In California, many folks need help making ends meet and purchasing a phone. Californians below the federal poverty threshold can apply for and be given a free government phone under the California Program if they meet the requirements. The program provides a free phone and a free monthly internet subscription.
The California Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the name of this initiative. Millions of qualified low-income consumers can receive free cell phones and services through state programs like California LifeLine and ACP. With free phones, this program assists those from low-income backgrounds in reaping the rewards of growing technology. In addition, it lowers Californians’ phone bills.
Furthermore, if eligible, you can apply to the California government for a free cell phone. To demonstrate your eligibility, you must present documentation of your eligibility, such as proof of identity, proof of program participation, or income statements.
How to become eligible for free government phone California
Assume that your home qualifies for ACP and California Lifeline. If so, your service provider may be able to provide you with a discount on a cell phone, home phone, or internet subscription. In collaboration with qualified cellular operators in California, the government gives low-income individuals who meet specific requirements free phones and discounts on cell phone service.
Put differently, low-income families make the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less. Free government phones and services are provided to citizens without the need for contracts or monthly costs.
READ MORE: 7 Best Free Government Smartphones Providers
How To Get Free Government Phone California
California citizens can access free government phones and services for low-income individuals and individuals in several ways. First, they can sign up for the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program ACP and receive a free cell phone and service.
After that, you can choose a compatible wireless provider to apply for your free offer. To qualify for a free cell phone, citizens of California must fulfill specific requirements, such as being enrolled in government subsidies or having a family income at or below the California LifeLine Annual Income Limits.
By completing simple forms and sending in their eligibility paperwork, qualifying households can stay connected through these free government phone services for low-income Americans.
Generally speaking, for you or anyone in your home to get a free smartphone and monthly phone service from California, a child or dependant must meet the program—or income-based eligibility requirements outlined in the following section.
Qualifications best free government phones in california
In California, anyone who meets the requirements of the ACP Lifeline program can receive a free government phone.
Lifeline California
Programs such as Food Stamps entitle an individual to apply for Lifeline support. Once more, you must meet the program- or income-based qualifying requirements to receive a complimentary smartphone and monthly subscription via Lifeline. You qualify if your yearly income is 135% or less than the FPG or Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you are enrolled in any programs listed below.
Qualifying programs include:
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) under Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Advertisements for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC stands for Women, Infants, and Children.
- Program for National School Lunches (NSL)
- Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), CalFresh, Section 8 Food Stamps, and Public Housing Assistance
- Families in Need of Temporary Assistance
- CalWORKs StanWORKsCalifornia’s Work Opportunity and Duty to Children Welfare-to-Work Program (WTW)
- Greater Independence Avenues (GAIN)
- Native American TANF
- Indian Affairs Bureau All-Aides
- Eligible for Head Start Income (Tribal Only)
- Federal Pension Benefits Program for Veterans and Survivors
- Program for Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
The income requirements for California based on the federal poverty level are shown in the following table:
Affordable Connectivity Program California
The most recent federal government initiative to provide low-income Americans with access to connectivity is the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit. The qualifying low-income households receive free monthly broadband devices and services to keep them connected. In California, if your household income exceeds 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or FPG, you are eligible for a free phone through ACP.
Additionally, you can apply for the Lifeline program and the following government programs through eligible programs:
- Medicaid, Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in Section 8, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SNAP, and CalFreshCommercials
- Benefits for Veterans and Survivors Pension
- Numerous Programs for Tribal Assistance
- WIC, among other things
California Telephone Access Program (CTAP)
CTAP is made available by the California Public Utilities Commission’s Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. More than half a million Californians already receive free phones through this program. Under the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP), all eligible Californians can obtain cell phones. The program makes it simpler to hear, dial, and make calls by giving away free specialist phones and accessories for mobile phones.
The following are eligible for the California Public Utilities Commission program:
You have to live in California. Commercials possess a phone service Your physician approves your unique needs. Applying online at https://californiaphones.org/apply-now will allow you to sign up for California Phone. Once more, you can print the application, mail it, or email it to your physician or other certified professional for their signature. After that, sign and submit your application by mail, fax, or in person.
Documentations Need For California Inhabitants to Get A Free Phone
You must verify your eligibility by submitting an application for a free government phone in California through one of the several programs or by providing proof of your yearly family income or enrollment in an eligible public assistance program.
Proof of Identification
When confirming your identification, you can present your birth certificate, driver’s license, expired passport, certificate of naturalization or U.S. citizenship, expired permanent resident or resident alien card, or foreign passport.
