Can You Get a Free Phone with CalFresh?
Did you know that CalFresh program participants may be eligible to receive a free phone from LTE Wireless?
Anyone with CalFresh automatically qualifies for the California LifeLine program, which provides free and
discounted phone service to eligible California residents.
Read on to learn more about how to get a free phone with CalFresh!
- What is CalFresh?
- Why You Can Get a Free Phone with CalFresh
- How Do You Use CalFresh to Get a Free Phone?
- Which Free Phone Can I Get With CalFresh?
- How Can I Enroll in CalFresh?
- Can You Qualify for a Free Phone Using Other Government Assistance Programs?
What is CalFresh
CalFresh is a state-level assistance program that helps low-income Californians access fresh, nutritious food.
It is identical to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is widely recognized as “food stamps.”
CalFresh recipients receive electronic benefits transfers (EBTs), which they can use to pay grocery bills.
In addition to food-related benefits, enrollment in CalFresh automatically qualifies people for the
California LifeLine program. This program, which is unique to California,
allows eligible California residents to get free phone service from providers like LTE Wireless.
LTE Wireless also offers qualifying customers the option to get a free phone or bring their own phone to use with their plan.
Why You Can Get a Free Phone with CalFresh
The Federal Communications Commission created the federal Lifeline program in 1985. The purpose of the program was to make
phone service more affordable for low-income Americans. In 2005, this program was expanded so wireless service providers could
offer free cell phone service using Lifeline benefits.
In California, the state government took the federal Lifeline program a step further and created the state’s California LifeLine Program.
This program provides more extensive benefits than the federal version of Lifeline. With LTE Wireless, customers qualifying for the California
LifeLine program with CalFresh may also be eligible to receive a free Android smartphone with your free phone plan.
How Do You Use CalFresh to Get a Free Phone?
To get a free phone with CalFresh, apply for the California LifeLine program through LTE Wireless using our convenient
application form!
You’ll need your name, email, zip code, and other identifying information to apply. In less than 10 minutes, you’ll find out if you qualify.
If eligible, you can select a free Android smartphone with your plan.
Which Free Phone Can I Get With CalFresh?
Currently LTE Wireless offers eligible individuals a free Android smartphone with their California LifeLine phone plan.
Available phones have 4G LTE compatibility, an Android operating system, front and rear cameras, touch screen, and Wi-Fi compatibility.
How Can I Enroll in CalFresh?
California residents can apply for CalFresh at one of the following websites:
Can You Qualify for a Free Phone Using Other Government Assistance Programs?
Yes! If you live in California and qualify for one of the participating programs, you can use your enrollment in that program to qualify for one of
LTE Wireless’s California LifeLine plans. These include programs such as Medi-Cal and SSI. You can view all of the eligible programs
here.
Even if you’re not enrolled in an assistance program, you may be eligible for California LifeLine based on your income.
Here are the current income requirements for LifeLine assistance:
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,200 |
| 2 | $32,600 |
| 3 | $41,100 |
| 4 | $49,600 |
| For each additional person add: | $8,500 |
Effective Dates: June 1, 2025 – May 31, 2026
Get a Free Phone from LTE Wireless Today!
If you already participate in CalFresh, you’re only a few clicks away from a free cell phone! Just head over to our
application page to get started. Once you’re accepted, wait for your SIM card and device to arrive in the mail,
then follow the setup instructions included in the package.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is here to help you get started or answer questions.
