True Wireless Lifeline Plans

True Wireless is another phone company that participates in the Federal Lifeline program. As a Lifeline participant, they can offer eligible individuals free smartphones along with free talk, text and data. True Wireless services the states of Arkansas, Maryland, Rhode Island, Texas and Oklahoma only. If you live in a state other than those listed, please visit our State Listings page to find Lifeline providers in your state.

Although licensed to offer services in Arkansas, Maryland, Rhode Island, Texas and Oklahoma, True Wireless does not operate throughout the entire state. You’ll have to visit their site, insert your zip code to see if you live within their area of operation. For example, in the state of Texas, their service seems to hover around the Texas/Oklahoma border. Currently, they do not offer services in Houston or Dallas. Having said that, below is an outline of the services provided in each state of operation:

True Wireless Lifeline Plans

Qualified Lifeline residents in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Maryland and Rhode Island, get a free Android smartphone along with 1,000 voice minutes, 1,000 texts and 2GB of data each month.

The plan in Arkansas is slightly different than the other states. In Arkansas, in addition to the phone you get 1,000 voice minutes, 4,000 texts and 2GB of data. Text allotment for residents of Arkansas is 3,000 higher than the rest of the states.

Eligibility Requirements for True Wireless

To qualify for the True Wireless free government phone you must participate in one of the following government assistance programs. Or, your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)

How to Apply for Benefits

If you live in one of the states subject to the National Verifier program, you may begin the application process by visiting CheckLifeline.org. There you will submit the necessary proof of eligibility. Once you are approved, you may then contact True Wireless with your approval and complete the application process.

For those states not subject to the National Verifier program, you may go directly to True Wireless and apply. Keep in mind that whether you go through National Verifier or directly to True Wireless, you’ll need to not only provide documented proof that you meet the eligibility requirements, but you’ll also need proof of your identity. Usually a government issued ID such as a driver’s license, military ID or Passport will do.

Hearing Aid Compatible Phones

If you use a hearing aid and need a hearing aid compatible phone, tell True Wireless when signing up for service and they'l make sure you get the correct phone. If you forget to make the request at sign up, new customers have a 30-day window in which to exchange phones. Beyond the 30-day window, switching to a hearing aid compatible phone is not free. The costs vary by phone.

Purchasing Additional Time

I can only assume that True Wireless offers its customers the ability to purchase additional voice/text or data if the initial limit is exceeded. However, their website is silent regarding the cost or the amount of additional voice or data offered.

Refer a Friend Program

True Wireless has a Refer-a-Friend program in which the referrer gets additional Receive 250 minutes/SMS per month. The program is subject to change so check their website for up-to-date information.

Lifeline Stipulations

1. Only one Lifeline account per household
2. You must use your phone service at least once every 30 days or run the risk of losing your Lifeline benefits.
3. You must recertify annually to prove you are still eligible for benefits.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: This site was created to help people find information about free government phones. We do not mail, activate or repair free government phones nor do we provide service. If you have questions about phone service we suggest you contact the phone service provider directly.

Last Modified: 7 June 2021