8 Best California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers

California’s unique Lifeline service is available. The California Lifeline Program is a state that takes a typical Lifeline Assistance program to a new level. In California, the government provides free phones as part of this Lifeline.

California LifeLine offers reduced rates for home and cell phone services to eligible households. Each household is permitted only one discounted or free phone through California LifeLine cell phone providers program (with the exception of teletypewriter users and participants in the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program). The California LifeLine discounts are available only for the individual’s main residence. A person can have only one main home.

Every household must decide to receive the discount on either a home phone or a cell phone, but not on both. Families are unable to receive the discount from various telephone providers. Households that fail to adhere to the one discounted service per household policy will forfeit their discounts and could face prosecution by the U.S. government. Obtaining several discounted phone services breaches the regulations of the California LifeLine Program.

Consequences for breaking the California LifeLine Program’s regulations may involve imprisonment, forfeiting discounts, financial penalties, and exclusion from the California LifeLine Program. The California LifeLine Program may also pursue repayment of the discounts that were improperly received.

Although it offers a more significant reduction, it is similar to the regular Lifeline Assistance program. As a result, numerous wireless providers provide more generous Lifeline plans for California; these plans usually include more free government phones, free minutes, and more free data every month.

How to Qualify for California Lifeline Provider

Regarding eligibility, the Californian free Government phone Lifeline programs adhere to the rules of the regular Lifeline Assistance program. Therefore, a household can qualify for the California Lifeline Assistance in two ways: through a program or based on income.

Programa Based Lifeline eligibility

A household is eligible to apply for the California Lifeline Program if a member is enrolled in any of the following public assistance programs:

• Medi-Cal/Medicaid
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Housing Assistance Program or Section 8
• CalFresh, food assistance, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
• National School Meal Initiative (NSMI)
• Transitional Support for Underprivileged Families (TSUF)
• California Employment Opportunity and Accountability to Youth (CalWORKs)
• Stanislaus County Employment Chance and Accountability to Youth (StanWORKs)
• Welfare-to-Employment (WTE)
• Enhanced Pathways for Autonomy (GAIN)
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Aid
• Head Start Income Qualifying (Tribal Only)
• Food Distribution Initiative on Indigenous Reservations
• Federal Program for Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits

READ MORE: Get a Free Government Phone California iPhone Today

Earnings-Dependent Lifeline eligibility

You may be eligible for California’s free Government phone Lifeline if your household’s total yearly gross income meets or is below these annual income thresholds:

You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.

The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.

READ MORE: Get Free Government Phone California | Apply Now

Documents Required When Applying for California Lifeline Free Government Phone

You must demonstrate your eligibility to enroll in the California Lifeline program and obtain a free phone. To achieve this, you need to provide specific documents. Examples of valid documentation to establish your eligibility in California include:

• A current official document that confirms your involvement in the program, including an eligibility notice or participation decision letter from an approved public assistance program, your identification card from a relevant government aid program, a benefits statement from Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement/pension, Unemployment Compensation, and/or Workmen’s Compensation, etc.
• Income statements or pay stubs for three straight months in the last 12 months or any official document that confirms your low income, including child support papers, alimony records, last year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return, etc.
• A formal document that verifies your identity, including your identification card, passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, and so on.
• A formal document that confirms your residential address, like an ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage statement, etc.
• Emancipated minors are required to demonstrate their status by presenting an official document that confirms the details, including a court document or an emancipation certificate.

Application Process for Lifeline Free Government Phone California Program

If you fulfill the two eligibility criteria mentioned above, you can easily apply for the California Free Government Phone program. The simplest way to achieve this is via the Internet. Please choose a wireless carrier that provides the California Lifeline Program (listed below) and submit your application via their website.

Typically, they offer an online form where you can input your personal information and upload copies of the required documents. If your household meets the qualifications, you will obtain a complimentary monthly plan (or a significantly reduced one) and, in many instances, a free government phone.

Note: If a provider lacks an online application option, visit the California Lifeline website. Go to https://www.californialifeline.com/en/login and adhere to the guidelines.

You can also submit your application by traditional mail or in person. In this situation, you must print and complete a Lifeline Application form and mail it to the California LifeLine Administrator, P.O. Box 138014, Sacramento, CA 95813-8014.

