Although California is often associated with the lavish lifestyles portrayed in the media, unfortunately, many Californians are poverty-stricken or unemployed. That’s what leads to their inability to access the necessary means to stay connected. Thankfully, many government assistance initiatives are available to assist low-income households, such as the free government phone California program.
For the unknown, Lifeline Program provides free monthly phone and broadband services. What’s more is that some Lifeline program providers also offer eligible individuals a free 4G/5G smartphone. Read on for more exclusive deets.
What Is The Best Free Government Phone Program in California?
As aforementioned, the best free government phone California at the moment is Lifeline. Launched in 1984, the program has been running for decades and is still functional to offer discounted phone services, high-speed internet, or combined voice and internet packages.
Qualifying participants can receive:
- Up to $9.25 monthly discount off their service for phone, internet, or bundled services
- Up to $34.25 per month if they reside in qualifying Tribal lands
Previously, ACP and Lifeline were usually known as two most popular programs for subsidized phone plan programs. However, ACP winded down in mid-2024 due to the lack of funding.
Who Can Qualify for California Lifeline?
To get a free government cell phone California, what requirements should you meet? There are two ways to be eligible for California Lifeline: if you are participating in specific other programs from the government, or if your income meets the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
1. Program-based eligibility
If you or another person in your family is a participant of any of these public assistance programs, you can qualify for Lifeline in CA:
- 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
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
2. Income-based eligibility
You may also qualify for Lifeline in CA if your household’s annual gross income is at or below the level defined by Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| Your household size | Annual income |
| 1 | $23,400 |
| 2 | $31,700 |
| 3 | $40,000 |
| 4 | $48,400 |
| For each additional member, add: | $8,400 |
| Effective June 1, 2024, to May 31, 2025 | |
Do note that you’ll need to submit documentation to prove you’re qualified by income-based terms.
Also read: Free Cell Phone For Low Income Individuals: How To Get A Phone Without Paying
Where to Get a Free Government Phone in California?
There are a variety of Lifeline service providers available in California. However, not all service providers give the same benefits.
AirTalk Wireless is one of the most popular Lifeline service providers in the United States. It is powered by AirVoice, an FCC-licensed Eligible Telecommunication Carrier (ETC) that delivers Lifeline Program to eligible consumers.
AirTalk also offers service on one of America’s largest and most dependable networks, which covers more than 99 percent of the country’s population. Consequently, AirTalk is able to deliver unrivaled service to its customers.
Through the Lifeline program, AirTalk offers qualifying individuals with free unlimited monthly data, talk, and text plus a free 4G/5G smartphone at their cost.
How to Get A Free Government Phone in California
To receive a free smartphone in California, follow these simple steps below:
- Check to see if you are eligible.
- Choose your Lifeline provider.
- Visit your chosen provider’s website to apply. During the application process, you will need to enter your personal information and upload proof documentation to verify your income or participation in a qualifying government benefit program. Submit COPIES of proof of eligibility with the completed and signed application. Make sure your signature is clear and legible.
- AirTalk Wireless will ship your device for free within 7-10 days, once approved. Further details on how to apply for a free smartphone can be accessed HERE.
Read more: How to Apply for Free Phones for Seniors in California
Best Free Government Phone California
AirTalk Wireless has a wide range of free phones as well as deeply discounted phone and tablet combo for customers. So good news for those who are looking for a free government phone California iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy, we may have just what you need:
Final Words
In today’s modern world, a smartphone is one of the indispensable aspects of our daily lives. Eligible California residents are strongly encouraged to take advantage of the Lifeline programs through one of the above-mentioned provider to receive a free smartphone and free unlimited monthly service.