Explore the TruConnect Free Government Phone programs with unlimited internet, talk, text and free Amazon Prime access.
In this guide, I’ll write about the qualification and application process for Lifeline and ACP benefits, also help you check your application status.
TruConnect is an American mobile service provider that offers various mobile plans and devices. They provide mobile data plans, smartphones, and prepaid talk & text plans using T-Mobile’s network.
TruConnect is unique as it introduced pay-as-you-go Wi-Fi plans in the U.S. They are also the sole Lifeline provider headquartered in Los Angeles, CA. Depending on where you are, TruConnect uses either Sprint or T-Mobile’s network.
You might need to configure your TruConnect APN Settings to enjoy an uninterrupted network connectivity.
TruConnect’s Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a recently established federal government program that aims to bring connectivity to low-income households in the United States. The program is designed to provide affordable internet access to those who would otherwise be unable to afford it.
Lifeline is a government program that aims to provide phone service to low-income Americans at an affordable price. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive one free smartphone and monthly service for your household through TruConnect’s Lifeline program, available in 37 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
TruConnect Wireless is part of both the ACP and Lifeline program. So their plans are linked to both programs. With lifeline they offer eligible people free smartphones and service. You get unlimited talk, text, and 8GB to 14GB monthly data (depends on your state), plus international calling. With ACP, you get a $100 device discount and up to $30 off broadband services.
For more detailed info about the Lifeline and ACP benefits, look at their plans below:
TruConnect Lifeline and ACP Plans and States They Cover
TruConnect offers mainly two plan options: ACP Only and Lifeline + ACP. Though there is a certain plan mentioned for California. Here’s what they provide in different:
ACP Only:
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- International Calling
- 8GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot
- Choice of LTE-enabled hotspot or Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphone*
- Free SIM Card (BYOD)
- Option to buy tablet for $10.01
- 2 months of Amazon Prime on us+
- Cost: Free
Lifeline and ACP:
- Unlimited Talk & Text
- Unlimited Monthly Data
- Free SIM Card (BYOD)
- International Calling
- 12.5GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot
- Free Android Smartphone*
- 2 months of Amazon Prime on us+
- Cost: Free
California:
- Unlimited Talk
- Unlimited Text
- International Calling
- 14GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot
- Free Android Smartphone*
- Cost: Free
* Remember that, smartphones are subject to availability.
Check out the table to learn which plan TruConnect Wireless offers in your state.
Plan Type | States |
---|---|
ACP Only | Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia, Wyoming |
TruConnect Lifeline and ACP | Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin |
California | California |
It’s important to note that Lifeline plans from TruConnect are completely free. There’s no need for a credit check, and you won’t encounter any extra fees or long-term contracts. If you’re currently with another Lifeline provider and want to switch to TruConnect, you can do so seamlessly. Just get in touch with their customer service team, and they’ll assist you with the transition.
How to Qualify for TruConnect’s Government Programs
To qualify for the free government phone and service provided by TruConnect, you need to enroll in the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs. Eligibility is based on meeting at least one of the following criteria:
For California Residents:
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (150% in California) for Lifeline, or 200% or below for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Or if you (or someone in your household) participate in any of the following government assistance programs:
- Medicaid and Medi-Cal
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Section 8 or Federal Public Housing Assistance
- SNAP or CalFresh
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) including CalWORKs, StanWORKS, WTW, and GAIN
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (Tribal only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits
For Residents in All Other States:
- Lifeline (to qualify for ACP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- School Lunch or Breakfast program (including USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools)
- Federal Pell Grant program recipient in the current year
How to Apply for TruConnect’s ACP and Lifeline
After confirming your eligibility, the next step is to gather all the necessary documents to support your eligibility. Along with proving that you qualify, you’ll also need to provide documentation that verifies your identity and confirms your existence. This added measure is in place to prevent fraudulent activities, ensuring that only legitimate individuals benefit.
Here’s a rundown of the documents that are acceptable for both demonstrating your eligibility and confirming your identity:
With your necessary documents ready, you can move on to the next step: applying for Lifeline benefits through the National Verifier website. Remember, approval for Lifeline benefits automatically extends your qualification for ACP benefits. Assuming your documentation is accurate and complete, you can expect an immediate approval and the allocation of a National Verifier ID number.
Once you have your National Verifier ID, proceed to TruConnect Wireless to submit your application for the benefits. It’s crucial that the information you provide on the TruConnect application matches precisely with the details you entered into the National Verifier system. Any discrepancies between the two could lead to the rejection of your application.
How to Check Truconnect Application Status?
To check your application status, visit truconnect.com/appcheck and provide your zip code and email address.
Important infos to keep in mind:
- One Lifeline account allowed per household.
- Ensure you use your phone service at least once every 30 days to maintain Lifeline benefits.
- Annual recertification is required to validate your eligibility, and you can easily do it on the TruConnect website.
FAQ:
- Does TruConnect have unlimited data/internet?
Yes. Once you meet the requirements for both Lifeline and ACP eligibility with TruConnect, you’ll get monthly unlimited data along with a new Android Smartphone, Unlimited talk and text, Free international calling.
I hope, this article helped you to get important information about TruConnect’s ACP and Lifeline program. For further questions, comment below.
If i should have unlimited everything then y is my data not working
Try configuring your APN settings.
I qualified for the ACP program as well as the Lifeline benefit. With my particular plan I am eligible for unlimited data. At first the internet was super fast and my service was at full bars. Now though my data has slowed down quite a bit and more times than others things take FOREVER to load or don’t load at all. If I am receiving unlimited everything then why the sudden slow down?
Unlimited Data has a limited speed.