READ MORE: 15 Best Free Government Phone Plans Providers

List of Phones that You Can Get From tCalifornia Lifeline Providers

The phone types and brands offered by California Lifeline providers differ significantly. Eligible clients typically receive entry-level to mid-range Android devices from wireless operators offering Lifeline discounts.

However, free phones of higher quality (such as flip phones, Android smartphones, or iPhones) are typically provided by Lifeline providers who also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP—this government assistance program discounts monthly broadband services and internet-connected devices.

Because their offer is contingent on availability, geography, and other circumstances, most Lifeline suppliers do not disclose the phone models they offer in advance. However, the few companies that do disclose their free phone models ahead of time say you can anticipate getting one of the following:

• Alcatel Go Flip 4 (flip)
• Apple iPhone SE
• Apple iPhone 8
• Coolpad Belleza (flip)
• Google Pixel
• LG G8 ThinQ
• LG K51
• LG Stylo 6
• Motorola G Stylus
• Motorola Moto G7 Play
• Motorola Z4
• Nokia 2820 V Flip
• OnePlus 7T
• Samsung A10E
• Samsung Galaxy A01
• Samsung Galaxy A50
• Samsung Galaxy S9

Providers of Cell Phones for California Lifeline

As mentioned earlier, we have researched and compiled a list of wireless providers offering complimentary plans and free government phones.

1. SafeLink wireless california lifeline

SafeLink offers multiple plans, such as a complimentary Lifeline plan and various paid alternatives. All of their offerings are tailored to individual states, so it’s advisable to go to https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/zipcode, where you need to input your zip code and press the “CONTINUE” button to see the relevant details for you.

SafeLink Lifeline free plans

Typically, they provide two options: “Use your phone” and “Receive a complimentary government phone.” The second choice is not accessible in every state.

Whether you utilize your current phone with SafeLink Wireless’s SIM card or receive a free phone, you will also receive some extra credits through the Lifeline Assistance program.

The quantity of credits is also reliant on the state.

The SafeLink Wireless Lifeline FREE plan offers at least 350 minutes, unlimited text messaging, and up to 3GB of data under the Use Your Phone program.

The free plan also features:

• Countrywide Calling
• Voicemail
• Capability to Link to Wi-Fi
• Caller Identification
• Three-Way Calling
• Complimentary Domestic Roaming
• Complimentary 911
• 411 Directory Help

The most generous complimentary program is offered in California.

SafeLink Lifeline reduced rate program

As mentioned earlier, they provide a FREE Lifeline plan, but they also offer extra discounts for phone upgrades, which vary by state.

5 Top SafeLink Government Complimentary Phones

• Alcatel MYFLIP
• ZTE Avid 4
• Alcatel A30 Intense
• Coolpad Resilient
• Alcatel 1X Develop

To learn more about SafeLink, you can check out SafeLink Government Free Phone and SafeLink compatible devices.

2. Access Wireless California lifeline

Access Wireless provides mobile phone services to qualifying residents through the government-supported Lifeline Assistance program mentioned earlier. The same guidelines apply to apply for Access Wireless.

Process for applying with Access Wireless in California

The quickest and simplest method is to utilize your current smartphone or computer and submit your application online. Just go to the Access Wireless Lifeline website (https://www.accesswireless.com/lifeline), input your zip code, hit the “learn more” button, and then select “Apply Today” on the page dedicated to your region.

You can download an Access Wireless application to your computer, print it, complete the information, and send it through standard mail or fax to the company (the physical address is listed below).

Another option is to go to a nearby Access Wireless dealer and apply in person with all the necessary document copies and completed application.

Access Wireless Lifeline free plans

Access Wireless offers customers in California a complimentary monthly package that includes UNLIMITED minutes, UNLIMITED text messages, and 3GB of free data every month.

The complimentary package offers no-cost voicemail, caller ID and call waiting, free domestic long-distance service, nationwide coverage, and a unique wireless rewards program.

You might also get a mobile phone at no Cost. After becoming an approved customer, you can upgrade your phone and incorporate it into your plan.

Recharges

• $5: 500MB of data usage
• $10: 1 Gigabyte of data
• $25: 7.5GB worth of data
• $35: 8.5GB of information
• $50: 10GB worth of data

Access Wireless Support Services

Web contact form: https://www.accesswireless.com/contact-us

Telephonic assistance (accessible during business hours: Monday – Friday: 8 AM – Midnight EST, Saturday: 9 AM – Midnight EST, Sunday: 10 AM – 7 PM EST):

• New Clients: 1-888-900-5899
• Current Customers: 1-866-594-3644
• Location: Access Wireless / i-Wireless LLC, 1 Levee Way, Newport, Kentucky 41071, USA.

