The importance of the phone doesn’t need an explanation in 2022. But, if you still can’t afford one and live in Texas, there is a way to get a free government phone in Texas.
A cell phone is not only a means of communication; it can help you to get a job too. Texas is USA’s largest petroleum producer and creates thousands of jobs per year. But, thanks to the rising numbers of people emigrating from other states, there is always an unemployment issue. But, a smartphone can help people in this case.
If you are in a similar situation, in today’s article, I’ll explain to you how you can get a free phone from the government and all the requirements you need for eligibility.
So, without taking time on the introduction, let’s get down to our main topic.
Who is eligible for the program in Texas?
The U.S. government has many programs for those who are living below the poverty standard line. One among them is Lifeline Assistance, which offers free phones and access to inexpensive plans.
But, someone needs a qualification to get benefits from the plan. To qualify for the plan, you need to prove your revenue is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
For example, if you are the only person in your household, you have to prove you earn less than $12,760 per year. And, every extra member in your family will push the limit to another $4,480. So, the more people in your household, the easier it is to get the best free government cell phones and access inexpensive cell phone plans.
But, there is also another way you can be approved for this free cell phone program – by being enrolled in the following government programs.
Programs:
Supplemental security income
Supplemental security income is a federal program funded by U.S. Treasury general funds. Those who are disabled, senior people (65 years or above), and those who can’t meet fundamental human rights for an insufficient income level are the ones who can seek help from the program.
Already more than eight million Americans have got aid from the program, and the number is increasing day by day. If you are already in this program, you can get the best free government cell phones by proving your enrollment.
Public Housing Assistance
Public Housing Assistance, another initiative from the U.S. government, was established to provide rental houses in a very inexpensive way. It’s only for families with low-income, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
The public houses come in several sizes and types. It can be scattered from single-family homes to high-rise apartments for seniors. Like the previous ones, you can get a free government cell phone if you are currently enlisted in it.
Tribal Head Start
Another federal program, Tribal Head Start, is specifically for children. Through early childhood educational services, it promotes kids’ school readiness ( from birth to age five) for low-income families.
If your children are enrolled in this program, you can benefit from it. Just provide the evidence of your family member being in it; you have your new free phone.
TANF
TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, supports families with children when parents can’t afford their basic needs. They provide you with financial help for food, shelter, necessities, and other expenses, excluding medical.
Similarly, if you are in this program, you can also get a free government cell phone by proving it.
Other Federal Assistance Programs
Without the programs I mentioned before, there are also other similar ones. For example, FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations), Medicaid, Veterans Pension, and Survivors Benefit Programs.
As before, if you are enrolled with them, you can get the best free government cell phones.
Top 5 Providers For Free Government Phone In Texas
There are quite a few companies that provide free government phones in Texas. If you are eligible for the lifeline program, you can get a free phone from any of them.
Now, we will see the top five providers among them –
1. Assurance Wireless
Assurance wireless is a big name among all the Lifeline participants. Assurance Wireless once operated the company under Sprint Network. As now Sprint and T-mobile combined, Assurance also takes advantage of their extensive network.
The wireless company also provides free monthly data, free monthly minutes, and unlimited text with a free government phone. There isn’t any billing, signing the contract, or additional fees.
Assurance has one of the best coverage in the lifeline participants, and it is available in more states than any other provider, including all the major cities.
But, the issue is that getting a free phone is complicated, and setting up can be a troll for some people.
What You Get With Assurance Wireless Free Phone
Besides a free cell phone, Assurance also offers other perks. And, the advantages change from state to state. California residents get the most benefits. If you are eligible for the Lifeline program –
California Lifeline
- Unlimited free calls ( local)
- Unlimited free text.
- 5 G.B. of monthly data.
Texas Lifeline
- Monthly free calls.
- Unlimited free text.
- 3 G.B. of monthly data.
Extras:
Unlimited international calling and messaging:
You can purchase the unlimited calling feast of Assurance Wireless at only $5 or at $10 Mexico/Canada + International Text to get international texting to over 200 countries.
The $5 Mexico/Canada + International Text includes –
- Unlimited calling to Mexico. Both for landlines/ mobile phones.
