In California, Life Wireless offers a free California LifeLine plan. It has unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of high-speed data, according to its California plan page. The plan comes with a free phone. The $39.99 fee to start service is waived for approved California LifeLine customers.
You qualify if you get a program such as CalFresh or Medi-Cal. You also qualify if your household income is under California’s limit. That is $24,600 a year for one person from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027. Since February 1, 2026, California LifeLine and federal Lifeline have separate sign-ups. So read the section on how to apply before you start. Our California LifeLine program guide covers the state rules for every company.
This page covers the Life Wireless California LifeLine plan, income limits and how the two programs fit together. It also covers fees, phone rules, renewal and who to call. For Life Wireless in other states, read our Life Wireless review. For the program behind every free government phone, see how to apply for Lifeline.
Life Wireless California plan
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Plan | Free, unlimited talk and text, 10 GB high-speed data |
| After 10 GB | Speeds drop to 256 kbps |
| Video | Streams at DVD quality (480p) |
| Phone | Free phone included |
| Activation charge | $39.99, waived for approved California LifeLine participants ($39 in the California terms) |
| Returns | Devices can be returned within 3 days of activation with no restocking fee |
| Defective phone | Replaced with a new or refurbished phone free of charge |
A 2024 Life Wireless blog post advertised 150 GB with a 50 GB hotspot cap for California. The current California plan page lists 10 GB. So go by the plan page and check when you sign up.
The California plan page also has the same line as other states about a $50 fee for a physical SIM or eSIM. It is a one-time fee, and you do not get it back. But Life Wireless’s California terms say it gives a free phone to each California LifeLine member who wants one. So ask customer care whether the SIM fee applies to you before you pay anything.
How California LifeLine and federal Lifeline fit together
California runs its own program, California LifeLine, on top of federal Lifeline. Some people search for a free cell phone in California, or the “Obama phone” in California. They usually mean one or both.
| California LifeLine | Federal Lifeline | |
|---|---|---|
| Run by | California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) | FCC, through USAC |
| Monthly wireless discount | Up to $19 | Up to $9.25 |
| Where to apply | californialifeline.com, or through a provider such as Life Wireless | The National Verifier (getinternet.gov), or through a provider |
| Income limit, 1 person | $24,600 (June 2026 to May 2027) | $21,546 (2026) |
The CPUC says a household that qualifies can get both, for a total of up to $28.25 a month. As of February 1, 2026, new customers have to sign up twice, once for each program. The CPUC says current customers keep their benefits until their renewal dates.
The separate sign-ups caused confusion. On September 17, 2026, the CPUC approved rules that let companies offer one combined application. Customers must clearly agree to sign up for both. They must also get a clear explanation of how the programs and data sharing work. The CPUC also made disaster protections permanent. In declared disaster areas, customers cannot lose service for not using it. Renewal can be waived, and activation and connection fees are waived. Ask Life Wireless whether its combined application is live yet.
California LifeLine income limits (June 2026 to May 2027)
The CPUC updates its limits each June. Here are the current limits next to last year’s. Life Wireless’s California FAQ still listed the June 2025 to May 2026 figures when we checked in September 2026. So go by the CPUC numbers.
| People in household | June 2025 to May 2026 | June 2026 to May 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $24,200 | $24,600 |
| 2 | $32,600 | $33,300 |
| 3 | $41,100 | $42,100 |
| 4 | $49,600 | $50,800 |
| Each extra person | add $8,500 | add $8,700 |
California’s state limits are higher than federal Lifeline’s 135% limit. You can find that limit in our Lifeline eligibility guide.
Here is an example. A single adult earning $23,000 a year is under the California limit of $24,600. So they can qualify for California LifeLine by income. The 2026 federal limit for one person is $21,546. So the same person does not qualify for the federal $9.25 on income alone. If someone in the home gets CalFresh or Medi-Cal, that household qualifies for both through the program instead.
