Free cell phones in California

California residents can choose from 7 Lifeline providers: Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless, Access Wireless, Life Wireless, Tag Mobile, SafetyNet Wireless and TruConnect. 7 of them advertise a free phone with service. Assurance Wireless has the widest reach, serving 41 states.

If no one in your household receives a qualifying benefit, you can still qualify on income: up to $24,600 a year for a single person, or $50,800 for a family of four. Qualifying programs in California include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income.

Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household. If you already have Lifeline with another company, you can transfer it to any provider listed above, or visit one of 3,517 carrier stores in California to compare paid plans in person.