- Unlimited calling to Canada. Both for landlines/ mobile phones.
- Unlimited international calling to over 200 countries.
The $10 Mexico/Canada + International Text includes:
- Unlimited calling to Mexico. Both for landlines/ mobile phones.
- Unlimited calling to Canada. Both for landlines/ mobile phones.
- Unlimited calling to a landline in over 70 countries.
- 200 mobile minutes to 50 countries.
- Unlimited international calling to over 200 countries
How to qualify for Assurance Wireless free phone
The eligibility requirement for Assurance Wireless sometimes slightly varies from state to state. But, if you have participated in any of the following companies, you are eligible-
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit.
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Without those, if any other non-government program is approved for the Lifeline program by your state, you are qualified for a free government phone in Texas. Moreover, according to the rule, you can also qualify with your household income.
2. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is also a big boy in the Lifeline program. There also has a vast area of availability, which includes Texas. Depending on your eligibility, they offer free government smartphones in Texas, data, minutes, and text free of cost.
With the free cell phone plans, there are also discounted add-ons if you need additional service. The California lifeline cell phone residents also get an advantage with their free service.
Without California, you get a free government phone, 250 minutes for talking, unlimited texting, and 3 G.B. of data in all states. You can use the minutes for both local and nationwide long-distance calling. The other variety of plans makes your month go smoothly.
What You Get With the Access Wireless Free Phone
California Lifeline
- Unlimited Talk.
- Unlimited Text.
- 5 G.B. of Data.
Texas Lifeline
- 250 Minutes Talk.
- Unlimited Text.
- 3 G.B. of Data.
Extras
- For an extra 250 minutes, get it for $5.
- After the monthly limit, 10 cents per minute talk.
Additional Data
- 100 MB data at $1 for thirty service days.
- 500 MB data at $3 for thirty service days.
- 1 G.B. data at $5 for thirty service days.
- 4 G.B. data at $20 for thirty service days.
Note: All the data here is high-speed data. So, it won’t slow down during network congestion.
How to qualify for Access Wireless free phone
The lifeline service of Access Wireless varies the most. The offers can vary based on individual and state regulations, and the qualifications also vary.
But, the basic requirements are the same if you are participating in any federal government programs or have a household income of 135%-150% below the federal government poverty guideline.
Again, some programs may add or reduce depending on your need. if you are in any of the following programs, you expect to get a free phone –
Medicaid
- Supplemental security income (SSI)
- Temporary assistance for needy families (TANF)
- Low-income home energy assistance
- Federal public housing assistance
- National school freelance
3. enTouch Wireless
With the combination of the two well-known companies, Boomerang and Ready wireless, enTouch Wireless offers the most versatility among the lifeline participants. Boomerang Wireless offers free phones for the lifeline program, and Ready Wireless is associated with extra add-ons you may require after the free net.
The company has a decent available service area; it already covers more than twenty states, and the number will go up pretty soon. Again, the residents of California get a terrific deal from the company. Other states get a moderate deal, including Texas.
But, what makes it more exciting is the enTouch Wireless paid services. Their plans vary a lot with the price. And, also has some outstanding features, including local calling, nationwide long-distance calling, voicemail, 911 emergency services, and so on.
What You Get With the enTouch Wireless Free Phone
The company has different plans for different parts of the country. With a free government phone in Texas, you get free data, texts, and calls.
California
- Unlimited talk (local and nationwide long-distance).
- 3 G.B. of data per month.
- Unlimited text.
California (Tribal)
- Unlimited call.
- Unlimited text.
- 5 G.B. of data per month.
Kentucky
- Unlimited talk.
- Unlimited text.
- 1 G.B. of data.
For other States
- Unlimited texts.
- 100 minutes per month.
- 100 MB data per month.
For other States (Tribal)
- Unlimited texts.
- Unlimited talk.
- 1.5 GB of data.
Extras
EnTouch has several Top-Up plans, pricing from as low as $1 to expensive $50 (seriously? Who would purchase a $50 plan with free government phones?
