Lifeline Frequently asked questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions here. Still have questions? Contact us.
Top questions:
- Can I upgrade my Access Wireless phone?
- Do I get to choose my Access Wireless phone?
- Are there any restrictions that apply to my Access Wireless service?
- What should I do if my Access Wireless phone breaks within the first year?
- What if my Access Wireless phone is lost or stolen?
- How do I activate my Access Wireless handset?
- What should I do if I don't receive my minutes?
- When will I receive my Lifeline benefit each month?
- What if I need additional service on my Access Wireless account?
- How much does Access Wireless cost?
- Where will my Access Wireless phone work?
- How do I apply for Access Wireless service?
- Where is Access Wireless service available?
- Who is eligible to receive Access Wireless phone service?
- What is Access Wireless?
- Are Access Wireless devices Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)?
- How can I contact Access Wireless?
- Where can I find additional information about the Federal Communication Commission's Lifeline Assistance Program?
- Am I eligible to participate in rewards programs with Access Wireless?
Can I upgrade my Access Wireless phone?
An ESN change will need to take place to transfer to an Access Wireless account to the new device. To request an ESN change, call 1-866-594-3644.
Do I get to choose my Access Wireless phone?
You can upgrade your Access Wireless phone to a feature phone or smartphone. Click here to access our online store.
Are there any restrictions that apply to my Access Wireless service?
- Access Wireless is only available to individuals who participate in a qualifying government program or are income-eligible
- Only one wireline, wireless, or broadband internet access service benefit is allowed per household
- The address you provide for your phone service must be your place of residence
- Your Access Wireless account must be in the name of the qualified customer and service is non-transferable, even to another low-income customer
- You must provide your date of birth, social security number as required by state, proof of identification, and proof of program participation on your application in order to be approved for service
- Access Wireless participation is subject to the Access Wireless Terms and Conditions of Service
- Access Wireless customers may have restrictions on selection of available i-wireless rate plan offerings
- You must notify Access Wireless within 30 days if you no longer qualify for the program, or if you change your address
- Access Wireless customers authorize Access Wireless to release any records required for the administration of the Lifeline program as requested by the Universal Service Administrative Company
- Phones are provided by Access Wireless
- Access Wireless is a service provider for the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program
- Lifeline service is provided by i-wireless, LLC d/b/a Access Wireless, an eligible telecommunications carrier
- Violation of the one-per-household rule constitutes violation of FCC rules and will result in the customer's de-enrollment from Lifeline
- Consumers who willfully make a false statement in order to obtain a Lifeline benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or can be barred from the program
- Customer information will be validated against public records and any discrepancies could result in delays in approval or rejection of service
- Customers must renew their eligibility each year to continue receiving their Lifeline benefit
What should I do if my Access Wireless phone breaks within the first year?
What if my Access Wireless phone is lost or stolen?
If your mobile phone is lost or stolen, you are responsible for any charges incurred until you notify Customer Care of the loss by calling 1-866-594-3644. Once we have been notified, your account will be suspended from further use. You will have 45 days to activate a new phone or notify us that you have found your old phone. If you do not notify us within 45 days of either action, your account will be deactivated and any remaining account balance will be lost and the phone number may be reassigned.
You may qualify for a replacement device, or you may select to purchase a new Access Wireless phone, which can be purchased in our online store. To determine if you qualify for a replacement, please call Customer Care.
How do I activate my Access Wireless handset?
If you need further assistance, please call Access Wireless Customer Care at 1-866-594-3644.
What should I do if I don't receive my minutes?
When will I receive my Lifeline benefit each month?
For example, if you activate your service on May 5th, your monthly allotment will be added to your account on the 5th of each month.
What if I need additional service on my Access Wireless account?
From Your Phone:
- Go to Menu > Web > My Account -or-
- Dial #BUY directly from your Access Wireless phone
From the Web
- Visit www.accesswireless.com and log in to My Account
- Click here to log in to My Account
Redeeming an Airtime Card
- Follow the instructions on the back of the airtime card. Make sure you scratch the gray area to reveal the 10-digit PIN
How much does Access Wireless cost?
