California Lifeline Free Government Phones

Written by Pamela Lipscomb in States

California free government phones are helping the low-income and the homeless with government phones. If you live in California, you may be able to get a Lifeline cell phone through the Lifeline Assistance program.   This benefits program is designed to help disadvantaged and disable residents with affordable phone service.   The controversial government phone program is extending itself to a forgotten part of society.

These no-contract cell phones give the poor the ability to reach out to the rest of society.  They are able to look for work, call family, friends, 911 for an emergency, and 311 to find services such as food, shelter, and other resources.    When finances become slim, one of the firsts things to get cut is phone service.

Is the Economy Affecting you?

There is probably nothing more depressing than not able to possess basic items, to live life.   There is saying, many Americans are a paycheck or two from being homeless.  That means it can happen to anyone. When you lose a job, and can’t find a new one, what happens?  You get behind in your rent or mortgage, making it harder and harder to catch up.  Many have no solid means of support or have no one in the family they can get a loan until they are back on their feet. 

The good news is, you can get a free phone with Lifeline assistance.  The Public Utilities Commission of California voted to allow Nexus Communications Inc. and Virgin Mobile’s Assurance Wireless to offer the service.  A spokesman for the Public Utilities Commission  said, “everyone has the right to participate in society,” and that, “everyone should have access to a telephone.”  With the free cell phone service, each person will pay $20 for a cell phone, 250 talk and text minutes are free with the option to pay more when you have exceeded your time.  This also comes with call waiting and 911 access.

California Free Government Phones – Qualify

You are eligible for a free cell phone service if your income is not more than $24,700 for households of one to two people.   Many who are against free government cell phones for the poor, forget there are many hard-working residents who are still living at or below the poverty level.  Check out discounts and how to apply.  You also qualify if you are receiving help from assistance programs such as:

  • Medicaid/Medi-Cal
  • Tribal TANF
  • National School Lunch Program
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Women Infants and Children Program (WIC)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
  • Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids

California  Free Government Cell Phones Providers

Lifeline Free Cell Phone Contact Numbers

English     1-866-272-0349
Spanish     1-866-272-0350
Korean     1-866-272-0354
Japanese     1-866-296-0860
TTY     1-866-272-0358
Vietnamese 1-866-272-0355
Mandarin and Cantonese – 866-272-0356

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