How to Get a Free Government Phone in California

By / October 21, 2023 / Free Cellphone

Getting a free government phone in California is a great way to stay connected with loved ones and access essential services, even if you have a low income. There are two main government programs that offer free phones in California: the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

How to Get a Free Government Phone in California

The California Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are two government programs that provide free or discounted phone service and devices to low-income households.

Lifeline Program

Lifeline is a federal program that provides discounted phone service to low-income households. In California, Lifeline also provides free phones to eligible households. To qualify for Lifeline, you must meet one of the following income requirements:

  • Your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
  • You participate in one of the following government programs:
    • Medicaid/Medi-Cal.
    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8.
    • Food Stamps (CalFresh)
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families 
    • Head Start (children only)
    • National School Lunch Program (free or reduced-price meals)
    • WIC

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The ACP is a new federal program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP). The ACP provides a monthly discount on internet and phone service to eligible households. In California, the ACP also provides free phones to eligible households.

To qualify for the ACP, you must meet one of the following income requirements:

  • Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
  • You participate in one of the following government programs:
    • Medicaid
    • SSI
    • Food Stamps (CalFresh)
    • Section 8
    • TANF
    • National School Lunch Program (free or reduced-price meals)
    • Pell Grant
    • WIC

How to Apply for a Free Government Phone in California

To apply for a free government phone, you can follow these steps:

  • Check your eligibility: To qualify for a free government phone, you must meet one of the following criteria:
    • Have a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level
    • Participate in certain government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI
    • Live on tribal lands
  • Find a participating phone provider: You can find a list of participating phone providers on the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website.
  • Contact the phone provider to apply: You can apply for a free government phone online, by phone, or in person.
  • Provide the required information: When you apply, you will need to provide the following information:
    • Your name and address
    • Your contact information
    • Proof of income
    • Proof of eligibility for Lifeline or the ACP
  • Wait for approval: The phone provider will review your application and contact you if you are approved.
  • Receive your phone: Once you have been approved, you will receive your free government phone in the mail.

Here are some additional tips for applying for a free government phone:

  • Be sure to have all of the required information on hand before you apply.
  • If you are applying online, be sure to follow the instructions carefully.
  • If you are applying by phone or in person, be sure to ask the phone provider for any additional information that you need.

If you have any questions or need help with the application process, you can contact the USAC at  (888) 203-8100

11 best phone providers that offer free government phones in California

  1. Life Wireless
  2. Assurance Wireless
  3. Safelink Wireless
  4. Q Link Wireless
  5. AT&T Prepaid
  6. TruConnect Mobile
  7. AirTalk Wireless
  8. Cintex Wireless
  9. Easy Wireless
  10. Copper Valley Telecom
  11. Feelsafe Wireless

Other government programs that offer free phones in California

In addition to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), there are a few other government programs that offer free phones to eligible Californians:

  • Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB): The EBB is a temporary program that provides a discount on monthly internet and phone service to eligible low-income households during the COVID-19 pandemic. In California, you can use your EBB discount to get a free phone from a participating provider.
  • California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC): The CPUC offers a number of programs to help low-income Californians access phone and internet service. One of these programs is the Lifeline-Supported Smartphone Program, which provides a free smartphone to eligible customers.
  • Tribal-specific programs: Some California tribes offer their own programs to provide free phones to their members.

To find out more about other government programs that offer free phones in California, you can contact your local government or tribal office.

Additional Information

  • You can only receive one free phone from the Lifeline program or the ACP.
  • If you lose or damage your free phone, you may be able to get a replacement phone at a discounted price.
  • You can transfer your free phone service to a different service provider at any time.

Conclusion

Getting a free government phone in California is a great way to stay connected with loved ones and access essential services, even if you have a low income. If you meet the eligibility requirements, contact a participating service provider to apply.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best free government phone program in California?

The best free government phone program in California is the one that meets your individual needs. There are a few different programs available, including Lifeline, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and the California LifeLine program. Each program has its own eligibility requirements and benefits.

Is the state of California giving out free phones?

The state of California does not directly give out free phones. However, eligible residents can get a free phone through the Lifeline Assistance program.

What company gives the best free government phone?

There is no one “best” company that gives away free government phones. Different companies offer different plans and features, so it is important to compare your options before choosing a provider. Some of the most popular providers in California include Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless, and TAG Mobile.

What is the best ACP free phone?

The best ACP free phone is the one that meets your individual needs and budget. Some of the factors you may want to consider include the amount of data you need, the type of phone you want, and the coverage area of the provider. Some of the most popular ACP free phone providers include Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless, and TAG Mobile.

What assistance programs are available in California?

There are a variety of assistance programs available in California, including the following:

  • CalFresh (Food Stamps)
  • Medi-Cal (California Medicaid)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
  • In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)

If you are not sure if you are eligible for any of these programs, you can contact the California Department of Social Services at 1 (916) 651-8848.

What kind of free phone does Assurance Wireless give you?

Assurance Wireless offers a variety of free phones, including both smartphones and basic phones. Some of the free phones that Assurance Wireless offers include the following:

  • iPhone SE (2020)
  • Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
  • Alcatel TCL A1
  • Nokia 1.4

Is Walmart giving free phones?

Walmart is not currently giving away free phones. However, Walmart does sell a variety of affordable phones, including prepaid phones and government assistance phones.

Is Walmart giving out cell phones?

Walmart does not currently give out free cell phones. However, Walmart does sell a variety of affordable cell phones, including prepaid phones and government assistance phones.

Who has the best free government phones 2023?

Some of the best free government phones in 2023 are offered by the following providers:

  • Assurance Wireless
  • Safelink Wireless
  • TAG Mobile
  • AT&T Prepaid
  • US Cellular