Government Phone Programs
Gen Mobile is an authorized Lifeline provider.
How to apply for Lifeline:
For the fastest eligibility decision, follow the instructions provided to complete the online application. Make sure to have any necessary proof of eligibility ready to upload during the application process. Follow these steps:
Fill out the online application form with accurate and up-to-date information.
Provide the required documentation, such as proof of eligibility and residence.
Once your application is approved, you will receive your free Gen Mobile Lifeline phone.
Apply for Lifeline now.
Apply for Lifeline.
Take control of your communication options and apply for the Lifeline program today. Don't let financial limitations hinder your connectivity.
Ask an agent now.
For select states, individuals can qualify for both Lifeline and ACP, which provides 16GB of data, a free phone, international calling, and more.
Start enjoying the benefits of affordable communication and stay connected with Gen Mobile's Lifeline Phone Program.
Gen Mobile expands wireless support amid government shutdown.
Gen Mobile is an authorized Lifeline provider.
California LifeLine
See if you qualify for a free smartphone* from Gen Mobile and free talk, text, and 6GB of data through the California LifeLine Program.
*Certain restrictions apply, subject to availability.
Upgrade your mobile life with Gen Mobile, an approved California LifeLine provider.
California LifeLine offers discounted telephone services to eligible households, helping you stay connected with family, work, and essential services. If you qualify, you can cut your cell phone bill by $30! You may also qualify for a FREE Smartphone through Gen Mobile with Free Talk, Text, and 6GB of Data when you enroll in the California LifeLine program.
How to qualify for LifeLine?
There are two ways to qualify for California LifeLine:
1. Program-Based: If you or someone in your household is already participating in one of the many qualifying government assistance programs.
Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
-
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
2. Income-Based: You may qualify for California LifeLine if your total household income, including wages, salaries, benefits, and other income sources, is at or below the California LifeLine income limits.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limits |
| 1 person | $24,200 |
| 2 people | $32,600 |
| 3 people | $41,100 |
| 4 people | $49,600 |
| Each additional member | $8,500 |
Note: Effective June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. The California LifeLine income-based qualification guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2026.
Check your eligibility for a free smartphone from Gen Mobile.
If you use your California LifeLine benefit with Gen Mobile, you may be eligible for a free smartphone or exclusive deals on upgraded phones from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
Vibrant, high-resolution displays.
Long-lasting battery life.
Capture memories in high definition.
Access to a world of apps.
For qualified customers only. Free smartphone requires program eligibility, is subject to availability, and is in Gen Mobile’s sole discretion. Customer may also be offered BYOD SIM or an upgraded device at a cost. Third party marks are the property of their respective owners.
CA LifeLine FAQs.
What is California LifeLIne?
California LifeLine is a state program that provides discounted mobile service to eligible low-income households, aiming to make communication services more affordable and help residents stay connected. For full terms and conditions, go here.
How do I prove my California LifeLine eligibility?
We verify your eligibility for the California LifeLine benefit in two ways:
Program-Based Qualification: We will first check a national database to see if we can automatically verify your eligibility based on your participation in a government assistance program like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI. If we cannot find a match, you will need to submit supporting documents, such as a copy of your benefit ID card, eligibility letter, or benefit statement, to prove your participation.
Income-Based Qualification: We can also verify your eligibility based on your household's total annual income. To do this, you will need to submit official documents like pay stubs, income statements, or tax returns for verification.
What LifeLine services and phones are offered by Gen Mobile for California residents?
Gen Mobile provides eligible California LifeLine customers a free plan with talk, text, and data, along with a free smartphone from Gen Mobile (subject to certain restrictions and availability). If you prefer to bring your own device, you'll receive a free SIM card and a plan with an extra 2 GB of data each month.
Is Gen Mobile’s California LifeLine service truly free?
Yes, the base plan is free for qualifying customers. However, addit,ional charges may apply if you choose to upgrade your plan, purchase international call credits or add extra data. We also offer a variety of phone upgrade options from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
What if I need more data than what is included in my free phone plan?
After activating your free California LifeLine service, you can purchase additional data by paying as you go through the My Account Portal or the MyGenMobile app. This allows you to only pay for what you need. You can also contact Customer Care if you would like to upgrade to a plan with more data and pay the difference. If you already have a phone you would like to continue using, you can select our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option and receive up to 2GB of extra data per month.
