The Texas Lifeline program provides discounted phone and internet services to eligible low-income households, ensuring that communication remains affordable for everyone. Through this program, eligible individuals can receive discounts on their monthly bills or even access a free government phone.
This assistance helps keep people connected with essential services like healthcare, education, and family. Learn more about the Texas Lifeline program application and how to get these benefits below.
1. What Is Texas Lifeline Assistance Program?
Lifeline helps low-income residents across the U.S. stay connected. At the federal level, the program is run by the USAC.
In Texas, Lifeline is managed by the Texas Public Utility Commission (PUC). They combine the federal Lifeline funds with additional state-level support to make Texas Lifeline phone service more affordable to those with limited income.
If you qualify for Texas Lifeline, you can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on your phone or broadband bill. And if you live on Tribal lands, that discount is $34.25 per month.
The program is income-based, or you can qualify through certain federal programs like Medicaid, SNAP, CHIP, and more.
Once you’re approved, you may also be eligible to receive a free government phone from a provider that participates in the Lifeline program. Many providers now offer 4G and even 5G smartphones. Just keep in mind that the exact phone you get depends on the provider and availability.
What is the Lifeline law in Texas?
As for the Lifeline law in Texas, the Texas PUC makes sure everything’s on the up and up. They oversee how the program is run statewide, approve providers, and ensure that eligible Texans receive the benefits they’re entitled to.
If you live in Texas, you need to apply through the Texas Lifeline program. You should contact a Lifeline company or the Texas PUC (1-866-454-8387) for more information.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a separate federal benefit that provided a discount of up to $30/month, or up to $75/month for households on Tribal lands. Sadly, the ACP ended in 2024 due to a lack of funding, but it made a huge impact while it lasted.
Read more:
2. Who Qualifies for the Texas Lifeline Program?
It’s about understanding how your income or life circumstances may open the door to a benefit you deserve. If you’re applying for the Texas Lifeline program, provide documentation to verify your eligibility based on your income or participation in certain government assistance programs.
2.1. Option 1: Income-based qualification
If your gross household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you’re eligible for Texas Lifeline.
Here’s a quick look at 2025’s numbers for Texas:
| Household size | 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines | Income Limit (135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) |
| 1 | $15,650 | $21,128 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $28,553 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $35,978 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $43,403 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $50,828 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $58,253 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $65,678 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $73,103 |
| Each Additional Member | $5,500 | $5,500 |
To qualify for Lifeline based on income, acceptable sources of income may include and not limited to:
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information
If your income is very low or you don’t have regular income, you can submit a notarized affidavit instead.
However, do not include the following types of income:
- Student Financial Aid
- Military Housing Allowances
- Cost of Living Allowances (COLA)
- Income from occasional small jobs (such as babysitting or pet sitting)
2.2. Option 2: Program-based qualification
If you or someone in your household is already enrolled in any of these government programs, you’ve got the chance to get Texas Lifeline benefits:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (formerly food stamps)
- Medicaid (including the Children’s Health Insurance Program – CHIP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch Program (Free Lunch)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (for income-eligible households)
If you’re receiving any of these benefits, submit documentation proving your enrollment to qualify for Lifeline.
3. Texas Lifeline Program Application: How to Apply for the Lifeline Program in Texas
If you live in Texas, you need to apply through the Texas Lifeline program. To learn how to apply for the Texas Lifeline program, reach out to your phone or internet provider or visit the state’s official website.
You’ve got three ways to apply for the Texas Lifeline discount — online, by mail, or directly through a phone or internet provider.
3.1. Texas Lifeline online application
How to use the online form-fill feature to:
- Request an application to be mailed to you.
- Print a pre-filled application form.
- Complete the entire process online.
3.2. Texas Lifeline program application by mail
Here’s what you’ll do:
- Download, print, and complete the application form.
- Return it along with your supporting documents via regular mail, email, or fax.
3.3. Texas Lifeline program application through a phone or internet company
Providers often have their own exclusive offers in addition to Lifeline benefits. Certain carriers may offer discounted or free devices, such as smartphones, tablets, bundles, and even smartwatches (AirTalk Wireless offers AirVoice Miro W1).
Let’s check out an example of the Texas Lifeline program application with AirTalk Wireless, a popular Lifeline service provider in Texas. The Texas Lifeline online application on AirTalk only takes a few simple steps:
- Visit their website and enter your Texas zip code. This checks if they’re available in your area.
- Choose a plan that works for you. They’ve got totally Texas Lifeline free phone plans and options to bring your own device (BYOD) if you don’t want to give up your phone.
- Pick your free device. You can actually select a model that suits you.
- Upload your documents.
- Submit and wait for approval.
NOTE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.”
Texas Lifeline Recertification:
Each year, Texas will verify your eligibility for the Lifeline benefit.
If you’re receiving a Lifeline benefit in Texas, you must recertify annually to confirm that you still qualify. This process helps keep the program accurate and fair by ensuring that only eligible households continue to receive the Texas Lifeline discount.
If you don’t complete the recertification within the 60-day window, you will lose your Lifeline benefit.
4. Best Free Government Phone Texas
This information will constantly be updated based on the provider’s stock, so check their website regularly to avoid missing out on any great deals.
| Model | Price | Resolution | Battery Capacity | Screen Size | Camera | Data Capable |
| CAT S22 Flip | Free | 480 x 960 | 2000 mAh | 2.8″ | 5MP | 4G LTE |
| Nokia 2760 Flip | Free | 320 x 240 | 1450 mAh | 2.8″ | 5MP | 4G LTE |
| TCL 30 Z | Free | 720 x 1560 | 3000 mAh | 6.08″ | 8MP | 4G LTE |
FAQs
Can I get a free phone without paying anything?
If you qualify for the Lifeline Program, you can receive a free phone without paying anything. Certain Lifeline-assisted providers offer free phones and service plans to eligible low-income households, with no activation fees or monthly charges.
What if I already have ACP, can I still apply for Lifeline?
Lifeline and ACP are separate federal assistance programs. Previously, users can apply for both Lifeline and ACP. However, please be aware that since 2024, the ACP has stopped accepting new applications and enrollments due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. Those who qualified for ACP have very high chance to also qualify for Lifeline, so don’t miss your chance and get Lifeline benefits now!
Can I switch Lifeline providers in Texas?
You can change your phone or internet provider whenever you want. Simply reach out to your new provider to initiate the switch. Don’t forget, you’ll need to reapply for Lifeline to verify your continued eligibility.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, so you cannot receive benefits from multiple providers simultaneously. You can use the Companies Near Me tool for a list of Lifeline providers in your area.
Conclusion
The Texas Lifeline Program can help you stay connected with affordable phone and internet services. Applying for Lifeline is a simple process, and by meeting income or program eligibility requirements, you can secure free or discounted services. Apply today to ensure you have the communication tools.