Ways to Get Free Phone And Tablet Government California – The state of California is helping low-income households and individuals with free government phones and tablets so that they can stay connected and access better opportunities in terms of education, jobs and many other facilities. If you’re a resident of California you can apply for the free government Lifeline program and enroll with the participating service providers. The Lifeline assistance program is designed particularly for disabled and disadvantaged residents so that they can easily afford a phone and internet service.
California’s free government phone and tablet program enables poor Californians to reach out to the rest of the society, stay connected with their friends and family, access 911 for emergencies, call their friends and family, seek services like shelter, food and many other resources. This guide will cover how you can access free phones and tablets from the government in the state of California.
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Highlights of this Post
Can You Get A Free Phone/ Tablet From The Government In California?
Yes, Californians can get free tablets or mobile phones from their service providers by applying for the Lifeline or ACP program.
Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal program that provides discounts on broadband service or monthly telephone for eligible low-income consumers. The program is geared towards low-income Americans and is administered by the Universal Service Administrative company. Since its inception in 1985, the program has provided the following benefits
- A monthly discount on either of the following
- Monthly phone bills up to $9.25
- Monthly broadband Internet bills up to $9.25
- Combined phone and Internet plan up to $9.25
- Enhanced discount on tribal land up to $34.25 monthly if you are living on tribal land.
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Affordable Connectivity Program
Affordable Connectivity Program is another federal program that offers discounts on devices and internet services for low-income households in America. Launched in December 2023 it has replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program and helps Americans access better communication services for work, healthcare, school, job and other purposes.
The program provides the following:
- Monthly discount of $30.00 per month on internet service
- $75 per month for low-income households on tribal land.
- Eligible housing can get one one-time discount of up to $100 for buying a laptop computer or tablet from the participating providers only if they can copay an amount in the range of $10 to $50 towards the purchase price.
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Why Is The Government Giving Away Free Phones And Tablets In California?
The Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs are two government benefits programs that make sure low-income households in California and throughout the country can afford broadband services they need for school, work, healthcare and other reasons.
Low-income households who are unable to access the internet and technology due to their financial capacity can apply for ACP and Lifeline programs and on qualifying can receive the following benefits:
- Free smartphone or tablet
- Free hotspot services
- Free high-speed data
- Free unlimited talk
- Free unlimited texting
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How To Qualify For California Free Government Phones And Tablets?
Eligible Californians who belong to low-income households can easily access free cell phones, tablets including internet connections from several service providers thanks to the federal Lifeline Assistance and Affordable Connectivity Program.
Income Based Qualification Method
Households in California must prove the annual gross income of their household. To qualify for the California Lifeline free phone and tablet program households must have income at or less than 135% of the federal poverty level.
On the other hand, households applying for the ACP program must make sure they have income at less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. Documentation is required to prove the total annual gross income of the household from whatever sources are derived.
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Program Based Qualification Method
You can qualify for the free government Lifeline and ACP phones and tablet program by enrolling yourself in any one of the following public assistance programs.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
- Medicaid
- California Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity & Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Greater Avenues for Independence
- Tribal TANF
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8.
What Are The Documents Required To Apply For Free Phones And Tablets In California?
You must have necessary documentation to prove your eligibility to receive a free government tablet in California. If you are going to apply through any government program, you must provide documents that show your name, eligibility, income level, the program you are applying for and more. These documents are as follows:
Income Verifying Documents
Individuals who qualify based on their income criteria have to provide documents showing their name and income status. The following are the officially accepted documents that you have to submit to qualify for the free government phone or tablet program
- Paycheck stubs
- Retirement or pension statement of benefits
- Divorce decree
- Child support award
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Current income statement from your employer
- Unemployment or workers’ compensation statement of benefits
- Veteran Administration statement of benefits
- Previous years’ federal, state or tribal tax return.
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Program Participation Documents
Individuals who are qualifying for the free government phone or tablet program based on their government program participation have to submit valid documents that comprise relevant details about the name of the program, the name of the authority issuing the document and the date of issuance.
The accepted official documents are as follows.
- Government approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- Benefit award letter.
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Personal Identification And Age Documents
Individuals have to provide documents to verify their age, address or identity. Following are the officially accepted documents that you have to submit to prove your eligibility for the government phone or tablet program.
- Certificate of US citizenship or naturalization
- Most recent W2 or tax return
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- US driver’s license
- A valid military, state, federal or tribal ID
- Permanent resident card or green card
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement.
