For residents of California, the Lifeline Assistance program offers a valuable service by providing free or low-cost telephone services to eligible households. This program, supported by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to ensure that all Americans have access to telecommunications services, bridging the digital divide and promoting connectivity. In California, multiple providers offer free government phones as part of this initiative, each with its own unique features and eligibility criteria. Here, we delve into 12 of these options, exploring their key attributes and the benefits they bring to Californians.
1. SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a popular provider offering free government phones in California. Their plans include free monthly minutes, texts, and data, with the option to roll over unused minutes. Additionally, they provide a range of smartphones and feature phones to choose from, ensuring users have access to the latest technology. SafeLink’s eligibility criteria include participation in certain government assistance programs or having an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes, texts, and data
- Rollover minutes
- Choice of smartphones and feature phones
- No credit check or deposit required
Eligibility
To qualify for SafeLink Wireless, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participate in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF
- Have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| SafeLink 250 | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| SafeLink 1000 | 1000 | Unlimited | 2GB |
| SafeLink Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
2. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is another well-known provider of free government phones in California. Their plans offer free monthly minutes and texts, with the option to purchase additional data. Assurance Wireless also provides a range of devices, including smartphones and basic phones, to suit different user needs. Eligibility for Assurance Wireless is based on income, with households earning at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines qualifying for the program.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes and texts
- Option to purchase additional data
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No contract required
Eligibility
To be eligible for Assurance Wireless, your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data (Add-on) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assurance Basic | 250 | Unlimited | N/A |
| Assurance Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 1GB |
3. ReachOut Wireless
ReachOut Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service to eligible Californians. Their plans include free monthly minutes and texts, with the option to purchase additional data. ReachOut Wireless also provides a selection of smartphones and basic phones, allowing users to choose a device that aligns with their needs. Eligibility for ReachOut Wireless is based on participation in certain government assistance programs or having an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes and texts
- Option to purchase additional data
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No contract or credit check required
Eligibility
To qualify for ReachOut Wireless, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participate in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF
- Have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data (Add-on) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ReachOut Basic | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| ReachOut Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB |
4. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service in California. Their plans include free monthly minutes, texts, and data, with the option to roll over unused minutes. Q Link Wireless provides a range of smartphones and basic phones, ensuring users have access to the latest technology. Eligibility for Q Link Wireless is based on income, with households earning at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines qualifying for the program.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes, texts, and data
- Rollover minutes
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No activation or cancellation fees
Eligibility
To be eligible for Q Link Wireless, your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q Link 250 | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| Q Link 1000 | 1000 | Unlimited | 2GB |
| Q Link Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
5. Assist Wireless
Assist Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service to eligible Californians. Their plans include free monthly minutes and texts, with the option to purchase additional data. Assist Wireless provides a selection of smartphones and basic phones, allowing users to choose a device that suits their preferences. Eligibility for Assist Wireless is based on participation in certain government assistance programs or having an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes and texts
- Option to purchase additional data
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No long-term contracts
Eligibility
To qualify for Assist Wireless, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participate in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF
- Have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data (Add-on) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assist Basic | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| Assist Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB |
6. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service in California. Their plans include free monthly minutes, texts, and data, with the option to roll over unused minutes. StandUp Wireless provides a range of smartphones and basic phones, ensuring users have access to a variety of devices. Eligibility for StandUp Wireless is based on income, with households earning at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines qualifying for the program.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes, texts, and data
- Rollover minutes
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No credit check or deposit required
Eligibility
To be eligible for StandUp Wireless, your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| StandUp 250 | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| StandUp 1000 | 1000 | Unlimited | 2GB |
| StandUp Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
7. True2U Wireless
True2U Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service to eligible Californians. Their plans include free monthly minutes and texts, with the option to purchase additional data. True2U Wireless provides a selection of smartphones and basic phones, allowing users to choose a device that aligns with their needs. Eligibility for True2U Wireless is based on participation in certain government assistance programs or having an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes and texts
- Option to purchase additional data
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No activation fees
Eligibility
To qualify for True2U Wireless, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participate in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF
- Have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data (Add-on) |
|---|---|---|---|
| True2U Basic | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| True2U Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB |
8. Easy Wireless
Easy Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service in California. Their plans include free monthly minutes, texts, and data, with the option to roll over unused minutes. Easy Wireless provides a range of smartphones and basic phones, ensuring users have access to a variety of devices. Eligibility for Easy Wireless is based on income, with households earning at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines qualifying for the program.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes, texts, and data
- Rollover minutes
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No long-term contracts
Eligibility
To be eligible for Easy Wireless, your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easy 250 | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| Easy 1000 | 1000 | Unlimited | 2GB |
| Easy Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
9. Tag Mobile
Tag Mobile is a provider that offers free government phones and service to eligible Californians. Their plans include free monthly minutes and texts, with the option to purchase additional data. Tag Mobile provides a selection of smartphones and basic phones, allowing users to choose a device that suits their preferences. Eligibility for Tag Mobile is based on participation in certain government assistance programs or having an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes and texts
- Option to purchase additional data
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No credit check required
Eligibility
To qualify for Tag Mobile, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participate in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or TANF
- Have an annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
| Plan | Monthly Minutes | Monthly Texts | Monthly Data (Add-on) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tag Basic | 250 | Unlimited | 500MB |
| Tag Plus | Unlimited | Unlimited | 2GB |
10. enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a provider that offers free government phones and service in California. Their plans include free monthly minutes, texts, and data, with the option to roll over unused minutes. enTouch Wireless provides a range of smartphones and basic phones, ensuring users have access to a variety of devices. Eligibility for enTouch Wireless is based on income, with households earning at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines qualifying for the program.
Key Features
- Free monthly minutes, texts, and data
- Rollover minutes
- Choice of smartphones and basic phones
- No activation or cancellation fees
Eligibility
To be eligible for enTouch Wireless, your annual household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
