California LifeLine: Free Government Phone Program
If you meet certain criteria, you may qualify for free wireless phone service through the California LifeLine program and a free or discounted device from LTE Wireless. This free government phone program was created to help families gain access to the voice and internet service they need to excel at work, school, and more. Thanks to the benefits of this program, LTE Wireless can provide free phones in California to eligible customers who qualify for California LifeLine.
If your family needs help buying internet-ready devices or paying phone and internet bills, read on to learn how you can qualify for California LifeLine and how to sign up with LTE Wireless.
For California LifeLine support, you can also visit the CPUC Consumer Affairs Branch or call 800-649-7570.
What is the California LifeLine Program?
The California LifeLine Program provides discounted phone and internet services to eligible households. Eligibility is determined based on either income levels or current participation in another government assistance program.
Families that qualify for the program receive one discount per household. Qualifying teletypewriter users and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants, however, can receive discounts on two phone lines per household. The discount may be applied to a home or cell phone service.
In addition to the discounts that California LifeLine provides, program participants can receive other benefits from low-cost carriers like LTE Wireless. Notably, LTE Wireless offers free phones in California to qualifying customers who enroll in one of their plans.
Click the link to learn more about the details and benefits of the California LifeLine program.
How to qualify for LifeLine in California
Households in California can qualify for California LifeLine by participating in a qualifying program or meeting certain income criteria. In either case, you may be asked to provide documentation and must complete a program application to prove your eligibility.
Here’s a brief overview of the income requirements and programs that qualify you for California LifeLine:
How to qualify for California LifeLine by Program
If you or anyone in your household is enrolled in any of the following government assistance programs, you are eligible for California LifeLine:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- CalFresh
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Section 8 or Federal Public Housing Assistance
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
- NSL (National School Lunch Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- CalWORKS (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
- StanWORKS (Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids)
- WTW (Welfare-to-Work)
- GAIN (Greater Avenues for Independence)
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (Tribal only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Federal veterans and survivors pension benefits
How to qualify for California LifeLine by Income
Your household may also qualify for California LifeLine if your annual income meets the following criteria:
| 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
Apply For California LifeLine
How Can I Sign Up for LTE Wireless Using California LifeLine?
To sign up for a California LifeLine-supported plan at LTE Wireless and get a free phone, follow these simple steps:
- Visit our online application form.
- Enter your email and ZIP code.
- Provide the requested personal identification information (social security number, address, etc.).
- Select one of LTE Wireless’s California LifeLine plans.
- Select your free phone or BYOD SIM card.
- Wait for your application to be reviewed.
- Get approved and receive your device in the mail!
Alternatively, if you live near one of our retail stores, you can complete the above process there to receive your device or SIM card immediately.
How Do I Renew My California LifeLine Benefit?
LTE Wireless makes it easy to renew your enrollment in the California LifeLine Program. We send you an email with renewal instructions one month before your benefits expire. This email contains a link to our online recertification portal, an application number, and a link to the California LifeLine recertification form.
Using the info contained in the email, you can renew either on the phone, by mail, or online. We recommend renewing online, as it takes the least amount of time. To complete an online renewal, follow these steps:
- Visit our online renewal page.
- Select your preferred renewal method.
- Log in to your LTE Wireless account portal. If you’ve never created an account, create one now.
- Follow the prompts, adding all the requested information.
- Double-check your entries for accuracy.
- Submit your form.
Wait to receive an email stating that you’ve successfully completed your California LifeLine recertification.
Get Connected with LTE Wireless in California
LTE Wireless has a special plan for its California LifeLine customers. If you participate in California LifeLine, you qualify for a FREE plan that includes 6 GB of 4G/LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, unlimited voice and text, and unlimited international calling to Mexico, Canada, China, South Korea, and Vietnam.
With our California LifeLine plan you may also qualify for a FREE Android Smartphone provided by LTE Wireless!
Click the button below to apply for a free plan today!
Apply for a free phone plan
California LifeLine and Free Government Phone Program FAQs
How is LTE Wireless able to offer free phone plans? â–¾
LTE Wireless participates in government-supported benefit programs that help eligible households afford phone and internet service. Qualifying customers may receive discounted or no-cost service based on program rules.
Does California give free cell phones? â–¾
California LifeLine provides discounts on phone service for eligible households. Some providers may also offer discounted or free devices depending on eligibility and availability.
Do you offer additional benefits for residents of California? â–¾
Benefits can vary by plan. Eligible customers may qualify for service plans with data, talk, text, and additional features depending on the current offer.
I already have a phone I like, can I keep it and still switch my service to LTE Wireless? â–¾
Yes—many customers can choose a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) SIM option if their phone is compatible. Check device compatibility during signup.
Still Have Questions?
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