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How To Apply For Free Government Phones And Tablets From The Government In California?
Applying for a free government phone or tablet in California typically involves the following steps. You just need to keep in mind that the application procedure may vary depending on the service provider you are choosing and your location.
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Step 1: Check The Eligibility Criteria
The first and foremost step is to review the eligibility criteria for ACP and the Lifeline Assistance Program. The common eligibility requirements include fulfilling household income, disability status or student status and participation in assistance programs.
You need to make sure that you can meet the specific criteria for the Lifeline and ACP program before proceeding with the application procedure with a particular service provider.
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Step 2: Find A Service Provider
You can start by researching the service providers in California that are participating in government initiatives like Lifeline and ACP programs. You can visit the official website or contact the customer service of the service provider to gather much information about the available service they provide in your area.
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Step 3: Gather Relevant Documentation
The next step is to collect relevant documents to demonstrate your eligibility for the Lifeline and ACP program.
This includes providing proof of residency, income, participation in qualifying government assistance programs, disability or student status. You need to make copies of the documents and submit them to the service provider along with your application form.
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Step 4: Complete The Application Form
You can obtain the application form for the program or the service provider you wish to apply for either in person or online.
Carefully read every instruction provided by your service provider and fill out the application form accurately and completely. A lot of programs require you to fill out the form online whereas some require you to submit a paper through mail or in person.
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Step 5: Submit Application And Documentation
The next step is to submit the completed application form along with the relevant documents as per the program submission guidelines including uploading the documents online, mailing them or submitting them in person at a designated address.
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Step 6: Wait For Approval
Once you submit the application for a free government phone/ tablet from the government in California wait for a response from the administrators of the program.
The review process including the response time may vary depending on the program you are applying for. Once your application is approved you will receive notification about how you can obtain a free mobile or tablet including pickup or delivery details.
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What Are The Possible Reasons For Your Disqualification In Free Government Phones And Tablets Program?
Now that you are aware of the eligibility criteria, the documents required and the application procedure, let’s cover the possible reasons for disqualification from participating in California Lifeline or ACP program through which you can receive a free government phone or tablet.
- The consumer is found ineligible for Lifeline or ACP program in California
- The consumer does not return the form or register online within the deadline
- The application form is incomplete
- The individual signing up was claimed on someone’s else tax return as dependent
- The application form did not have the signature of the consumer
- The application form is incorrect
- The application is found to be receiving a Lifeline or ACP discount in California and was not eligible for the second phone line with the Lifeline or ACP discount program.
In case you are disqualified for any one of the aforementioned resources you may have to seek the following consequences
- You will not receive any discount from the Lifeline or ACP program in California
- Interest can be charged
- The consumer may have to pay a service deposit
- You have to pay regular rates to receive basic home phone service
- The consumer can reapply and go through the application procedure again from the beginning. To start the process the consumer has to pay a service conversion fee
- The consumer can appear for disqualification or denial by contacting the CPUC consumer affairs branch at 1-800-649-7570.
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What Are The Different California Free Government Cell Phone Providers?
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless participates in the Lifeline and ACP initiatives and supports low-income individuals throughout the United States of America including the state of California and provides essential communication services to those who are unable to afford such services out of their profit.
Being a part of the federal programs Assurance Wireless provides key benefits to low-income households who qualify such as free monthly service, free phone, no annual contract, standard phone features, nationwide coverage and 911 access including free monthly data allowance.
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Reachout Wireless
ReachOut Wireless enables low-income individuals and families throughout the United States of America including Californians with free cell phones, and unlimited text and talk minutes. ReachOut offers free cell phones and tablets with unlimited text and talk options.
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SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a Lifeline or ACP service provider and is one of the largest cellular service providers that serves nearly 20 million subscribers throughout the United States of America including California.
It is a popular Lifeline provider that offers free cell phones and wireless services to low-income households in California through the Lifeline ACP program.
TruConnect
TruConnect has a special Lifeline and ACP plan for its California customers for a strike. If you’re participating in the Lifeline program you can get a free ACP plan that includes 8GB of 4G LTE data with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Like many other service providers TruConnect provides monthly phone service plans for California Lifeline and ACP participants including free cell phone and tablet.
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StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is another participant of the Lifeline or ACP program that operates in California. It provides its wireless services in many other states throughout the country.
