Texas participates in federal Lifeline and adds a state layer. The Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF), overseen by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT), provides state Lifeline support of up to $3.50 a month in addition to the federal discount, where it applies to the service.
Texas state support applies where available for the service; amounts are maximums.
Source: USAC – Lifeline Program; Public Utility Commission of Texas
Qualifying in Texas
| Program | Texas details |
|---|---|
| SNAP | Benefits arrive on the Lone Star Card; manage your case at YourTexasBenefits.com |
| Medicaid | Texas Medicaid, including STAR, STAR+PLUS and STAR Kids managed care plans |
| SSI | Paid by the Social Security Administration |
| Federal Public Housing Assistance | Local housing authority programs and Section 8 vouchers |
| Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit | From the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs |
| Income | At or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines ($21,546 for one person) |
CHIP, a common program for Texas children, is not a Lifeline qualifying program, but your household may still qualify through income.
Coverage across a big state
Texas spans dense metros and very rural areas. Your line runs on the T-Mobile network, and coverage varies by location, so check coverage at your address before you apply. If you're often outside coverage, an iPhone 14 or 15's Emergency SOS via satellite can reach emergency services where available; see the iPhone 14.
Free device combos for Texans
All nine combos are available in Texas. For work and school, the phone & laptop combo is a strong fit; for families, the phone & tablet combo.
Tribal lands in Texas
Texas has three federally recognized Tribes: the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Eligible residents of their Tribal lands may receive the enhanced federal benefit. See Tribal Lifeline.
How to apply in Texas
- Apply online and select your combo.
- Complete Lifeline verification. Have your SNAP or Medicaid notice from YourTexasBenefits handy.
- After approval, your line is activated and devices ship with free standard shipping.
Need help? Email support@combowireless.com. For telecom complaints, the Public Utility Commission of Texas has a consumer protection division, and the Office of Public Utility Counsel represents residential consumers.
Texas FAQs
Does Texas add money to the Lifeline benefit?
Texas provides state support of up to $3.50 a month through the Texas Universal Service Fund where it applies. Whether it applies depends on the service. It's a service discount, not a payment to you.
Can I use my Lone Star Card to qualify?
Your SNAP participation qualifies you. The card itself usually isn't enough as proof, so use a SNAP notice showing a recent date if asked.
Do you serve rural Texas?
We serve eligible customers statewide where the T-Mobile network provides coverage. Check your address on our coverage page.