Purchasing nutritious food is crucial, but staying connected is also of great importance for many people. Luckily, you may be eligible for a CalFresh free phone through the Lifeline program if you are a CalFresh recipient.
This guide will cover how to apply for a free government phone California, the eligibility criteria, and the best free phones available. Keep reading to make the most of your benefits!
Is It Possible to Get a CalFresh Free Phone?
First, it is essential to understand the CalFresh program. CalFresh is California’s name for the federal food program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as Food Stamps.
It is a nutrition program for low-income California residents that helps you increase your food budget.
This program enables you to purchase nutritious foods from most stores, including grocery stores, food outlets, farmer’s markets, and certain restaurants.
So, can you get a free phone if you’re on SNAP? The answer is YES. If you participate in CalFresh (also known as SNAP), you will be eligible for free cell phone service through the Lifeline Program.
In case you didn’t know, this government program provides discounted internet and phone services.
However, if you apply for the program through a participating California Lifeline provider, you can get free devices along with monthly talk, text, and data at no cost.
Food Stamp recipients can apply for Lifeline since the program automatically recognizes SNAP as documentation of financial need.
>>> Also read: What Is CalFresh? How Does It Work In California?
Top Providers Offering CalFresh Free Phone
If you ask, “Who gives out the best free government phone?” you are not alone. This section will compile the top 5 best providers that offer a CalFresh free phone.
AirTalk Wireless
Although many major players in the industry provide free phones, AirTalk Wireless remains a reliable option as one of the top Lifeline service providers.
They have worked with the Lifeline programs for many years to provide free telecommunications services to millions of low-income households.
Some outstanding AirTalk Wireless features include:
- Free, high-quality smartphones: AirTalk Wireless offers from basic models to smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
- Reliable service: This provider operates on a reliable network and provides countrywide coverage. You may use your free phone practically anywhere in the country.
- Additional plans and discounts: AirTalk Wireless provides many phone plans, some free and others at a steep discount.
- Supportive customer service: They provide exceptional customer support to assist you with concerns.
- Quick and simple application: You may acquire a free phone and activate your Lifeline service quickly.
TruConnect
Through the Lifeline program, TruConnect offers eligible customers a CalFresh free phone. Their plan includes free data, calls, and texts, guaranteeing that customers can stay connected for essential communications.
Additionally, customers may enjoy free international calls to over 200 countries, 2 months of Amazon Prime in the US, and access to the top 4G and 5G networks.
Life Wireless
Life Wireless provides eligible customers with free mobile phones and services. Their Lifeline plan includes unlimited calls and texts, free high-speed data, and a monthly data cap.
With Life Wireless, low-income people can connect with family, job, and emergency services more efficiently. No credit checks, contracts, or hidden fees are required.
Assurance Wireless
Another provider that provides a free government phone California is Assurance Wireless. The service is powered by T-Mobile’s network, which covers 99% of Americans.
Assurance Wireless does not require contracts, credit checks, or activation fees, making it easier for low-income individuals to connect. You can also purchase more data and minutes.
Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile’s Lifeline program provides qualifying individuals with free phone service. Their plan offers a free phone, unlimited talk and text, and a certain amount of monthly data.
Notably, they provide device upgrades and prepaid plans for people who may not be eligible for Lifeline, starting as low as $10 per month.
>>> Read more: California Lifeline Providers: Which Carrier Is The Most Legit?
How to Get a Free Government Phone in California?
In this part, let’s discover how to apply for the Lifeline program and obtain a free government phone from AirTalk Wireless.
How to qualify for free cell phone service in California
Note that CalFresh recipients are automatically eligible for the Lifeline program. Thus, they can easily get a free phone by applying through AirTalk Wireless.
However, unless you are a CalFresh recipient, you must meet at least one of these requirements to be eligible for CalFresh free cellphones under the Lifeline program:
Income-based eligibility
You must submit proof proving that your family’s yearly income is less than the California annual household income limit.
- 1 person / $23,400
- 2 persons / $31,700
- 3 persons / $40,000
- 4 persons / $48,400
- For each additional person add: $8,400
Government assistance-based eligibility
In addition to CalFresh, you may still qualify if you participate in the public assistance programs listed below:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program)
- Public Housing Assistance
- NSL (National School Lunch Program)
- Veterans Entitlement Fund
- Tribal Community Benefits
- CalWORKs and StanWORKs (California and Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility Programs).
The question is: Does California give free phones to the homeless? Yes, homeless people who qualify for CalFresh may receive assistance through the Lifeline Program.
Step-by-step guide to get CalFresh free phone
How do I get a free phone with Food Stamps through the Lifeline program? Follow these simple steps:
- Step 1: Check Availability
Visit AirTalk Wireless and enter your ZIP code to see if the program is available in your area. If you live in California, use a ZIP code between 90001 and 96162. Click “Apply Now” to start.
- Step 2: Select a Service Plan
Choose from free cell phone service plans that include calling, texting, and mobile data.
- Step 3: Pick Your Free Phone
Browse available phones by price or brand, or search for a specific model.
- Step 4: Submit Application & Documents
Upload proof of eligibility, such as CalFresh participation or income verification documents.
- Step 5: Submit & Wait for Approval
Submit your application and wait for approval. Once approved, your free government phone California will arrive within 7-10 business days.
Best Free Government Phone California
Low-income people can access CalFresh free or discounted phone and wireless service thanks to service providers such as AirTalk Wireless. Check out several free phones below:
| Phone models | Retail price | AirTalk price |
| AirVoice C67 | $99 | Free |
| Motorola One 5G ACE | $199.99 | Free |
| Samsung Galaxy S9 | $149.99 | Free |
| Apple iPhone 7 | $99.99 | Free |
| TCL 20 XE | $119.99 | Free |
Additionally, AirTalk Wireless also sells the most recent models of smartphones from well-known brands such as Apple, Samsung, OnePlus, and more. Although they are not entirely free, they are nonetheless reasonably priced.
For example, you can acquire an Apple iPhone 13 for $454.99, significantly less than the regular price of $659.
Final Words
To sum up, if you get CalFresh benefits, you may be eligible for free phone service and even a free device. Indeed, it is a great way to stay connected without extra costs. Don’t pass up this chance to receive a CalFresh free phone with call, text, and data from AirTalk Wireless, a reputable Lifeline provider. Check your eligibility and apply today!
