Launched in December 2021, the Affordable Connectivity Program was withdrawn within a few short years, creating a crisis in the area of internet and mobile phone connectivity for the majority of people. Nevertheless, the Lifeline Program can still provide free government phones, where eligible low-income consumers receive unique monthly rate discounts on communication services.
Learning the ways on how to qualify for a free government phone through Lifeline can assist families to ensure they have the communication they need at hand, even though no other broader subsidy programs are available at the moment.
What Really Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program
On June 1, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended, and it was a result of Congress’s failure to appropriate the necessary funds for the project. The program had connected over 23 million households to the internet by subsidizing the costs of utilities, routers, and devices. Now, lacking this program, many families have to seek other options that are… well, affordable.
Many families report bill increases after ACP’s end, making it difficult to maintain consistent internet access for educational needs. For households with school-aged children, this sudden cost increase has been particularly challenging.
Lifeline Program: Your Post-ACP Option
Lifeline, established in 1985, remains active and serves as the primary federal program for phone assistance. Unlike the defunct ACP, Lifeline has permanent funding through the Universal Service Fund. The program offers:
- $9.25 monthly discount on phone service
- Up to $34.25 monthly discount for those living on Tribal lands
- Free smartphones for qualifying participants
- Varying amounts of talk, text, and data depending on the provider
California Lifeline Program
The California Lifeline Program (California Lifeline) is a state program that gives vulnerable and low-income families the opportunity to utilize the offered service at a subsidized cost. The California Lifeline is an incredible support as it allows consumers to decrease a part of their monthly bills responsible for phone calls.
The government-financed phone program is available to individuals residing in the largest cities in California, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Sacramento. The inclusion of this communication device in the free government phone program simplifies the location of work, medical, and emergency services needed by the vulnerable individuals in the state of California.
Cliq Mobile, one of the Lifeline providers, is a reliable carrier providing coverage throughout the state. All you need is to be either in the Bay Area or Southern California, and you will have secure access to a free government phone. The Lifeline service proves to be especially beneficial for people with little income who reside in cities with large poverty populations, such as Oakland, San Jose, and Fresno. They are supplied with the necessary communication tools that people commonly use for job applications, online health consultations, tracking goods, family members, and many more, by simply staying connected all the time.
Types of Discount Available
Discounted phone services available through California Lifeline for its subscribers may encompass the following:
- Specific Support Amount – maximum $19.00
- Monthly flat rate service discount of up to $19.00
- Monthly cell phone service discount of up to $19.00
- Service connection discount of up to $39
- Service conversion discount for home phone services of up to $39
If you are a Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participant or if you use a teletypewriter (TTY), you can get discounts on two telephone lines. However, if you use a TTY, you must have immediate and continuous access to it. If you are not provided with other proof of the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program, you must give a medical certificate as proof of your need for a TTY to be eligible for the discount on the second home line. Furthermore, you don’t have to pay public purpose program surcharges, CPUC’s user fee, federal excise tax, local franchise taxes, and State 911 Tax associated with your phone service.
Who is Qualified to Get Free Government Phones?
If your income in a year is equal to or lower than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you might be qualified to apply for a free government phone. For example, in a family of four members, you should earn less than $42,120 yearly as of 2024 to be an eligible household.
Moreover, participation in certain government assistance programs, like the following, automatically qualifies you to apply:
- Medicaid
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Tribal-specific assistance programs
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Recent job loss or significant income reduction might also qualify you temporarily. Many don’t realize they meet eligibility requirements.
Available Phones and Services
Free government phones aren’t fancy flagship models, but they’re functional smartphones that meet basic needs. Common offerings include:
- Entry-level Android devices
- Refurbished iPhones (typically older models)
- Basic feature phones for those preferring simplicity
Providers typically include:
- 500-1000 monthly minutes
- Unlimited texting
- 4-10GB of data monthly
Service quality varies by provider and location. Rural users report spotty coverage with some carriers, while urban users generally get reliable service.
Cliq Mobile for California Lifeline specifically offers a wireless plan and an Android phone. With free monthly service, unlimited calls and texts, and high-speed data, enrolled members are generally satisfied after their easy application.
