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Get Lights With No Deposit on a Fixed Income

If you're on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF, you qualify to skip the deposit. Texas law says so. Here's how to make it happen.

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
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The rule that matters

Under Texas PUCT §25.24, light companies cannot require a deposit from people enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF.

This isn't a favor. It's the law. If you're in one of those programs, you qualify. Period.

4 Programs That Get You No-Deposit Lights

If you're enrolled in any of these, you qualify for a deposit waiver. Light companies verify program enrollment, not your income.

SNAP

SNAP (Food Stamps)

Most common qualifying program

What you need:

Benefits card, approval letter, or online portal screenshot

MED

Medicaid

Health coverage doubles as deposit waiver

What you need:

Enrollment letter or benefits card

SSI

SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

Federal disability/age-based income

What you need:

Award letter or benefits statement

TANF

TANF (Temporary Assistance)

Family assistance program

What you need:

Enrollment verification letter

Source: Public Utility Commission of Texas

PUCT §25.24 mandates deposit waivers for assistance program participants

How to Get Your Deposit Waived

Here's the step-by-step process to use your program enrollment to skip the deposit:

  1. 1

    Pick a light company

    Any traditional light company works — they all have to honor the waiver. Enter your ZIP above to see who serves your area.

  2. 2

    Tell them you qualify for a deposit waiver

    When you sign up (online or by phone), tell them you're enrolled in [SNAP/Medicaid/SSI/TANF] and requesting a deposit waiver under PUCT §25.24.

  3. 3

    Submit proof of enrollment

    Most light companies accept documents by email, fax, or online portal. They need to see you're currently enrolled.

    Acceptable proof:

    • Benefits card (photo of front/back)
    • Approval/enrollment letter
    • Online portal screenshot showing active enrollment
  4. 4

    Start service with $0 down

    Once verified, they'll approve you with no deposit. Your lights get turned on same as anyone else — just without the $200-400 upfront cost.

What if they say no?

If you have proof of enrollment and they still require a deposit, that's a PUCT rule violation. Take these steps:

  1. 1. Ask to speak with a supervisor who handles deposit waivers
  2. 2. Reference PUCT §25.24(d) by name - many frontline reps don't know the rule
  3. 3. If still denied, file a PUCT complaint: 1-888-782-8477 or online (PUCT typically resolves these within 48 hours)

Escalation works: Most companies immediately approve once PUCT gets involved because violations carry fines.

What If I Don't Have SNAP or Medicaid?

If you're not enrolled in those programs but money's still tight, you have other paths to no-deposit lights:

Option 1: Prepaid Lights

Guaranteed approval. Prepaid light companies don't check your income, credit, or anything else. If you have $40-75 to start, you're in.

How it works:

  • Pay $40-75 upfront (goes into your account, not a deposit)
  • Power gets turned on (usually same day)
  • You use power until your balance runs low
  • Add more money when needed

The catch: Prepaid rates are higher — about $80-100/month more than traditional plans. But there's no credit check, no deposit, no denial.

Option 2: Letter of Credit

If you had lights before and paid on time for 12 months, your old light company can give you a letter proving it. That letter forces your new light company to waive the deposit.

Call your previous light company and ask for a "letter of good credit." Free to request, and it works even if your credit score isn't great.

Option 3: Deposit Payment Plan

Some light companies let you spread the deposit over 3-6 months instead of paying it all now. You'd pay an extra $50-75/month on top of your bill until it's covered.

Not every company offers this, but it's worth asking. Still cheaper monthly than prepaid rates.

Getting Lights vs Getting Help Paying Your Bill

Two different things. Both important. Here's the difference:

This Guide: Getting Service

You're trying to start light service but the deposit is blocking you. The solutions above help you get approved with no deposit.

Focus: Deposits, credit checks, program waivers, prepaid options

Bill Payment Help

You already have lights but you're struggling to pay the bill. Programs like CEAP and LIHEAP can help cover bills you owe.

Focus: CEAP, financial assistance, bill payment plans

Need help paying your bill? See our financial assistance guide for programs that help with light bills you already owe.

Which Light Companies Should I Pick?

Since the deposit waiver is required by law, every traditional light company has to honor it. So you can pick based on rates and service instead of worrying about approval.

What to look for:

  • ✓ Fixed rates — Easier to budget when rates don't change
  • ✓ No early termination fees — Flexibility if you need to move or switch
  • ✓ Good customer service — Matters when you have questions
  • ✓ Autopay discounts — Some companies knock a few dollars off if you autopay

Compare plans in your area:

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.

We'll show you traditional plans with rates and terms. When you pick one, tell them you qualify for a deposit waiver.

The Bottom Line

If you're on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF, you have a legal right to skip the deposit. Light companies can't require it from you — that's Texas law.

Your action plan:

  1. Gather proof of program enrollment (benefits card, letter, or screenshot)
  2. Pick a light company that serves your area
  3. Tell them you qualify for a deposit waiver under PUCT §25.24
  4. Submit your proof of enrollment
  5. Start service with $0 deposit

If you don't qualify for those programs, prepaid is your guaranteed approval option. No income verification, no credit check, no questions asked.

Ready to get started?

Texas ZIP codes only. We'll show you no-deposit plans in your area.
Brad Gregory
Brad Gregory

Consumer Advocate

I make sure light companies treat you right. When you don't know your rights, they take advantage. I fix that.

View full profile

Last updated:

Common Questions

Can I get lights with no deposit if I'm on a fixed income?

Yes. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or TANF, you qualify for a deposit waiver under Texas law. Light companies have to let you start service with no deposit — your income or credit score doesn't matter. You just need proof you're enrolled in one of those programs.

Do light companies verify my income?

For deposit waivers, they verify program enrollment (SNAP, Medicaid), not your actual income. They just need to see you're in the program. For prepaid lights, they don't check income at all — no verification, no questions asked.

What if I don't qualify for SNAP or Medicaid?

You still have options. Prepaid lights don't care about your income or credit — everyone gets approved. You can also check if you have 12 months of on-time payments for a letter of credit, or ask about deposit payment plans. And if you're struggling to pay bills, see our financial assistance guide for help programs.

Are there light companies that work with people on assistance programs?

Every traditional light company in Texas is required by PUCT law to waive deposits for people on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and TANF. They all have to do it — it's not optional. So you can pick any light company you want and the waiver applies.

What's the difference between getting lights and getting help paying my bill?

Getting lights = starting service (this guide). Getting help paying = programs like CEAP that help with existing bills. If you need help with bills you already owe, see our financial assistance guide. This guide is about getting approved for service in the first place.

Can I use my EBT card to pay for lights?

No. Your EBT card only works for approved purchases (food, etc.). But having an EBT card (SNAP benefits) qualifies you to skip the deposit when you sign up for lights. You'll pay your light bill separately with cash, debit, or credit.

What if I'm denied for lights?

If you're denied and you have SNAP/Medicaid/SSI/TANF, that's a PUCT violation — file a complaint at 1-888-782-8477. If you're denied because of credit or past debt, prepaid is your guaranteed approval option. No one can deny you for prepaid.

How much money do I need to start prepaid lights?

Usually $40-75 depending on the company. That's not a deposit — it's credit on your account that gets used as you consume power. Think of it like putting $40 of gas in the car. Once you use it, you add more.