It is one of the top Lifeline and ACP service providers from where you can get a free phone or tablet when proving your eligibility criteria. The service provider stands out due to its wide selection, competitive prices, customer service, promotion-exclusive deals, easy upgrade options and high convenience to its customers.
Gen Mobile
Gen Mobile offers limitless talktime, text and a 7GB data plan that is free with the ACP plan. You likewise get limitless calling over 100 worldwide destinations. There are also free Gen Mobile from the government that will help you to stay virtually connected.
Twigby
Twigby participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Their plans offer unlimited talk, text and 8GB data plan. Like the Gen Mobile plan, you can utilize part of your data to work as a mobile hotspot.
Red Pocket
Red Pocket is a fascinating MVNO on the grounds that you can get services on the Verizon, T-Versatile, or AT&T networks. Red Pocket’s plans are qualified for ACP reserves. It accompanies unlimited talktime, text, and 20GB of high speed data.
Few more resources include the following
- AirTalk Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- TAG Mobile
- Volt Mobile Wireless
- Verizon
- T-Mobile
- Q Link Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- Prosper Wireless etc.
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What Are The Limitations Of Getting Free Phones/ Tablets From The Government In California?
The free government phones or tablets program in California comes with a free device along with amazing data, talk and text options. However, it is important to fulfill some limitations or restrictions to continue receiving assistance.
- Each eligible household in California can choose to get discounts on cell phones or home phones but not both. Households can also not receive discounts from multiple service providers.
- Eligible households in California that do violate the one discount service per household rule will tend to lose their discount and can also be prosecuted by the government
- Only one California lifeline or ACP discount is allowed per household
- Penalties will be imposed for violating the California Lifeline or ACP program rules and guidelines including losing the discounts, imprisonment, being banned from California Lifeline and ACP program and monetary fines. In some cases, you may have to repay the discounts for violating the terms and guidelines.
- California Lifeline or ACP discounts are for the individual’s primary residence. An individual can have only one permanent primary residence.
- California Lifeline or ACP program requires existing customers who are receiving free phone tablets and other services to renew their participation on an annual basis. Every year on the consumer’s anniversary date participants will get a California renewal form. If a consumer fails to renew their participation in the California Lifeline or ACP program then they will be dropped from the program and will use the discounts or other benefits.
- Every year applicants have to recertify for the ACP or Lifeline-free phone or tablet benefits
- The benefits that you receive from the Free Phone Or Tablet Government Program in California are non-transferable. You cannot transfer the device or service to another person
- In case you are no longer eligible for the free phone or tablet program from the ACP or Lifeline program then you must notify your service provider within a period of 30 days
- You must use your service once a month or else the authority can dismiss the service that you are receiving currently.
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What Are The Best Free Government Tablets In California?
Some of the best free government tablets in California
- Alcatel Joy Tab
- LG G Pad 5 -4GB LTE Unlocked Tablet
- New Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Platinum (Latest Model)
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Tablet
- Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021- Space Gray
- 2020 Apple iPad – Space Gray (8th generation)
- Lenovo Tab 5
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Google Chromebook
- Fire HD 10 Tablet + Amazon Standing Case (Sandstone White)
- Vortex tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8″ Ruggedized
Conclusion
Access to technology such as smartphones and tablets is a critical component of modern life and the government of California addresses that not everyone has equal access. California Lifeline and ACP programs provide discounted cell phone services including a free smartphone and tablet to qualified households. It is important to keep in mind that only one California Lifeline or ACP discounted phone or tablet is allowed for households. The Lifeline or ACP discounts in California can be applied for the individual’s primary residence. You can go through the aforementioned eligibility criteria, documents to be submitted and application procedure to get a free government phone or tablet in California.
Learn more about American Assistance Lifeline Phones for Low Income at the Get Government Grants’ section today. Our resources will help you to find the right type of support based on your needs and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get free phones or tablets from non profit organizations?
Yes, organizations like California Emerging Technology Fund, PCs for People, Human I-T, Salvation Army, Adaptive.org, EveryoneOn, Causes, Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC), Komputers 4 Kids, Microsoft Registered Refurbisher, On It Foundation, and Smartriverside offer free tablet to the low income individuals and sometimes they also offer discounted ones.
Does QLink Wireless work in California?
QLink Wireless is currently offering their network all over California through its Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) participation.
What is the California Lifeline program?
California Lifeline program gives discounted or free phones and tablets to qualified low income individuals or families. However, just a single California Lifeline phone or tablet is entitled per family, except of deaf and disabled members and teletypewriter clients.