You might also get a mobile phone at no Cost. Once you become an approved customer, you can upgrade your phone and enhance your plan for an added fee.

No specific information is provided regarding the types of phones that are offered for free. Regarding upgrade options, they provide a complete selection of phones, from simple models to high-end smartphones.

Here are five alternatives:

• Coolpad Snap Flip (ideal for simplicity enthusiasts)
• Coolpad Legacy Go (budget-friendly smartphone)
• Samsung A10e (average price smartphone)
• Motorola G7 Play (premium mid-range smartphone)
• Apple iPhone 11 Pro (high-quality smartphone)

To learn more about SafeLink, check Access Wireless Compatible Phones.

3. enTouch Wireless california lifeline

The EnTouch Wireless Lifeline program adheres to the standard Lifeline guidelines mentioned earlier. You can find all specific information at https://www.entouchwireless.com/states/california-lifeline-free-phone-service.

How can one apply with EnTouch Wireless

Utilize your computer or smart device to go to https://www.entouchwireless.com/states/california-lifeline-free-phone-service, where you need to click “APPLY NOW” button and adhere to the guidelines provided.

Another option is to go to a nearby EnTouch dealer and submit all document copies and the completed application in person.

EnTouch Wireless Lifeline FREE plans

Two California Lifeline Plans are offered:

• CA Base Plan: Unlimited calls and messages, 5GB of data.
• CA Tribal Plan: Unlimited calls and messages, 5GB of data

Subscription plans or Add-Ons

• $20 Plan: Unlimited Calls & Messages, 0.5GB
• $30 Plan: Unlimited Calls & Messages, 1GB
• $40 Plan: Unlimited Calls, Messages, & 4GB

EnTouch Wireless Support Services

• Web contact form: https://www.entouchwireless.com/contact
• Email: support@enTouchWireless.com
• Customer Assistance Hours: Monday-Friday: 10 AM to 7 PM CST, Saturday: 11 AM to 7 PM CST, Sunday: Not Open
• Customer support phone number: 866-488-8719
• Address: P.O. BOX 37, Hiawatha, IA 52233

EnTouch Wireless free Phones

At present, the EnTouch official website does not provide any details about free touch-screen government phones. However, based on the latest information, if your application is approved, you will receive a basic government-free phone that includes all the standard features of a smartphone.

They additionally provide a $50 Android device (contact customer service at 1.866.488.8719 to buy or ask for additional details). They also offer the option to buy LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7, which are included in the upgrade.

Additionally, they provide a Bring Your Phone subprogram, allowing you to use your current phone (assuming it’s compatible with their network).

4. Assurance Wireless california lifeline

Qualify (fulfill the specific requirements outlined in the upper section). If you satisfy the requirements, you will be eligible for the Assurance Wireless Lifeline free plan. An alternative is the Lifeline discount program. Certainly, Assurance Wireless provides additional paid plans as well. Let’s examine each of these in more detail.

You can go to Assurance Wireless Free Phone to learn more about Assurance Wireless.

Assurance Wireless Lifeline free plans

If you or someone in your household meets the qualifications (only one complimentary offer per household is accessible), you will receive the following Assurance Wireless services:

• COMPLIMENTARY AndroidTM Smartphone*
• 3GB FREE Data Every Month**
• Limitless FREE Messages Every Month
• At least 350 complimentary voice minutes every month*
• No-cost Voicemail Account, Call Waiting, and Caller Identification
• Complimentary 911 Access
• Complimentary Unlimited Calls to 211
• Complimentary Calls to Customer Support
• Nationwide Sprint® Network Reach
• Retain Your Existing Home or Cell Phone Number

The above features are part of the Assurance Wireless free plan, but if you require extra credits or particular services at any time, you can purchase them for an additional fee. You can effortlessly accomplish this via the Internet or your mobile device.

*Customers reinstated within 60 days of their service conclusion retain their original phone and phone number.

**The offer varies from one state to another.** For specific information about your state, go to https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and just input your ZIP code in the provided field.

