According to the U.S. Census Bureau, at least 4 million Texans live below the poverty line. Texas people usually seek financial assistance and they emphasize the importance of the Government’s Lifeline Program. FCC’s Lifeline is a program that helps to provide communication services more affordable to low-income people. This program aims to offer a discount on communication services to low-income people so that every citizen can access opportunities to stay connected. Lifeline offers monthly discounts on voice broadband, internet, bundled services, and phone service. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers this program. USAC is responsible for handling the application process, eligibility requirements and maintaining the benefit through an annual recertification process.
Currently, the telecommunications industry is more focused on the government’s Assistance Programs such as Lifeline, EBB, ACP, etc. to provide low-cost communication facilities to low-income households. Already many providers are giving this facility through the Lifeline Assistance Program in the USA including Texas. There is this great opportunity for Texans to get free government phones through the Lifeline Program. Getting free government phones is only designed for low-income people. So, Texans only can receive this free phone if they are eligible for this program.
So here this article is designed for Texans with the stand and everything you need to know to get the free government phones in Texas.
Eligible Criteria for Free Government Phones in Texas
To get a free government phone you must be eligible for the program. Usually, Providers focus on the poverty guidelines as a priority. The eligibility for the Free Phones in Texas mainly refers to the eligibility for the Lifeline free phone program. Almost every Lifeline provider asks for the same requirements. Here are those basic eligibility criteria.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program- but previously known as Food Stamps)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- By meeting Section 8 of Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pensions and Survivors Benefit program
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households can meet income-qualifying standards)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
The household income should be under or equal to 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. FCC considers this income as low-income and the household is eligible for the Free Government Phones in Texas. The income guidelines below can help you measure your program eligibility level.
| Number of Household Members | Annual Household income guideline in Texas |
| 1 | $18,347 |
| 2 | $24,719 |
| 3 | $31,091 |
| 4 | $37,463 |
| 5 | $43,835 |
| 6 | $50,207 |
| 7 | $56,579 |
| 8 | $18,347 |
| Amount Additional per person in the household | $6,372 |
How Do You Apply for Free Government Phones in Texas
Several Lifeline providers around Texas offer free government phones to low-income eligible households and individuals. They offer free government phones obeying the FCC guidelines. There are some basic procedures to follow to get a free cellphone from a Lifeline provider. The best, most convenient, and fastest way is to follow the online fill-out procedure. Here we will explain the application process of free government phones in Texas.
- First, you will have to qualify for the Lifeline: Getting a free government phone in Texas is possible through the Government’s Lifeline assistance program if anyone who is already a lifeline beneficiary will be eligible automatically for the free government phones. The Federal Government assistance programs we mentioned above are the criteria to qualify for the Lifeline program. In Texas, many providers offer Lifeline assistance programs. But you will have to choose a Lifeline provider who offers free phones with various facilities.
- Secondly, Select a Free Phone provider: There are several telecommunication companies across Texas that provide eligible households with free phones. Here you will have to do research. Remember, Texas has its own rules and all providers don’t cover Texas. Here you will have to choose a reliable provider from our list as you will go for a sustainable service including free monthly talk, SMS, and data. We have mentioned some of the providers’ names, those are widely known as Lifeline program providers in Texas.
- Third, Apply for the Lifeline Program: Once you have selected your preferred free phone provider, you can start the application process by filling out the online form. There is also a mail-in application facility for the applicant’s household or individual. But the online application is the easiest and fastest way to get a free phone from the provider. The Lifeline enrollment is pretty simple for anyone. Here you will just have to provide your basic information first. Such as your name, address, date of birth, and social security number. After submitting your application, the respective provider will ask for your proof of qualification. Here you should submit the supporting documents against your participation in Lifeline. Once you are finished with the submission process, just wait for the free phone to get to you.
Is It Possible to Get A Free Government Phone With Food Stamps Program in Texas?
Food Stamps is actually a program for incomeless families that allows the beneficiaries to obtain subsidies, buy food and nutrition for the members. Besides, it is one of the eligibility criteria for free government phones in the country. Food Stamps beneficiaries are the people who live below the poverty line. That is why the federal government or the FCC considers them eligible for the Lifeline or free government phone program also. And Texas is one of the top-listed states to get the free phone facility with Food Stamps.
