California offers its special Lifeline program. It is a state that to a standard Lifeline Assistance program to another level, thus it is called the California Lifeline Program. Under this lifeline, the government gives free phones in California.
In essence, it is not much different than the standard Lifeline Assistance program, however, it does offer a higher level of discount. As such, there are many wireless companies that offer extra generous Lifeline programs for California; typically offering more free Government phones, free minutes and a greater quantity of free monthly data.
California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers
As promised above, we have performed research to provide you with the list of wireless providers that offer free plans and free government phones.
SafeLink Wireless In CA
SafeLink has a variety of plans, including a free Lifeline plan and paid options. All of their services are state-specific, thus, it is best to visit https://www.safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/zipcode where you must enter your zip code and click on the “CONTINUE” button to view the details that apply for you.
SafeLink Lifeline free plans
In general, they offer two plans: “Bring your own phone” and “Get a free government phone”. The second option is not available in all the states.
Whether you choose to use your existing phone and use SafeLink Wireless’s SIM card or you use the option of getting a free phone as well, you will also get some additional credits as part of the Lifeline Assistance program.
The amount of credits is also state-dependent.
SafeLink Wireless Lifeline FREE plan includes a minimum of 350 minutes, unlimited texts, and a maximum of 3GB of data within Use your Own Phone program.
The free plan also includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Voicemail
- Ability to Connect to Wi-Fi
- Caller ID
- 3 Way Calling
- Free Domestic Roaming
- Free 911
- 411 Directory Assistance
The most generous FREE program is available in California.
SafeLink Lifeline discount plan
They offer FREE Lifeline plan as described above, however, they do offer additional discounts for phone upgrades, which are state-depended as well.
5 Best SafeLink Government free phone
- Alcatel MYFLIP
- ZTE Avid 4
- Alcatel A30 Fierce
- Coolpad Defiant
- Alcatel 1X Evolve
If you want to know more about SafeLink you can visit SafeLink Government Free Phone, safelink compatible phones
Access Wireless In CA
Access Wireless offers mobile phone service to eligible residents as part of the government-funded Lifeline Assistance program which we have described above. To apply for Access Wireless same rules apply as described above.
How to apply with Access Wireless in California?
The fastest and easiest way is to use your existing smartphone or PC and apply online. Simply visit Access Wireless Lifeline URL (https://www.accesswireless.com/lifeline), enter your zip code, click the “learn more” button and then click on the “Apply Today” once on the page specific for your area.
You can also download an Access Wireless application to your computer, print it out, fill in the details, and send it via standard post or fax to the company (physical address below).
There is also the option of visiting a local Access Wireless dealer and apply with all the document copies and filled application in person.
Access Wireless Lifeline Free plans
Access Wireless provides customers from California with a free monthly allotment of UNLIMITED minutes, UNLIMITED text messages, and 3GB free data each month.
The free package includes free voicemail, caller ID & call waiting, free domestic long distance, nationwide coverage, and exclusive wireless rewards program.
You may also receive a mobile phone free of charge. Once you are an approved customer, you have the option to upgrade your phone and add it to your plan.
Top Ups
-
- $5: 500MB of data
- $10: 1GB of data
- $25: 7.5GB of data
- $35: 8.5GB of data
- $50: 10GB of data
Access Wireless Customer Care
- Online contact form: https://www.accesswireless.com/contact-us
- Phone support (available during working hours: Monday – Friday: 8am – Midnight EST, Saturday: 9am – Midnight EST, Sunday: 10am – 7pm EST):
- New Customers: 1-888-900-5899
- Existing Customers: 1-866-594-3644
- Address: Access Wireless / i-Wireless LLC, 1 Levee Way Newport, Kentucky 41071 United States
Access Wireless Free Phones
You may also receive a mobile phone free of charge. Once you are an approved customer, you have the option to upgrade your phone and add to your plan, of course at an additional charge.
There is no exact info available on what type of phones come for free. When it comes to upgrading options, they offer a full range of phones, from entry-level to top-notch smartphones.
Here are 5 options:
- Coolpad Snap Flip (for those who prefer simplicity)
- Coolpad Legacy Go (entry-level smartphone)
- Samsung A10e (mid-range smartphone)
- Motorola G7 Play ( upper mid-range smartphone)
- Apple iPhone 11 Pro (top-notch smartphone)
If you want to know more about SafeLink you can visit Access Wireless Compatible Phones
EnTouch Wireless In CA
EnTouch Wireless Lifeline program follows the standard Lifeline guidelines presented above. All specific details are available at https://www.entouchwireless.com/states/california-lifeline-free-phone-service.
