If you are an inhabitant of California, you can quickly get a free government phone through a Lifeline or an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Numerous wireless providers like Life Wireless and Truconnect offer Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs in California. As a subscriber, you can obtain a free phone and internet discounts that come with it, provided you meet their requirements.
These requirements ensure the customers who benefit are those from low-income households. However, only one person per household can qualify for a free government phone in California and enjoy the discounted internet rates from the Lifeline or ACP program. You can be eligible for the free phone in several ways based on your income or government program participation.
How to Qualify for a Free Government Phone in California?
Qualifying for a free government phone in California is easy, provided you meet the requirements. You can enroll in the Lifeline Program, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), or both. If you choose to enroll in the ACP program, then here are the requirements you will need to be eligible;
i) ACP eligibility
Based on income
The ACP program will require you to have an income up to or under 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines. To prove this, you must submit supporting documents: Tax return income and documentation showing your total household gross income before taxes.
Based on government program participation
If you participate in any of the below programs in California, you can qualify for a free government phone:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veteran’s pension or survivor’s benefit
- Federal public housing assistance
- Federal Grant Program
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food distribution programs
ii) Lifeline Eligibility
If you enroll for the Lifeline program, you will have almost similar requirements but only slight differences as follows;
Based on household income
Your household’s total income must be up to or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Supporting documents that you need to submit as proof such as;
- Tax income documentation
- Payslip statement from your employer and others.
Based on Government assistance program participation
- Food stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans’ and survivors’ pension
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program
However, the Lifeline and ACP programs will consider only one person per household to limit the number of people willing to apply for a free government smartphone. Moreover, you may not qualify to apply if you had formerly enrolled in a support program. The discounts may also vary by state.
Mobile Carriers that offer free government phones in California
1) Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a provider in California that works hand in hand with government ACP and Lifeline programs to offer Assurance Wireless free phones and discounts on talk-time, texts, and data.
2) Safelink Wireless
Safelink offers eligible customers enrolled in Lifeline or ACP access to data, text, talk time, and a free government phone. Subscribers will also enjoy high-speed internet.
3) TruConnect
Many participating wireless providers, such as TruConnect, provide free monthly phone service plans and free government phones for LifeLine and ACP participants. In addition, your households may be eligible for California free government phone through annual income level or program participation.
4) Life Wireless
Life Wireless provides government-aided wireless services to low-income households and individuals in California. The eligible customers get cell phone service, and particular residents may qualify for a free cell phone through enrolling for Lifeline or ACP services.
5) Tag Mobile
TAG Mobile offers California Lifeline Service, a free federal cell phone program offered to the eligible dwellers of California, meeting specific criteria. A household income equal to or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines to enroll in the Lifeline program. The 6GB Standard Smartphone plan features a free government smartphone, unlimited text, talk, and 6GB of data every month.
Free Government Phone in California Application Process
Once you identify the suitable lifeline or ACP program provider in California, you must confirm eligibility on whether you meet the program’s requirements. The internet service provider will also review your application and verify whether you are eligible. Then, you can apply through the Lifeline or ACP company’s website by submitting your details on the application form.
Then, you will be required to submit scanned documents as supporting proof of qualification. Upon successful submission, you will have an application ID to follow up on the application status. The applicant will be able to receive feedback on a free government phone within a week or so after submitting the application form. To verify the status of your application after submission, you need to visit the respective website and fill in your tracking pin on the prompt, then await a response.
Limitations of free government phones
Despite the numerous benefits that come with the free government phones, there are also some few drawbacks that may make it not to be a preference for all, such as;
- Lifeline service benefits are limited to only one person per household: Households with many members needing a handset will be disadvantaged as they have to choose who will receive the handset.
- Not applicable to persons using other lifeline programs: Users with other lifeline programs or beneficiaries of another lifeline will be locked out from enjoying the free phone and discounts.
- Discounts cannot be offered on cell and office phones: Once qualified, you must choose whether to receive the discounts on your home phone or cell phone, but not on both.
- Free phones provided by the Lifeline program are subject to availability: You may not have the option to select the smartphone of your choice, but instead, get one available in your locality.
- Hidden charges: Despite the discounted prices favoring all households, especially those with low income, there are also extra charges, such as subscriptions to the lifeline plans.
Conclusion
Obtaining a free government phone in California is essential, especially for struggling low-income households. Eligible households can enjoy the benefits of good connectivity and discounted internet services alongside a free government phone.
However, despite having an easy application process for free government phones in California, you will still be required to prove eligibility by having an income up to or at least less than a given percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Moreover, you are also required to be an active member of government assistance programs.