California LifeLine

California LifeLine: A Free, Basic Smartphone or Bring Your Own

If you live in California, Assurance Wireless phone options are different from other states. On the California LifeLine plan you can bring your own phone or get a free, basic smartphone. Everywhere else, the device choice is to buy a low-cost phone or bring your own.

What the California LifeLine plan includes

The California LifeLine plan includes unlimited text, unlimited talk and 12GB of data. The monthly price is $0. This monthly price is not an introductory rate. Monthly price requires usage once every 30 days and continued eligibility. Data may vary based on state. Enhanced offers apply in CA and Tribal Lands.

• Unlimited text
• Unlimited talk
• 12GB high-speed data
• $0 upfront cost and $0 monthly cost for eligible customers
• No credit check. No annual contracts. No activation fees.

Phone options in California

When you sign up for LifeLine through Assurance Wireless in California, you have these options:

1. Bring Your Own Phone. If you prefer to use a phone you already own, make sure it is compatible with Assurance Wireless. Your device must be unlocked and compatible with the Assurance Wireless network.
2. Free, Basic Smartphone. You can choose to receive a free, basic Smartphone from Assurance Wireless if you prefer or if you don't have an existing phone to bring. The free phone comes with standard features to help you call, text, browse the web and use apps. Models vary and depend on availability.

If you're a new customer, you'll have the option during your application to either bring your own phone or receive a free, basic Smartphone.

• If you selected to bring your own phone and you've been approved, Assurance Wireless will either send you a SIM card or eSIM to activate your new service.
• If you selected to receive a free, basic Smartphone and you've been approved, Assurance Wireless will send your phone within 2 business days to activate your new service.

Assurance Wireless phones are provided free of charge to eligible customers in California by phone vendors American Network Solutions or Enidus USA, or can be purchased at a low cost by other customers. Devices may vary depending on inventory. Phone models may vary; shipping charges may apply. Phones are issued to eligible customers by a third-party vendor after application approval.

Who can qualify in California

You can qualify for the California LifeLine discounts by either program-based or income-based eligibility. Qualifying by program-based means that you or another person in your household is enrolled in a public assistance program such as Medicaid/Medi-Cal, CalFresh, Supplemental Security Income, or other programs. Qualifying by income-based means that your household's total annual income is at or less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

• Medi-Cal / Medicaid
• CalFresh (SNAP / food stamps)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Section 8 / Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit

Only one California LifeLine discount per household is allowed. The discount is non-transferable. Consumers must be approved before receiving the California LifeLine discounts. Service runs on the T-Mobile network, which covers 99% of Americans. Coverage is not available everywhere.

How to apply

1. Apply on the official partner page: assurancewireless.com/partner/BGOC.
2. During the application, choose to bring your own phone or receive a free, basic Smartphone.
3. Provide proof of eligibility — program participation or income — plus identity and address.
4. If you are approved for a free, basic Smartphone, Assurance Wireless sends the phone within 2 business days. If you bring your own phone, they send a SIM card or eSIM.

Related guides

• Is Assurance Wireless Available in My State in 2026?
• Cómo obtener servicio de celular gratuito en USA con Assurance
• Bring Your Own Phone with Free Wireless Service
• Free Wireless Service for $0: How to Get Free Talk, Text & Data

Lifeline Program Eligibility & FAQ