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NoDepositLights.com

You might qualify for $0 deposit

Many Texans qualify for deposit waivers and don't know it. Texas law gives you a second chance — no credit check, no down payment required.

Check below to see if you qualify — whether you're in a house or apartment, you might not need prepaid after all.

Do any of these apply to you?

If you meet ANY of these conditions, you may qualify for $0 deposit on affordable month-to-month plans — no credit check, lower rates than prepaid.

12-Month Payment History

Paid your light bill on time for the past 12 months

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If you've had service with ANY Texas light company and paid on time for 12 consecutive months, you may qualify for no deposit — even if your credit isn't perfect.

What to do: Gather your last 12 months of light bills showing on-time payments.

Low-Income Assistance

Receive LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, SSI, or other low-income assistance

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PUCT rules protect customers receiving government assistance. If you receive LIHEAP, SNAP (food stamps), TANF, SSI, or other low-income assistance programs, you may qualify for a waived or reduced deposit — no credit check needed.

What to do: Have documentation of your benefits ready when applying.

Senior Citizen (65+)

You're 65 years or older

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Texas recognizes that seniors often live on fixed incomes. Some light companys offer deposit waivers or reductions for customers 65 and older.

What to do: Have your ID ready to verify age when applying.

Domestic Violence Survivor

You're escaping an abusive situation

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PUCT requires light companys to work with domestic violence survivors. You may qualify for deposit waivers and other protections when leaving an abusive situation.

What to do: Documentation from a shelter, advocacy org, or law enforcement can help.

Active Military

You're currently serving in the military

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Active duty military personnel often qualify for deposit waivers. SCRA (Servicemembers Civil Relief Act) provides additional protections.

What to do: Have your military ID or orders ready.

Letter of Credit

You have a letter of credit from a previous light company

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If you had good payment history with a previous Texas light company, you can request a letter of credit. This proves your reliability and can waive deposits with new light companies.

What to do: Contact your previous light company and request a letter of credit.

What is a PUCT deposit waiver?

The Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) regulates the light market in Texas. They've established rules that protect customers from unfair deposit requirements.

Your rights under PUCT rules:

  • Providers must accept 12 months of payment history as proof of creditworthiness
  • Providers cannot require deposits from customers receiving certain assistance
  • If you paid a deposit and then establish 12 months of on-time payments, you can get it refunded
  • Deposits are limited to 1/6th of your estimated annual bill (usually $150-400)

Not all light companys follow these rules equally well. If you believe you qualify and are being denied, you can file a complaint with the PUCT.

Learn more about your Texas light bill rights →

What if I don't qualify for a waiver?

Even if you don't qualify for deposit waivers, you still have options. Here's the honest breakdown:

1 Shop multiple light companys

Different light companies have different credit thresholds. The same credit score might get $0 deposit at one company and $300 at another. We check multiple for you.

2 Consider prepaid — guaranteed approval

Prepaid plans are guaranteed — no credit check, no deposit, no down payment. Rates are higher, but it gets your lights on today. Start with $40-75 on a monthly pay-as-you-go basis.

3 Build payment history

Start with prepaid, pay on time for 12 months, then switch to traditional with no deposit. Plus you can often get better rates.

4 Pay the deposit

If you can swing the deposit, traditional plans save $50-70/month. After 12 on-time payments, you get the deposit back. Do the math.

See our guide: Path from Prepaid to Traditional →

Common questions

Who qualifies for no deposit in Texas?
You may qualify if you: have 12 months of on-time payments with any Texas light company, receive government assistance (LIHEAP, SNAP, TANF, SSI), are 65 or older, are active military, are a domestic violence survivor, or have a letter of credit from a previous light company.
How do I prove I qualify?
Documentation depends on your situation: payment history requires 12 months of bills showing on-time payments; assistance programs require proof of enrollment; seniors need age verification (ID); military needs ID or orders; domestic violence survivors may use shelter or advocacy documentation.
What if the light company says I don't qualify?
If you believe you qualify under PUCT rules and a light company is denying you, you have options: try another light company (different companies interpret rules differently), ask to speak with a supervisor, or file a complaint with the PUCT. These rules exist to protect you.
Can I still get lights on if I don't qualify?
Yes — prepaid is guaranteed approval. No credit check, no deposit. You pay as you go, starting with as little as $40-75. The rates are higher than traditional plans, but it's an option when you can't qualify for deposit waivers — and you can always switch later.

Ready to see your options?

Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you affordable light companies that might waive your deposit — plus prepaid options that never need one. Everyone deserves a second chance.

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

Consumer Advocate

I help you get your lights on when other companies say no. If you've been denied or quoted a huge deposit, I know the workarounds.

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