Where will my Access Wireless phone work?
How do I apply for Access Wireless service?
Where is Access Wireless service available?
Consumers looking to apply for Access Wireless service will be happy to know that Access Wireless is currently available in:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- Nevada
- New York
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
We will continue to expand the Access Wireless program to additional states as we receive the required regulatory approval.
Who is eligible to receive Access Wireless phone service?
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Assistance/Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing/Section 8 Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans or Survivors Pension Benefit
Individuals may also qualify based on total household gross monthly income. If you are applying based on income eligibility, you will need to provide documentation of your income. The following items are considered acceptable documentation:
- A copy of last year's State or Federal income tax return
- Three consecutive months' worth of your most current pay stubs
- Social Security benefits statement
- Veterans Administration benefits statement
- Retirement/Pension benefits statement
- Divorce decree or child support document
- Unemployment/Workers Compensation benefits statement
What is Access Wireless?
Are Access Wireless devices Hearing Aid Compatible (HAC)?
Hearing Aid Compatible Phones
Some people that use hearing aid devices may experience difficulties when using a wireless phone. The wireless industry and consumer groups representing the hard of hearing have been working for years to study this matter and develop standards and solutions to reduce the likelihood of such difficulties. In addition the Federal Communications Commission has set forth requirements for wireless carriers and the wireless device manufacturers. Much progress has been made and there are now a large number of hearing aid compatible (HAC) devices available to customers.
There are two different ratings to consider when picking a hearing aid compatible device:
M-Ratings - Reduced Hearing Aid Device Interference
Some people with a hearing aid device experience a buzzing or whining noise when using a wireless phone. This noise is caused when the electronics within the hearing aid device pick up and demodulate radio frequency (RF) and/or electromagnetic interference (EMI) emitted by the phone.
Phones with an M-Rating of M3 or M4 meet FCC requirements and are less likely to generate interference to hearing devices than phones that are not labeled. M4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
Hearing devices may also be measured for immunity to this type of interference. Your hearing device manufacturer or hearing health professional can help you find results for your hearing device. The more immune your hearing aid is, the less likely you are to experience interference noise from mobile phones and other sources of RF/EMI such as computer monitors and florescent lighting.
T-Ratings - Compatible with Hearing Aids with Telecoils
A telecoil is a small device that is built into some hearing aids for use with the telephone as well as assistive listening devices. Not all hearing aids have telecoils.
Phones with a T-Rating of T3 or T4 meet FCC requirements and are more likely to work well for people who use hearing aids with telecoils. T4 is the better/higher of the two ratings.
How can I contact Access Wireless?
- Monday - Friday: 8am - midnight EST
- Saturday: 9am - midnight EST
- Sunday: 10am - 7pm EST
For New Service Questions/To Apply: 1-888-900-5899
For Current Customers: 1-866-594-3644
Where can I find additional information about the Federal Communication Commission's Lifeline Assistance Program?
To review the FCC's public service announcements regarding eligibility, duplicates, and recertification, visit http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/lifeline-public-service-announcements-psas.
You can also review information on Lifeline from the Universal Service Administrative Company's website.
Am I eligible to participate in rewards programs with Access Wireless?
Currently Access Wireless customers are eligible to participate in the FREE Wireless Rewards program when they shop at Kroger-owned stores. To participate:
- Register Shopper's Card/Loyalty Card/Alternate ID/1-2-3 Rewards Visa with your Access Wireless account
- For every 100 points earned from shopping in participating stores, a Wireless Reward of 20 FREE minutes (Or MB of Data depending on State) will be added to your Access Wireless account
FREE Wireless Rewards are earned on qualifying purchases only. Food Stamp purchases may apply for loyalty rewards program. Restrictions do apply. The FREE Wireless Rewards program is not available in all locations, including Food4Less stores. For details on the FREE Wireless Rewards program, click here.
Contact Us
By Phone
New Customers: 1-888-900-5899
Existing Customers: 1-866-594-3644
Customer Care Hours of Operation:
Monday
- Friday: 8am - Midnight EST
Saturday: 9am - Midnight EST
Sunday: 10am - 7pm EST