- With an extra 1 dollar, you get an unlimited text option with the same 1000 minutes and 100 MB data in Texas.
- The $5 plan includes 1200 minutes of talk (local and nationwide domestic calling), unlimited texting, and 250 MB.
- The $10 plan upgrade from the data limit to 1 G.B., the rest being the same. And, starting with the $25 plan, the voice gets an unlimited and data-limited increase. But, the overall data remains expensive for free lifeline participants.
How to qualify for enTouch Wireless free phone
You are eligible for the EnTouch wireless lifeline program if your yearly revenue is at or under 135% of the federal government’s poverty guideline, or you are enrolled in a government assistance program.
The enTouch Wireless has a free phone option for unemployed folks. Moreover, you can get discounts from the plans. Seniors with low income can also benefit from other programs of enTouch Wireless and get a free phone.
4. Q Link
Q Link is a big name in the government free phone business. If you even know little about the cell phone carriers, the probability of hearing the Q Link name is pretty high. The company is popular among the low-income residents of several states.
One big reason for Qlink’s popularity is its service in the large area and serving more than ten million people. And, their additional paid plans are more affordable compared to other providers. You also get free government cell phones in Texas, monthly free data, text, and calls.
What You Get With Q Link Wireless Free Phone
The free plan of the Q Link wireless includes –
- Monthly 1000 minutes for both local and long-distance calling.
- Unlimited text nationwide.
- 3 G.B. of data per month.
Extras
Only Minutes
- By paying $1, you can get unlimited minutes for one day, with nationwide coverage, voicemail, caller id, roaming & texting.
- For $5, get 500 Minutes for 30 days, featuring nationwide coverage, voicemail, caller id, roaming & texting.
- With $15 per month, enjoy unlimited minutes, also includes features like nationwide coverage, voicemail, caller id, roaming & texting.
Only Data
- Enjoy 100 MB of high-speed data at $1, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy 500 MB of high-speed data at $5, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy 1 G.B. of high-speed data at $10, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy 2 G.B. of high-speed data at $20, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy 3 G.B. of high-speed data at $25, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy 4 G.B. of high-speed data at $30, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy 5 G.B. of high-speed data at $35, which has 30 days.
- Enjoy unlimited high-speed data at $40, which has 30 days.
Bundles
The $2 Qlink bundle includes –
- 100 MB of Data.
- Unlimited minutes.
- Unlimited text.
- 30 service days.
The $5 Qlink bundle includes-
- 500 MB of Data.
- Unlimited minutes.
- Unlimited text.
- 30 service days.
The $10 Qlink bundle includes –
- 1 G.B. of Data.
- Unlimited minutes.
- Unlimited text.
- 30 service days.
The $20 Qlink bundle includes –
- 2 G.B. of Data.
- Unlimited minutes.
- Unlimited text.
- 30 service days.
The $25 Qlink bundle includes –
- 3 G.B. of Data.
- Unlimited minutes.
- Unlimited text.
- 30 service days.
There aren’t any activation fees, won’t credit checks, and no long-term contracts with Q Link.
How to qualify for Qlink Wireless free phone
Similar to the other lifeline phone providers, Qlink has similar requirements, which can vary slightly depending on the state you are living in. Anyways, a few things remain the same.
If you can prove your household income is below or at 135% of federal poverty guidelines, you are eligible for the program. Without that, if you are a participant in the following programs, you are also qualified.
- Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Administration Pension or Survivors Pension
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental security income (SSI)
- Medicaid
5. Tag Mobile
Tag Mobile is one of the most prominent participants of Lifeline, providing government phones to low-income people and those who can’t afford them. And, for texas people, they are one of the best options.
The company also offers free smartphones, free minutes, and text without a free phone. The offers are more significant when you are from California or the highest petroleum producer, Texas.
Tag Mobile uses the network of Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile wireless. So, with the network backing of three large carriers, you get broad coverage and a vast service area.
For the people of California, Tag mobile offers unlimited talk and text only plans and 1 G.B. of internet data. For other states, it’s 1000 minutes of talk and unlimited text.
What You Get With Tag Mobile Free Phone
California Lifeline
- Unlimited Talk.