How to apply with EnTouch Wireless?
Use your computer or smart device to visit https://www.entouchwireless.com/states/california-lifeline-free-phone-service, there you simply click on the “APPLY NOW” button and follow the instructions.
There is also the option of visiting a local EnTouch dealer and apply with all the document copies and filled application in person.
EnTouch Wireless Lifeline Free plans
There are two California Lifeline Plans available:
- CA Base Plan: Unlimited minutes and texts, 5GB of data
- CA Tribal Plan: Unlimited minutes and texts, 5GB of data
Paid plans or Top Ups
-
- $20 Plan: Unlimited Talk & Text, 0.5GB
- $30 Pan: Unlimited Talk & Text, 1GB
- $40 Plan: Unlimited Talk, Text, & 4GB
EnTouch Wireless Customer Care
- Online contact form: https://www.entouchwireless.com/contact
- Email: [email protected]
- Customer Support Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am to 7pm CST, Saturday: 11am to 7pm CST, Sunday: Closed
- Phone support: 866-488-8719
- Address: PO BOX 37, Hiawatha, IA 52233
EnTouch Wireless Free Phones
Currently, there is no information available on EnTouch official site regarding free touch screen government phones, however, according to the last available information, if they accept your application, you get a basic government free phone with all standard smartphone features.
They also offer a $50 Android device (call customer service at 1.866.488.8719 to purchase or request more information). Currently they also offer LG G5 and Samsung Galaxy S7 to be purchased as part of the upgrade.
Further, they offer a Bring Your Own Phone subprogram, meaning you can use your existing phone (if it’s compatible with their system).
Assurance Wireless In CA
qualify (meet the specific conditions explained in the top section). If you meet the conditions, then you will fall into Assurance Wireless Lifeline free plan. Another option is the Lifeline discount plan. Of course, the Assurance Wireless also offers other paid plans. Let’s take a closer look at each of these.
If you want to know more about Assurance Wireless you can visit Assurance Wireless Free Phone
Assurance Wireless Lifeline free plans
If you or your household qualifies (only one free deal per household is available), you get the following Assurance Wireless services:
- FREE AndroidTM Smartphone*
- 3GB FREE Data Each Month**
- Unlimited FREE Texts Each Month
- A minimum of 350 FREE Voice Minutes Each Month*
- FREE Voicemail Account, Call Waiting, and Caller ID
- FREE 911 Access
- FREE Unlimited Calls to 211
- FREE Calls to Customer Care
- Nationwide Sprint® Network Coverage
- Keep Your Current Home or Cell Phone Number
The above is included in the Assurance Wireless free plan, however, if at any point you need additional credits or specific services, those may be added at a specific fee. This is easily done either from the web or from your phone.
*Customers who are reinstated within 60 days of their service end date get to keep the original phone and phone number.
**Offer differs from state to state. To get detailed information for your state visit https://www.assurancewireless.com/ and simply enter your ZIP code into the designated area.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline discount plans
You must keep in mind that the Lifeline Assistance Program is a government benefit program. It is supported by the federal Universal Service Fund for which you must qualify. The specific benefits offered through Lifeline plan depend on individual phone operators. However, if you qualify for the Lifeline discount plan, you are entitled up to $9.25 discount towards your bill, however, individual providers may offer additional benefits. You are allowed to use Lifeline for either internet or phone, but not both. However, you get to access the internet on your phone if a company offers a good package, which Assurance Wireless does. Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program brought to you by Virgin Mobile.
5 Best Assurance Wireless free phones
- ZTE PrestigeTM 2
- Coolpad Illumnia
- ANS WikoTM Life
- ZTE QuestTM Plus
- ALCATEL ONETOUCH CinchTM
Check out Assurance Wireless Compatible Phones
Feelsafe Wireless In CA
Feelsafe Wireless provides qualified low-income customers with free government assisted cell phones and free monthly phone service. Feelsafe Wireless is offered by Airvoice Wireless.
How to apply with Feelsafe Wireless?
Visit https://www.feelsafewireless.com/, enter your zip code into the “Apply Now” box at the top of the page. Qualified low-income households can apply by filling out the paper application and mailing or faxing it in to check eligibility.
Feelsafe Wireless Plans
Feelsafe Wireless offers two FREE California Lifeline plans:
- Unlimited talk & text
- Unlimited talk, text, & MMS with 3GB of data and 100 international SMS
Included at no cost to California Lifeline customers: 3 GB Data, 100 INT SMS, 911/E911 Access, Voicemail Account, Caller ID, Call Waiting, 3 Way Calling, Text Messaging, Call Forwarding, and Free Calls to Customer Service.
