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What Is Lifeline Service?

Lifeline is an assistance program providing government cell phone service for free to eligible customers in low-income households. This program helps ease the burden of monthly phone bills for qualified individuals and their families by covering the cost of monthly data, texting, and monthly minutes.

Already participating in government assistance programs? You’re at an advantage! If you receive assistance from Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP/CalFresh, or other government assistance programs, or are considered low income, you may be approved for FREE lifeline phone service.

Am I Eligible For Lifeline Government Phone Service?

Qualifying individuals or families simply need to submit eligibility documents and answer a series of questions. In order to receive a mobile device, your household needs to meet the income and program qualification guidelines. Learn more about how to get free government phone service below.

To fully understand the Lifeline program, the following outlines specific participation rules and account procedures for eligible customers. Get complete insight into how to request and gain access to Lifeline government phone service through reputable providers like enTouch. Learn more about how to get free government phone service below.

Qualify by Government Program Use:

  • Medicaid / Medi-Cal
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) / CalFresh
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
  • Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)

Qualify by Income:

Persons in HouseholdMost StatesCA
1 member$19,683$32,500
2 members$26,622$32,500
3 members$33,561$37,700
4 members$40,500$45,900
Each Additional Member$6,939$8,200

What Do I Need To Apply For Lifeline?

So, what is the Lifeline phone service application process? Here’s what you’ll need to participate. Make your enrollment process easier by providing one item from each section below to apply.

Proof of Identification Options

  1. U.S. Driver License
  2. Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  3. Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  4. U.S. Passport/U.S. Territory Passport
  5. Foreign Passport
  6. U.S. Government, Military, State or Tribal Issued-ID
    • Includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  7. U.S. Military ID Cards
    • Active or reserve duty, dependent of a military member, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel
  8. Common Access Card
    • Only if designated as Active Military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve
  9. Military Discharge Documentation
    • Includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  10. Northern Mariana Card
  11. Permanent Resident Card
  12. Permanent Resident Alien Card
  13. Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit
  14. Temporary Resident Identification Card
  15. Employment Authorization Card
  16. Mexican Consular Card (Matricula Consular)
    • 2006, 2014, 2015 and later versions

Proof of Government Program Participation

  1. Statement of Benefits
    • Current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal Program.
  2. Notice of Participation
    • Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal Program.
  3. Program Participation Documents
    • Other documents showing participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal Program.
  4. Official Document
    • Another official document evidencing the consumer’s participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal Program.
  5. Unemployment Documentation
    • Notice of unemployment benefit payment or notice of successfully submitted application for unemployment benefits.
  6. Income Tax Return
    • Copy of last year’s State or Federal income tax return.
  7. Pay Stubs
    • 3 consecutive months’ worth of your most current pay stubs.
  8. Benefits Statements
    • Social Security benefits statement.
    • Veterans Administration benefits statement.
    • Retirement/Pension benefits statement.
    • Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation benefits statement.
  9. Legal Documents
    • Divorce decree or child support document.

Acceptable Proof of Address:

  1. Driver’s License, Government, State, or Tribal Issued ID
    • Must be unexpired.
  2. Current Income Statement, Paycheck Stub, or W2
  3. Statement of Benefits from a Qualifying Program
    • Must contain name and address.
  4. Current Mortgage or Lease Statement
  5. Utility Bill