In today’s world, it is nearly impossible to live without a cell phone.
Staying connected is almost as necessary as any other utility like electricity and water.
Unfortunately, a wireless bill is the first one to go when you’re having financial hardship.
If you’re choosing between food and having a cell phone it seems like an easy choice.
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How to Get Free Government Phone Texas?
Thanks to government-assisted programs like Lifeline, people can qualify for wireless coverage at little to no cost.
This article will answer all of your questions about the Lifeline service program.
You’ll learn about the various providers that work with the FCC, their income guidelines, and how to determine your eligibility.
Review With Different Providers
Talk with your local service provider to apply for these programs.
If you already have cell phone service, then check with them.
Many companies throughout the state work with the FCC to offer these free and discounted plans.
If yours does not, check with one of the others on the list.
Review Income Guidelines
These programs are available to low-income people and their families.
If you live below the poverty level, you may qualify for a free or discounted cell phone.
Determine Your Eligibility
Income is not the only thing that Lifeline assistance considers when determining your qualifications.
There are several government-funded programs people use for everything from food to child care.
If you are enrolled in one of those, you will automatically be able to get assistance from the Lifeline service.
Texas Lifeline Plans
Basic cell phone service seems inexpensive.
But if you are working a low-income job or have a lot of debt pressing on you, those fees can be more than you can handle.
That is why they created the Lifeline Phone Assistance Program.
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a government program that works through the Universal Service Fund.
It provides discounted phone service to low-income families so that they could communicate with their jobs or be able to get help in case of an emergency.
Over the years, it has evolved from landline service to include cell phones.
Recently, in 2016, it was updated to include broadband internet.
How is it Free?
The United States Communications Act of 1934 says that everyone in our country has the right to fast and efficient communication service at a reasonable charge.
The Telecommunications Act of 1996 spelled it out to include phone services.
That means you have a legal right to have affordable phone services for yourself and your family.
The FCC makes this happen through the Universal Service Fund which they used to create the Lifeline service.
Lifeline Benefit Eligibility
If you earn less than $53,000 per year, or if you are enrolled in one of many government-subsidized programs, you qualify for Lifeline assistance.
In many cases, you will not pay anything at all.
These phones work on the same networks as other providers.
The packages available include nationwide coverage with unlimited talk and text, voice mail, email, and 8.5 GB of data.
If you qualify for Lifeline assistance, you will also be able to get benefits through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The ACP will give you internet access in your home for a deeply discounted rate.
You could save up to $30 per month.
And there are ways that you might be able to save more.
If you are enrolled in nearly any government assistance program, you will qualify.
When you apply, you will provide proof that you are part of one of these government-funded programs:
- Supplemental Security Income
- Texas Medicaid
- Food Stamps (SNAP Texas Benefits)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans or their survivors’ pension
- Head Start
- Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How to Apply
There are cell phone providers throughout the state that participate in these programs.
They all cover different geographical areas.
And the packages that they offer have differing amounts of minutes and other options.
You should check with the ones that service your area to find out how to take full advantage.
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom
- TruConnect
- True Wireless
You don’t have to go to an office or fill out forms.
The phone provider that you choose will have everything necessary to apply.
Just show them proof of your income and any qualifying programs you belong to.
The Five Best Free Government Lifeline Providers in Texas
Many providers work with the FCC to be part of the Lifeline program.
Some deal exclusively with Lifeline. Some provide it alongside their other plans.
A few of them also offer free internet through the ACP.
Not all of them offer internet for free, but they can give deep Lifeline discounts as part of the program.
These are the five best companies that work with the Lifeline program in Texas.
1. Assurance Wireless Free Cell Phones
Assurance Wireless Unlimited Plan by far offers some of the best perks.
They combine Lifeline with the ACP to offer a strong phone plan.
After you qualify, you will get a free Android smartphone with unlimited talk, text, and data.
You’ll also get 10GB of mobile hotspot data so that you connect other devices such as laptops and tablets to the internet.
One limit they have is that this plan is only for one member of the eligible household, so you won’t be able to get a phone for everyone in the family.
If there is more than one household at one address, they can each take part.
This includes places like homeless shelters and group homes.
2. EnTouch Wireless
EnTouch is powered by Boomerang Wireless and offers Lifeline and ACP service to 34 states.
They give unlimited talk, text, and data, along with a free cell phone.
They also offer free international calling.
You can check to see if you qualify on their website.
3. TruConnect Free Phones
Much like the others, True Connect offers unlimited talk and text.
They will also provide you with a free phone.
They have a data plan, but it is not unlimited.
You get 8GB of connection every month, which is comparable to some other cell phone providers.
They also offer free international calling.
4. QLink Wireless
QLink Wireless also offers free unlimited talk, text, and data.
However, they do not provide you with a free phone.
You’ll either have to bring a phone from another service or purchase one.
The good news is that there are a lot of used or discounted cell phones that you can buy online and have QLink activated with their free service.
5. Access Wireless
While they don’t offer a free cell phone, Access Wireless does provide a robust service plan.
They give unlimited talk and text, along with unlimited data.
The first 15 GB is high-speed.
Hotspot data is included so that you can connect your other devices.
TAG Mobile Free Phone Service Plan
One of the best plans that use the Lifeline program is TAG Mobile.
It is the most robust plan that utilizes the benefit as it covers the largest area of the United States.
In addition to the free services offered through Lifeline, they also offer inexpensive upgrades in minutes and data on certain plans
What is TAG Mobile?
TAG Mobile is a cell phone provider that utilizes the Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile networks.
Because of this, they can give their customers a powerful network that will have connectivity almost anywhere they go in the country.
How is it Free?
TAG Mobile combines the benefits of both the Lifeline program and the ACP.
This gives low-income people and needy families free access to phone networks and broadband internet service.
Who is Eligible?
TAG is available to all of Lifeline’s eligible customers, but they also stipulate a couple more qualifiers that open it up to even more people.
You can qualify for phone service from TAG Mobile if you or anyone in your household meets at least ONE of these requirements.
- Low-income households at or below 200% of the Federal poverty guideline for their size.
- You receive Medicaid, SNAP, WIC, Veterans or survivors pension benefits, or public housing.
- Your children are in the free or reduced school lunch program at school.
- You received a Federal Pell Grant during the current school year.
TAG Mobile Texas Lifeline Free Phone Service Plan Benefits
Because their services are through the largest networks in the country, customers have the benefit of connectivity almost anywhere they go.
In addition, TAG offers unlimited talk and text.
And they give 8.5GB of data each month.
You’ll also receive call waiting, caller ID, and voicemail.
How to Apply
If you want to apply for TAG mobile, go to their website and enter your information.
With services like the Lifeline Phone Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program offered through so many providers, you will stay connected all over Texas.
You can have peace of mind knowing that your children and your elderly loved ones are all a phone call away and can call for help in case of emergencies.
Wrapping Up
If you have a low income or are enrolled in any of several government assistance programs, you could be eligible for a free government phone.
There are many providers throughout the state of Texas that take part in the Lifeline Phone Assistance Program.
To take advantage of these offers, you should call your cell phone provider and ask them about Lifeline.
Check your provider’s website now and find out if they participate in this free government cell phone program.