- Additional Airtime:
- $5: 200MB
- $10: 400MB
- $20: 800MB
- $30: 1.2GB
- $35: 2GB
- Rates:
- International SMS/MMS = $0.10 Each
- Data: $0.025 per MB
Feelsafe Wireless Customer Care
- Online contact form: https://www.feelsafewireless.com/contact
- Customer Support Hours: Monday – Saturday 10AM-10PM EST, Sunday: Closed
- Phone support: 877-247-7799
- Address: Feelsafe Wireless, 2425 Franklin, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302
Feelsafe Wireless Free Phones
You can get a FREE government phone if you qualify. Visit https://www.feelsafewireless.com/ and enter your ZIP CODE in the orange box just under “CHECK TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR ARE ELIGILBE”.
Only Certified & Approved Unlocked 850/1900 MHz GSM phones are compatible with Feel Safe Wireless service.
NOTE: There is no information provided regarding what type of phones you get if you qualify for a free phone. If you would like to obtain more information, call 877-247-7799.
SafetyNet Wireless In CA
SafetyNet Wireless is a Lifeline government benefit program that provides monthly telephone service discounts to income-qualifying consumers. With SafetyNet Wireless you have no monthly bills and no contracts. You receive your free minutes every month, automatically.
How to apply with SafetyNet Wireless?
Contact the SafetyNet Wireless either via an online form, email or by phone and let them know you would like to apply for their California Lifeline Program (use the information below). They will provide you with all the necessary information.
SafetyNet Wireless Plans
SafetyNet Wireless offers three plans to those eligible for their California Lifeline Program:
- FREE unlimited talk and text
- FREE unlimited talk and text + 3GB of data
- $1/month plan: unlimited talk and text + 3GB of data (requires $30 prepayment)
TOP-UPS:
- 1 GB for $9.99
- 2GB for 18.99
SafetyNet Wireless Customer Care
- Online contact form: https://safetynetwireless.com/contact/
- Email: [email protected]
- Customer Support Hours: Monday to Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed Saturday and Sunday
- Phone support: 1-888-224-3213.
- Address: SafetyNet Wireless, 2323 Curlew Rd, Suite 7B, Dunedin, FL 34698 USA
SafetyNet Wireless Free Phones
There is no information regarding phones offered at SafetyNet Wireless. They don’t have an online store where one could purchase/upgrade a new phone. If you want to find out more about their devices, call their support at 1-888-224-3213.
Tag Mobile In CA
Tag Mobile offers great deals in Texas as it is based in Dallas. Their goal is to offer competitively priced service plans and extend the Lifeline credit to qualified participants.
How to apply with Tag Mobile?
To apply, visit https://www.tagmobile.com/, enter your email address and zip code, and click on the “Enroll” button.
Tag Mobile Plans
In California, Tag Mobile offers two plan options:
- Free Lifeline ‘SIM ONLY’ plan: 3GB LTE Data every month, unlimited FREE Voice minutes every month, and unlimited FREE Global texts every month. As the name suggests, this plan requires you to bring your own phone.
- Free Lifeline ‘Smartphone Data’ plan: 1GB LTE Data every month, unlimited FREE Voice minutes every month, and unlimited FREE Global texts every month. With this plan, you get a FREE smartphone.
TAG MOBILE PREPAID:
For those who don’t qualify, Tag Mobile offers affordable prepaid plans at $10. $15, or $25 (https://www.tagmobile.com/Prepaid/PrepaidSignup).
Tag Mobile Customer care:
- Online form or chat (8am to 2am CST. Monday to Friday): https://www.tagmobile.com/Support/ContactUs
- Call: 1-866-959-4918 (8am to 2am CST. Monday to Friday)
- Address: 1330 Capital Pkwy, Carrollton, TX 75006
Tag Mobile Free Phones
There are currently only two phones offered at Tag Mobile online store: CellAllure Miracle-S and CellAllure Fashion2Plus Black.
To purchase any of those affordable smartphones, visit https://www.tagmobile.com/Shop/Phone?sort=Price-LowToHigh.
TruConnect In CA
The same rules as to standard Lifeline program apply.
How to apply with TruConnect?
The simplest way to apply is online. Visit https://www.truconnect.com/freephone/program-income, enter your zip code and email and click on the “Apply Now” button.
There is also the option of visiting a local TruConnect dealer and apply with all the document copies and filled application in person. Find a local retailer: https://www.truconnect.com/locations.