Assurance Wireless Lifeline discount programs

It’s important to remember that the Lifeline Assistance Program is a benefit initiative the government provides. It is backed by the federal Universal Service Fund, for which you need to be eligible. The particular advantages offered by the Lifeline plan vary by each phone operator. If you meet the criteria for the Lifeline discount plan, you can receive a discount of up to $9.25 on your bill, although specific providers might provide extra benefits.

You can utilize Lifeline for your Internet or phone service, but not for both. Nonetheless, you can access the Internet on your phone if a company provides a decent plan, which Assurance Wireless does. Assurance Wireless is a federal program for Lifeline Assistance offered by Virgin Mobile.

5 Top Assurance Wireless free Phones

• ZTE PrestigeTM 2
• Coolpad Illumina
• ANS WikoTM Life
• ZTE QuestTM Pro
• ALCATEL ONETOUCH Cinch™

5. SafetyNet Wireless California lifeline

SafetyNet Wireless is a government assistance program under Lifeline that offers monthly discounts on telephone services to eligible consumers based on income. With SafetyNet Wireless, there are no contracts and no monthly fees. You automatically receive your complimentary minutes each month.

How to apply SafetyNet Wireless

Reach out to SafetyNet Wireless through an online form, email, or phone and inform them of your intention to apply for the California Lifeline Program (refer to the information below). They will give you all the essential information you need.

SafetyNet Mobile Plans

SafetyNet Wireless provides three plans for individuals who qualify for their California Lifeline Program:

• UNLIMITED free calls and messages
• UNLIMITED talk and text without charge + 3GB of data
• $1/month plan: unlimited calls and messages + 3GB of data (requires a $30 upfront payment)

ADDITIONS:

• 1 GB priced at $9.99
• 2GB for $18.99

SafetyNet Wireless Support Center

• Web-based contact form: https://safetynetwireless.com/contact/
• Email: customerservice@safetynetwireless.com
• Customer Support Availability: Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 PM, closed on Saturday and Sunday.
• Support via phone: 1-888-224-3213.
• Location: SafetyNet Wireless, 2323 Curlew Road, Suite 7B, Dunedin, Florida 34698 USA

SafetyNet Wireless FREE Mobile Phones

There is no data about the phones provided by SafetyNet Wireless available. They lack an online shop where someone could buy/upgrade to a new phone. To learn more about their devices, contact their support at 1-888-224-3213.

6. Tag Mobile California lifeline

Tag Mobile provides excellent offers in Texas since it operates out of Dallas. They aim to provide affordable service plans and expand the Lifeline credit to eligible participants.

How can you apply with Tag Mobile

To apply, go to https://www.tagmobile.com/, provide your email address and post code, and click the “Enroll” button.

Tag Mobile Plans  

In California, Tag Mobile provides two plan choices:

free Lifeline ‘SIM ONLY’ package: 3GB LTE Data monthly, unlimited FREE Voice calls each month, and unlimited FREE Global messages every month. As indicated by the name, this plan necessitates that you use your phone.

Free Lifeline ‘Smartphone Data’ program: 1GB LTE Data monthly, unlimited FREE Voice calls each month, and unlimited FREE Global texts every month. This plan includes a FREE smartphone for you.

TAG Mobil Prepaid plan:

For individuals who do not meet the qualifications, Tag Mobile provides budget-friendly prepaid plans priced at $10, $15, or $25 (https://www.tagmobile.com/Prepaid/PrepaidSignup).

Tag Mobile Customer Support:

• Web form or chat (8 AM to 2 AM CST). Monday through Friday: https://www.tagmobile.com/Support/ContactUs
• Contact: 1-866-959-4918 (from 8 AM to 2 AM CST). Monday through Friday)
• Location: 1330 Capital Parkway, Carrollton, TX 75006

Tag Mobile Free Phones

Tag Mobile’s online store currently features just two phones: the CellAllure Miracle-S and the CellAllure Fashion2Plus Black.

To buy any of those budget-friendly smartphones, go to https://www.tagmobile.com/Shop/Phone?sort=Price-LowToHigh.

7. TruConnect california lifeline

The same regulations as the standard Lifeline program are applicable.

How can you apply with TruConnect?

The easiest method to apply is through the Internet. Go to https://www.truconnect.com/freephone/program-income, type in your zip code and email, and then hit the “Apply Now” button.

Another option is to visit a nearby TruConnect dealer and submit your application along with all required document copies in person. To locate a nearby store, visit https://www.truconnect.com/locations.

TruConnect Lifeline free plans

TruConnect provides a FREE California Lifeline package comprising unlimited monthly minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB of data every month. It also offers unlimited calls to specific countries.