Ultimate Providers After ACP’s End
With ACP gone, these Lifeline providers continue offering free government phones:
- Cliq Mobile
- SafeLink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Access Wireless
Each provider has unique strengths and coverage maps. Research which companies serve your area before applying.
Limitations You Should Know
Understanding program restrictions helps set realistic expectations:
- One benefit per household rule is strictly enforced
- Recertification required annually
- Limited device selection – no premium phones
- Data caps are typically lower than commercial plans
- Coverage may vary by location
Despite these limitations, beneficiaries find tremendous value in the program. For many, it represents their only access to vital communication services.
Maximizing Your Benefits
Smart strategies can help stretch your free government phone benefits:
- Use WiFi whenever available to conserve data
- Download maps and content while on WiFi for offline use
- Install data-saving apps like Opera Mini or Datally
- Check with your provider about “zero-rated” services that don’t count against data caps
- Track your usage with provider apps to avoid surprises
Many users don’t realize their free government phones include hotspot capabilities, though often limited to 1-2GB per month. This hotspot feature can connect other devices during critical situations like job applications or virtual doctor appointments. Text-based communication apps like WhatsApp or Signal use significantly less data than voice calls – a smart hack when approaching data limits.
Battery life matters too. Free phones sometimes come with smaller batteries, so carrying a portable charger proves invaluable. Some libraries and community centers offer free device charging stations alongside WiFi access, essentially creating mini tech hubs for low-income users.
Customer service varies wildly between providers. Keep detailed notes of any service issues, as persistent problems may qualify you for a replacement device. Social media often yields faster responses than phone support – many Lifeline providers monitor Twitter and Facebook for customer complaints.
Some providers offer premium options with additional costs for those needing more data or features. These plans often still cost significantly less than mainstream carriers.
What’s Next for Phone Assistance Programs?
While ACP died, advocacy groups push for replacement programs. Several bills sit in Congress proposing new connectivity supports, though none have advanced significantly as of spring 2025.
State-level programs have emerged in California, New York, and Michigan, offering supplemental benefits to Lifeline participants. Check your state’s public utilities commission website for local options.
Industry experts predict potential program changes later this year. According to the Benton Foundation’s telecommunications policy outlook, despite ACP’s end, the digital divide remains a pressing national concern with bipartisan recognition of the need for connectivity solutions.
Taking Action Now
Don’t wait to check if you qualify for a free government phone. With ACP gone, Lifeline program slots fill quickly as former ACP recipients migrate over. The verification process takes minimal time but delivers significant value, considering this program is a lifeline for the majority of Americans who are in a financial crisis due to inflation and the increasing cost of living. It connects them with job opportunities, health resources, learning materials, and emergency services.
However, with Lifeline providers like Cliq Mobile, the application process is easy, and you won’t have to wait too long for approval. What’s more, eligible participants have stated that their phones are delivered in just a few days.
Free government phones are not considered luxury products, but they are a necessity for people to participate in the current society. Even if the ACP goes out of business, there still exists a way for the people in need to get help.
To get more details on how to get your free government phone, just head to the provider’s website, or for application queries, you can call the Universal Service Administrative Company.
References:
Universal Service Administrative Company. (2021). Affordable Connectivity Program. https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/
Universal Service Administrative Company. (2021). Affordable Connectivity Program- Enrollment and Claims Tracker. https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/acp-enrollment-and-claims-tracker/
Department of Health and Human Services. (2024). Poverty Guidelines. https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
National Council on Aging. (2024). Lifeline Program.
https://www.ncoa.org/article/what-is-the-lifeline-program/
Universal Service Administrative Company. (2025). Lifeline Application Qualifications. https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/
Universal Service Administrative Company. (2024). Lifeline Program Participation Analysis. https://www.usac.org/lifeline/resources/program-data/
Universal Service Administrative Company. (2024). Lifeline Application Processing Times. https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/
Federal Communications Commission. (2025). Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers. https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers
Cliq Mobile. (n.d.). Free Government Phone Service in California with Cliq Mobile.
https://www.gocliqmobile.com/states/california
California Public Utilities Commission. (n.d.). California LifeLine Program.
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/consumer-support/financial-assistance-savings-and-discounts/lifeline
