The cost of T-Mobile Family Allowances is generally $0 (free) for customers on most current qualifying multi-line postpaid plans, such as the Magenta and Experience lines. While this parental control feature was historically a paid add-on, T-Mobile now includes Family Allowances at no extra charge to give parents greater control over talk and text usage on their family plans.
This article details the cost structure of Family Allowances, clarifies its difference from the more comprehensive FamilyMode app, and explains exactly which usage limits you can control.
The Cost Structure of T-Mobile Family Allowances
The price of Family Allowances depends entirely on your current T-Mobile plan:
| T-Mobile Plan Tier | Cost of Family Allowances | Notes |
| Current Multi-Line Plans (e.g., Experience, Magenta, ONE) | FREE | Included at no extra charge on multi-line versions of these plans. |
| Older/Grandfathered Plans | Varies (Historically $5/month) | Customers on older, promotional, or certain legacy plans may still be required to pay a small monthly fee (often $5) to keep the feature active. |
The direct answer to the “T-Mobile Family Allowances cost” is that for the vast majority of new and existing family plan subscribers, the feature is included for free.
Key Features Controlled by Family Allowances
T-Mobile Family Allowances is a budget- and time-based control feature focused on traditional cellular usage (calls, texts, and chargeable data downloads). It is distinct from app- and internet-focused parental controls.
The service allows the Primary Account Holder to assign specific budgets or rules to each line on the account:
- Usage Limits (The Allowance)
Parents can set precise monthly allowances to prevent unexpected charges:
- Minutes: Set a talk time limit (e.g., 200 minutes) for any line. Once reached, calls are blocked (except to emergency or allowed numbers).
- Messages: Limit the number of text messages (SMS) a line can send or receive.
- Downloads/Chargeable Data: Historically, this controlled spending limits on downloads (like ringtones or games) that resulted in a charge on the T-Mobile bill. This is less relevant now with unlimited data plans but remains a control option.
- Number Blocking and Allowing
- Always Allowed® Numbers: You can designate specific numbers (like the Parent Line, 911, or 611) that can be called or texted at any time, even if the monthly allowance has been reached or the device is restricted by time limits.
- Never Allowed® Numbers (Blocking): You can block specific numbers from calling or texting a controlled line.
- Time Restrictions
You can set a schedule to limit when a device can be used for calls and texts (e.g., restricting usage during school hours or after bedtime).
Family Allowances vs. FamilyMode (The $10 Difference)
It is crucial to distinguish between Family Allowances and T-Mobile’s more advanced parental control app, FamilyMode, as they control different aspects of device usage and have different costs.
| Feature | Family Allowances | FamilyMode |
| Cost | FREE (on most multi-line plans) | $10 per month |
| What it Controls | Talk, Text, and Chargeable Minutes. | Internet usage, screen time, app filtering, and GPS location tracking. |
| Technology | Carrier-level network feature. | Smartphone app and optional Wi-Fi router Home Base. |
| Goal | Prevent bill overages and restrict contact numbers. | Manage digital habits and screen time. |
T-Mobile Family Allowances is the solution for controlling who your child talks to and how much they spend on calls and texts, while T-Mobile FamilyMode is the paid app for managing what your child does online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Family Allowances block access to the internet?
No. Family Allowances controls talk and text usage. It does not control data access, screen time, or web filtering. To manage your child’s internet and app usage, you need to use the T-Mobile FamilyMode app, which costs $10/month.
If I change my plan, can I lose Family Allowances?
Yes. Family Allowances is linked to your rate plan. If you switch from a qualifying Magenta or Experience plan to a cheaper, non-qualifying plan (or change certain promotional features), the Family Allowances feature may be automatically removed or become a charged add-on. Always confirm the inclusion of the feature before changing your service plan.
Can my child use their phone for 911 if their allowance runs out?
Yes. All emergency numbers, including 911, are always functional on a T-Mobile line, regardless of whether a line has reached its minute allowance or is restricted by time limits. 911 and other essential T-Mobile numbers (like 611 Customer Service) are automatically considered “Always Allowed” numbers.
How do I activate Family Allowances on my line?
If you are on a qualifying family plan, you can typically set up or manage Family Allowances by:
- Logging into your My T-Mobile account on the website or through the T-Life App.
- Navigating to the Account or Profile Settings
- Finding the Family Controls or Plan Features options to activate and customize the allowances for each line.