Plans for BYOD: https://www.truconnect.com/byod-plan

TruConnect Support Services

• Web contact form: https://www.truconnect.com/contact-us
• Customer Service Availability: Monday-Saturday, 5 AM PST – 9 PM PST
• Telephone assistance: 800-430-0443
• Location: discover nearby vendors (https://www.truconnect.com/locations)

TruConnect free Phones

Through the TruConnect Lifeline initiative, you will obtain a complimentary phone. The company offers no particular details, so contact their support or a nearby dealer if you require additional information.

On their website, they list the following phones as their most favored: Maxwest Phablet, Cloud Stratus C5, Nuu A7L Black GSM, ZTE Warp Elite N9518, and Cloud Mobile Storm C3. For additional information, go to https://www.truconnect.com/english/shop/wireless/wireless-devices.html. TruConnect additionally provides a BYOP choice.

8. Life Wireless California lifeline

In this document, we will outline Life Wireless plans. They provide a Lifeline plan, a Lifeline Tribal plan, and available top-ups for payment. To see plans specific to your state, go to https://www.lifewireless.com/plans and select your state.

Life Wireless Lifeline free plans

The free plan from Life Wireless Lifeline offers 1000 minutes, unlimited texting, unlimited MMS, and 3GB of data.

The Lifeline plan at no Cost additionally consists of the following:

• Domestic Calling
• Endless Text Messaging
• Call Holding
• Three-party calling
• Voicemail
• Caller identification service
• No additional roaming fees
• There is no fee for long-distance calls within the country.
• Complimentary 911 Service
• Budget-Friendly Recharge Options

Life Wireless Lifeline free plans (Tribal)

The free Life Wireless Lifeline plan offers unlimited minutes, texts, MMS, and 5GB of data.

The complimentary Lifeline Tribal plan additionally encompasses:

• National Dialing
• Endless Text Messaging
• Waiting for a Call
• Three-party calling
• Voice message
• Caller identification service
• No fees for roaming
• There is no fee for long-distance calls within the country.
• Complimentary 911 Service
• Budget-Friendly Recharge Options

Rules and Restrictions to the California Lifeline and Federal Lifeline Programs

The California Lifeline program, along with Lifeline programs in other states, has a set of rules and regulations that need to be adhered to, such as:

• The Lifeline benefit is restricted to one individual for each eligible household.
• The Lifeline benefit cannot be transferred, meaning it cannot be given to another household or a member of the same household, even if they qualify.
• Eligible households can receive a single Lifeline benefit from only one provider simultaneously. However, households can change to a different provider in their locality whenever they wish, provided they terminate their benefits with the original one.
• To keep receiving the benefits, you need to utilize them at least once every 30 days.
• If you no longer qualify for Lifeline, inform your provider within 30 days.

You may only obtain the benefits for one year. To keep receiving the benefits, you need to reapply for the Lifeline benefit annually.

FAQs: Best California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers

What is the California Lifeline Program?

The California Lifeline Program is a government initiative that provides discounted phone and wireless services to eligible low-income households. It aims to ensure affordable communication access for residents who qualify.

What benefits do California Lifeline providers offer?

Providers typically offer:

• Free or discounted smartphones.
• Free talk, text, and data plans.
• Affordable add-ons for additional services like international calling.

Can I switch California Lifeline providers?

Yes, you can switch providers, but you must follow these steps:

• Contact your current provider to cancel your subscription.
• Apply with a new provider.
• Ensure there’s no overlap in service to maintain eligibility.

Are California Lifeline providers available throughout the state?

Yes, Lifeline providers offer coverage in most areas of California. However, the quality of service may vary depending on your location.

Do California Lifeline providers offer true wireless phones?

Many Lifeline providers offer wireless smartphones that come with free plans, including data, calls, and texts. Check specific providers like Assurance Wireless or SafeLink for details on device offerings.

How often can I upgrade my phone with a Lifeline provider?

Phone upgrade policies vary by provider. Some may offer upgrades annually or allow you to purchase an upgraded device at a discounted rate.

Can I use my own phone with a California Lifeline provider?

Yes, most providers support Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs, provided the phone is compatible with their network.

How can I contact California Lifeline customer support?

For general inquiries, contact the California Lifeline administrator:

• Phone: 1-877-858-7463
• Website: California Lifeline