Many people in California struggle to pay for basic needs and buy a phone. If you meet the qualifications, Californians who are below the poverty line can allocated and receive a free government phone California Program. The program offers free monthly internet service as well as a free phone. It is called the California Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The California LifeLine and ACP are state programs that offer free cell phones and services to millions of eligible low-income customers. This program helps low-income individuals with free phones embrace the benefits of advancing technology. Besides, it reduces the cost of Californians’ phone bills.
Moreover, you may apply for a free cell phone from the Government in California, provided you qualify. You also have to prove your eligibility by providing a document that shows you qualify, including an identity, program participation level, or income statements.
Suppose your household meets the eligibility set for California Lifeline and ACP. In that case, you can get one discount for a cell phone, a home phone, or the internet through your service provider. The Government partners with qualifying wireless providers in California to offer cell phone service discounts and free phones to low-income-qualifying consumers.
In other words, low-income families represent those living at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. And free government phones and services are a benefit offered with no monthly bills or contracts to consumers.
Best Ways To Get Free Government Phone California
Residents of California can get government-free phones and services for low-income families and individuals in several ways. First, qualified customers can get a free cell phone and service if they enroll in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program.
Then, through a qualifying wireless provider, you may apply for your free offer. California residents eligible for a free cell phone must meet specific eligibility requirements, like participating in government subsidies or a household income at or below California LifeLine Annual Income Limits.
Through these free government phone programs for low-income Americans, qualifying households can stay connected by filling out a few details and submitting their eligibility documents.
Generally, to receive a free smartphone and monthly phone service from California, you or anyone in your household, a child or dependent, must attain the income-based or program-based eligibility guidelines described in the following section.
Qualifications For Free Government Phone In California Inhabitants
Applicants can get a free government phone in California through ACP, Lifeline program eligibility.
1. Lifeline California
In Lifeline, programs like Food Stamps qualify a person eligible to apply for Lifeline benefits. Again, to obtain a free smartphone and monthly service through Lifeline, you must attain the income-based or program-based eligibility provisions. If your annual income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you are a member of any of the below programs, you are eligible.
Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Food Stamps, CalFresh, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- StanWORKs
- (CalWORKs)California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
The following table represents the California income requirements as per the federal poverty level:
2023 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 |
2. Affordable Connectivity Program California
The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit is the latest federal government program that brings connectivity to low-income Americans. The qualifying low-income households stay connected with free monthly broadband services and devices. You can get a free phone in California through ACP, following your household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You can also apply through qualifying programs for the Lifeline program or the following Government aided programs:
- Medicaid / Medi-Cal
- SNAP / CalFresh
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veteran and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Multiple Tribal Assistance Programs
- WIC
- and more
3. California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
CTAP is provided by the California Public Utilities Commission Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. Over half a million residents already enjoy California free phones through this program. For all qualified Californians, you can get California cell phones from the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP). The program provides free specialized phones and accessories for your mobile phone, making it easier to hear, dial, and call.
Eligibility for the California Public Utilities Commission program includes:
- You must be a resident of California
- Have telephone service
- Your doctor approves your special needs
You can enroll for California phone by filling out an application online at https://californiaphones.org/apply-now. Again, you can print and send or email the application to your Doctor or Certified Professional for signature. Then, sign and forward your application by email, mail, fax, or in person.
Documentations Need For California Inhabitant To Get A Free Phone
When applying for California free government phone through the various programs, you must confirm your eligibility by showing your participation in an eligible public assistance program or by proving your annual household income.
1. Proof of Identification
You can submit your birth certificate, driver’s License or Passport (unexpired), certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship, Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card (unexpired), or Foreign Passport when proving your identity.
2. Proof of Address
When proving your address, you can submit your current Paycheck Stub, Income Statement, or W2, driver’s License, State, Government, or Tribal Issued ID (unexpired), Current Mortgage or Lease Statement, Statement of Benefits from a Qualifying Program Which Contains Name And Address, or a utility bill.
