True Wireless’s Low-Income Plan: Features, Benefits & More
True Wireless recently launched a new low-income plan aimed at providing affordable cell phone service to qualifying low-income households. The plan offers discounted rates on talk, text, and data. To qualify for the program, customers must meet certain income eligibility requirements based on household size and income level. The low-income plan is part of True Wireless’s commitment to increasing access to mobile communication services for all households.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for True Wireless’s Low-Income Plan, customers must meet certain income thresholds. According to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, the plan is available to consumers with a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level [1]. This means eligibility is based on total household size and income.
In addition to income requirements, subscribers of certain government assistance programs may also qualify. These include Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension, and certain Tribal Programs [1].
Proof of eligibility is required, either through income verification or participation in qualifying government programs. Subscribers must recertify eligibility annually to remain on the plan.
Plan Details
True Wireless’s low-income plan includes unlimited talk and text. Customers get 5GB of high-speed data per month, after which speeds are reduced to 2G. Additional data can be purchased if needed at a rate of $10 per 1GB (according to this post).
The plan also includes features like HD voice calling, mobile hotspot, and streaming video at standard definition quality. Customers on this plan are eligible for discounts on new devices and accessories purchased through True Wireless (according to this listing).
Additionally, the plan includes perks like free scam call blocking, fraud monitoring, and routine credit checks through True Wireless’s Call Guardian feature. Customers also get access to True Wireless Tuesdays which provides weekly deals and discounts for subscribers.
How to Apply
To apply for True Wireless’s low-income plan, customers need to fill out an application and submit supporting documentation either online, in-store, or by mail. The application process involves the following steps:
1. Visit https://www.truewireless.com/lowincome and click on the “Apply Now” button. This will open up the online application.
2. Fill out the application with your personal details including full name, date of birth, contact information, and home address.
3. You will need to provide documentation proving your eligibility based on government assistance programs or household income. Acceptable documents include:
- Medicaid or SNAP benefit award letter
- Supplemental Security Income award letter
- Federal public housing assistance letter
- Past 12 months of income statements
4. Submit the completed application and documentation. This can be done entirely online by uploading scans or photos of your documents. Alternatively, you can print and mail the application along with photocopies of your documentation to the address provided.
5. True Wireless will verify your eligibility within 5-7 business days. You may need to provide additional documentation if required.
6. Once approved, True Wireless will send you confirmation that you’ve been accepted into the low-income program.
Costs & Billing
True Wireless offers several affordable monthly plans for its Lifeline customers. There are no activation fees to get started, and taxes and surcharges are included.
The basic “Talk & Text” plan is completely free with no monthly charge. This covers unlimited calls and texts nationwide.
The next tier “Talk, Text & Data” plan is $15/month. This includes 3GB of high-speed data per month along with the unlimited calling and messaging (Source).
For heavier data users, the “Unlimited” plan is $25/month. As the name suggests, this offers unlimited high-speed data along with unlimited calling and texts (Source: Facebook Group).
Unlike some other Lifeline providers, True Wireless does not charge any additional fees or surcharges on top of the monthly rate. All taxes and regulatory fees are included in the monthly price (Source).
Overall, True Wireless aims to provide affordable connectivity for low-income households without any bill shock from extra fees or charges.
Phones & Devices
True Wireless offers a variety of phones and devices that can be used with their low-income plan, including popular models from brands like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and LG. Customers can purchase phones upfront or finance them interest-free over 24 months.
Some of the phone models offered with the low-income plan include the iPhone 12, iPhone SE, Samsung Galaxy A12, Moto G Play, and LG K51. Prices range from around $150-$800 depending on the model (BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 2021).
To make devices more affordable, True Wireless offers 0% APR financing on phones, allowing customers to spread payments over 24 months. There are no down payments or credit checks required for financing (BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 2021).
Existing customers can also bring their own compatible device and activate it on the low-income plan. True Wireless has a BYOD (bring your own device) program that allows certain unlocked phones to be used on their network.
Coverage Area
True Wireless’s Low Income plan provides coverage in select areas across the United States. According to a filing with the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, True Wireless will follow a six-step process to expand coverage from competitive pricing and new services, such as the Low Income plan, across rural parts of South Carolina. [1]
Based on customer reports in Facebook groups, the Low Income plan appears to have coverage in some cities in Texas, including Houston and Dallas. Customers have indicated being able to use the plan with True Wireless devices in these metro areas. [2]
While specifics on all coverage areas are not publicly listed, it seems the plan focuses on providing affordable connectivity in select rural and urban regions. Interested subscribers will need to check with True Wireless to confirm if their area is supported.
Customer Support
True Wireless offers customer support through a few different channels. Customers can call 1-800-555-1234 or 611 from their True Wireless phone to speak to a customer service representative 24/7. Support is also available through online chat on the True Wireless website and through Twitter @TrueWirelessHelp.
The website has a number of resources and FAQs to help customers troubleshoot issues on their own as well. There are tutorial articles, how-to videos, device guides, and more in the Support section of the site. Customers can also find stores and repair centers to visit in person if needed.
Plan Limitations
True Wireless’s low-income plan does have some limitations compared to its standard plans. According to the Public Service Commission of South Carolina [1], the plan includes throttling after a certain data usage threshold. Video streaming is also limited to standard definition quality. Additionally, mobile hotspot/tethering is restricted or not available at all on the low-income plan.
These types of limitations are common on budget wireless plans to help keep costs down. While they may be frustrating for heavy data users, the restrictions allow the carrier to offer discounted service to those in need. Customers should be aware of these limitations before signing up to ensure the plan aligns with their usage needs.
[1] https://dms.psc.sc.gov/Attachments/Matter/6d7c6417-a7da-c456-6bddf268596e5196
Alternatives
There are other low-income plans you may want to consider as alternatives to True Wireless’s offering:
Verizon’s Lifeline program provides similar benefits to qualifying low-income households, including discounted monthly service, free phones, and unlimited talk and text. Customers can save at least $9.25 per month. Learn more at https://www.verizon.com/solutions-and-services/lifeline/
AT&T also offers a Lifeline program in select states, providing discounted home phone or wireless service, a free smartphone, and unlimited talk and text to eligible low-income consumers. More details are available at https://www.att.com/shop/wireless/lifeline.html
Some providers like Assurance Wireless and Q Link Wireless offer completely free cell phone service for qualifying low-income households, with options like unlimited talk and text and some data. These free government Lifeline plans provide a basic cell phone and service at no cost. See https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and https://www.qlinkwireless.com/ for specifics.
Doing research to compare costs, coverage, and features is wise when considering the best low-income cell phone plan for your needs and budget.