So, if any of your family members have the Food Stamps membership then you can apply for the freephone from the federal government. But you will have to follow several steps to get the benefit. First, you will have to qualify for the Lifeline program to get a free phone. It is because you cannot directly apply for the free phone using your Food Stamps membership. After qualifying for the Lifeline program using your Food Stamps, you can then apply for the free phone as a Texan. And you can still enjoy your food subsidy while getting the free phone. Remember that the provider will give you the free phone from one of the specific models. You don’t have to option to choose a specific model.
Top 11 Best Free Government Phones Provider in Texas
In Texas, a vast number of people are unemployed or underemployed. So, Texans tend to look at low-income facilities from Government. Luckily, several providers are working with the government’s initiative to beat the challenging time in Texas. Those all are participating in Government programs such as Emergency Broadband Benefit EBB, affordable connectivity program ACP, and Lifeline program. Here, we are introducing some of the renowned providers who offer free Government phones in Texas.
1. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is known as a Lifeline Assistance program provider. It provides eligible households with free monthly data, minutes, unlimited texting, and a free phone. Customers of this company can get free phones to over 40 states in the U.S., including Texas. Customers can even get low rates for international calls to over 200 countries. It is possible to get a free government phone with unlimited data, text, and talk if the Texan qualifies.
There are no extra bills, long-term contracts, and activation fees so that Assurance customers keep their customers worry-free. Additional voice minutes, data, international calling, and international texting make Assurance Wireless an eligible low-income Texan’s top choice. Visit Assurance Wireless official website to apply for a free phone under government program.
You may receive certain benefits. Those are
- A Free Smartphone
- 2 GB of data
- Free Unlimited Texts
- Free Unlimited Talks
As an Assurance user, you may top-up $5 or $10 for getting International calling and texting. If 2GB of data is not enough for you, then you can opt for an add more data option.
Assurance Wireless Contact Information
Assurance Wireless Lifeline Assistance Program Toll-Free Number- 1-888-321-5880
Corporate Office Address
Assurance Wireless
P.O. Box 5040
Charleston, Illinois, 61920-9907
United States
2. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is managed by i-Wireless LLC. and offers free smartphones and cellphones to the government through the Federal Government’s Assistance Program. There are monthly set of data, text, talk, and free gadget facilities that Access Wireless ensures low-income citizens. Access Wireless comes with an exclusive wireless reward program, no additional charge, a super extensive network, and more. The most attractive part is Access Wireless provides free cell phones to eligible individuals. It serves more than 20 states across the US. All states can get almost similar benefits from Access Wireless. The Federal Government Lifeline program is available in Texas to visit accesswireless.com/lifeline/Availability to apply for a free phone. So, any Texas resident who is eligible for the program can receive the following benefits.
- Free 100 minutes of Talk time
- 50 MB of data
- unlimited texting
Access Wireless Contact Information
Access Wireless Lifeline Plan customer service number
- New user: Toll-Free Number is 1-888-321-5880
- Old user: Toll-Free Number is 1-866-594-3644
Hours of operation: Monday to Friday, 8 am Midnight EST, Saturday 9 am Midnight EST, Sunday 10 am – 7 pm EST
Address : To know the exact location of Access Wireless in Texas, call the toll-free number.
3. enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is one of the popular providers in the USA that provide affordable connections. Features and benefits of enTouch Wireless are increasing through its affordable connectivity and excellent customer services. This company is serving more than 33 States including Texas. enTouch only offers Lifeline discounts to eligible Texas residents who meet certain eligibility requirements. enTouch Wireless is the prime choice for Government free phones. Not only free phones, but enTouch also ensures free unlimited Talk and Text, Free International calling, no hidden fees, and more. enTouch Wireless Lifeline benefits are:
- 100 Minutes of Talk and unlimited text
- Free Premium cell phone
- 100 MB of 4G LTE data
enTouch ensures a fast and strong network with some low-cost extra facilities any time you can add more data with 100 MB and you may even buy international calls for as low as $5. Visit entouchwireless.com/states/texas-lifeline-free-phone-service
To apply for a free phone.
