California LifeLine is a state program that lowers the cost of a phone line, home or cell, for income-qualified households, often down to little or nothing. It’s run by the state on top of the federal Lifeline program, and as of 2026 you apply for the two separately. If you’re already on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI, you qualify without proving your income. This covers who’s eligible in 2026, what the discount is worth, the rule change that took effect this February, and how to apply.
The short version
California LifeLine discounts a home phone or cell phone (you pick one, not both) for households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, or anyone on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or CalWORKs. Many qualifying plans end up free or close to it.
New for 2026: since February 1, 2026, California LifeLine and the federal Lifeline are separate applications, you enroll in each one on its own.
Apply at CaliforniaLifeLine.com.
Do you qualify? A 30-second check
- Is anyone in your home on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or CalWORKs? If yes, you qualify, no income proof needed.
- Or is your household income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level? (the table below)
- Is this the only Lifeline benefit in your household? The discount is one per household.
2026 income limits (150% FPG)
If you’re not on a qualifying program, you can still qualify by income. These limits are effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027:
| Household size | Annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,600 |
| 2 | $33,300 |
| 3 | $42,100 |
| 4 | $50,800 |
| Each additional | +$8,700 |
What you get
California LifeLine reduces the monthly cost of one phone line, a cell phone or a home phone, your choice. The state subsidy stacks on top of the federal Lifeline discount, up to $9.25/month for broadband or bundled service, $5.25 for voice-only. With both, many plans come out free or nearly free, plus a set amount of talk, text, and data. Households on Tribal lands can get a larger discount.
Exact plans and prices vary by provider, so compare the California LifeLine carriers to find the plan that fits.
The easy path if you’re already on benefits
If your household has Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or CalWORKs, you qualify for California LifeLine automatically, no income documents. You still complete the LifeLine application and pick a provider, but the eligibility step is already met. See the CalFresh and Medi-Cal guides, and how programs connect in our California benefits guide.
How to apply
- Apply at CaliforniaLifeLine.com, or request a paper application by phone.
- Pick a participating provider and plan (home phone or cell phone, one per household).
- Confirm your eligibility, by naming your qualifying program or showing income. You’ll provide basic identity details and the last four digits of your SSN.
- Enroll in the federal Lifeline too, separately, since 2026 split the two. Your provider can point you to the federal application.
Quick answers
Can I get the discount on both my home phone and cell phone?
No. California LifeLine is one discount per household; you choose home phone or cell phone.
I’m on CalFresh, do I still have to prove income?
No. Being on CalFresh (or Medi-Cal, SSI, CalWORKs) qualifies you without income documents. You just complete the LifeLine application.
Is California LifeLine the same as the free government phone?
It’s the California version, stacked with the federal Lifeline. Together they make many plans free or very low cost, depending on the provider.
What changed in 2026?
As of February 1, 2026, California LifeLine and federal Lifeline are separate enrollments. Make sure you’ve applied to both.
Bottom line
California LifeLine can take a phone or internet line down to little or nothing for income-qualified households, and if you already have Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or CalWORKs, you’re in without proving income. Just remember the 2026 change: California LifeLine and federal Lifeline are now separate sign-ups.
Apply at CaliforniaLifeLine.com, pick your provider, and enroll in both programs to get the full discount on the one line your household uses most.