Get A Free Government Phone California 2023-2024

California is a land of diversity. At the same time, the state has the highest poverty rate in the United States. More than 6 million, or 34% of California families, lack enough income to meet basic living costs.

Where they struggle to make their end meet, it becomes more challenging for them to afford a phone. With that in mind, the government is giving away a free government phone California to those who qualify.

The eligible recipients of the Lifeline and ACP program can get free government cellular phones in California. Several cell phone providers participate in government assistance programs to provide free phones to low-income families.

This article will explain the best free government phones in California, what it takes to qualify, etc. Also, you will get to know the best California lifeline cell phone providers. Keep reading.

Free Government Phone California Program

The free government phone program is a federal program implemented by individual states like California. The program typically offers a free cell phone California and a certain number of minutes, text, and data per month.

The government offers free smartphones and mobile services to those participating in the ACP and Lifeline program California. They aim to help low-income households with affordable phone services.

California Lifeline Program

California Lifeline is a state program based in California. It provides discounted smartphone and phone services to low-income households. They offer discounts to help customers lower the cost of their phone bills.

Only one discount is allowed per household. Each household can get a discount on a cell phone or a home phone, but not on both. Check out California Lifeline.com for more information.

California Affordable Connectivity Program

California ACP is a newly funded government program. It helps ensure that low-income households can afford the broadband they need for daily life needs. The program offers upgraded plans, including additional free data every month.

Why Is the Government Giving Away Free Phones and Cell Service in California?

California has the largest population (over 38 million) in the US. One-third of its population lives in or near poverty. Moreover, it has the country’s fifth-highest unemployment rate, 7.6%.

Therefore, many people need government assistance to meet their basic needs. California government offers more assistance to low-income households than any other state.

Their free phone program is an initiative that provides a free phone for low income California households. The government takes the initiative to help low-income individuals and families in the following ways.

Communication Access for All: Access to phones, particularly mobile phones, is crucial for staying connected. The California government provides free phones to underserved people to help them participate in various aspects of modern life.

Emergency Awareness: Having a reliable means of communication is vital during emergencies. Providing phones to low-income individuals ensures they can call for help, receive emergency alerts, and stay informed during crises.

Employment Opportunities: In today’s job market, communication is often done through phones and email. A phone can be essential for job searches, interviews, and employment.

Healthcare Access: Phones can be critical for accessing healthcare services, scheduling appointments, and receiving important health-related information.

Social Inclusion: Communication is a key aspect of social inclusion. Providing phones to those in need helps reduce social isolation. It allows individuals to stay connected with family and friends.

Education: Dependence on digital platforms for education is increasing. Having a phone can be important for students to access online resources, communicate with teachers, and participate in remote learning.

Best California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers

Several mobile service providers participate in the government assistance program to offer free phone services in the US. A few of them provide government phones California.

So, let’s look at the top providers that offer the best deals in California.

AirTalk Wireless

AirTalk Wireless offers the best California lifeline service. Also, they offer government-assisted wireless services and California free phones for low-income households.

Qualified residents get free phone services, while specific customers may qualify for a free phone. Moreover, they offer Calif Lifeline discounts to those with specific eligibility requirements.

AirTalk Wireless Plans in California

Other Features

• Free monthly CoPay
• Local Calls
• National Long Distance
• Unlimited International Calling to 80+ Countries (not included in ACP plan)
• Voicemail
• Nationwide Text
• Free 411

AirTalk Wireless Free Phones

Check out the available free phones by AirTalk Wireless. The following are some of the best free government phones.

How to Apply for AirTalk Wireless Free Phones?

1] Visit the AirTalk Wireless website.

2] Click on “Apply” to start the application.

3] Enter your California ZIP code and click “Apply Now.”

4] The following page will display all the available plans in your state.

5] Select a plan and click “Select Now”.

6] Choose a device from the available list for you. The list includes all the free and discounted phones. You can also choose the bundle and upgrade your phone. 

7] There is also an option to Bring Your Own Device. In that case, enter your 14-16 digit IMEI number and click “Continue.”

8] After you select a California lifeline free phone, select all the terms and conditions. Click Agree to verify and confirm your order.

9] Provide all the necessary information and documentation to prove your eligibility.

10] Apply.

SafeLink Wireless

SafeLink Wireless is a federal and California Lifeline service and a government assistance program. They offer the best Lifeline phone service to eligible subscribers who may enroll.

California residents who enroll in the California Lifeline and ACP pilot program can get even more benefits for free. However, the pilot program is a temporary program based on the availability of ACP funds.

SafeLink Wireless Plans in California

• Free smartphone
• Unlimited talk, text, and data
• 30 GB hotspot data

Other Features

• Nationwide Calling
• Voicemail
• Caller ID
• Free 911
• 3 Way Calling
• Ability to Connect to Wi-Fi
• Free Domestic Roaming
• 411 Directory Assistance

SafeLink Wireless Free Phones

SafeLink Wireless offers free phones from reputable brands like Apple, ZTE, LG, Samsung, Motorola, Google, etc. Here are some of the popular phones from SafeLink.