TruConnect Lifeline Free plans
TruConnect offers a FREE California Lifeline bundle that includes unlimited monthly minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB of data on a monthly basis. It also includes unlimited calls to selected countries.
- BYOD plans: https://www.truconnect.com/byod-plan
TruConnect Customer Care
- Online contact form: https://www.truconnect.com/contact-us
- Customer Support Hours: Monday-Saturday 5am PST – 9pm PS
- Phone support: 800-430-0443
- Address: find local dealers (https://www.truconnect.com/locations)
TruConnect Free Phones
As part of the TruConnect Lifeline program, you will receive a free phone. They provide no specific information, thus you should call their support or a local dealer in you need more details.
These are some of the most popular phones on their site: Maxwest Phablet, Cloud Stratus C5, Nuu A7L Black GSM, ZTE Warp Elite N9518, and Cloud Mobile Storm C3.
Visit https://www.truconnect.com/english/shop/wireless/wireless-devices.html for more details. TruConnect also offers a BYOP option.
Life Wireless Plans In CA
Herein we will preset Life Wireless plans. They offer Lifeline plan, Lifeline Tribal plan, and payable top-ups. To view state-specific plans, visit https://www.lifewireless.com/plans and click on your state.
Life Wireless Lifeline Free plans
Life Wireless Lifeline free plan includes 1000 minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited MMS, and 3GB of data.
Free Lifeline plan also includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Unlimited Text Messaging
- 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
Life Wireless Lifeline Free plans (Tribal)
Life Wireless Lifeline free plan includes unlimited minutes, unlimited texts, unlimited MMS, and 5GB of data.
Free Lifeline Tribal plan also includes:
- Nationwide Calling
- Unlimited Text Messaging
- 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
If you want to know more about Life Wireless you can visit Life Wireless Free Phone, Life Wireless Compatible Phones
How to Qualify for a California Lifeline Provider
When it comes to eligibility, the Californian free Government phone Lifeline programs follow the guidelines of the standard Lifeline Assistance program. As such, there are two ways a household can get the California Lifeline Assistance: program-based or income-based.
Program-Based Lifeline
A household can apply for California Lifeline Program if a member of that household takes part in any of the following public assistance programs:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
Income-Based Lifeline
You can qualify for California free Government phone Lifeline if your household’s total annual gross income is at or less than these annual income limits:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
| 1-2 | $27,500 |
| 3 | $31,900 |
| 4 | $38,800 |
| Each Additional Member | $6,900 |
Documents Required When Applying for the California Lifeline Free Government Phone
To apply for the California Lifeline program and receive a free phone, you must prove your eligibility. To do so, you must prove certain documents. Examples of acceptable documentation to prove your California eligibility include:
- An unexpired official document that verifies your participation in the program, such as a notice of eligibility or decision letter of participation from a qualifying public assistance program, your ID card from a qualifying government assistance program, statement of benefits from Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement/pension, Unemployment Compensation, and/or Workmen’s Compensation, etc.
- Income statement or paycheck stubs for 3 consecutive months within the past 12 months or another official document that verifies your low income, such as child support documents, alimony, prior year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return, etc.
- An official document that proves your identity, such as your ID, passport, driver’s license, birth certificate, etc.
- An official document that verifies your physical address, such as an ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage, etc.
- Emancipated minors must also prove their emancipation status by providing an official document that verifies the information, such as a court document or emancipation certificate.
Application Process for the California Lifeline Free Government Phone Program
If you meet any of the two above-presented eligibility requirements you can apply for the California free Government phone Program in a very simple way. The easiest way to do so is online. Select one of the wireless providers that offer the California Lifeline Program (we have presented all of those below), and apply through their website. In most cases, they have an online form, where you enter your personal data and attach copies of the necessary documentation. If your household qualifies, you will receive a free monthly plan (or a highly discounted one) and in most cases also a free government phone.
Note: If a provider doesn’t have an online application option, you may use the California Lifeline website. Visit https://www.californialifeline.com/en/login and follow the instructions.
If you prefer to apply via standard mail or in person, this can be done as well. In this case, you will have to have a Lifeline Application form printed and filled out. Send it to the following address: California LifeLine Administrator, P.O. Box 138014, Sacramento, CA 95813-8014.
List of Phone You Can Get From the California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers
The phone brands and models that are provided by California Lifeline providers depend vary greatly among providers. Wireless companies that only offer Lifeline discounts tend to provide eligible customers with entry-level to mid-range Android smartphones. However, those Lifeline providers that also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP (a government assistance program that offers discounts on monthly broadband services and internet-connected devices) tend to provide free phones of higher quality (flip phones, Android smartphones, or iPhones).
