In today’s world, low-income Americans have a number of federal assistance programs available to them that serve as important financial resources for saving money on food, healthcare, housing, and more. Two of these programs, Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can help low-income households get FREE government phone service every month.
Some government assistance programs you may already be familiar with include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicaid. These essential programs play a vital role in our economy by allowing individuals to afford basic necessities and helping them in the struggle against poverty.
On this list are two very important programs that enable low-income households to stay connected with the world around them: the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Lifeline Program.
Knowing how to qualify for these two programs and utilize them effectively can help low-income American households maintain financial stability and get FREE UNLIMITED phone service through a leading Lifeline and ACP provider.
The ACP and Lifeline programs both have specific guidelines and requirements that can vary by state. In California, for example, the eligibility criteria include a few unique state-specific programs and application procedures.
Let’s review both programs and explain how you can qualify for them.
First, Let’s Learn More About ACP Benefits in California
The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, is a federally funded program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that grants a discount on monthly broadband and internet services for qualifying low-income American households.
ACP-approved customers in California can also receive FREE government phone service with UNLIMITED Data, Talk and Text on one of America’s largest 4G LTE/5G networks with Q Link Wireless.
In 2021, the ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program), which was initially introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and proved to be essential in the daily lives of millions of low-income Americans who needed affordable access to communication services.
ACP Benefits Include:
- A service discount of up to $30 per month
- A service discount of up to $75 per month for qualifying households on Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 on a qualifying internet device
Who is Eligible for ACP Benefits in California?
There are several ways low-income Americans in California can qualify for the ACP to get FREE cell phone service:
- Based on household income
- Participation in certain government programs (i.e., SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, and others)
- Participation in the Lifeline Benefit Program
Qualifying for the ACP Based on Household Income
If your household income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines1, you are eligible for ACP benefits. The table below shows the income limits by household size, as per the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Keep in mind these amounts change annually and are updated at the end of January.
| Household Size | 48 Connecting States, D.C., and Territories |
| 1 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $101,120 |
| If more than 8, add this amount for each extra person: | $10,280 |
What is a Household?
A household is defined as any group of individuals who live together and share money regardless of family relations. Each household is allowed only one monthly service discount and one internet-connected device discount.
Qualifying for the ACP Based on Participation in Other Government Programs
Another way Californians can qualify for ACP benefits is by participating in any of the following government assistance programs:
- Medi-Cal
- CalFresh or SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, or School Breakfast Program, including U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Federal Pell Grant recipients (for the current award year)
- Tribal Specific Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
Qualifying for the ACP Through Lifeline Program Participation
Enrollment in the Lifeline Program is yet another way Californians can be eligible for the ACP. Here’s where it gets tricky. In California, there are two main Lifeline service discounts offered: the California LifeLine Program (California LifeLine) and the federal Lifeline Program.
About the California LifeLine Program (Only in California)
As the name implies, the California LifeLine Program is a state-run program that provides discounts on phone services to eligible households in California to help lower their monthly bill.
Each household can only have one discount and must apply it to either a home phone or a cell phone, but not both. Teletypewriter users and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participant are exempt from this rule.
What Discounts Does the California LifeLine Program Offer?
California LifeLine participants can receive the following discounts on phone services:
- A monthly flat rate service discount of up to $17.90*
- A monthly cell phone service discount of up to $17.90**
- A discount of up to $39 for service connection
- A discount of up to $39 for service conversion (home phone services)
- An exemption from paying the public purpose program surcharges, CPUC’s user fee, federal excise tax, local franchise taxes, and State 911 tax associated with your phone service
- Discounts on two telephone lines if you use a teletypewriter (TTY) or are part of the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. If you use a TTY, you must have immediate and continuous access to it. If the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program did not give you other proof, provide a copy of a medical certificate indicating your need for a TTY is required to receive the discount on the second home phone line.
*Does not account for Extended Area Service rates, which provide a higher level of support.
**For cell phone plans with at least 1,000 voice minutes, which may include domestic messaging or text, the monthly discount is up to $17.90.
Two Ways to Qualify for the California LifeLine Program
You may be eligible to receive benefits from the California LifeLine Program based on household income or if you participate in certain government assistance programs.
Qualifying for California LifeLine Discounts Based on Government Program Participation
If you currently participate in any of the following public assistance programs, you are also eligible for the California LifeLine Program.
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- 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 (StanWORKs)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Tribal Assistance Programs
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
Qualifying for California LifeLine Discounts Based on Household Income
If your total annual gross income is at or below specific annual income limits2, you may qualify for the California LifeLine program.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limits |
| 1-2 | $32,500 |
| 3 | $37,700 |
| 4 | $45,900 |
| Each Additional Member | $8,200 |
How to Apply for California LifeLine Benefits
You can begin the application process for California LifeLine by contacting your phone service provider and informing them that you qualify for the program. They will then send you a form by mail which must be returned to the California LifeLine Administrator along with any required documents.
You can also apply online with a leading Lifeline and ACP provider such as Q Link Wireless.
About the Federal Lifeline Program Benefits
The Federal Lifeline Program was established in 1984 by the FCC to help low-income Americans afford basic communications services. There are two ways to qualify for the federal Lifeline Program: Based on household income, or active participation in other government programs. Lifeline grants eligible consumers the following discounts on phone and internet services:
- Up to a $9.25 monthly discount for eligible low-income subscribers.
- Up to $34.25 monthly discount for eligible low-income households on Tribal lands.
How to Qualify For the Federal Lifeline Program in California
You may qualify for federal Lifeline benefits if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines3 or if you participate in certain government programs.
2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories |
| 1 | $19,683 |
| 2 | $26,622 |
| 3 | $33,561 |
| 4 | $40,500 |
| 5 | $47,439 |
| 6 | $54,378 |
| 7 | $61,317 |
| 8 | $68,256 |
| For each additional person, add: | $6,939 |
Determining Lifeline Eligibility Based on Gov. Program Participation
If you or someone in your household already receive government assistance from one of the following programs, your household may qualify for Lifeline.
Qualifying Government Programs
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
- Tribal Specific Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (only households that meet the income qualifying standard)
If you receive Lifeline Tribal Benefits4, you may also be eligible for further assistance through the Enhanced Tribal Benefit5 and Link-Up programs.
Get Free Phone Service in California with Your Lifeline & ACP Benefits
Think you qualify for the ACP and/or Lifeline? Sign up with Q Link Wireless, America’s #1 online Lifeline and ACP provider, to make the most of your government benefits.
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Regardless of your eligibility for the ACP and Lifeline Program, don’t forget to share what you’ve learned and tell your friends and family so that they can apply and start saving too!
Visit Q Link Wireless to learn more!
References:
- 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the ACP: https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/application-and-eligibility-resources/how-to-prove-income/
- California LifeLine Household Income Qualification: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline/california-lifeline-eligibility#qualify
- 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/
- Lifeline Tribal Benefit: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/tribal-benefit/
- Enhanced Tribal Benefit: https://www.usac.org/lifeline/enhanced-tribal-benefit/
