Folks struggling to pay for phone and internet in California have two main options, Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program. They’re both aimed at the same problem, but they work differently.
The eligibility rules aren’t identical. Benefits vary too (one might cover your cell phone while the other handles home internet). Even applying for them requires different steps.
The government doesn’t make this stuff simple, that’s for sure. But picking the right program matters, it could save you $30+ monthly on services you need.
Worth taking a few minutes to figure out which fits your situation.
Key Takeaway
- Eligibility isn’t the same, Lifeline caps income at 135% of poverty level while ACP goes up to 200%, plus they each accept different government programs as qualifiers.
- Lifeline mostly cuts your phone bill down, but ACP throws money at your internet costs and sometimes device purchases too.
- Stack these programs together if you qualify for both and squeeze out maximum savings on your monthly communications budget.
Difference Between Lifeline and ACP in California
The confusion between Lifeline and ACP in California is pretty widespread. Both target low-income households, but they’re fundamentally different beasts.
Lifeline’s the old-school program run by the CPUC. It focuses mainly on phone service discounts, typically around $19 monthly (more on Tribal lands). Companies dish out those free government phones you see advertised. The fine print? One Lifeline discount per household unless you’ve got an approved disability exception.
ACP was the newer kid on the block, centered on internet access. It had:
- Broader eligibility requirements (200% of poverty line vs Lifeline’s 135%)
- Inclusion of WIC participants alongside the usual Medi-Cal and CalFresh folks
- A monthly discount up to 30forinternet(30 for internet (30forinternet(75 on Tribal lands)
- A one-time $100 device discount for tablets or laptops
The application processes didn’t match up either. Lifeline required going through California’s system, while ACP used the FCC’s national verifier.
Affordable Connectivity Program CA Status
Here’s the gut punch, ACP completely shut down in May 2025. Congress didn’t renew the funding, period. Millions of California families got left hanging when their bills suddenly jumped $30. No new applications, no more discounts, no device benefits.
Parents depending on it for their kids’ homework access, seniors on fixed incomes, they all got the same answer when they called support: “program ended.” The warning notices went out in April and May, but many people didn’t grasp what was happening until they saw their new bills.
The program’s wind-down is final. Those ACP provider ads? Gone. FCC notices? All say the same thing. Unless Congress revives it (don’t hold your breath), anyone searching for ACP benefits in California has hit a brick wall.
Harsh lesson here, federally funded programs can vanish overnight.
California Lifeline Program Still Active
California LifeLine hasn’t budged. Unlike ACP, this program’s weathered decades of political storms and funding threats. The numbers tell the story, as of December 2024, California had:
- 1,712,623 total subscribers
- 1,597,640 wireless users (the free government phone folks)
- 114,983 wireline customers
We’re still processing applications weekly.
Qualifying for California LifeLine comes down to either income (135% of poverty line) or program enrollment. The usual suspects qualify you:
- Medi-Cal
- CalFresh (though they’ve tightened documentation, no more flashing your EBT card)
- SSI
The discount stays at $19 monthly, and yes, basic smartphones are still part of many plans. They’re even rolling out improvements like dependent tracking and better online systems.
Renewal happens yearly with about 79% approval rates. Most people qualify through program participation (94%), though income-based eligibility works too. The renewal process has gotten smoother since they launched the new portal.
Bottom line: if you need a phone and meet the requirements, Lifeline’s your lifeline in 2025.
California Internet Discount Programs Guide
With ACP dead and buried, California’s internet assistance landscape looks different. Some Lifeline providers bundle limited internet with phone service, but it’s typically slower than what ACP covered.
For standalone internet, your options include provider-specific low-income plans. These typically cost $10-20 monthly for families on SNAP, SSI or similar programs. You’ll need to apply directly and show proof of program participation.
Local resources exist too, community Wi-Fi hotspots in libraries, nonprofit computer distribution programs, and digital literacy classes. These vary widely by location and don’t match ACP’s scope.
Our advice? Start with Lifeline for phone needs. For internet, check what your local providers offer in terms of discount plans. Ask specifically about waiving installation fees, companies often drop these charges if you simply request it. Students and seniors should look for specialized offers, though you’ll have to dig for them.
Free CA Phone Versus Internet Help
Credits: KTLA 5
We’ve helped people choose between a free CA phone and internet help many times. Here’s the breakdown. With the California Lifeline program, you can get a free or heavily discounted phone. That’s a basic smartphone with unlimited talk and text, sometimes with a couple gigs of data. California phone discount is steady, and you can keep your number when you switch providers (with some rules).
On the other hand, free CA internet help is mostly gone with ACP ended. You may find a Lifeline provider who bundles in a little data, but it’s not a replacement for home broadband. Most ISPs’ low-income plans are discounted, not free. The only real free internet left is public Wi-Fi, like in libraries or certain parks.
Anecdotally, seniors often pick the phone. Families with kids want internet for school. It’s a tough choice now. We usually suggest: if you qualify for Lifeline, take it. If you want internet, check the ISP discounts. If you need both, look for a Lifeline provider that offers a bundle, but set your expectations. The days of free phone and free home internet at the same time are gone.
