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Family Allowances(SM) FAQs
Family Allowances Overview ›
Managing your allowances ›
General Questions ›
Family Allowances Billing ›

Family Allowances Overview

For overview information about Family Allowances, refer to the following links:
What is Family Allowances? ›
Who can purchase Family Allowances? ›
Can I add Family Allowances to my account at any time? ›
When I purchase Family Allowances, does it work for all of the lines on my account? ›
How do I purchase Family Allowances? ›
If I add Family Allowances in the middle of my billing cycle, is the charge pro-rated? ›
What is a Parent Line? ›
Is the Parent Line the same person as the Primary Account Holder? ›
How do I designate the Parent Line? ›
What is a Managed Line? ›
Do I need to have Internet access to use Family Allowances? ›
Can I manage CallerTunes® in the Family Allowances Web-based tool? ›
How does the Family Allowance service work with Web Guard? What are the differences between the two services? ›
Does my T-Mobile® cameo™ frame work with Family Allowances? ›
How does the Familiy Allowance service work with Message Blocking? ›
What is Family Allowances?
Family Allowances is a service easily managed from My T-Mobile that lets you assign allowances for minutes, messages, and downloads to all the lines on your account.

In addition to setting allowances, you can set Always Allowed SM numbers to enable unlimited calling or texting and Never Allowed SM numbers to restrict calling or texting.

Family Allowances will also enable you to block usage during certain times of day (conditions and restrictions apply). Family Allowances is easily managed from My T-Mobile.

The Family Allowances service is not intended to prevent overages, but to provide you flexibility in account management. Always Allowed numbers still allow managed lines to send and receive calls and messages, even after the allowances are reached. Therefore, it is possible to incur an overage even after the allowances are reached.
Who can purchase Family Allowances?
Active T-Mobile customers with two or more lines of service on one account. Sorry, Family Allowances is not available to Take ControlSM, SmartAccess, FlexPaySM, and Prepaid customers at this time.
Can I add Family Allowances to my account at any time?
Yes, you can add Family Allowances anytime during your billing cycle.
  • Unless you set allowances on the first day of your billing cycle, you will be setting allowances for a portion of your billing cycle (i.e. less than 30 days).
  • In most cases, when Family Allowances is first added to an account, it will be added in the middle of a billing cycle. If you have added Family Allowances after the first day of your billing cycle, you may want to set allowances lower than you would for a full billing cycle to manage your account effectively and avoid overages.
  • On the first day of the next billing cycle after you have added Family Allowances, you may want to readjust your allowances to accommodate for a full billing cycle. For example, if you have 15 days remaining in your billing cycle immediately after you add Family Allowances to your account, you would want to double any allowances you set for the first full billing cycle.
When I purchase Family Allowances, does it work for all of the lines on my account?
Yes. The Family Allowances feature is available to all lines on an account; however, allowances must be set on My T-Mobile before taking effect.
How do I purchase Family Allowances?
You can purchase Family Allowances by logging into your account through T-Mobile.com and clicking Plan & Services. From there you can add Family Allowances.
If I add Family Allowances in the middle of my billing cycle, is the charge pro-rated?
Yes, if you add Family Allowances mid-cycle, your charge will be pro-rated for only the days you had the feature during that billing cycle. For example, if you add Family Allowances on the 21st day of your billing cycle (with only 10 days remaining), you will only be charged for those 10 days.
What is a Parent Line?
The Parent Line is the party authorized to create and modify Allowances (minutes, messages, downloads), Always Allowed/Never Allowed numbers, and Time of Day Blocking for all account lines. Both the Parent and the Primary Account Holder (PAH) can manage all lines on the account for Family Allowances.
Is the Parent Line the same person as the Primary Account Holder?
The Primary Account Holder(PAH) is used within My T-Mobile to identify the person authorized to make changes on the account and to set up permissions for the other lines on the account. The PAH can also manage all lines within the Family Allowance product.
How do I designate the Parent Line?
When you purchase Family Allowances, you’ll be asked to designate a Parent Line. You can also set the Parent Line when you access the Family Allowances Web-based maintenance tool on my.t-mobile.com for the first time. A list of the lines on your account will be displayed; select the line you wish to be the Parent.
What is a Managed Line?
Managed Lines are all the lines on the account without permissions to manage Family Allowances.
Managed Lines can see the allowances set by the parent for their mobile number only.
Do I need to have Internet access to use Family Allowances?
Yes, for access to all of the Family Allowances features and functions, Internet access is required. Family Allowances can also be managed from most handsets via t-zones®/web2go or by using Internet Explorer and logging in to My T-Mobile.com from your handset.
NOTE: T-Mobile does not support access to managing Family Allowances using the Apple Safari or Google Chrome browsers from a computer. Android 1.5 (cupcake) will not allow customers to manage Family Allowances via their device. Customers can set allowances as described above with Internet Explorer or by calling our SIVR.
Can I manage CallerTunes in the Family Allowances Web-based tool?
If you purchase the Family Allowances service, only the Parent Line or PAH can purchase a CallerTunes subscription for a Managed Line.
  • The monthly subscription fee does not count against the Managed Line’s download allowance.
  • Individual (single or bundled) CallerTunes purchases do count against the download allowance.
How does the Family Allowance service work with Web Guard? What are the differences between the two services?
Both Family Allowances and Web Guard allow you to control the usage of a line on your account. Family Allowances allows you to control the amount of usage, while Web Guard helps you manage the type of content accessed (not the amount).
NOTE: You can find a link to more information about Web Guard on the Individual Detail page in the Family Allowances Web-based tool.
Does my T-Mobile® cameo™ frame work with Family Allowances?
You can set allowances for the T-Mobile® cameo™. T-Mobile recommends that you do not set allowances for this product because the T-Mobile cameo line's plan includes unlimited picture messaging and the T-Mobile cameo does not support voice service. Additionally, it may be beneficial to uniquely label your T-Mobile cameo line, in order to easily identify it. When you manage your allowances in the Family Allowances Web-based tool, be sure to check that you have not set any allowances for a T-Mobile cameo line.
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How does the Family Allowance service work with Message Blocking?
Family Allowances cannot be added to an account using the Message Blocking Feature; however messages can be blocked by setting the Managed Line to zero message allowances.
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Managing your allowances