3. Proof of Government Benefit Participation
Submit your current or last year’s statement of benefits from a certified federal, state, or Tribal program, Program participation documents, Notice letter of participation in an eligible state, federal or Tribal Program, or Another official document proving the consumer’s participation in a certified federal, state, or Tribal Program.
4. Proof of Income
Provide a document that proves income qualification, such as a recent income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, divorce decree, child support award, Federal or Tribal participation notice letter in General Assistance, Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits, last year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Or another official document with income information.
5 Best Free Government Phone Providers In California
1. TruConnect
TruConnect provides Lifeline and ACP benefits and offers for its California customers. If you participate in Lifeline, you are eligible for a FREE ACP plan that features at least 14GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. TruConnect Lifeline plan packs a new, FREE Android Smartphone, subject to availability.
You can apply online at https://www.truconnect.com/offers/ca for your free government phone in California by submitting your Zipcode and email address. Plus, submit your eligibility documents for Lifeline and the ACP benefit. After approval, TruConnect will ship you your brand-new device or SIM card at no cost.
2. SafetyNet Wireless
SafetyNet Wireless provides wireless service subsidized through the Federal Lifeline and ACP programs to eligible Californians. If eligible for Lifeline, you will get a FREE phone plus free text, talk, and data every month. Currently, SafetyNet offers free phone and services in several states, including California, Georgia, Kentucky, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, and Wisconsin.
You may enroll for a free cell phone and discounted wireless service through SafetyNet Wireless if you currently receive government assistance programs. Start your application at https://signup.safetynetwireless.com/ by submitting your email address and Zipcode, then hit the “Check Availability” field.
3. enTouch Wireless
enTouch is a provider offering the best pathway to California LifeLine cell phone services. You can apply for a free government via enTouch Wireless through Government aided programs like CalFresh in California. You qualify for this offer if you live in a low-income household.
Qualifying individuals and low-income families can obtain ACP + LifeLine cell phone service in California by choosing enTouch. You may qualify for Lifeline and ACP by participating in special government assistance programs like Medicaid or meeting income guidelines of 135% for Lifeline or 200% for ACP. Enroll today at entouchwireless.com by entering your email address and Zip code. Then, provide personal information, and proceed up to the last step.
4. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a proud California LifeLine provider that offers free phones from the Government to eligible low-income Californians. Enrollment in this government benefit program follows consumers who qualify on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. You may qualify for free phone and unlimited data, text, and data if you are on specific public aided programs, such as Medi-Cal or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Also, you can qualify following your household income. If you prefer to apply for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline Only service, you can skip the Assurance Wireless Unlimited application step during the Assurance Wireless application process. Assurance Wireless Unlimited offers free smartphones with unlimited data, texts, minutes, and a 10GB monthly data hotspot.
You can start the application process at https://safetynetwireless.com/how-to-qualify/ by clicking on the ‘APPLY NOW’ button on this page.
5. Tag Mobile
TAG Mobile offers free government phone and wireless services to low-income customers who qualify for California Lifeline Service. This Federal Free Phone program is offered to eligible residents of California who attain specific criteria. However, to enroll in the free government phone California program, your income has to be at or less than 150% of the federal poverty level or participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or other recognized programs.
TAG Mobile California Free Phone Service offers free cell phone service to eligible households that 6GB Standard Smartphone Data Plan featuring free 6GB Data, free smartphone plus free unlimited Minutes and Text each month. You can start your application at https://www.tagmobile.com/StatePages/California-Free-Lifeline-Phones by entering your zip code and email address.
Final Word
Contact your service provider for applications to obtain Free Government Phone California. Enroll through a Lifeline or ACP provider, and remember to attach the relevant documentation that proves eligibility. Ensure you meet the income level threshold eligibility or participate in a government program as application preliminaries.