Frequently Asked Questions

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. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. Check your eligibility.

No. The ACP was a separate federal broadband benefit that ended in 2024 and is no longer active. Lifeline is a distinct, ongoing federal program administered by the FCC. Learn more on our Lifeline Program page.

You’ll typically need proof of program participation or income, a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security or Tribal ID number, and proof of address. Eligibility must be verified under the applicable California LifeLine rules.

Approval times vary depending on how quickly your documentation can be verified through the National Verifier or the California LifeLine database.

No. California LifeLine generally allows only one discounted service per household. A household cannot receive the California LifeLine benefit from multiple service providers at the same time. Exceptions may apply under specific program rules.

Qualifying California customers may receive Lifeline-supported wireless service at no monthly charge when approved and enrolled in the applicable Phone Link Wireless Lifeline offer. The $0 price applies only to qualifying customers receiving the applicable Lifeline benefit — it is not free for customers who do not qualify. See our Plans page for full details.

The plan includes 12GB of high-speed data per month. After that allowance is reached, service may continue at reduced speeds or be subject to the applicable plan’s network-management terms.

In most cases, yes. You can typically transfer (port) your existing number from another carrier during enrollment.

Yes, if your device is unlocked and compatible with GSM/LTE networks. See our Phones page for compatibility details.

Phone Link Wireless currently offers free phones through Lifeline enrollment — we do not currently offer tablets, iPads, or laptops. Some other Lifeline providers may offer a tablet as part of their device lineup; see our independent Compare Providers page to check what other participating providers currently offer.

You’ll receive a notice when it’s time to recertify. This typically involves confirming your continued eligibility through the National Verifier or by submitting updated documentation.

Lifeline benefits are tied to your state of residence and provider availability. Contact support if you move so we can help you understand your options.

It depends on your network coverage area, plan needs, and device. See our independent Compare Providers page for a side-by-side look, including our own plans.

Yes. You can generally switch Lifeline providers at any time, and in most cases keep your existing phone number. See our How It Works page for the switching process.

No. The standard qualifying Lifeline offer is $0 monthly, subject to applicable eligibility and program requirements. Optional paid services or add-ons may have separate charges.

If your previous Lifeline provider has stopped operating, you can typically switch to another participating provider, including Phone Link Wireless, without losing your Lifeline eligibility.