Who qualifies for California Lifeline with Cliq Mobile?

Californians meeting income guidelines or enrolled in state/federal assistance programs can receive free phone service.

How do I apply for a free government phone in California?

Simply apply online or via mail with proof of eligibility. Cliq Mobile then provides your free device or SIM.

Will I need to recertify for Lifeline benefits each year in California?

Yes. Under FCC rules, you must confirm eligibility annually. We'll guide you every step of the way.

Does California Lifeline offer unlimited talk and text with Cliq Mobile?

Yes, most free plans include unlimited talk, text, and data as determined by program rules.

Can I use my own phone with California Lifeline from Cliq Mobile?

Yes. Bring your compatible device and get free service once approved.

Can I combine ACP with Lifeline in California?

ACP is paused. When active, you can typically stack ACP and Lifeline for additional savings.

Free California Lifeline Phone Service & Internet

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Free Government Phone Service California

Free Wireless Service for Qualifying California Residents

Free Lifeline Service

California residents in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento can benefit from the free government phone program Lifeline. This essential service helps eligible individuals stay connected for work opportunities, healthcare appointments, and emergency services across the Golden State. Cliq Mobile offers comprehensive coverage throughout California, ensuring that whether you're in the Bay Area or Southern California, you'll have reliable access to a free government phone. Lifeline assistance is particularly valuable for low-income residents in urban centers like Oakland, San Jose, and Fresno, providing the communication tools needed for job searches, telehealth services, and staying connected with family.

California landscape symbolizing connectivity through free government phone program

See if I Qualify

4325849

Over 4325849 households in California qualify for discounted or free Lifeline service.

1581567

Of the 4325849 people that qualify for Lifeline in California, only 1581567 are using it.

37%

Only 37% of eligible families in California are currently using their Lifeline benefit — meaning many are missing out on free wireless service with Cliq Mobile. .

How to Qualify for Lifeline

Lifeline Eligibility & Requirements in California

Households in California can qualify for the California Lifeline program by meeting specific income limits or participating in a recognized government assistance program. In either situation, you may need to provide documentation and sign the required application to confirm your eligibility. Below is a concise overview of the income requirements and qualifying programs for California Lifeline, ensuring you stay connected at an affordable rate.

Program Based Eligibility in California

If you or any member of your household is enrolled in one or more of the following government assistance programs, you may qualify for California Lifeline benefits:

Program-Based Qualification Method:

You can qualify for California LifeLine if you or another person in your household is enrolled in any one of these qualifying public assistance programs:

Medicaid/Medi-Cal
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
National School Lunch Program (NSL)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
1. California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
2. Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
3. Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
4. Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
Tribal TANF
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program

View All Qualifying Programs

Income Based Eligibility in California

Your household may qualify for the California Free Government Phone program if its annual income falls within the limits below.

Learn More About Income Based Eligibility

ACP UPdate

📣 2025 Update - California Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has provided essential phone and internet service discounts to millions of households across the Country, including many in California. Due to recent funding changes, the ACP program is currently paused, and many in CA are asking: “Is ACP ending?” or “When will ACP funding resume?”. The reality is- we don't know (yet).

At Cliq Mobile, we’re actively monitoring ACP updates from the government and the FCC, along with the CA State Government. While ACP funding and benefits are temporarily on hold, experts believe there’s a strong possibility the ACP program may return. Make sure to join our mailing list to be among the first to find out, so that you'll be first in line if/when the program does return.

What ACP Offered (And Could Offer Again):

✅ Monthly discounts on phone and internet bills.

✅ Free or discounted smartphones.

✅ Easy application and qualification based on income or participation in assistance programs.