The California Lifeline phone program ensures eligible residents access essential communication services. Applying for the California Lifeline program is a straightforward process designed to bridge the digital divide and connect individuals with reliable phone services.
Only one discounted phone service (wireless or landline) and home internet service are available per household. Households that violate this rule could lose their discounts.
How to Get Lifeline Phone Service
The California Lifeline program offers discounted landline and mobile phone services, empowering recipients to stay connected with family, employment opportunities, and emergency services. Approved applicants receive a monthly discount on their phone services, making communication more affordable.
California Lifeline program participants receive a free wireless phone handset or a discounted rate on the purchase of a device. Participating wireless providers offer a variety of mobile plans, including nationwide calling, domestic text messaging, and caller ID. Check with your provider to see what their plans include and to find out about additional discounts for wireless devices that may be available.
Eligible households can get a discount on, or be reimbursed for, the service activation charges to start wireless Lifeline service up to twice per year. The program can also cover the cost of a wireline home telephone connection charge to convert a regular landline phone to a Lifeline service. The program can even pay for a bundled voice-broadband package.
The program offers a deeper discount for household members who are deaf or hard of hearing, and it covers a second telephone line to use a relay service for communication with them. To qualify for the California Lifeline phone application, a household member must be enrolled in a public assistance program such as Medicaid/Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or Supplemental Security Income, and the household’s annual income must be at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines.
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a federal program that allows low-income families to afford essential phone and broadband services. The program provides a monthly discount on wireless or landline services or a bundled voice-broadband package.
The discount will help you stay connected to the people and resources you depend on most. To qualify, you must be a United States citizen or permanent resident and have a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guideline. You must also certify that you, or one of your family members, participates in an accepted assistance program. The list of accepted programs includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, SSI, and specific Tribal programs.
It’s important to note that only one Lifeline discount per household is allowed. To avoid being de-enrolled, you must regularly confirm using your Lifeline-supported phone or internet.
How to Apply for Lifeline Phone Service
If you’re struggling with rising bills and other cost-of-living expenses, you may be eligible for a free government phone service program called California Lifeline. You can also receive upgraded broadband Internet access through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both programs are designed to help families stay connected during these challenging times.
It would help if you met certain income and program eligibility guidelines to qualify for Lifeline. To apply, contact a home or cell phone provider approved by the state and let them know that you’d like to sign up. Be sure to choose a trustworthy company to provide quality customer service.
In the past, consumers could “stack” their Lifeline discount with federal and state assistance programs, saving up to $75 monthly on home and cell phone services. But state regulators are considering curbing that.
The new rule would require households to use their Lifeline benefits within 30 days of receiving notice from their provider. Those who don’t comply will have their service turned off. Consumer advocacy groups have criticized the proposed change, saying that it could cause low-income households to miss out on essential technology services.
How to Stay Connected
If you qualify for California Lifeline, it’s easy to stay connected with the help of this vital federal program. Select a local wireline home service provider offering Lifeline discounts or a wireless service provider participating in the program. You may also be eligible for a discount on broadband Internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and even receive $100 towards specific connected devices like tablets.
When choosing a plan, consider long-distance and local toll call rates and optional features such as call waiting, voicemail, and caller ID. You can find more information about these services by visiting your provider’s website or using the online search tool.
Lifeline participants cannot get the discount on a landline or a wireless phone. If you already have a landline, ask your provider to apply your Lifeline discount and sign up for service with the company.
As the cost of living continues to rise, the need for affordable wireless telecom and broadband internet services has never been greater for low-income households.