Qualifying programs and proof
Life Wireless’s California FAQ and the CPUC list programs that qualify you. They include Medi-Cal (Medicaid), CalFresh (California’s SNAP), SSI, Section 8, WIC, TANF and Veterans benefits.
| Way to qualify | Proof Life Wireless’s California FAQ mentions |
|---|---|
| Program | A copy of your benefit ID card or another program participation document |
| Income | Three consecutive months of one type of statement from the past 12 months, such as pay stubs or an income statement from your employer |
Only one California LifeLine discounted service is allowed per household at each home address. The CPUC makes exceptions for people using a teletypewriter or equipment from the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program. Getting discounts from two companies at once can cost you your benefit.
Signing up in California
Since February 1, 2026, Californians apply separately for California LifeLine and federal Lifeline. Start with Life Wireless’s sign-up at lifewireless.com/enroll. See how to apply for Life Wireless. Programs such as CalFresh (California’s SNAP) and Medi-Cal qualify you.
What to expect:
- Apply through Life Wireless at lifewireless.com/enroll. Have your photo ID and a benefit card, letter or pay stubs ready.
- The California LifeLine Administrator checks if you qualify. The CPUC says new applicants must be approved before discounts start.
- For the federal benefit, you also need approval through the National Verifier (getinternet.gov).
- Once approved, activate your phone. Life Wireless’s Activation Line is 770-200-1000.
- Make a call right away and keep using the phone every month.
Renewal and usage
California LifeLine customers must renew once a year. They must also use the service often to keep it. See how to recertify Lifeline and the Lifeline 30-day usage rule.
The California renewal form comes from the California LifeLine Administrator in a pink envelope, with a PIN. It arrives around the date you first signed up. You can renew online at californialifeline.com or by calling 1-877-858-7463. You can also mail back the form. The CPUC says people who do not renew are dropped from the program. Federal Lifeline has its own yearly renewal. So answer both if you get both.
Phone problems in California
Phones that do not work are replaced free with a new or refurbished one. Phones the customer damaged are replaced at the customer’s cost. New phones ship within 24 business hours or after payment, whichever is later. More in Life Wireless replacement phone and returns, and contacts in Life Wireless customer service.
If the phone is lost or stolen, call Life Wireless right away. Its California terms say you must pay for charges until you report it.
Who to call in California
| You need | Contact |
|---|---|
| Life Wireless account, phone or plan help | Life Wireless, 1-888-543-3620 (Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern) |
| Activation | Life Wireless Activation Line, 770-200-1000 |
| California LifeLine application or renewal | California LifeLine Administrator, 1-877-858-7463 (TTY 1-888-858-7889) |
| Appeal a California LifeLine decision | CPUC Consumer Affairs, 1-800-649-7570 |
Life Wireless’s phone hours are Eastern time, which is 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pacific. Call in the morning.
Compare California plans
| Company | California data |
|---|---|
| Life Wireless | 10 GB |
| Assurance Wireless | 12 GB |
| Access Wireless | 6 GB |
See all options in our Lifeline providers guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the California LifeLine income limits for 2026? From June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027: $24,600 for 1 person, $33,300 for 2, $42,100 for 3, $50,800 for 4, plus $8,700 for each extra person.
Is there a free phone program in California? Yes. California LifeLine and federal Lifeline together cover free phone service from companies such as Life Wireless. Life Wireless gives a free phone to members who want one.
How much data does Life Wireless give in California? 10 GB a month, with unlimited talk and text.
Do I have to apply twice in California? Since February 1, 2026, new customers sign up for California LifeLine and federal Lifeline one at a time. The CPUC approved combined applications with consent in September 2026.
What is the phone number for California LifeLine? The California LifeLine Administrator is 1-877-858-7463. For Life Wireless itself, call 1-888-543-3620.
Can I return my Life Wireless phone in California? Yes, within three days of activation with no restocking fee.
Sources: Life Wireless: California plan, Life Wireless: California FAQ, Life Wireless: California terms, Life Wireless: California blog (April 2024), Benton Institute on the FCC’s California order, CPUC: 2026-2027 California LifeLine income limits (Admin Letter 11), CPUC: California LifeLine eligibility, CPUC: California LifeLine vs federal Lifeline, CPUC: California LifeLine, Telecompetitor: California untangles Lifeline confusion (Sept 2026), Life Wireless: Contact.