enTouch Contact Information
enTouch customer support in Texas
- Phone : 512.936.7000
- Toll-Free : 1-888-782-8477
Address
enTouch Public Utilities Office
1701, Congress Avenue
PO. BOX -13326
Austin, TX 78711-3326
4. Life Wireless
Life Wireless is a dedicated Lifeline provider, it provides a consolidated facility to the people who live in Texas. It works as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) that uses the AT&T network. The company claims to be the third-largest Lifeline provider in the United States. Life Wireless is proud to have signed 1 million subscribers to its Lifeline program. Certain eligible Texas residents can even receive free cell phones if they are qualified customers. It entails some facilities through Lifeline:
- Free Cell Phone
- Free unlimited text
- Free 500 Minutes
- Free 4.5 GB Data
Some other facilities Life Wireless provides are such as nationwide calling, call waiting, caller ID service, free 911 service, affordable recharge plan, and more.
Life Wireless Contact Information
For Life Wireless Texas Lifeline service
- Main:512-936-7000
- Toll-Free:888-782-8477
- Complaint: 512-936-7120
Address
- 1701. N. Congress Avenue, PO. BOX -13326, Austin, TX 78711-3326
- Drive-In Food Mart, Palmer Highway, Texas City, TX 77590.
- Tiger Express, 1025 N.5TH Avenue, TEXAS CITY, TX 77590
Visit lifewireless.com/plans/texas-lifeline-free-phone-service to enroll for a free phone.
5. Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is an initiative by owner Tracfone Wireless Inc. to provide Lifeline services to eligible households. With the Safelink Lifeline program, Safelink Wireless offers a great opportunity to eligible households, which is getting a free smartphone along with the unlimited talk, unlimited text, and data. It is possible to enjoy free Smartphones with free unlimited data, text, and talk for Texas Residents if they are eligible. This company always focuses on customer satisfaction by offering several plans. Even, you can change your plan before the 25th of the month. Safelink Wireless Plans with Lifeline in Texas:
- A free touch screen phone (Motorola, LG, Nokia, etc.)
- Free monthly minutes plan
- Unlimited text
- 4.5 GB data
This opportunity is applicable for all new and old Safelink Wireless users. If you want to get more benefits or Safelink Wireless top-up visit “safelinkwireless.com”.
Safelink Wireless Contact Information
- Safelink Wireless customer service no. 800- 723-3546
- Safelink Wireless technical support no. 1-800-378-1684
Address : For Safelink Wireless location, you should call customer care or contact the following location.
Safelink Wireless
PO. Box. 160490
Hialeah, FL, 33016-9997
6. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless works as an approved provider of the federal Lifeline program. This company is a pioneer in the telecommunication industry in the country. It provides special offers to Texans with free phones, unlimited data, talk, and text. Lifeline-qualifying customers receive free phone service from Q Link Wireless without a monthly bill, without a contract, and a credit check. Visit qlinkwireless.com/signup/d-6-717 to know more about the free phone program.
Q Link offers wireless service to over thirty states including Texas through the T-Mobile network. It operates the network as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). The company is expanding rapidly into new areas. Q Link Wireless is a game-changer by providing government-free smartphones of various brands such as Alcatel, Blackberry, HTC, Huawei, Kyocera, LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, etc. Here, are some basic Q Link benefits through the Government’s Assistance Program:
- Free Smartphone
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited talk
- 3 GB of Data
This company provides extended services such as nationwide calling, voice mail, connecting to WIFI, and many more.
Q link Wireless Contact Information
Take customer support at 1-855-754-6543, Mon-Fri 8 am to 8 pm EST, Sat-Sun 9 am to 9 pm EST
Address : Besides customer service, visit qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx, and submit your basic information along with the order number. You will find your queries or application issues for Texas.
7. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless has already been a low-cost network provider to low-income households. It’s been helping in Government benefit programs like Lifeline, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, etc. Now StandUp Wireless offers free government phones with monthly discounts on text, talk, and data in Texas. To get these certain benefits, visit standupwireless.com. With StandUp wireless, eligible Texans will receive unlimited data, free minutes, text, and many more through the Lifeline Assistance Program. Here Standup Wireless Lifeline benefits are in the following:
- 10 GB of High-Speed data
- Free Smartphone
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited talk
StandUp Wireless Contact Information
Call customer care number at 1-800-544-4441 or 611.
