Phones and Internet

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

Hi friend. A working phone is a lifeline. It's how a landlord calls you back, how you hear about a job, and how you reach your people. If yours is shut off or you're down to your last few dollars of data, let's fix that together.

Here is the easy first step: see if you qualify for Texas Lifeline. It lowers your monthly phone bill. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, you may already qualify.

A few things to know

• You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
• Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a phone, a discount or a spot in any program.
• Offers and prices change. Check with the company before you sign up.
• In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.

What is Texas Lifeline, and do I qualify?

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone service for households that qualify. As of October 16, 2026, Texas Lifeline says the discount can be up to $12.75 a month, which is up to $9.25 in federal support plus up to $3.50 from Texas.

The FCC says you can qualify if you, or someone in your household, take part in programs like these:

• Medicaid
• SNAP
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension Benefits
• Certain Tribal Assistance Programs

You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The FCC says people in Texas use the state's own application process. The FCC says only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. Apply at texaslifeline.org or call 866.454.8387.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.texaslifeline.org/faq and https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers

Lifeline for survivors. The FCC says survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may get emergency Lifeline support, and there is help separating your phone line from a plan shared with an abuser. Check the details at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/survivor-benefit/

Report Lifeline fraud to the FCC tip line at 855.455.8477.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers

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Need help applying?

Call Texas Lifeline at 866.454.8387 with application questions. Easy peasy!

How can I get low cost internet at home?

• Lifeline and internet. The FCC says Lifeline gives a monthly discount on qualifying phone, internet or bundled service from participating companies. Ask a company that offers Lifeline which services it has.
• Low cost plans. Some internet companies have their own lower price plans for households with low incomes or that take part in programs like SNAP. For example, AT&T says its Access from AT&T plan is for eligible households based on income or a qualifying government program.
• EveryoneOn. A no cost search tool to find low cost internet offers and computers near you, by ZIP code.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.att.com/internet/access/

Staying connected keeps doors open. You deserve to be reachable, friend.

From the Bunklow team

Where can I get online at no cost?

• Public libraries. Every library in the county list later in this guide has no cost computers and internet. Many also have no cost WiFi you can use with your own phone or laptop.
• Day centers and shelters. Some have phones, computers or charging spots. Ask 211.
• Workforce Solutions offices. Many have computers for job searching. See Guide 6.

How can I stay reachable without a phone plan?

• Use a no cost email account. Check it at the library. Write the address on forms so people can reach you.
• Use WiFi calling and texting apps when you're on no cost WiFi, if your phone can.
• Ask a shelter or day center if you can get messages there.
• Write down your key numbers on paper, in case your phone dies.

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Charge up

A small backup battery is a game changer. Libraries and many day centers let you charge your phone. Ask at the front desk. Happy charging!

Watch out for scams

• Lifeline is no cost to apply for. Be careful with anyone who asks you to pay to sign up.
• Only give your Social Security number or benefits letter to Texas Lifeline or a company you chose.
• If something sounds too good to be true, call 211 or Texas Lifeline at 866.454.8387 to check.

What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?

You may still see ads for the ACP. The FCC says the ACP and its monthly internet discount ended on June 1, 2024, because Congress did not add more funding.

• The FCC warns that some websites still advertise the ACP and even collect personal information. If you see one, you can file a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.
• If you gave your Social Security number, card or bank information to a site offering ACP enrollment, the FCC says to visit IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.
• Today, ask about Texas Lifeline and low cost plans from internet companies instead.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/acp

Which internet companies have low cost plans?

Here are two plans described on the companies' own pages. Each company decides who qualifies, and plans are only offered where the company has service.

• Access from AT&T. AT&T says you may be eligible if someone in your home takes part in a qualifying government program, like SNAP, or if your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Proof can include an EBT card or a benefit letter. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.att.com/internet/access/
• Spectrum Internet Assist. Spectrum says eligible customers may get it for $15 a month, and that being in a government program could qualify you. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist

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No cost WiFi spots

Public libraries offer no cost computers and WiFi. Ask your branch about hours and time limits. Just ask!

Can I call 911 if my phone has no plan?

Yes. 911.gov says all wireless phones, even ones not signed up with a phone company, can call 911. But a phone with no active service does not send your location to the 911 center, and the center cannot call you back if the call drops.

• Say where you are first. The FCC says to tell the operator the location of the emergency right away.
• If the call drops, call back. With no service plan, the operator won't have your number.
• Keep an old phone charged. A charged phone in a bag or glove box can still reach 911 in an emergency.
• Teach kids. 911.gov says old phones with no plan can still connect to 911, so tell children not to play with them, or take the battery out first.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.911.gov/calling-911/frequently-asked-questions and https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-911-service

Can I text 911 in Texas? In many areas, yes. The FCC says text to 911 is only available in certain places, and a voice call is still best. Texas regional 911 programs, like the Capital Area Council of Governments around Austin, say: call if you can, text if you can't.

• Use text only when calling is unsafe or not possible, like if someone could hear you, or you are deaf, hard of hearing or can't speak.
• Put your location and the kind of help you need in the first text.
• No group texts, photos or emojis. CAPCOG says those don't work.
• If you get a bounce back message saying text isn't available, you must call 911 instead. The FCC says phone companies must send that message.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/what-you-need-know-about-text-911 and https://www.capcog.org/services/outreach-education/911-2/

How do I get my phone line away from an abuser?

If you share a family phone plan with someone who has hurt you, there is help. The FCC says survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking or similar crimes can ask their mobile company to move their line off the shared account and keep their same phone number.

• You don't have to be the account holder.
• You can also move the line of someone in your care, like your child.
• Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
• You can ask online, by phone, by email or in person. Say you are asking for a line separation for survivors.
• If you are struggling with money, the FCC says you may get emergency Lifeline support, up to $9.25 a month.
• Need someone to talk to? Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-request-phone-line-separation-abusers-account and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/survivor-benefit/

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Plan for safety first

If someone checks your phone, think about calling from a friend's phone, a library or a shelter. An advocate at the hotline can help you plan. You are not alone.

What if I have a problem with my phone company?

Start by calling the company and asking for a supervisor. Write down the date, the name of the person and what they said.

If that doesn't fix it, the FCC takes complaints about phone and internet service, including billing, service problems, and robocalls.

• File online at fcc.gov/complaints, or call the FCC at 888.225.5322.
• For help with a line separation if you have a hearing or vision disability, the FCC says to email DRO@fcc.gov.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-request-phone-line-separation-abusers-account

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Texas

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Harris County (Houston)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Dallas County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Bexar County (San Antonio)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Tarrant County (Fort Worth)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

El Paso County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Hidalgo County (McAllen)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

My connection plan

Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Stay connected, friend. Make it a great day!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!

Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.

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Last updated October 18, 2026