- Unlimited text.
- 1 G.B. of data.
Other State Lifeline
- 1000 minutes for both local and long-district
- Unlimited Text.
Texas Lifeline
- 6.5GB LTE Data monthly.
- Monthly 1000 FREE Voice minutes.
- Unlimited FREE Global texts.
The Texas residents get these benefits with the free plan – no contracts, no cost, nationwide coverage, caller I.D., call waiting, and voicemail. Tag Mobile is the only provider, offers a special lifeline plan for Texas.
Extras:
- Talk & Text Add-ons
- Premium: Pay monthly $4.95, and get 250 minutes of talk, unlimited texts.
- Platinum: Pay monthly $9.95, and get unlimited minutes of unlimited talk texts.
Data Add-ons
- Lite: Pay monthly $5.95, and get 500MB of 4G LTE high-speed data.
- Lite Plus: Pay monthly $11.95, and get 1 G.B. of 4G LTE high-speed data.
- Premium: Pay monthly $19.95, and get 3 G.B. of 4G LTE high-speed data.
How to qualify for Tag Mobile free phone
If you have already participated in any plan among the following, you can get a free phone from Texas.
- Food Stamp ( Currently known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP)
- Medicaid “State of Texas Access Reform (STAR)” (Note: It’s not medicated).
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans or Survivors Pension
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Head Start (meeting income qualifying standards)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Without that, if your yearly income is less than 135% of the poverty guideline, you can get a free phone from Tag Mobile.
6. Life Wireless
For the people of Texas, Life Wireless provides free government-assisted wireless services. Any low-income family or individual person can apply for their service. You get monthly data, text, and talk without a free smartphone.
It’s not been long since Life Wireless started its free government phone in texas service. They aren’t as broad as the other providers. But, in the available areas, the company has a good reputation.
The free phone and internet service also provides benefits like nationwide calling, call waiting, three-way calling, voicemail, caller I.D. service, no roaming charges, No long-distance calling charges, distance calls, and free 911 services. Most of them are paid features but free with the Life Wireless lifeline program.
And, if that’s enough, you can buy additional packs at a discount price.
What You Get With Life Wireless Free Phone
With Life wireless, you get free monthly data, calls, and texts. The residents of California and Oklahoma.
Other State Lifeline
- Monthly 750 minutes (local and domestic long-distance calling)
- Unlimited texting.
- Monthly 1 G.B. of data.
Oklahoma Lifeline
- Unlimited nationwide talk.
- Unlimited text.
- Massaging with pictures.
- Free-roaming.
- Monthly 1.5 GB of high-speed internet.
Texas Lifeline
- Monthly 500 minutes call.
- Unlimited text.
- Monthly 4.5 GB of data.
Extras:
Only Voice
- Get 100 minutes at $4 for 30 days.
- Get 500 minutes at $12 for 30 days.
- Get 1000 minutes at $20 for 30 days.
[Note: All the add-ons are for 30 days. Unused minutes won’t be rollover to next month. ]
Only Data
- Get an extra 100 MB of data at $4.
- Get an extra 500 MB of data at $15.
- Get an extra 1 G.B. of data at $20.
[Note: Similarly, all the add-ons are for 30 days. After the period, all the data will vanish. ]
How To Qualify For Life Wireless Free Phone
You can qualify by providing the proof of federal assistance programs like Food Stamps / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 Public Housing Assistance (PHA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF),
Head Start, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), The Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension.
Or, if your household income is below or at 135% of the federal poverty guideline, you are also qualified.
Judgment
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing a lifeline provider and free government phone in Texas. But, the eligibility for the program is an issue, especially if you are a single person.
Anyways, even without the free government phone in Texas, there are other ways you can get a free phone. Several non-profitable organizations in Texas help people with technologies to free them from dependency. You can request there and get a used phone for free.
Moreover, you can find a part-time job and save enough money to buy a smartphone yourself. This way, you get more freedom on what phone you use and is the best way.
Anyways, before choosing a freephone provider, keep in mind to compare it with your other available options. And, if you are sure one is best, then select them. But, keep in mind all the regulations.
