The US federal government operates Assurance Wireless, a Lifeline Assistance program. Customers that are eligible for the Assurance Wireless program are given a free phone, free monthly minutes, unlimited texting, and free monthly data. Assurance Wireless provides the program in a number of steps, such as Illinois, California Lifeline on Assurance Wireless, and many more.
Not citizens, but various wireless network providers—in our case, Assurance wireless—offer the Lifeline service. A state program called California LifeLine provides reduced home phone and cell phone service to eligible households. Customers can use Assurance Wireless’ California LifeLine discounts to reduce their phone expenses. There is a cap of one discount per household, though, and each household can only choose to receive the discount on one of their cell phones or landlines—not both.
Residents in California may meet certain requirements in order to be eligible for the Assurance Wireless lifeline program. As a result, this article outlines the requirements needed to be eligible for the program. Information on Assurance Wireless, including its services, is also provided in the article.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline Program
Assurance Wireless is a US-based telecom service provider that is owned by T-Mobile. Assurance Wireless is well-known for its statewide 5G network coverage, free monthly data, unlimited text messaging, and free minutes per month. One of the biggest network providers in the US is T-Mobile. Through the ACP or lifeline program, the carrier is one of the most well-known suppliers of free government smartphones.
The business, which provides free cell phones under federal Lifeline Assistance programs, is among the fastest-growing enterprises. What is the Lifeline program, then? In the US, it is a federal program that provides free government cell phones to low-income households. After then, the program was changed to offer low-cost monthly plans for the elderly and those with disabilities, as well as free home mobile phones.
Tribal subscribers receive a monthly service discount of $34.25 and qualifying low-income clients receive a monthly service discount of $9.25 under the Lifeline program. Consumers can receive a Lifeline discount on either cellular or landline service, but not both at once. The program also supports broadband-voice bundles and broadband Internet service.
READ MORE: How to Apply Assurance Wireless Government Phone
Apply for Assurance Wireless California Lifeline
Call Assurance Wireless at 1-888-321-5880 to apply for California LifeLine. Tell the customer support agents that you are eligible for the program due to your income or program eligibility. They will start the application process on your behalf.
An application form with a Personal Identification Number (PIN) or Enrollment Code will be sent to you in a pink envelope within a week. You must complete the form, sign it, and send it to the California LifeLine Administrator by the deadline along with any other paperwork in order to receive California LifeLine benefits. You can apply online as well.
Note that you must sign your application if you are sending it. If you do not apply online or return the filled-out and signed application form by the deadline, you will not be able to receive the discount. If you signed up for home phone service, you would still be paying the regular rates. We advise you to find other means to make and receive calls if you have a pre-paid cell phone.
Qualification for California Lifeline on Assurance Wireless
California LifeLine provides free Assurance wifi tablets and discounted cell and home phone services to eligible households. With the exception of teletypewriter users and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants, each home is allowed to have a single subsidized California LifeLine phone.
The California LifeLine savings are only available at the person’s home residence. Only one primary house is permitted per individual.
There are two ways to apply for the program. You may be eligible for California LifeLine on an income-based or program-based basis. Verification of eligibility is required. Provide copies of your proof of eligibility together with your filled-out and signed application. Make sure your signature is really clear and readable.
1. Program-Based Qualification Method
You may qualify for the California LifeLine program if you or a family member is currently enrolled in one or more eligible government assistance programs. Among these programs are
- 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)
2. Income-Based Qualification Method
You might qualify for California LifeLine under the Income-Based program if your annual household income is at or below the income limits set by California LifeLine.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limits |
| 1 | $24,200 |
| 2 | $32,600 |
| 3 | $41,100 |
| 4 | $49,600 |
| Each Additional Member | $8,500 |
| Effective June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026 | |
Wages, salaries, interest, dividends, alimony and child support, grants, gifts, stipends, inheritances, worker’s compensation, social security, pensions, rental income, income from self-employment, and all other non-cash income tied to employment are all considered household income.
FAQs About Assurance Wireless California Lifeline
What is the Assurance Wireless California Lifeline program?
The Assurance Wireless California Lifeline program is a government-supported service that provides free or discounted phone service to qualifying low-income residents in California. It includes a free smartphone, unlimited talk and text, and monthly data.
Who is eligible for Assurance Wireless Lifeline in California?
You may qualify if you participate in programs like SNAP (CalFresh), SSI, Medi-Cal, or if your household income meets California’s Lifeline income requirements.
What benefits do I get with Assurance Wireless Lifeline?
Eligible customers receive a free smartphone, unlimited talk and text, and data each month. Additional affordable plans and upgrades may also be available.
How do I apply for Assurance Wireless California Lifeline?
You can apply online at the Assurance Wireless website, by mail, or with an authorized representative. You’ll need to provide proof of eligibility, such as income documents or participation in qualifying programs.
Can I keep my current phone number when switching to Assurance Wireless?
Yes. You can keep your existing number by requesting a number transfer during the application or activation process.
How long does it take to receive my free phone?
Once approved, your phone typically arrives within 7–10 business days, though delivery times may vary depending on your location.
Can I upgrade my Assurance Wireless Lifeline phone?
Yes, Assurance Wireless offers phone upgrade options at discounted prices for eligible customers who wish to upgrade their device.
Is Assurance Wireless Lifeline service available outside California?
Assurance Wireless operates in many states across the U.S., but specific Lifeline benefits and rules vary by state.
What happens if I no longer qualify for the program?
If you no longer meet the eligibility requirements, you must notify Assurance Wireless. You can choose to continue your service with a paid plan if you wish to stay connected.
How can I contact Assurance Wireless customer support?
You can reach Assurance Wireless customer service by calling 1-888-321-5880 or visiting www.assurancewireless.com.
Bottom Line
In order to give qualified low-income households the best and most economical phone services, Assurance Wireless is one of the network providers that takes part in the Lifeline program. It’s evident that California residents must meet certain requirements outlined in the article in order to be eligible for Lifeline benefits including free phones, free monthly internet, unlimited text messaging, and free minutes.