CA Government Phone Internet Combo
People constantly ask about doubling up on government communication benefits in California. Here’s the straight talk:
Under current Lifeline rules, households get one discount, period. Some providers do bundle services together, giving you:
- A basic phone plan
- A few gigs of data (enough for email and light web browsing)
- All under one Lifeline benefit
What you can’t do is claim separate discounts for standalone phone and standalone internet services.
The ACP era spoiled many Californians. Back then, stacking benefits was possible, a free Lifeline phone in your pocket plus ACP covering your home internet bill. That powerful combo helped thousands of families stay connected at school and work.
Now? We’re back to square one. Lifeline only. The process is simple but limiting:
- Qualify for the program
- Pick one provider
- Choose one plan
- That’s your benefit
Households with qualifying disabilities might get exceptions (the CPUC reviews these case-by-case), but for most Californians, it’s one benefit per address. Today’s “combo” just means bundled service from a single provider, not the two-program approach many grew accustomed to.
Understanding Communication Benefits CA
Communication benefits in California change lives, no exaggeration. Lifeline phone service keeps seniors in touch with doctors and family. It helps job seekers get called back for interviews. For many, it’s the only working number they have. Lifeline benefits CA are up to $19 a month, sometimes more on Tribal lands. That covers most or all of a basic phone plan.
Before ACP ended, households could get an up to $30, plus a $100 device credit for a new laptop or tablet. That’s gone now. We still get questions about it every week. The answer is always the same: ACP benefits California have ended.
Who qualifies? For Lifeline, it’s pretty strict. You need to be under 135% of the federal poverty level or enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or a few others. Proof is required. For families on Tribal lands, the discount is higher. ACP was broader, but now it’s history.
If you’re a senior, Lifeline for seniors CA is the best option. If you have kids in school, ask your internet provider about low-income plans. The state helps where it can, but there’s no magic bullet. The best bet is to know your options and apply early.
Separate CA Phone Internet Assistance
This is where people get tripped up. You can’t get two separate discounts at the same time, one for phone, one for internet, under current rules. You pick: a Lifeline discount for phone (wireless or landline), or a bundled phone/internet plan from a single provider. There’s no Lifeline only phone plus ACP only internet anymore.
ACP used to provide that internet help. Now, only Lifeline remains. If you want both, you need a provider who offers a bundled service. Standalone internet discounts are only available through provider low-income offers, not through any government program.
We hear from families every month hoping for separate discounts. They’re frustrated and don’t understand why it has to be this way. The answer is in the funding and the rules set by CPUC and the FCC. It’s not up to the providers.
If you’re applying, choose carefully. Review Lifeline program requirements and see if any provider offers the bundle you need. If you only need a phone, Lifeline is straightforward. If you only need internet, go straight to your ISP and ask about their low-income plans.
FAQ
How do Lifeline California and ACP California compare in terms of income limits and eligibility?
Lifeline income limits CA follow state-specific rules set by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), while ACP eligibility California uses federal guidelines set by the FCC. California LifeLine eligibility often includes more qualifying programs, like Medi-Cal or CalFresh. On the other hand, ACP qualifying programs may include WIC or free school lunch. These differences affect who gets approved for either California government phone program or government internet help.
Can I still apply for both Lifeline and ACP in California at the same time?
Technically, you could apply for both if you meet the Lifeline program requirements and ACP requirements CA. However, with the ACP wind-down and ACP ended California notices, only Lifeline wireless service remains fully active. You might still see ACP application status pages online, but most ACP broadband benefit programs have stopped. Lifeline and ACP combo deals are rare now, so focus on Lifeline application CA if you need phone help.
Are there differences in the devices provided by Lifeline and ACP providers in California?
Yes, Lifeline free phone offers usually involve basic smartphones through a Lifeline provider CA. ACP device discount was designed for tablets or laptops, which are rarely offered anymore due to ACP ended California updates. Lifeline only phone support still exists under Lifeline benefits CA, but don’t expect new ACP only internet hardware. If you’re in California, check with your Lifeline support CA for available phone options.
What should seniors or low-income families in California choose now: Lifeline or ACP?
Lifeline for seniors CA continues to offer a stable monthly discount and simple Lifeline wireless service. ACP for families California used to offer broader internet support, but with the ACP broadband benefit now closed, families should shift to California phone discount programs under Lifeline. Lifeline monthly discount is limited but reliable. Families needing ACP free internet must now look for local alternatives, since ACP provider California access is no longer expanding.
How often do I need to renew Lifeline in California, and is it different from the old ACP rules?
Lifeline renewal California happens annually and follows strict rules through the CPUC. If you don’t renew your Lifeline California benefits on time, you lose your Lifeline phone service. ACP didn’t always require annual checks, which made it easier during the pandemic. Since ACP program guide CA is no longer updated, focus on keeping up with the Lifeline program guide CA and tracking your Lifeline application process CA every year.
Conclusion
If you live in California and need help with your phone or internet bill, start with the Free Government Phone California option. Check if you qualify for Lifeline California, gather your documents, and apply with a trusted provider.
You can’t get both a phone and internet discount separately unless it’s bundled. Stay current with CPUC and FCC California updates, rules change often.
Need help getting started? Join our online program for seniors on Medicaid.
References
- https://www.fcc.gov/sites/default/files/ACP_Wind-down_Lifeline_Fact_Sheet%20.pdf
- https://www.fcc.gov/acp