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Independent guide — not the government, not a Lifeline provider

Cliq Mobile — independent Lifeline resource guide

Need Help Logging Into BenefitsCal? You're in the Right Place.

If you use BenefitsCal for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs, you likely already qualify for a free government phone through the federal Lifeline program.

What Is BenefitsCal?

BenefitsCal is California's online portal where residents can apply for, manage, and renew public assistance benefits. Launched as a modernized, statewide platform, BenefitsCal replaced older county-level systems like C4Yourself and other regional portals. Through BenefitsCal, California residents can access programs such as:

  • CalFresh — California's SNAP program providing food assistance to low-income households
  • Medi-Cal — California's Medicaid program offering free or low-cost health coverage
  • CalWORKs — Cash assistance and services for low-income families with children
  • General Assistance/General Relief — County-level cash aid for individuals in need

How BenefitsCal Connects to Lifeline

If you are enrolled in benefits through BenefitsCal, you almost certainly qualify for free phone service through the Lifeline program. That is because the same programs managed on BenefitsCal are qualifying programs for Lifeline:

CalFresh = SNAP

CalFresh is California's version of SNAP, which is a federally recognized Lifeline qualifying program.

Medi-Cal = Medicaid

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program, another federally recognized Lifeline qualifier.

CalWORKs = TANF

CalWORKs is a TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) program, which qualifies you for Lifeline in California.

General Assistance

County-level general assistance programs may also qualify you under California's state-specific Lifeline criteria.

How to Apply for a Free Phone Through Lifeline

If you receive benefits through BenefitsCal, applying for Lifeline is simple:

  1. Confirm your benefits — Log in to BenefitsCal.com to confirm your active enrollment in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or CalWORKs.
  2. Choose a Lifeline provider — Compare Lifeline providers that serve California and pick one based on coverage, plans, and device options.
  3. Apply with the provider — Submit your application with your name, address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, along with a screenshot or document from BenefitsCal (or a benefits award letter) showing your active enrollment.
  4. Get verified and receive your phone — The National Verifier will confirm your eligibility. Once approved, your chosen provider ships your free smartphone to your door.

What Lifeline Typically Includes

Exact plans vary by provider, but California Lifeline benefits generally include:

  • A free 4G LTE or 5G-capable Android smartphone
  • Unlimited talk and text every month
  • A monthly allotment of high-speed data
  • No monthly bills, contracts, or credit checks
  • BYOD option with most providers if you prefer to use your own phone

If you are already using BenefitsCal, you are just a few steps away from getting a free phone and staying connected with the people and services that matter most.

Check If You Qualify