The Lifeline program has been offering discounted cell phone and home phone services to low-income individuals for years. Companies that participate in the program offer free or discounted domestic, and sometimes international, calling, plus free texting. Recently, the program has also covered unlimited free wireless data plus discounts on monthly broadband internet.
Not every California resident who wants to get a Lifeline cell phone can do so. Even as the State withdraws plans to limit California LifeLine internet and cell phone discount for low-income users, there are eligibility criteria that program participants must meet. This article will review the eligibility criteria for the program to help people better understand their options.
Possible Ways to Qualify
The Lifeline program is a relatively accessible option for low-income Californians, and according to realtimecampaign.com, there are six different ways to qualify. The first is to fall under a certain percentage of the federal poverty guidelines. In California, that means making:
Less than $28,700 for 1-2 member households
Less than $33,300 for 3-member households
Less than $40,600 for four-member households
No more than an additional $7,300 per additional member
However, this is just one way to qualify. Providers like enTouch Wireless also make it easy to take advantage of the state’s other eligibility criteria. Each of these is described below.
CalFresh Qualification
People who receive SNAP benefits through the CalFresh program are automatically eligible to receive a Lifeline cell phone. They just need to provide proof of enrollment in the form of a benefit statement, a program approval letter, or a verification of coverage letter, which can be either physical or virtual. Just ensure it contains the program name, beneficiary name, and current participation status.
Medi-Cal Qualification
Any Californian receiving state health care can also get a Lifeline phone. As with SNAP participants, they must provide proof of coverage. The proof can be either a letter or a printout from an online portal as long as it contains the program name, beneficiary name, and medical identification number or case number, plus the individual’s current participation status.
SSI Qualification
The Social Security Administration offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to people who have not obtained sufficient work credits within their lifetimes to be eligible for disability. Participation in the SSI program automatically qualifies people for Lifeline. To provide proof of program participation, submit an approval letter or benefit statement issued by the SSA that contains the person’s name, the eligibility date, the claim number or other identification number, and the payment amount.
Other Ways to Qualify
Some people may already have heard the news that Californians who receive federal benefits are also eligible for Lifeline. Like others, they must provide proof of participation in one of two programs. They can participate in either the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit or Public Housing Assistance programs.
Get Connected
Every American deserves to be able to stay connected to the world. Low-income families need phones and internet access to contact employers or prospective employers, keep in touch with family, check email, and more. They can stay connected via the Lifeline program.
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