T-Wire Lifeline Plan

T-Wire is a regional wireless provider that services the state of Alabama. As such, qualified low-income individuals can enjoy T-Wire’s Lifeline benefits which include a free smartphone and free talk and text. Lifeline is a federal program that helps to even the technology playing field by providing free cell phones and service to those who would otherwise have a difficult time paying for such services.

What T-Wire Offers

If you are eligible, you will receive a free smartphone along with 500 free talk/text minutes per month. This is a no-contract program. If you are not satisfied with the service you can cancel it at any time and find another provider that better fits your calling/texting needs.

Unlike other Lifeline providers in Alabama, T-Wire does not offer free data. If you need data for things like surfing the Internet or streaming videos, you will have to purchase data. The cost to purchase data on a T-Wire plan is as follows:

• $11 - 500 MB
• $22 - 1 GB
• $33 - 1.5 GB
• $44 - 2 GB
• $55 - 2.5 GB

Similarly, if you run out of talk/text minutes before your next monthly replenishment, you can purchase additional minutes as follows:

• 50 minutes - $5
• 200 minutes - $10
• 500 minutes - $20
• 800 minutes - $30
• 1500 minutes - $50

T-Wire also offers the ability to upgrade your smartphone. The cost of an upgraded phone is $60 (which is a good price because smartphones can be pretty expensive). To upgrade just call (844) 894-7326 and speak to one of their customer service representatives.

How to Qualify for T-Wire Lifeline

Alabama residents with a household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible to receive Lifeline benefits. Additionally, if you or anyone in your household participates in any of the following government assistance programs, you qualify:

• Head Start
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Supplemental Nutrition Program (formerly known as Food Stamps)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

If you meet the income or program participation criteria, the next thing to do is to gather the necessary documentation. If you qualify based on income, according to the Universal Services Administrative Company, the following documents are acceptable for proof of income:

• The prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return
• Current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub
• Social Security statement of benefits
• Retirement or pension statement of benefits
• Unemployment or Workers' Compensation statement of benefits
• Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
• Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information.

If you qualify based on participating in one of the government assistance programs, you must provide a copy of either your benefit card or the award letter that includes the name of the program, name and address of beneficiary; and date of the award. Additional information may be required depending on the qualifying program.

In addition to documentation proving eligibility, you must provide a copy of a government-issued form of ID to prove you are who you say you are. A passport, a driver’s license a military ID are all acceptable forms of identification.

How to Apply to T-Wire Lifeline Program

Once you’ve gathered the necessary documentation, you can sign up for service by first, downloading and completing the application. Make sure when completing the application to attach copies of the proof documents. Do not attach the originals. Once completed you can apply by choosing one of the following options:

1. Call T-Wireless and speak to one of their customer service representatives. Their offices are open Monday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM CST.


2. Mail the completed application along with necessary documentation to T-Wire, 1110 N. Palafox St., Pensacola, FL 32501


3. Fax the application to 850-273-4757


4. Email the documents to enroll@mytwire.com


5. Apply online by clicking “Sign Up” on the T-Wire website

Things to Know about Lifeline

• Only one Lifeline benefit is permitted per household.
• You must use your Lifeline phone at least once every 30 days to remain eligible.
• You must recertify annually to ensure you still meet the eligibility criteria.
• If you change your address, you must notify T-Wire within 30 days.

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: 30 July 2019