How is the Federal Lifeline program different in California from other states?
In California, the Federal Lifeline program works alongside the state’s California LifeLine program to provide additional subsidies that allow Gen Mobile to offer even more data, broader eligibility, and benefits like waived fees and special support for people with disabilities. While not all providers are approved for both programs. Gen Mobile is an approved provider of the Federal Lifeline program and California LifeLine benefit. We help you get the maximum combined benefits, offering eligible Californians a plan with unlimited talk, text, and 6GB of data—giving you more value.
California LifeLine
See if you qualify for a free smartphone* from Gen Mobile, plus free talk, text, and 6GB of data through the California LifeLine Program.
*Certain restrictions apply subject to availability.
Upgrade your mobile life with Gen Mobile, an approved California LifeLine provider.
California LifeLine offers discounted telephone services to eligible households, helping you stay connected with family, work, and essential services. If you qualify, you can cut your cell phone bill by $30! You may also qualify for a FREE Smartphone through Gen Mobile with Free Talk, Text, and 6GB of Data when you enroll in the California LifeLine program.
How to qualify for LifeLine?
There are two ways to qualify for California LifeLine:
1. Program-Based: If you or someone in your household is already participating in one of the many qualifying government assistance programs.
Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
-
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
-
-
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
-
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
2. Income-Based: If you or someone in your household is already participating in one of the many qualifying government assistance programs.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limits |
| 1 person | $24,200 |
| 2 people | $32,600 |
| 3 people | $41,100 |
| 4 people | $49,600 |
| Each additional member | $8,500 |
Note: Effective June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. The California LifeLine income-based qualification guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2026.
For qualified customers only. Free smartphone requires program eligibility, is subject to availability, and is in Gen Mobile’s sole discretion. Customer may also be offered BYOD SIM or an upgraded device at a cost. Third party marks are the property of their respective owners.
Check your eligibility for a free smartphone from Gen Mobile.
If you use your California LifeLine benefit with Gen Mobile, you may be eligible for a free smartphone or exclusive deals on upgraded phones from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, and Morotola.
Vibrant, high-resolution displays.
Long-lasting battery life.
Capture memories in high definition.
Access to a world of apps.
For qualified customers only. Free smartphone requires program eligibility, is subject to availability, and is in Gen Mobile’s sole discretion. Customer may also be offered BYOD SIM or an upgraded device at a cost. Third party marks are the property of their respective owners.
CA LifeLine FAQs.
What is California LifeLIne?
California LifeLine is a state program that provides discounted mobile service to eligible low-income households, aiming to make communication services more affordable and help residents stay connected. For full terms and conditions, go here.
How do I prove my California LifeLine eligibility?
We verify your eligibility for the California LifeLine benefit in two ways:
Program-Based Qualification: We will first check a national database to see if we can automatically verify your eligibility based on your participation in a government assistance program like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI. If we cannot find a match, you will need to submit supporting documents, such as a copy of your benefit ID card, eligibility letter, or benefit statement, to prove your participation.
Income-Based Qualification: We can also verify your eligibility based on your household's total annual income. To do this, you will need to submit official documents like pay stubs, income statements, or tax returns for verification.
What LifeLine services and phones are offered by Gen Mobile for California residents?
Gen Mobile provides eligible California LifeLine customers a free plan with talk, text, and data, along with a free smartphone from Gen Mobile (subject to certain restrictions and availability). If you prefer to bring your own device, you'll receive a free SIM card and a plan with an extra 2 GB of data each month.
Is Gen Mobile’s California LifeLine service truly free?
Yes, the base plan is free for qualifying customers. However, addit,ional charges may apply if you choose to upgrade your plan, purchase international call credits or add extra data. We also offer a variety of phone upgrade options from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
What if I need more data than what is included in my free phone plan?
After activating your free California LifeLine service, you can purchase additional data by paying as you go through the My Account Portal or the MyGenMobile app. This allows you to only pay for what you need. You can also contact Customer Care if you would like to upgrade to a plan with more data and pay the difference. If you already have a phone you would like to continue using, you can select our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option and receive up to 2GB of extra data per month.
How is the Federal Lifeline program different in California from other states?
