<aside> 📱
Free smartphone + free unlimited talk, text, and data through a government program called Lifeline. Available to anyone with low income in California.
</aside>
If you have a low income or receive benefits like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, SSI, or other assistance programs, you can get a completely free cell phone and service. You do not need an existing phone or internet to sign up.
You can visit a local representative and walk out with your phone the same day:
| Provider | Where | When |
|---|---|---|
| Safelink Wireless | Burger King in Linda (by Walmart) | Mon–Fri ~10am–2pm (ask for Tim) |
| Assurance Wireless | Interfaith Food Bank, Grass Valley | Wednesdays 10am–1pm (ask for Cassandra) |
| Access Wireless | Dollar Tree in Linda | Check for current hours |
If you can't visit in person, these providers will mail you a free phone. Just sign up on their website:
| Provider | Network | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Safelink Wireless ⭐ | AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile | safelinkwireless.com |
| Assurance Wireless | T-Mobile | assurancewireless.com |
| StandUp Wireless | T-Mobile | standupwireless.com |
| TruConnect | T-Mobile | truconnect.com |
| Life Wireless | AT&T, T-Mobile | lifewireless.com |
| TAG Mobile | Verizon, T-Mobile | tagmobile.com |
| Access Wireless | T-Mobile | accesswireless.com |
| SafetyNet Wireless | T-Mobile | safetynetwireless.com |
| Airtalk Wireless | AT&T | airtalkwireless.com |
| American Assistance | Verizon, T-Mobile | americanassistance.com |
| Infiniti Mobile | AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile | infinitimobile.com |
⭐ Our recommendation: Safelink Wireless works on all 3 networks in California and includes unlimited international calling to 69 countries. See the full list of countries. Safelink also supports WiFi calling, WiFi texting, hotspot, and call forwarding.
Provider list based on the California Lifeline provider search and Wikipedia's MVNO list.