free phone) in the next section.
How to Apply for a TruConnect Free Phone
TruConnect offers both free monthly cell phone and wireless services and free phones to eligible low-income customers through their Lifeline program.
Apply for TruConnect’s Lifeline program:
- Go to truconnect.com/lifeline.
- Enter your ZIP code and email address in the provided boxes and press ‘Apply Now’.
- Follow the instructions to fill out the online application form. Make sure to provide all the required information and proof documentation.
- Submit the application. If approved, you will be notified via email. You will soon receive a TruConnect free phone and other benefits.
To apply, you must be Lifeline-eligible, at least 18 years old, or an emancipated minor, and a resident of one of the states where TruConnect offers its free services.
What are the Benefits Available After Qualifying for TruConnect’s Lifeline?
The list of benefits that you will receive if you qualify for TruConnect’s government assistance program depends on the state you live in. Nevertheless, TruConnect’s benefit recipients can expect to receive the following perks:
- Free monthly phone and wireless services with:
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text
- A certain amount of monthly data (depending on the state)
- Free international calls to select countries
- Additional features, including caller ID, 3-way calling, call waiting, access to more than five million hotspot locations, etc.
- An Android TruConnect free phone (the phone model depends on availability)
Which Free TruConnect Lifeline Plans Can You Get in Addition to the TruConnect Free Phone?
This is a question that will likely be fully answered in the following months once TruConnect finishes deciding how to handle the sudden absence of the ACP program. Until now, TruConnect offered three different plans – Lifeline, ACP, and Truly Unlimited (ACP & Lifeline). As the ACP program seems to be coming to an end, TruConnect may then offer only one plan – the Lifeline plan. Nonetheless, it is possible that the ACP program will get additional funding, in which case, things may return back to the normal three-plan offer.
Note that the exact list of benefits that you may receive through the Lifeline plan depends on the state where you apply. You can only apply for the plan available in your area.
The Lifeline plan is free of charge and available in all the states where TruConnect offers its free services (see the list above). It comes with unlimited talk and text, up to 6 GB of monthly data, a free SIM card, international calling, and an Android smartphone. Moreover, as a part of a promotional deal, you can currently also receive 2 months of free Amazon Prime.
Which Phones Does TruConnect Offer for Free?
Most Lifeline providers do not reveal which phone brands and models they offer to eligible customers for free in advance, as the offer depends on several factors, such as location and availability, and TruConnect is no exception. As such, unfortunately, there is no way to know which TruConnect free phone model you may receive in advance. Nevertheless, the company clearly states that each eligible customer will receive a Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphone.
In addition to the TruConnect free phones, the company also offers discounted mobile phones for sale. The only cell phones that are currently for sale at TruConnect are:
- Stratus C7 for $80
- M2 Hotspot for $60
- And the Sunshine Elite tablet for $129.99 (it used to cost only $10.01 for ACP customers)
See and purchase TruConnect’s devices at truconnect.com/devices.
What if the TruConnect Free Government Phone Doesn’t Work
TruConnect free phones are of high quality, therefore malfunctions are unlikely. However, in the event that your TruConnect free phone doesn’t work properly, you must contact the provider’s customer care service at once. One of the company’s agents will explain your replacement and pricing options.
TruConnect free phones come without a warranty, as such, the company isn’t responsible for any loss, theft, damage, or destruction of the device. However, if the phone starts malfunctioning without any misuse, water damage, or other physical abuse within 90 days of first use, you can return it at your own cost within 10 days of the expiration of the 90-day period, TruConnect will send you the same or a comparable replacement phone at its own cost.
How to Recertify for the TruConnect Lifeline Program?
Once you apply for Lifeline, you will only receive the benefits for 1 year. Afterward, you will have to renew your service. The Lifeline renewal process depends on your state of residence.
- To renew your California Lifeline service, you must follow these simple steps:
- The California Lifeline administration will automatically send you a renewal form (which includes your PIN) via mail 105 days prior to your anniversary date.
- Use your PIN to renew your service by phone (call the California Lifeline administration at 877-858-7463 from your Lifeline phone and follow the voice prompts), online (by filling out the renewal application at californialifeline.com/en/login), or via mail (by completing a form and sending it along with your PIN to California LifeLine Administrator, P.O. Box 8417, Westminster, CA 92684-8417).
- To renew your Texas Lifeline service, go to truconnect.com/lifeline/renew, select Texas, and press ‘Renew Now’. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the renewal form.
