The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended. We are no longer able to enroll new customers in plans using an ACP benefit. You might be eligible for a free plan using Lifeline. Tell Congress to fund the ACP now.
Free Government Phone Programs from Lifeline and ACP in California
You may qualify for free wireless phone service, internet service, and a free phone or internet-capbable device through the California LifeLine or the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Read on to learn how you can qualify.
What is the California LifeLine Program?
California's LifeLine program provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to eligible households. Your household may qualify for California LifeLine by income or program participation.
Customers can benefit from one discount per household (except for teletypewriter users and for Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants).
Click the link to learn more about the California LifeLine program's details and benefits.
Qualify for LifeLine by Program
The following programs qualify you for California LifeLine:
-
Medicaid and Medi-Cal
-
LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
-
SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
-
Section 8 or Federal Public Housing Assistance
-
SNAP or CalFresh
-
WIC
-
National School Lunch Program (NSL)
-
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) including CalWORKs, StanWORKS, WTW, and GAIN
-
Tribal TANF
-
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
-
Head Start (Tribal only)
-
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
-
Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits.
Qualify for LifeLine by Income
Your household may also qualify for California LifeLine if your annual income meets the following criteria:
|
Household Size |
Annual Income Limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $23,400 |
| 2 | $31,700 |
| 3 | $40,000 |
| 4 | $48,400 |
| For each additional person add: | $8,400 |
What is the ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program)?
The ACP is a federal program designed to reduce or eliminate the costs of monthly broadband services. This program also offers a one-time credit toward the purchase of a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
Your eligible household will receive a monthly discount of up to $30 toward your monthly broadband service. The discount is up to $75 if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands.
The ACP offers a one-time benefit of up to $100 toward a phone or internet-capable devices like tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. You will be required to pay at least $10.01 towards the device, but not more than $50.
How to Qualify for ACP
Your household is eligible for the ACP if your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of your household participates in one of the following:
-
Assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, WIC, LifeLine, or SSI.
-
Tribal assistance programs like the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal TANF.
-
The National School Lunch Program, or the School Breakfast Program, which includes USDA Community Eligibility Provision programs.
-
The Federal Pell Grant program.
Get Connected with TruConnect in California
TruConnect has a special LifeLine plan for its California customers. If you participate in LifeLine, you qualify for a FREE ACP plan that includes at least 8 GB of 4G/LTE data, with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Our LifeLine plan includes a new, FREE Android Smartphone (subject to availability)!