Free or Low-Cost Wireless Service for Those Who Qualify
Phone Link Wireless is a Lifeline-supported wireless service provider. If you or someone in your household participates in a qualifying government assistance program or meets income guidelines, you may be eligible for free or discounted monthly wireless service.
Lifeline is a federal benefit. The program is limited to one benefit per household, and eligible consumers must provide documentation to qualify.
Free Phone Through the Lifeline Program for Eligible Households
Access to reliable communication should never be out of reach due to financial hardship. Phone Link Wireless helps income-eligible California households stay connected with a free phone through the Lifeline program and affordable monthly service, made possible by this federal assistance program.
Free Phone Through Lifeline: Qualifying households may receive a smartphone at no cost—whether you choose a free iPhone through Lifeline, a free 5G phone with modern connectivity, or a compact device perfect for everyday calls and texts. Your device ships free when you enroll and qualify.
Zero Hidden Costs: No activation fees, no monthly equipment charges, no contracts. Your Lifeline service is month-to-month. If your device is lost or damaged, replacement options are available.
California Connectivity: Browse the web, video call family, search for jobs, access healthcare portals, and stay in touch with emergency services—all on 4G LTE or 5G networks.
Simple Process: Check your eligibility based on household income or participation in assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid. Apply online, get verified, and activate your Lifeline phone service—typically in days, not weeks.
Lifeline is a federal assistance program, not a device or service provided directly by the government. Eligibility requirements apply, and availability depends on qualification and current program rules. Lifeline benefits are provided through participating telecommunications providers such as Phone Link Wireless.
Why California Households Choose Phone Link Wireless
A California Lifeline provider built around transparency, simple enrollment, and reliable coverage.
California Lifeline Service
Stay connected throughout California with access to a 4G LTE and 5G wireless network. Coverage and signal strength can vary by location.
No Annual Contracts
Lifeline benefits are month-to-month. There is no long-term contract required to keep your qualifying service active.
Free iPhone & Android Phones
Qualifying customers may be eligible for a free iPhone or free 5G phone as part of enrollment, including models like the iPhone 7, iPhone 8, and BLU C5L Max. See all available phones.
How to Get Connected
Four simple steps from checking eligibility to making your first call.
Check Eligibility
Answer a few quick questions to see if you may qualify for the Lifeline program.
Apply Online
Complete our application and provide documentation of your program participation or income.
Get Verified
Your eligibility is confirmed through the National Verifier, the FCC's centralized system.
Start Using Service
Once approved, activate your SIM or device and start using your monthly wireless service.
What Is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a federal benefit program overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. It was created to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone and broadband services bring, including the ability to connect to jobs, family, and emergency services.
Consumers may qualify for Lifeline through either an income-based test or by participating in certain qualifying assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and eligibility must be verified.
Learn About LifelineQuick Eligibility Snapshot
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
- Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans or Survivors Pension, or certain Tribal programs
- One benefit per household
- Verified through the National Verifier
How we make money — honestly. Phone Link Wireless is a Lifeline service provider, but we also publish an independent comparison of other Lifeline providers and sell unlocked phones. We may earn a commission if you sign up with another provider through a link on this site. That doesn't change our own plans, pricing, or how we describe other providers. Read the full disclosure.
Not Ready to Switch? Compare Your Options
Lifeline is a federal benefit, not one company. Here's how Phone Link Wireless stacks up against a few other providers households ask us about most.
Assurance Wireless
Rating: 2.1 / 5. Unlimited talk & text plus a monthly data allowance.
SafeLink Wireless
Rating: 2.0 / 5. Unlimited talk & text plus a monthly data allowance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the questions we hear most from customers and people exploring Lifeline.
Who is eligible for Lifeline service?
Households with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or that participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans or Survivors Pension, or certain Tribal assistance programs, may qualify for Lifeline. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. Check your eligibility.
How much does Lifeline service cost?
Lifeline discounts reduce the monthly cost of qualifying service. Exact plan pricing depends on your provider, state, and eligibility status. See our Plans page for current options.
Do I get a free phone with Lifeline?
Yes. Qualifying customers may receive a free smartphone as part of enrollment, subject to availability. We offer several devices at no cost, ranging from basic phones to modern 5G smartphones. View available phones.
Can I keep my current phone number?
In most cases, yes. You can typically transfer (port) your existing number from another carrier during enrollment.
How long does approval take?
Approval times vary depending on how quickly your documentation can be verified through the National Verifier or your state Lifeline database. In many cases, you can be approved within days of applying.
Can I bring my own device instead of getting a free phone?
Yes. If you have a compatible unlocked GSM phone, you can activate it on our network with a compatible SIM card instead of receiving a new device. See our Phones page for compatibility details.
Is there a catch or hidden fees?
No. Lifeline service for eligible customers does not carry hidden monthly fees. There are no contracts, no activation fees, and no equipment charges. Your service is month-to-month and can be cancelled anytime.
What if I need help with my service?
We have a support team ready to help with any questions or issues. Visit our Support page for phone numbers, email, and other contact options.
Want a Better Phone?
If the free device that ships with your Lifeline plan isn't enough, our shop carries affordable unlocked GSM smartphones — compatible with most T-Mobile-network Lifeline providers.
Shop PhonesRules Vary by State
Lifeline funding and provider availability can differ depending on where you live. Find what applies to you.
Find by StateGet Monthly Lifeline Updates
Provider changes, renewal reminders, and benefits you might be missing — straight to your inbox.
Ready to See If You Qualify?
Our free eligibility check takes just a couple of minutes and helps you understand your options before you apply.
Check Eligibility