For information about managing your allowances, refer to the following links:
Manage Minutes ›
Manage Messages ›
Manage Downloads ›
Manage Schedule ›
Manage Allowed Numbers ›
Family Allowances Billing ›

Manage Minutes

How do I manage allowances for Whenever Minutes®?
To manage allowances for Whenever Minutes, perform the following steps:
1. Select the Minutes tab.
Image of the Minutes tab
2. Select the name of the line you would like to change
Image of selecting a name
3. Move the slider to the left or the right, depending on the number of minutes you want to allow for that line.
NOTE: You can also select More Options and enter the amount of minutes allowed, and then select Update.
Image of the slider
4. After completing all the changes on the Minutes tab, select Save.
Image of the Save button
Can I manage my child’s use of minutes included with my plan, like T-Mobile to T-Mobile minutes or night and weekend minutes?
Yes, you can set allowances on included calling features, which might include nights, weekends, myFaves®, T-Mobile to T-Mobile, and Unlimited HotSpot Calling.
To set allowances on included calling features, perform the following steps:
1. Select the Minutes tab.
Image of the Minutes tab
2. Select the name of the line you would like to change.
Image of selecting a name
3. Select View Details Page.
Image selecting View Details Page
4. On the Included Minutes slider, move the slider to the left or the right, depending on the number of minutes you want to allow for that line.
Image of moving the slider
5. Select Save to confirm the changes you made.
Image of the Save button
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Manage Messages

Can I still manage messages if I don’t have a messaging bundle?
Yes, you can set an allowance for messages -- just remember, you will be charged for each message sent or received. For current rates for messaging, go to T-Mobile.com.
How do I manage allowances for messages?
To manage allowances for messages, perform the following steps:
1. Select the Messages tab.
Image of the Messages tab
2. Select the name of the line you would like to change.
Image of selecting a name
3. Move the slider to the left or the right, depending on the number of messages you want to allow for that line.
NOTE: You can also select More Options and enter the amount of messages allowed, and then select Update.
Image of the slider
4. After completing all the changes on the Messages tab, select Save.
Image of the Save button
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Manage Downloads

What Downloads can be managed through Family Allowances?
Family Allowances can only manage downloads that are billed by T-Mobile. This includes ringtones, wallpaper, games, and individual CallerTunes purchased from T-Mobile. If the download is not billed through T-Mobile, it will not be deducted from your download allowance.
How do I manage allowances for downloads?
To manage allowances for downloads, perform the following steps:
1. Select the Downloads tab.
Image of the Downloads tab
2. Select the name of the line you would like to change.
Image of selecting the name
3. Move the slider to the left or the right, depending on the amount of money for downloads you want to allow for that line.
NOTE: You can also select More Options and enter the amount of money for downloads allowed and then select Update.
Image of moving the slider
4. After completing all the changes on the Downloads tab, select Save.
Image of the Save button
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Manage Schedule

