There are numerous lifeline service providers in the United States, but none of them operate in California. As a result, we’ve collected data on all of the companies available in the state and chosen to evaluate 5 of the finest California lifeline cell phone providers.
This is a comprehensive, informative article for Californian lifeline eligible individuals that includes all of the necessary information to make the right choice.
A smartphone that costs next to nothing will be offered on a contract basis. It will include free government phones, services, and inexpensive add-ons. If you aren’t eligible for the program because you have an insufficient income, you may get a free cell phone no money down no credit check.
Now it’s time to get started by knowing the list of operators in the best California lifeline cell phone providers and what they offer.
- The 5 Best California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers 2023
- How do you qualify for Lifeline in California?
- How do I get Lifeline phone service in California?
- FAQ about the California lifeline cell phone providers
- What is CA Lifeline?
- Can one apply to more than one cell phone service provider?
- Is it possible to switch service providers?
- How do I renew my Lifeline in California?
- What carrier does lifeline use?
- Final Verdict
The 5 Best California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers 2023
The following 5 service providers provide more talk, text, and data than others. If you’re in a hurry, check out their services or read our verdict at the end.
1. SafetyNet Wireless
SafetyNet Wireless is our top pick for the most basic service and better features among lifeline cell phone providers. In California, all operators provide a free basic plan, but you may purchase an extra package from the provider. They have a premium plan available for only $1 per month, including more data and additional perks
Plan Details
- The CA Lifeline unlimited plan costs no money and comes with unlimited talk, text, and 3GB data every month.
- The CA Upgraded Device plan costs $1 per month with a $30 prepayment and offers unlimited talk, text, and 3.5GB data every month.
- SafetyNet Wireless offers affordable add-ons for more data that includes 1GB at $9.99 and 2GB at $18.99.
- For talk and text bundle add-ons, you can top-up $4 for 100 minutes or 300 texts, $8 for 250 minutes or 750 texts, $11 for 400 minutes or 1200 texts, and $19 for 1000 minutes or 3000 texts.
- No monthly bills, no contract, or no hidden fees are present so that households with a minimal income can stay connected to the emergency services.
2. Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is another popular option, and they are preferred for their service features, which include numerous essential and critical functions. You may utilize the minutes and data-enabled smartphones to obtain all sorts of emergency services.
Plan Details
- Safelink Wireless unlimited plan for California lifeline customers costs no money and comes with unlimited talk, text, and 3GB data every month.
- The features include 911 access, nationwide coverage, and 411 directory access without costing extra money.
- If you need more minutes and data limits, you can go to the official website and get top-ups as necessary.
- With the services, you will get voice call features, caller ID, and a 2-way call function for conferencing.
- No monthly bills, no contract, or no hidden fees are present so that households with a minimal income can stay connected to the emergency services.
3. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a fantastic lifeline wireless carrier. You will be able to acquire the required data plan and enough monthly limit to get by throughout the month. Now that we’ve covered all of Assurance Wireless’ plan features, it’s time to decide if they’re worth it or not.
Plan Details
- For the lifeline customers in California, Assurance Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and 3GB data every month.
- With the services, you will get voice call features, caller ID, and a 2-way call function for conferencing.
- Assurance Wireless offers affordable add-ons for more data that includes 500MB at $5 and 1GB at $10.
- The features include 911 access, nationwide coverage, and 411 directory access without costing extra money.
- No monthly bills, no contract, or no hidden fees are present so that households with a very limited income can stay connected to the emergency services.
4. Access Wireless
Access Wireless has got great coverage in the state of California along with most parts of the country. You can get enough data and minutes to pass the month with add-on options that are affordable and helpful for more data from this lifeline phone provider.
Plan Details
- Access Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and 3GB data for the lifeline customers in California.
- With the services, you will get voice call features, caller ID, and a 2-way call function for conferencing.
- Access Wireless offers affordable add-ons for more data that includes 500MB at $5 and 1GB at $10.
- The features include 911 access, nationwide coverage, and 411 directory access without costing extra money.
- No monthly bills, no contract, or no hidden fees are present so that households with a minimal income can stay connected to the emergency services.
5. enTouch Wireless
The last one on the list is enTouch Wireless, which has complete network coverage and exemplary service loved by thousands of lifeline customers. You won’t get charged with any hidden fee or other unnecessary bills making it convenient for low-income families. Here you will find the list that is a summary of those providers.
Plan Details
- For the lifeline customers in California, enTouch Wireless offers unlimited talk, text, and 3GB data every month.
- They also offer paid plans that cost $10 for unlimited talk, text, and 500MB 4G data along with other expensive ones.
- With the services, you will get voice call features, caller ID, and a 2-way call function for conferencing.
- The features include 911 access, nationwide coverage, and 411 directory access without costing extra money.
- No monthly bills, no contract, or no hidden fees are present so that households with a very limited income can stay connected to the emergency services.
How do you qualify for Lifeline in California?
If you are eligible for the Lifeline program, you may qualify for a free phone and low-cost monthly plans. The first option requires you to participate in specific government assistance programs, while the second only requires your monthly income.
Step 1: Qualification Criteria
State governments run different assistance programs for struggling families to get the emergency supply no matter what. If you or any member of your family is participating in one of the following programs, you will be qualified to apply for the lifeline program.
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Healthy Families Category A
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (Stan Works)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)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
- Veterans & Survivor Benefits
Step 2: Qualification Criteria
The governments of different states have set income limits for households, and you can qualify if your income is below that limit.
- For a household with 2 people, the maximum income should be $17,240 for the free phone services. If the household has more members, the limit will increase by $4,480 per person.
Now, let’s see how you can apply and get the lifeline phone service from one of the best California lifeline cell phone providers in California. If you want to get Verizon wireless free government phone, or AT&T wireless free government phone, the conditions for qualification will be the same.
How do I get Lifeline phone service in California?
In three easy steps, you can successfully apply and get the best free government cell phone.
- Get to know whether you qualify for the program or not, and you can check the section above for the qualification criteria.
- If you are confirmed that you qualify for the program, you can call the chosen operator and apply it with the necessary documents.
- Wait for a few business days so that they can process the docs and approve your application. After getting approved, your free phone will be shipped, and you will be using the free minute, text, and data in no time.
FAQ about the California lifeline cell phone providers
We know that many of you have a lot of questions regarding the lifeline program, and California residents get some extra benefits. Now, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions on the topic below.
What is CA Lifeline?
It is the state government lifeline program of California to provide people eligible for the service with free phone and monthly plans.
Can one apply to more than one cell phone service provider?
According to government policy, it is prohibited to apply and get more than one phone under the lifeline program in a household. So, research properly, get help from this article and choose the best California lifeline cell phone provider for you.
Is it possible to switch service providers?
It is your right to choose any service provider, and the law allows you to switch service providers clearing all the due bills. If you are not satisfied with your existing operator and came to know about another good one from our article, you can apply for switching.
How do I renew my Lifeline in California?
The process of renewing your lifeline service in California is straightforward and involves calling the California Lifeline Administrator using your lifeline phone number.
What carrier does lifeline use?
Different operators serving lifeline customers use different carriers; for example, Access Wireless and Assurance Wireless use the Sprint network. True Wireless uses the network of T-Mobile while Safelink wireless uses the network of all four carriers, etc.
Final Verdict
As you now know about the plans offered by the different operators, you can decide which one to choose with the best available plan. But those who don’t have much time to compare and check other facts can go with our recommendations.
Considering overall performance, add-on pricing, and Plan Details, we think SafetyNet Wireless is the best operator in California for lifeline customers. If you qualify for this government program, you should not delay and apply for the free phone right now.