Note that most Lifeline providers do not reveal which phone models they offer in advance, as their offer depends on availability, location, and other factors. Nevertheless, according to the few providers that do reveal their free phone models in advance, you can expect to receive one of the following devices:
- Alcatel Go Flip 4 (flip)
- Apple iPhone SE
- Apple iPhone 6
- Apple iPhone 7
- Apple iPhone 8
- Coolpad Belleza (flip)
- Google Pixel
- LG G8 ThinQ
- LG K51
- LG Stylo 6
- LG V50 ThinQ 5G
- Motorola G Stylus
- Motorola Moto G7 Play
- Motorola Moto G8 Power
- Motorola Z4
- Nokia 2820 V Flip
- OnePlus 7T
- OnePlus N100 Nord
- OnePlus N200 Nord 5G
- Samsung A10E
- Samsung Galaxy A01
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Note 8
Rules and Restrictions to the California Lifeline and Federal Lifeline Programs
The California Lifeline program as well as other states’ Lifeline programs come with a list of rules and restrictions that must be followed, including:
- The Lifeline benefit is only available to one person per qualifying household.
- The Lifeline benefit is non-transferable, which means that it cannot be transferred to another household or even a household member even if eligible.
- Qualifying households can only receive one Lifeline benefit from one provider at a time. Nevertheless, households can switch to another provider in their area at any time, as long as they cancel their benefits with the first one.
- In order to continue receiving the benefits, you must use them at least once every 30 days.
- If you no longer meet the Lifeline eligibility criteria, you must notify your provider within 30 days.
- You can only receive the benefits for 1 year. If you wish to continue receiving the benefits, you must reapply for the Lifeline benefit once every year.
California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers Related FAQs
What is California Lifeline?
California Lifeline is California’s government assistance program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income customers. Lifeline providers offer a discount on the monthly phone or wireless services and in certain cases free phones.
How to Cancel a CA Enrollment Request?
If you wish to cancel your enrollment request, you can simply contact the Administrator or your selected Lifeline provider.
How to Contact the California Lifeline Administrator?
You can contact the CA Lifeline administrator online at https://www.californialifeline.com/ or by phone. See their phone numbers at https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline/california-lifeline-contacts.
What Qualifies as Proof of Income in California?
As proof of income qualifies any official unexpired document that includes both your full legal name and annual household income, such as the prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer, paycheck stubs, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits, Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance, divorce decree, child support award, etc.
What Income Levels May Qualify Me for California Lifeline Discounts?
In California, a household is considered Lifeline eligible based on income if a 1-2 member household has an annual income of $28,700, a 3-member household has an annual income of $33,300, a 4-member household has an annual income of $40,600, or a larger household has an additional $7,300 per year for each additional member.
What is the One California Lifeline Discounted Service per Household Rule?
According to this rule, only one person per eligible household can apply for the California Lifeline discount.
Do I Have to Pay an Activation Fee to Start My Wireless Phone Service?
It depends on the provider, however, most Lifeline providers do not charge an activation fee to start your Lifeline service.
I Lost the Official California Lifeline Application Form from the California Lifeline Administrator. What do I do?
Contact the California Lifeline Administrator by calling 1-877-858-7463 or TTY 1-888-858-7889 or online at https://californialifeline.com/en/contact.
I Never got the Official California Lifeline Application Form from the California Lifeline Administrator. What do I do?
Contact the California Lifeline Administrator by calling 1-877-858-7463 or TTY 1-888-858-7889 or online at https://californialifeline.com/en/contact.
How long can I receive the California Lifeline discount?
One year. After one year, you must renew your eligibility, otherwise, you will be removed from the program. However, as long as you renew your eligibility yearly, use the benefit monthly, and continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can use the services as long as you wish.
How do I renew my eligibility once a year?
Eligible customers will receive a renewal form from the California Lifeline Administrator once a year. Simply fill out the form, provide any additional documentation if necessary, and return it to the sender by the due date.
Is It Possible to Switch Service Providers in CA?
Yes. While you can only use Lifeline benefits from one provider at a time, you can switch to another provider any time you wish. To do so, you can simply enroll with another provider, however, this may mean that you lose your current phone number.
Can I Upgrade My Free Government Phone?
It depends on the provider, however, some Lifeline providers enable you to do so. Keep in mind that, unlike Lifeline free phones, upgrade phones do not come free of charge.