Why would I want to block certain times of the day?
You can set time of day restrictions when you want to prevent your children from using their phones during certain time periods. Examples could include:
  • During the school day
  • During homework time
  • During sleep time
Can I block a 24-hour period?
No, there is a limited number of blockable time slots to choose from. We chose time slots based on when people use their phones the most. If you need to turn the phone off for a 24-hour period, you can disable the phone (restrictions apply). For more information, go to Is there a way to temporarily restrict my child from using their phone?
How do I block a time of day?
To block a time of day, perform the following steps:
1. Select the Schedule tab.
Image of the Schedule tab
2. Select the name of the line you would like to change.
Image of selecting a name
3. Click the button for the time of day you want to block for that line.
Image of selecting a time of day
4. Select Save to save the changes you made.
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Manage Allowed Numbers

Why would I use Always Allowed numbers?
Always Allowed numbers ensure that you can stay connected to those who matter most. Always Allowed numbers can be reached, even when a user has reached or exceeded an allowance, if their phone is disabled, or if the time of day is blocked.
Why would I use Never Allowed numbers?
Never Allowed numbers allow you to control who your family members can communicate with.
How many Always Allowed or Never Allowed numbers can I add?
You can add 10 numbers to each of the Always Allowed and Never Allowed lists. 611 and 911 are already considered Always Allowed numbers and don’t count against the 10 maximum.
NOTE: International numbers cannot be added to the Always Allowed or Never Allowed lists.
How do I manage my Always Allowed/Never Allowed numbers?
To manage my Always Allowed/Never Allowed numbers, perform the following steps:
1. Select the Allowed Numbers tab.
Image of the Allowed Numbers tab
2. Select the name of the line you would like to change.
Image of selecting a name
3. Enter a ten-digit phone number in the Always Allowed or the Never Allowed number box, and then select OK.
Image of the Always Allowed and Never Allowed lists
NOTE: The numbers you enter will be displayed in the Always Allowed or Never Allowed number lists.
Image of the exisiting Always Allowed and Never Allowed lists
4. From this screen, you can also block 411 by simply selecting the check box.
Image of blocking 411
5. After completing all the changes on the Allowed Numbers tab, select Save.
Image of the Save button
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General Questions

Can I change the Parent Line?
Yes, you can log in to your account on My T-Mobile and update your account profile. You will find a new tab for Parent.
NOTE: You can also change the Parent Line by accessing the Family Allowances Web-based tool on my.t-mobile.com. From the Individual Detail page, select Change Parent.
Image of the Change Parent button
Do I have to set an allowance for every line?
No, you may leave a line set to No Allowance. Often parents will set allowances for their children, but leave their own line at No Allowance.
Can I get text message notifications on my mobile phone if my child reaches an allowance?
Yes, you may choose to receive text message notifications for certain Family Allowances features.
NOTE: In the Family Allowances Web-based tool on my.t-mobile.com, go to the View Details page. On this page you will see a check box to select to turn this feature on.
Image of turning on message notifications
How can I check the status of allowances for the lines on my account?
Just dial #FAM# (#326#) from your handset to check your allowances and usage for minutes, messages, and downloads.
Is there a way to temporarily restrict my child from using their phone?
Yes. From the View Details page, use the Disable Phone feature for the Managed Line you wish to temporarily disable.
  • Disabling the phone still permits calls and messages to and from Always Allowed numbers and 911.
  • All allowances and other restrictions are not in effect until you enable the phone.
  • Disabling the phone stays in effect until you re-enable usage for that line.
Image of ENABLED and DISABLED options
How many times a month can I change my Managed Line allowances?
You can log in to My T-Mobile and change the allowances at any time, as many times as you wish.
How do I change the names listed for the Managed Lines?
On the View Details page, select Change Name to change the name for that line.
Image of Change Name
How do I view my alerts for Family Allowances?
If any of the lines on your account have reached or exceeded an allowance limit, an alert will display. Alerts can be viewed on each tab header and they are denoted by an exclamation point (!). If you see an exclamation point (!), it means you have an alert on that tab. From the View Details page, you can view all alerts for a Managed Line.
Can my child call their voicemail to check messages when the time of day is blocked?
No. Retrieving voicemail from the handset is treated as an outbound call and therefore would be blocked. If you want your child to be able to retrieve a message that you have left on their voicemail, you can add the voicemail-retrieval phone number as an Always Allowed number.
Can I set 411 as a Never Allowed number?
Yes. Blocking 411 is an option and it does not count against your maximum 10 Never Allowed numbers.
Selecting the 411 Never Allowed restriction will restrict only the dialing of 411 it will not restrict calling 555-1212 or 800 numbers dialing Directory Assistance. To restrict these numbers add them to the Never Allowed list.
How do I locate Family Allowances on my handset?
t-zones
  1. Launch t-zones. Select My Account, and then select Plans and services.
  2. From the list of Services, select Minute Allowances.
  3. Select the number you want to manage the Allowances for.
Web Browser
  1. Access your Web browser. Select the My Account tab, and then select Mobile Life.
  2. From the list of Services, select Minute Allowances.
  3. Select the number you want to manage the Allowances for.

