California LifeLine phone discount

California LifeLine takes up to $19 a month off a home phone or cell phone, and federal Lifeline adds up to $9.25: up to $28.25 a month together, about $339 a year. 118,119 San Diego County households use it.

California LifeLine Federal Lifeline

Since February 1, 2026, California LifeLine and federal Lifeline need separate enrollments. Already on both? You keep the discounts until renewal, and then you have to renew each program separately. Miss one and you lose that part of the discount. New customers sign up for each.

Anyone already on Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, LIHEAP, Section 8, WIC, the school lunch program, TANF or the VA survivors pension, among others. Or by household income:

One discount per household, on a home phone or a cell phone (not both), at your main home. Having two is against the rules and can cost you the discount.

1. Pick a phone company that offers LifeLine and apply through it; the State checks your eligibility.
2. Sign up for both programs to get the full amount.
3. Answer the yearly renewal for each one.

Still on an old copper landline? Read what's changing with AT&T landlines first. On CalFresh or Medi-Cal already? You likely qualify: CalFresh for seniors · Medicare Extra Help and Medi-Cal.

Or do it with PJ: he signs you or your parent up for both programs and puts both renewal dates on the calendar. Plans start as low as $25. Text PJ · senior benefits checkup.

Sources: CPUC, California LifeLine · eligibility · fact sheet · California vs federal Lifeline (February 2026). Checked October 6, 2026.

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This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.

Local help, free to read: make your fix plan · senior benefits checkup · lower your SDG&E bill · Medicare Extra Help · the next 90 days. Plans start as low as $25.