Address : To know the exact location in Texas visit standupwireless.com or standupwireless.com/lifeline. Input Texas zip code to know details about address and other queries.
8. Terracom Wireless
One of the leading providers of Lifeline wireless services is Terracom Wireless. This company dedicates itself to helping customers with new plans and facilities so that people can stay connected uninterruptedly. With the Terracom Wireless Lifeline Assistance program, qualified individuals can receive unlimited free service along with Government free 4G/5G smartphones. Whether you are a student, employer, doctor, or anything else and living in Texas, Terracom Wireless can keep you connected with nationwide and reliable networks along with free Government phones and free services. With the Lifeline program of Terracom Wireless, you will receive:
- A Free Smart Phone with up to 2000 free voice minutes
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited talk
- 4.5 GB Free Data
In Texas, Terracom Wireless fees apply to the people who have annual recertification (proof of eligibility) as Lifeline recipients.
Terracom Wireless Contact Information
Terracom Wireless Lifeline customer service number at 1-888-716-880 to know every detail.
Address : Generally, for state queries you should visit terracomwireless.com, you can find a local dealer location terracomwireless.com/payment_locator.php.
9. Tag Mobile
Tag Mobile provides free cell phone service to eligible low-income families and individuals through the Lifeline Assistance Program. The discounts such as free minutes, free texts are given to customers every month. In Texas, Tag Mobile offers students, veterans, and senior citizens a great opportunity to move through unprecedented times with free phone service, unlimited data, Talk, and Text. Thanks to Tag mobile, Texans can stay in touch with friends, family, and virtually at work. Eligible Tag mobile users in Texas can receive certain benefits. Those are
- Free unlimited text
- Free unlimited talk
- A Free Smart Phone
- 8.5 GB of free data every month
Some other benefits that Tag Mobile users can receive include caller id, call waiting, voice mail, nationwide coverage, and more.
Tag Mobile Contact Information
Tag Mobile customer service number is 1-866-959-4918.
Address : Texan should call the customer service number at 1-866-959-4918 to know the exact location of Tag mobile in Texas. Visit tagmobile.com/Support/ContactUs to find out the nearest store in Texas.
10. True Wireless
As one of the largest providers of government assistance programs and Lifeline, low-income people love True Wireless. At the same time, this company offers a large android LTE data. With the True Wireless Lifeline benefit program, you will get a discount on your monthly broadband internet service bills and free government phone. This company considers customer satisfaction first. A vast number of customers across the USA support them for their uninterruptible services. True Wireless is also trying to keep connected with this benefit by providing completely free smartphones to their customers in Texas. True Wireless Lifeline benefits are
- A Free touchscreen android Smart Phone (LG, Nokia, Samsung)
- 1000 Free text
- 1000 Free minutes
- 4.5 GB of free data
True Wireless is a significant nationwide carrier and it has a highly responsive customer care team. Texas eligible residents can apply for getting a smartphone through a simple process.
True Wireless Contact Information
To get this monthly benefit or free smartphone dial 1-877-412-1919. Texas people can mail at info@truewireless.com.
Address : To know True Wireless Texas location, call their customer service or write them at “True Wireless, 215 W, Wilshire Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK, 73116”
11. TruConnect
TruConnect Communications is dedicated to providing low-cost internet and its equity. By offering reliable internet access, it ensures its customers can access networks and content without interruptions. TrueConnect offers a wide range of network-based services. It offers nationwide wireless broadband networks, free Wi-Fi hotspots, and free android phones for its customers. TrueConnect operates as a Mobile Virtual Networks Operator (MVNO) using the T-Mobile networks. One of the largest Lifeline providers, it offers a variety of customer-friendly services across all 50 states of the U.S. TrueConnect is also available in Texas. Texans can receive several benefits through the Lifeline program. Those benefits are:
- 100 MB of data
- Unlimited text and talk and 1.5 GB of data at $25 per month
- Unlimited text and talk and 3 GB of data at $35 per month
- A new Android Smartphone
If you are not qualified for the Lifeline Assistance program, do not worry. This provider has several affordable plans specially designed for low-income people.
