Free Government Phone in California
Free Link Wireless offers Free Government Phone service to eligible households across California, from Los Angeles and San Diego to smaller towns and rural communities.
Quick answer
Yes. Eligible households in California can get a Free Government Phone through the federal Lifeline program. You qualify if someone in your household receives Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension, or Tribal benefits — or if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
California LifeLine
California runs its own program, California LifeLine, overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). California LifeLine can add state support on top of the federal Lifeline discount, and it accepts some qualifying programs that federal Lifeline does not, such as WIC, the National School Lunch Program, and LIHEAP. Applications in California are processed by the California LifeLine Administrator rather than the federal National Verifier, so you may receive a separate application form in the mail or by text.
Who qualifies for a Free Government Phone in California?
You, a dependent, or someone in your household must participate in one of these programs:
- Medi-Cal (Medicaid)
- CalFresh
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- Tribal programs (for residents of Tribal lands in California)
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Not sure? Use our eligibility checker.
Lifeline income limits by household size
Maximum yearly household income (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, 48 states + DC). Bars show household size.
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Source: 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines × 135%. Alaska and Hawaii limits are higher. Limits update yearly — confirm on USAC's Lifeline site.
How to apply in California
- Check eligibility using the programs above or your income.
- Apply online with the Free Link Wireless application.
- Verify your eligibility. Applications in California are handled through the state's own Lifeline process rather than the federal National Verifier. Free Link Wireless will guide you through it.
- Get your phone. We ship free to any California address, and you can keep your current number.
Tribal Lifeline in California
California has federally recognized Tribal lands. Eligible residents of those lands can receive enhanced Lifeline support of up to $34.25 per month and may also qualify through Tribal programs such as BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (income-qualifying), and FDPIR. Learn about Tribal Lifeline.
Service across California
Free Link Wireless serves eligible customers statewide, including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, and San Francisco, as well as the capital, Sacramento. Service runs on a nationwide 4G LTE and 5G network — see our coverage page for details.
Popular phones in California
Apple
Free iPhone 8 Plus
$0 – $200* device co-pay
- 4G LTE
- 5.5-inch Retina HD
- Dual 12MP (Wide + Telephoto), 2x optical zoom
See all Free Government Phones →
Neighboring states
California Free Government Phone FAQs
Can I get a Free Government Phone in California with Medi-Cal?
Yes. Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, and Medicaid is a Lifeline qualifying program.
Does CalFresh qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Yes. CalFresh is California's SNAP program, which qualifies your household for Lifeline.
How many Free Government Phones can a California household get?
One. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household in California and every other state.
How long does it take to get a Free Government Phone in California?
Many applicants are verified quickly. After approval, phones typically ship within a few business days, depending on where you live in California.
Get your Free Government Phone in California
Check eligibility in about two minutes, then apply online. No contracts, no credit checks.