How do you get a free government phone in California?
Apply for Lifeline through a provider that serves California. You qualify if your household gets CalFresh (California's SNAP), Medi-Cal, SSI, public housing or a Veterans Pension, or has income at or below 135% of the poverty line. California residents apply through California LifeLine, which adds state support.
- Medicaid in California: Medi-Cal
- Service is free with most Lifeline providers
- Confirm providers for your ZIP code with USAC
How do free government phones work in California?
Residents from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose and San Francisco to small rural towns can get a free government phone in California through the federal Lifeline program. If your household receives a qualifying benefit or has a low income, you can get free monthly talk, text and data, usually with a free smartphone or the option to bring your own iPhone.
California runs its own California LifeLine program, which adds state support on top of the federal benefit and accepts extra qualifying programs such as WIC and school lunch.
Who qualifies in California?
In California, you qualify if anyone in your household takes part in one of these programs, known locally by these names:
| Federal program | What it's called in California |
|---|---|
| SNAP | CalFresh (California's SNAP) |
| Medicaid | Medi-Cal |
| SSI | Supplemental Security Income (Social Security Administration) |
| Federal Public Housing | Public housing and Section 8 through California housing authorities |
| Veterans Pension | VA Veterans or Survivors Pension |
You also qualify by income if your household earns no more than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines:
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
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California LifeLine
California residents apply through California LifeLine, run by the California Public Utilities Commission. It adds state support on top of the federal benefit, so plans often include more data, and it accepts programs federal Lifeline doesn't, including WIC, CalWORKs, school lunch and LIHEAP.
Read our full California LifeLine guide for the application process.
Which Lifeline providers serve California?
These Lifeline brands operate in many states. Confirm that each one serves California and your ZIP code using USAC's Companies Near Me tool at lifelinesupport.org before you apply.
Don't qualify? Carriers like Verizon and Straight Talk run free-phone switch deals in California.
How do you get a free iPhone in California?
iPhones are rarely the free handset, but California residents can easily put an iPhone on a free plan. Bring your own phone, or look at switch deals if you don't qualify.
How do you apply in California?
- Check you qualify Confirm your benefit program or income using the eligibility checker.
- Pick a provider Choose a Lifeline provider that serves your area. Compare phones, data and coverage on our provider comparison.
- Apply through the National Verifier Apply on the provider's site or at checklifeline.org. Many applications are approved automatically by database checks.
- Upload proof if asked If the automatic check can't confirm you, upload a benefit letter or income proof. See documents you need.
- Activate your phone or SIM Your phone or SIM ships in about a week. Activate it and use it at least once every 30 days so the service isn't cancelled for non-usage.
Documents to have ready
- A current benefit letter or card (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension), or
- Income proof: last year's tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment statement
- Government photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport)
- Proof of address if your ID shows a different one (utility bill or lease)
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Tribal ID number
One Lifeline benefit per household. A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses. Two families sharing an address can each get Lifeline if they keep separate finances, which is confirmed on a household worksheet.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a free government phone in California?
Check you qualify through CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, housing assistance or income, choose a Lifeline provider serving California, and apply through the National Verifier or the provider's website.
What is Medicaid called in California?
Medi-Cal. It qualifies your household for Lifeline.
Can I get a free iPhone in California?
Lifeline providers mainly supply Android phones, but you can use a compatible unlocked iPhone on a free plan, or get an iPhone through carrier promotions.
What is the income limit for Lifeline in California?
Household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, about $21,128 a year for one person (2025).
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.