Have a Lone Star Card? You Already Qualify for a Free Lifeline Phone.
The Texas Lone Star Card is the EBT card the state uses to deliver SNAP and TANF benefits. Both of those are direct qualifiers for the federal Lifeline program — free phone or internet service for low-income households.
Last updated: April 2026 · Reviewed by the Cliq Mobile editorial team.
What Is the Lone Star Card?
The Lone Star Card is Texas's Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, issued by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). It works like a debit card at grocery stores, retailers, and ATMs that accept EBT, and it delivers benefits for:
- SNAP (food stamps) — monthly food assistance
- TANF — Temporary Assistance for Needy Families cash benefits
You applied for both of these through the YourTexasBenefits.com portal, the 211 Texas helpline, or a local HHSC office. Check your balance at ebtedge.com or 1-800-777-7328.
Why Your Lone Star Card Means Free Phone Eligibility
The federal Lifeline program recognizes SNAP as a direct qualifier. If your Lone Star Card is loaded with SNAP benefits each month, your household qualifies for Lifeline automatically. No separate income paperwork required.
Lifeline pays a $9.25/month discount on phone or internet service. Most Lifeline providers in Texas apply that as a free smartphone with unlimited talk, text, and a monthly data allotment — no contract, no credit check, no monthly bill.
Your proof is easy
You can submit your Lone Star Card itself (a photo of the card plus your name), a YourTexasBenefits screenshot showing your active SNAP or TANF case, or a recent HHSC approval letter.
Other Ways to Qualify for Lifeline in Texas
If you're not on SNAP/TANF but someone in your household is enrolled in any of these, you still qualify:
- Medicaid (Texas STAR, STAR+PLUS, STAR Kids)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefit
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
How to Apply for a Free Phone
- Gather proof of your Lone Star Card benefits — screenshot from YourTexasBenefits.com, HHSC approval letter, or photo of the card with matching ID.
- Choose a Lifeline provider — compare Lifeline providers serving Texas on coverage, device options, and plan details.
- Apply with the provider — submit your name, address, date of birth, and the last four of your Social Security number. Upload your proof.
- Verify and receive — the National Verifier confirms eligibility and your chosen provider ships the free phone.
Lone Star Card + Lifeline FAQ
Can I use my Lone Star Card itself as Lifeline proof?
A photo of the card alone usually isn't enough because it doesn't show whether your case is active. A screenshot of your active case on YourTexasBenefits.com or a recent HHSC letter is stronger.
My Lone Star Card only has TANF (no SNAP). Does that still qualify?
TANF by itself isn't on the federal Lifeline qualifying list. But if your household income qualifies for TANF, you almost certainly meet the 135% FPG income limit for Lifeline — apply on income proof instead.
Does my Lone Star Card also get me a free internet connection?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that funded free internet ended in June 2024. Lifeline is still active and can be applied to qualifying internet service, though most providers apply it as a free phone line.
I lost my Lone Star Card — does that affect my Lifeline application?
No. Lifeline cares that your case is active, not that you have the physical card. Request a replacement at 1-800-777-7328 and use your YourTexasBenefits account as proof in the meantime.