In California, eligible low-income individuals and families can receive a free government cell phone through the Lifeline Assistance program. This program is designed to help make telecommunications services more affordable for people who otherwise might not have access to them. The program is funded by the Universal Service Fund, which is supported by contributions from telecommunications companies.
To be eligible for free government phones in California, you must either participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP (Food Stamps), or have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. You will also need to provide proof of California residency and eligible program participation or income.
A number of companies offer free government phones in California under the Lifeline Assistance program. To find a participating provider near you, you can visit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website and use their Lifeline Service Provider Search tool.
It’s worth noting that the services and plans offered through the Lifeline Assistance program can vary depending on the provider and the state, so be sure to check with your provider for specific details about what’s available to you.
California LifeLine Plan
The California LifeLine Plan is a state-specific program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible low-income residents. The program is part of the federal Lifeline Assistance program, which is designed to make telecommunications services more affordable for people who otherwise might not have access to them.
To be eligible for the California LifeLine Plan, you must either participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP (Food Stamps), or have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. You will also need to provide proof of California residency and eligible program participation or income.
Under the California LifeLine Plan, eligible participants can receive discounts on their monthly phone bills, as well as waived activation and certain other fees. The specific discounts and services offered under the California LifeLine Plan can vary depending on the provider, so be sure to check with your provider for details.
A number of telecommunications companies participate in the California LifeLine Plan, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, among others. To find a participating provider near you, you can visit the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) website and use their LifeLine Provider Search tool.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Benefits
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a fantastic program offered in California that’s designed to help make internet access more affordable for low-income households. Essentially, the program provides discounted internet services, as well as options for low-cost computers and devices. This means that eligible households can enjoy the many benefits of having internet access, without having to worry about breaking the bank.
If you’re eligible for the ACP program, you can expect to receive a discounted monthly internet bill, which can be a real lifesaver for those on a tight budget. Additionally, you may also be eligible for waived activation and other fees, which can further reduce the overall cost of having internet access.
In some cases, the ACP program may even offer free or low-cost computers and devices. This is a great opportunity for households who don’t have a computer or device with internet access, as it opens up a whole world of educational and employment opportunities, as well as endless entertainment options.
To be eligible for the ACP program, you need to participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or SNAP (Food Stamps), or have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. And, of course, you’ll need to provide proof of California residency and eligible program participation or income.
So if you’re looking for an affordable way to get online in California, be sure to check out the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You might be surprised by how much it can help!
What Does Life Wireless Service Include?
- Unlimited Nationwide Calling
- Unlimited Text Messaging
- Unlimited Data**
- Call Waiting
- Three-way calling
- Voicemail
- Caller ID service
- No roaming charges
- No charge for domestic long distance calls
- Free 911 Service
- Affordable Recharge Plans
- 5GB Hotspot
INCOME GUIDELINES
| Household Size | California LifeLine Annual Income Limits |
|---|---|
| 1-2 members | $28,700 |
| 3 members | $33,300 |
| 4 members | $40,600 |
| 5 members | $47,900 |
| 6 members | $55,200 |
| 7 members | $62,500 |
| 8 members | $69,800 |
| 9 members | $77,100 |
California Public Utilities Commission
Address505 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco CA 94102
PhoneMain: 415-703-2782
Toll-Free: 800-848-5580
Complaint: 415-703-1170
Website: http://www.cpuc.ca.gov
FAQs – Free Government Phones In California Program