In California, the Federal Lifeline program works alongside the state’s California LifeLine program to provide additional subsidies that allow Gen Mobile to offer even more data, broader eligibility, and benefits like waived fees and special support for people with disabilities. While not all providers are approved for both programs. Gen Mobile is an approved provider of the Federal Lifeline program and California LifeLine benefit. We help you get the maximum combined benefits, offering eligible Californians a plan with unlimited talk, text, and 6GB of data—giving you more value.
Gen Mobile expands wireless support amid government shutdown.
Gen Mobile is an authorized Lifeline provider.
California LifeLine
See if you qualify for a free smartphone* from Gen Mobile, plus free talk, text, and 6GB of data through the California LifeLine Program.
*Certain restrictions apply, subject to availability.
Upgrade your mobile life with Gen Mobile, an approved California LifeLine provider.
California LifeLine offers discounted telephone services to eligible households, helping you stay connected with family, work, and essential services. If you qualify, you can cut your cell phone bill by $30! You may also qualify for a FREE Smartphone through Gen Mobile with Free Talk, Text, and 6GB of Data when you enroll in the California LifeLine program.
How to qualify for LifeLine?
There are two ways to qualify for California LifeLine:
1. Program-Based: If you or someone in your household is already participating in one of the many qualifying government assistance programs.
Qualifying programs include:
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
-
- California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs)
- Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKs)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
2. Income-Based: You may qualify for California LifeLine if your total household income, including wages, salaries, benefits, and other income sources, is at or below the California LifeLine income limits.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limits |
| 1 person | $24,200 |
| 2 people | $32060 |
| 3 people | $41,100 |
| 4 people | $49,600 |
| Each additional member | $8,500 |
Note: Effective June 1, 2025 to May 31, 2026. The California LifeLine income-based qualification guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2026.
Check your eligibility for a free smartphone from Gen Mobile.
If you use your California LifeLine benefit with Gen Mobile, you may be eligible for a free smartphone or exclusive deals on upgraded phones from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
Vibrant, high-resolution displays.
Long-lasting battery life.
Capture memories in high definition.
Access to a world of apps.
For qualified customers only. Free smartphone requires program eligibility, is subject to availability, and is in Gen Mobile’s sole discretion. Customer may also be offered BYOD SIM or an upgraded device at a cost. Third party marks are the property of their respective owners.
CA LifeLine FAQs.
What is California LifeLIne?
California LifeLine is a state program that provides discounted mobile service to eligible low-income households, aiming to make communication services more affordable and help residents stay connected. For full terms and conditions, go here.
How do I prove my California LifeLine eligibility?
We verify your eligibility for the California LifeLine benefit in two ways:
Program-Based Qualification: We will first check a national database to see if we can automatically verify your eligibility based on your participation in a government assistance program like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or SSI. If we cannot find a match, you will need to submit supporting documents, such as a copy of your benefit ID card, eligibility letter, or benefit statement, to prove your participation.
Income-Based Qualification: We can also verify your eligibility based on your household's total annual income. To do this, you will need to submit official documents like pay stubs, income statements, or tax returns for verification.
What LifeLine services and phones are offered by Gen Mobile for California residents?
Gen Mobile provides eligible California LifeLine customers a free plan with talk, text, and data, along with a free smartphone from Gen Mobile (subject to certain restrictions and availability). If you prefer to bring your own device, you'll receive a free SIM card and a plan with an extra 2 GB of data each month.
Is Gen Mobile’s California LifeLine service truly free?
Yes, the base plan is free for qualifying customers. However, addit,ional charges may apply if you choose to upgrade your plan, purchase international call credits or add extra data. We also offer a variety of phone upgrade options from iconic brands like Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
What if I need more data than what is included in my free phone plan?
After activating your free California LifeLine service, you can purchase additional data by paying as you go through the My Account Portal or the MyGenMobile app. This allows you to only pay for what you need. You can also contact Customer Care if you would like to upgrade to a plan with more data and pay the difference. If you already have a phone you would like to continue using, you can select our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) option and receive up to 2GB of extra data per month.
How is the Federal Lifeline program different in California from other states?
In California, the Federal Lifeline program works alongside the state’s California LifeLine program to provide additional subsidies that allow Gen Mobile to offer even more data, broader eligibility, and benefits like waived fees and special support for people with disabilities. While not all providers are approved for both programs. Gen Mobile is an approved provider of the Federal Lifeline program and California LifeLine benefit. We help you get the maximum combined benefits, offering eligible Californians a plan with unlimited talk, text, and 6GB of data—giving you more value.
