Apple
Free iPhone 8 Plus
$0 – $200* device co-pay
- 4G LTE
- 5.5-inch Retina HD
- Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto), 2x optical zoom
Free Government Phone in Texas
Eligible Texas residents can get a smartphone and Lifeline-supported wireless service from Free Link Wireless — with no contracts and no monthly bill.
Quick answer
Yes. Eligible households in Texas can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives Texas Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension — or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Texas Lifeline support
Texas provides additional state Lifeline support through the Public Utility Commission of Texas. Eligible Texans may receive a larger combined discount than the federal benefit alone, depending on the service. SNAP benefits in Texas are issued on the Lone Star Card, which is one of the most common ways Texas households show they qualify.
Who qualifies for a Free Government Phone in Texas?
You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:
- Texas Medicaid (Medicaid)
- SNAP (Lone Star Card)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Not sure? Use our eligibility checker.
Lifeline income limits by household size
Maximum yearly household income (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, 48 states + DC). Bars show household size.
12345678
Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines × 135%. Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher. Limits update yearly — confirm on USAC's Lifeline site.
How to apply in Texas
- Check eligibility using the programs above or your income.
- Apply online with the Free Link Wireless application.
- Verify your eligibility. Your eligibility is confirmed through the Lifeline National Verifier, run by USAC. In many cases, Texas benefit records can be checked automatically.
- Get your phone. We ship free to any Texas address, and you can keep your current number.
Service across Texas
Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, and Austin. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.
Popular phones in Texas
Samsung
Free Galaxy Z Flip
$0 – $200* device co-pay
- 4G LTE
- 6.7-inch foldable Dynamic AMOLED
- Foldable design
See all Free Government Phones →
Neighboring states
- Free Government Phone New Mexico
- Free Government Phone Oklahoma
- Free Government Phone Arkansas
- Free Government Phone Louisiana
- All states
Texas Free Government Phone FAQs
Can I get a Free Government Phone in Texas with Texas Medicaid?
Yes. Texas Medicaid is Texas's Medicaid program, and Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program.
Does SNAP qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. SNAP (Lone Star Card) is Texas's SNAP program, which qualifies your household for Lifeline.
How many Free Government Phones can a Texas household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household in Texas and every other state.
How long does it take to get a Free Government Phone in Texas?
Many applicants are verified quickly. After approval, phones typically ship within a few business days, depending on where you live in Texas.
Get your Free Government Phone in Texas
Check eligibility in about two minutes, then apply online. No contracts, no credit checks.