- To renew your Lifeline service from another state, go to truconnect.com/lifeline/renew, select ‘Other State’, and press ‘Renew Now’. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the renewal form.
Why Does TruConnect Offer Free Cell Phone Services?
TruConnect participates in two government assistance programs called the Lifeline Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP, which is about to expire). Like all Lifeline and ACP participants, TruConnect receives funds and financial support from the government, which allows it to offer free cell phone and broadband services and connected devices to eligible low-income families.
Lifeline is a government assistance program that was established in the 1980s when the government realized that phone services are no longer a luxury but a necessity. At that point, they decided to launch an assistance program that would help make communications services more affordable for low-income families. The program offers eligible non-Tribal households a discount on monthly phone, broadband, or bundled services of up to $9.25 and up to $34.25 to eligible households living on Tribal lands. In addition, numerous Lifeline providers also offer free government phones.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a relatively new assistance program that has recently replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which was designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACP offers a discount of up to $30 (or $75 for eligible Tribal households) on monthly internet services and certain providers also offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device (tablet, laptop, or desktop computer) if the customer contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Again, this program is likely to expire after April 2024.
Which Other Phones are Compatible With TruConnect
In case you already have a phone you are fully satisfied with and don’t need a TruConnect free phone, you can also bring your own (carrier unlocked and compatible) phone to TruConnect. Some of the phone models that are compatible with TruConnect are:
- Alcatel Go Flip 3 GSMApple iPhone 11
- Apple iPhone 12 (mini, Pro, Pro Max)
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone XR
- BLU C6L 2020 GSM
- BLU G50 Plus GSM
- Google Pixel 4a 5G
- Google Pixel 5 5G
- LG Aristo 3 Plus GSM
- LG K51 GSM
- LG Stylo 6
- Motorola G Power (2021)
- Motorola G Stylus
- Motorola Moto E6
- Motorola RAZR 5G
- Nokia 5.4 GSM
- Nokia 8.3 5G
- NUU F4L Flip Phone GSM
- OnePlus 8 Pro 5G GSM
- Samsung Galaxy A51 5G
- Samsung Galaxy A71 5G
- Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G
- Samsung Galaxy S9+ GSM
- Samsung Galaxy Z Flip
TruConnect Free Phone-Related FAQs
Why Choose TruConnect?
If you are looking for a Lifeline provider, TruConnect is a good choice. It offers services in many U.S. states, access to a nationwide network, free monthly services with ample amounts of data, and a smartphone for eligible customers.
Is TruConnect Free Phone Good?
TruConnect offers Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphones, therefore, it is safe to say that TruConnect free phones are good.
Under Which Government Program Does TruConnect Provide Free Phones?
TruConnect currently offers free phones under both Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, however, the ACP program is about to expire.
Can I Upgrade a TruConnect Free Phone?
Yes, you may be able to upgrade your phone. To do so, contact the company’s customer service or visit one of their retail stores.
Can Seniors Get TruConnect Free Phones?
Yes, however, seniors must also meet the Lifeline eligibility criteria listed above.
Can I Change My Lifeline Provider?
Yes, you can change your provider at any time, however, you can only receive services from one provider at a time.
What Network Does TruConnect Use?
TruConnect is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile’s nationwide network.
How to Check My TruConnect Eligibility Status?
You can see the eligibility criteria above. After submitting an application form, you can also check your application status by signing into your account at my.truconnect.com.
How Many Days After the Application Will I Get a TruConnect Free Government Phone?
It depends on the state and availability, however, you should receive it within a few days.
If I Am Lifeline Eligible, Will I Get Free Internet From TruConnect?
Yes, all plans include a certain amount of free monthly data.
Does TruConnect Offer Free iPhones Under Lifeline?
No, it only offers free Android phones.
Does TruConnect Charge Any Cost for Phone?
No, their Lifeline phones for eligible customers are completely free of charge.
Can I Get a Free Tablet From TruConnect?
TruConnect was one of those ACP providers that also offered discounts on tablets. Even though the devices were not free of charge for ACP customers, they only cost $10.01. Nevertheless, once the ACP program expires, it will likely no longer be possible to get discounted tablets from TruConnect. In case you also need information on Does TruConnect Offer Free Tablet.
How Can I Monitor Any ACP or TruConnect Offer Changes?
You can monitor any ACP changes and/or updates at https://www.fcc.gov/acp. For more updates about the ACP wind-down process, visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/. To monitor any TruConnect updates and check how the company’s offer may change after the ACP program expires, visit https://www.truconnect.com/.