How to Apply?

1] Visit the SafeLink Wireless website.

2] Enter your California ZIP code and press Enter.

3] Check out the available offer in your state and press continue. 

4] Fill out the application form on the following page.

5] Provide your personal info, address, device info, and eligibility based on income and program participation.

6] Apply with the necessary documents as proof.

Read more: SafeLink Free iPhone Government Phone: How to Get

enTouch Wireless

Individuals and households with specific qualifications can get the best phone service in California through enTouch Wireless. Eligible customers get free phone service through the Lifeline + ACP program.

enTouch Wireless Plans in California

Federal ACP Plan

• Unlimited Talk and Text
• 8GB of Data
• Free SIM Card – No Phone

enTouch Wireless California Free Phones

enTouch Wireless offers a California lifeline free phone from several brands, such as Samsung, LG, Apple, etc. There is no specific list of free phones on the enTouch Wireless website.

How to Apply

1] Visit the enTouch Wireless website.

2] Click “Enroll Now” and choose your state.

3] Choose a plan from the available list of plans and click “Enroll Now.”

4] Start your application by providing your email address and ZIP code.

5] Enter “Check Availability”.

6] Enter your personal information and select a state or federal program you participate in.

7] Provide your documents as proof. Confirm and apply.

Tag Mobile Free Phone in California

Sprint and T-Mobile have merged to create a leader in the industry named Tag Mobile. Tag Mobile operates on Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint networks. They offer free phone services to those participating in the Tag Mobile Lifeline Assistance Program and T-Mobile Lifeline Program California.

Eligible residents of California who meet certain income and program participation criteria can get a free phone. To participate in the T Mobile lifeline program California, the income level should be at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Tag Mobile Plans in California

Tag Mobile Free Phones

Currently, two phone options are available at the Tag Mobile online store. They are

• CellAllure Miracle-S
• CellAllure Fashion2Plus Black

How to Apply for Tag Mobile Free Phones?

1] Visit the Tag Mobile website and click on the first tab, “Enroll for Lifeline.”

2] Enter your email address and ZIP code.

3] Click “Enroll” and select a plan.

4] Fill out the application form on the following page. 

5] Confirm the order and apply.

Access Wireless

Lifeline and ACP program-eligible clients in California can get free government cell phones California from Access Wireless. They offer not only free smartphones but also free unlimited data, talk, text, and hotspot data.

Access Wireless in California

Access Wireless Free Phones

Access Wireless doesn’t reveal the list of free phones on their website. However, you can expect to get the following models.

• Apple iPhone 11 Pro
• Samsung A10e
• Motorola G7 Play
• Coolpad Legacy Go
• Coolpad Snap Flip

How to Apply?

1] Visit the Access Wireless website.

2] Enter the ZIP code and click “Apply Now”.

3] Choose a plan from the list.

4] Confirm if you need a phone or if you want to “Bring Your Own Phone.”

5] Enter your email address and click Enroll Now.

6] Fill out the application form on the following page.

7] Confirm your order and submit the application.

Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless offers the best California lifeline service for eligible customers. They offer free phone services with a California free phone for seniors and eligible customers.

Moreover, they come with a Lifeline discount plan. If you qualify, you can get up to $9.25 discount. They offer a California lifeline phone replacement if you experience an equipment malfunction.

Assurance Wireless Plans

Other Cell Phone Service Providers in California

Below is the list of other service providers in California. You can find the online application option on each provider’s website. If a service provider doesn’t have the option, visit https://www.californialifeline.com/en/login to apply for a free phone.

• Feel Safe Wireless
• StandUp Wireless
• Life Wireless
• Q Link Wireless
• SafeLink Wireless
• TruConnect
• SafetyNet Wireless

How Do I Qualify for Free Government Phone California?

You may qualify if you participate in the following government assistance programs.

• Medicaid or “Medi-Cal”
• SNAP/ Food Stamps/ CalFresh
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• National School Lunch Program (NSL)
• Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
• Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
• Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
• Federal Veterans or Survivors Pension Benefit Program
• Tribal TANF
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Also, you may qualify for getting a free government phone in California if;

• You live in California.
• You have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
• No one in your household is currently receiving any other Lifeline benefits.
• You participate in one of the above programs.
• You can provide enough proof of identification and current address.

Wrap Up!

Looking for a free government phone California may seem challenging at first. There are supposed to be limited options in a state compared to the whole US. Thankfully, that’s not the case when it comes to California.

California is a massive state with so many options. You can get a free government phone if you qualify. We have discussed what it takes to be eligible for a free phone in California. So, check out the deals and Apply NOW!