Image of blocking 411
How will my child know when he/she has reached an allowance?
When a line is about to reach an allowance for Whenever Minutes, your child will hear an announcement on their phone. After the line has reached the Whenever Minutes allowance, they will hear a series of beeps before the phone shuts off. When a line has reached an allowance for messages or downloads and attempts to send a message or download content, they will receive an error message.
What if I want to prevent a line from texting for just the remainder of the month?
You simply set the allowance for that line at or under the current usage on the Messages tab for that line. This will prevent this line from any messaging activities for the remainder of your billing cycle. At the beginning of your next billing cycle, they will be able to text until they reach their allowance. Remember, Always Allowed numbers can still be reached. You can also do this for minutes and downloads.
Image of moving the slider
How can I have usage that is over the allowances I set?
Calls and messages to/from Always Allowed numbers can still be sent/received, regardless of allowances, so you may have usage that exceeds the allowances you set.
NOTE: Check to ensure that the allowances that are set do not exceed your available buckets.
If I make changes to my account in the middle of my billing cycle, how do they affect the allowances I’m setting?
If you recently added the Family Allowances service to your account, the usage shown for all lines is as of the date you added the service. Allowances you set now apply for the remainder of this billing cycle and may need to be updated for the next billing cycle to manage your family's usage more effectively or to avoid overage charges.
TIP: When setting allowances for your first billing cycle, be sure to take into account the number of days remaining in your billing cycle. To help prevent overage charges, check your total usage for the entire billing cycle – just log in to my.t-mobile.com and check the Monthly Usage chart on the home page.
If you recently called Customer Care to make a change to your account, verify your allowances and make any changes desired.
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Family Allowances Billing

For information about Family Allowances billing, refer to the following links:
Where will the Family Allowances charge show up on my bill? ›
How will using the Voicemail call back feature show in Family Allowances? ›
Will Family Allowances prevent overages on my account? ›
Will calls, messages, and downloads placed while roaming be counted against the allowances I set? ›
Where will the Family Allowances charge show up on my bill?
The monthly charge for the Family Allowances feature will show up under the Monthly Recurring charges section of your bill.
How will using the Voicemail call back feature show in Family Allowances?
Using the Voicemail call back feature will apply minutes used to the Whenever Minute Allowances regardless if you are calling a myFaves Number or not. T-Mobile recommends not using this feature to return calls if you have Family Allowances set.
Will Family Allowances prevent overages on my account?
The Family Allowances feature is not intended to prevent overages, but to give you more flexibility in managing your account. It is possible to incur overage charges even after allowances have been reached because Managed Lines can send and receive calls and messages to and from their Always Allowed numbers. Remember, any lines that have no allowances set can also cause overages on your account.
Will calls, messages, or downloads placed while roaming be counted against the allowances I set?
Calls, messages, or downloads while roaming on the T-Mobile Network will be counted against the allowances set for the Managed Line. Calls, messages, or downloads on My T-Mobile.com made while roaming off the T-Mobile network cannot be managed through Family Allowances.
Family Allowances will not prohibit the calls, messages, or downloads from being completed while roaming outside of the T-Mobile Network. Customers using these features while roaming will be charged for the usage.
Android Marketplace Downloads or downloads via a 3rd Party provider Web site or through the handset cannot be managed through Family Allowances.
Also, in some instances, the Never Allowed numbers and Schedule features (for example, blocking times of the day) cannot be managed while roaming off the T-Mobile network.
NOTE: Family Allowances features will not work while roaming internationally. As soon as you return to the T-Mobile network, Family Allowances will manage the Managed Line.
To check if you live in or travel frequently to a roaming area, review the map below:
Image of map
If you would like to prevent a family member from using their phone while roaming on a domestic network that does not fully support Family Allowances, go to my.t-mobile.com/services and select the free service Disable FA Roaming for the appropriate line. To enable roaming again, you will need to remove this service.

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