Free Government Phone Programs in Texas - Lifeline
The federal Lifeline program offers discounted home phone and wireless phone services to qualifying households. Your eligibility is based on income levels or ongoing participation in select government assistance program. Qualifying families are eligible to receive one discount per household. Households who are eligible for Lifeline receive a service plan discount to help with monthly service fees.
How to Qualify for Lifeline in Texas
To qualify for Lifeline in Texas, you must either participate in eligible government assistance programs or meet certain income criteria.
How to Qualify for Lifeline by Program
If anyone in your household is enrolled in any of these government assistance programs, you are eligible to receive Lifeline benefits:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Section 8 or Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (Tribal only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How to Qualify for Lifeline by Income
Your household may also qualify for Lifeline if you meet the below income requirements. The Federal Poverty Guidelines are adjusted annually, and the below chart reflects guidelines for 2025.
| Household Size | 48 States, DC, & Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| For each additional person add: | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
Note: This chart does not pertain to California.
Get Connected with TruConnect in Texas
If you qualify for Lifeline, you automatically qualify for amazing offers from TruConnect. With TruConnect, our plans are set up to provide you with free wireless phone service when you qualify for Lifeline. You’ll receive a free SIM card to use with your existing device, with 4.5 GB of 4G/LTE data, unlimited talk and text, and free international calls to over 200 countries.
Free Government Phone Programs in Texas FAQ
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available in Texas?
Unfortunately, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer available in Texas or any other state. It was a free government phone program that operated similarly to Lifeline. On June 1st, 2024, it closed due to a lack of funding - there’s no set renewal date. Though the ACP has been shuttered, other free government phone programs and cellular connectivity assistance programs still exist. Lifeline is offered in every state as a federal program, and some states, like California, have programs that supplement federal offerings.