Free phone eligibility in California
There are two ways to qualify for California LifeLine: take part in a qualifying benefit program, or have household income at or below the program's income limit.
1. Qualify through a benefit program
You are eligible if you or someone in your household gets benefits from any of these programs (California LifeLine):
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
- LIHEAP (energy assistance)
- Free school lunch (National School Lunch Program)
- CalWORKs or TANF
If you live on Tribal lands
These programs also count for households on federally recognized Tribal lands, which can get a larger discount of up to $34.25 a month:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribal Head Start (income-eligible households only)
- Tribal Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
2. Qualify by household income
California runs its own program, California LifeLine, with higher income limits than federal Lifeline. You qualify if your household's total yearly income before taxes is at or below these limits (effective June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027):
| Household size | Income limit | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $24,600 | $2,050 |
| 2 people | $33,300 | $2,775 |
| 3 people | $42,100 | $3,508 |
| 4 people | $50,800 | $4,233 |
| 5 people | $59,500 | $4,958 |
| 6 people | $68,200 | $5,683 |
| 7 people | $76,900 | $6,408 |
| 8 people | $85,600 | $7,133 |
| Each additional person: add $8,700 per year to the income limit | ||
How to apply in California
- 1
Gather proof
A benefit letter, or proof of income such as last year's tax return or three months of pay stubs, plus a photo ID.
- 2
Choose a provider
Compare the 7 Lifeline providers serving California.
- 3
Apply
Apply through a California LifeLine provider. The California LifeLine Administrator then contacts you to confirm your eligibility.
Ready to compare plans?
7 providers offer Lifeline service in California.
We are not a carrier or a government agency. Apply only on the provider's official website or through the Lifeline National Verifier.