TruConnect Contact Information
TruConnect customer care number is 800-430-0443.
Address : Texas residents can find out the exact location of TruConnect in Texas by calling the customer service number at 800-430-0443. You may also check truconnect.com/locations to find out about near stores in Texas.
What Kind of Free Phones Does the Government Give in Texas?
If you meet any of the eligibility criteria then you can get the Free Government Phones in Texas. Most people think of the phone first when they apply for free government phones. They have their own choice and fascination. But bad luck for them that the free government phones in Texas don’t offer any specific model that you want from the provider. The provider only can deliver you from one of their available stocks. Since. The program is a government subsidy, you can hardly find any high-end smartphones like the latest iPhones or the Samsung Note series. But the available models are good enough as a basic smartphone. The program offers home phones and smartphones for low-income households in Texas. But it varies as there are several providers and they deliver from their available stocks. And you will have to receive it as you don’t have the option to choose.
But for your idea, we can mention some of the models according to the providers. Access Wireless free phone list includes ZTE Flash, Samsung Transform (Ultra), Coolpad Quato II, ZTE Force, and Alcatel Revolve. Assurance Wireless is also no exception that can barely fill up your demand for a specific model of free phone. Their possible stocks of the phone models are ZTE Prestige ™ 2, Coolpad Illumina, ANS WikoTM Life, ZTE QuestTM Plus, and Alcatel One Touch CinchTM. Life Wireless offers some entry-level smartphones under the Lifeline program. They offer smartphones from the names like Alcatel, Blu, LG, Pantech, Samsung, and ZTE. QLink Wireless offers Blackberry Curve 8330, HTC Desire 626, Alcatel One Touch, Kyocera Hydro Edge, LG X Charge, and some other names. StandUp Wireless offers highly affordable devices like Vortex Sync Black, Vortex Sync White, and Vortex MUV.
Tag Mobile also offers some highly affordable smartphones. They are CellAllure Miracle S, CellAllure Fashion2Plus Black and CellAllure CoolDuo Gold. Terracom Wireless has a variety of options like the TMobile Motorola E4, Sprint HTC 626s, Sprint ZTE N817, Sprint Flip Phone, LG VN10, TMobile Novatel MiFi 5792, and some other smartphones. TruConnect offers Maxwest Phablet, Cloud Stratus C5, Nuu a7L Black GSM, ZTE Warp Elite N9518, and Cloud Mobile Storm C3.
Which Phone Services are the Best in Texas?
For Government free phones, Texas is one of the most important states. We described some of the providers that significantly participate in the Government Assistance program. They focus more on Texas because a lot of unemployed people live here below the poverty line and are dealing with the pandemic. We have investigated many Internet service providers and Lifeline providers and found eleven notable ones.
If anyone lives in Texas looking for government free phones, then we suggest taking a look at our list. Out of the lists, we want to emphasize the names of the top three providers.
- Assurance Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
What Type of Lifeline Plans Can I Get in Texas
Texas is the 2nd largest state in the country but still many people live here below the poverty line through its development gradually. The government is emphasizing establishing industrial enterprises to create more job opportunities. Besides the Lifeline plan is helping the low-income households in Texas to deal with their financial issues. This free phone plan is a small but effective contribution that can help these eligible individuals and families to stay connected to their networks. The Texas Lifeline plan includes:
- Free of the one-time fee
- Free of any monthly cost
- 500 minutes as talk-time
- Unlimited text messaging
- 4.5 GB of high-speed data
Please note that the data you will get monthly cannot be moved to next month. It means you have to use the data within the month.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the newest subsidy initiative from the federal government. This program also provides nearly free government phones for eligible households. ACP is available in every state in the US and you can apply for it if you are from Texas. ACP starts from March 2022 as a replacement for the previous EBB program. But ACP is going to offer subsidies as a permanent program meaning that it will not close soon like the EBB program. You can apply for ACP benefits by meeting any of the eligibility terms set by the FCC. The benefits are no fee, no monthly cost, unlimited minutes, unlimited text messaging, 15 GB of high-speed data.