Proof of Address
Proof of address can be provided by your current pay stub, income statement, W2, driver’s license, state-issued, government-issued, or tribal ID (not expired), current mortgage or lease statement, Statement of Benefits from a Qualifying Program, or utility bill.
Proof of Government Benefit Participation
Provide your program participation documents, a notice of participation in an eligible state, federal, or tribal program, a statement of benefits from a certified federal, state, or tribal program from the previous year, or another official document attesting to the consumer’s involvement in a certified federal, state, or tribal program.
Proof of Income
Give evidence of your income in the form of pay stubs, divorce decrees, child support orders, federal or tribal participation notice letters in general assistance, statements of benefits from workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance, previous year’s state, federal, or tribal tax returns, Veterans Administration statements of benefits, or any other official document that contains information about your income.
Best California lifeline cell phone providers
TruConnect
For its California clients, TruConnect extends Lifeline and ACP advantages and offers. If you participate in Lifeline, you can get a FREE ACP plan with at least 14GB of 4G/LTE data and Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Depending on availability, the TruConnect Lifeline plan includes a brand-new, free Android smartphone.
To receive your free government phone in California, apply online at their webpage and provide your email address and zip code. Moreover, turn in your Lifeline and ACP benefit eligibility paperwork. Following clearance, TruConnect will provide you with a free shipment of your brand-new smartphone or SIM card.
SafetyNet Wireless
For qualified Californians, SafetyNet Wireless offers wireless services subsidized by the Federal Lifeline and ACP programs. You will receive a free phone and accessible text, voice, and data each month if you qualify for Lifeline. Several states offer free phone calls and other services through SafetyNet, including California, Georgia, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Colorado, Michigan, Missouri,New York, and Wisconsin.
You can sign up for a subsidized wireless plan and a free cell phone through SafetyNet Wireless if you are currently receiving government assistance programs. Enter your Zipcode and email address to begin your application at https://signup.safetynetwireless.com/, then click the “Check Availability” button.
enTouch Wireless
The most significant route to California LifeLine cell phone services is provided by enTouch. Applying for a free government service via enTouch Wireless is possible through government-funded initiatives like California’s CalFresh. You are eligible for this offer if you reside in a household with a low income.
In California, qualifying individuals and low-income families can select enTouch to receive ACP + LifeLine cell phone service. If you fulfill the income requirements of 135% for Lifeline or 200% for ACP, or if you participate in specific government assistance programs like Medicaid, you may be eligible for both Lifeline and ACP. Visit entouchwireless.com and enroll now by providing your Zip code and email address. Next, enter your personal information and go to the final stage.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a proud provider of California LifeLine, which provides qualifying low-income Californians with free phones from the government. Consumers who meet the eligibility requirements set forth by the federal government or individual states are enrolled in this government benefit program. Suppose you are enrolled in some public assistance programs, including Medi-Cal or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You may be eligible for a free phone and unlimited text and data.
You may also be eligible based on your household income. You can bypass the Assurance Wireless Unlimited application step in the Assurance Wireless application process if you apply for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline Only service instead. Free handsets with unlimited data, texts, minutes, and a 10GB data hotspot each month are available from Assurance Wireless Unlimited.
Tag Mobile
TAG Mobile provides free government phone and wireless services for low-income clients eligible for California Lifeline Service. The Federal Free Phone program is available to qualified Californians who meet specific requirements. However, you must either have an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level or be enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or another approved program to be eligible for the free government phone California program.
For qualified homes, TAG Mobile California Free Phone Service provides free cell phone service with a 6GB Standard Smartphone Data Plan that includes free smartphones, free data, and unlimited minutes and monthly texts. Enter your zip code and email address to start your application at their webpage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How long does it take to get approved?
Typically, it takes 7-10 business days for your application to be processed.
FAQ 2: Can I upgrade my phone?
Some providers allow phone upgrades for an additional fee.
FAQ 3: Is internet included with the free phone?
Yes, many Lifeline plans include a limited amount of free data.
FAQ 4: How do I qualify for the Lifeline Program in California?
You can qualify through income or by participating in a government assistance program.
FAQ 5: What happens if I lose my Lifeline phone?
Contact your provider immediately for replacement options.
FAQ 6: Can I switch providers?
Yes, you can switch providers once every 60 days without losing your benefits.
Final Word
Contact your service provider to receive an application for a Free Contact Phone in California. Enroll via a Lifeline or ACP provider, and remember to include the necessary supporting papers to verify your eligibility. As a preliminary step to your application, ensure you are eligible for the government program or meet the income level barrier.
