California residents can qualify for the federal Lifeline program, and the state additionally runs its own California LifeLine program with its own broader eligibility rules and enhanced discounts.
BenefitsCal is California's portal for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs. Active enrollment in these programs, verifiable through BenefitsCal, is one of the fastest ways to confirm Lifeline eligibility.
Eligible California households applying through a participating Lifeline or California LifeLine carrier may find a free government iPhone, a free iPhone government phone at reduced upfront cost, or a free 5G government phone running Android, depending on current carrier stock in your ZIP code. Both Apple and Samsung devices appear on participating carrier lineups from time to time, alongside BYOD options for residents who already own a compatible unlocked phone.
Multiple independently authorized carriers participate in the federal Lifeline program and California LifeLine program. Availability of specific plans and devices varies by ZIP code — enter yours during application to see current options.
Use our eligibility checker or confirm CalFresh/Medi-Cal/CalWORKs enrollment.
Photo ID and proof of program participation or income.
Submit through the application — California's combined Lifeline/LifeLine benefit is confirmed automatically in most cases.
Government iPhone