Key points
- You qualify if you or someone in your household has Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, LIHEAP, Section 8, or certain other programs.
- Or you qualify by income: from June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027, total yearly household income up to $24,600 for one person or $33,300 for two people.
- Each household gets one discount: phone (home or cell) or internet. A qualifying internet and phone bundle counts as one discount.
- You apply through a participating phone or internet company, then send proof to California LifeLine. You must renew every year.
Who qualifies
There are two ways to qualify. The first: you or someone in your household takes part in an assistance program such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, LIHEAP (energy assistance), Section 8 or public housing, WIC, CalWORKs, or the Veterans Pension.
The second: your household's total yearly income before taxes is at or below the limit. From June 1, 2026 to May 31, 2027: 1 person $24,600; 2 people $33,300; 3 people $42,100; 4 people $50,800; each additional person $8,700. Income includes Social Security, pensions, and rental income.
One discount per household
According to California LifeLine, each household can have one discount: one internet discount or one phone discount (home or cell). According to the CPUC, a bundled internet and phone plan in the pilot program counts as one discount. A household is the people living at the same address who share income and expenses.
If several people live together, decide together whether to use the discount for phone or internet, because breaking this rule can cost you the discount.
How to apply
Call a phone or internet company that takes part in California LifeLine and tell them you qualify. The company starts the application for you. You can find companies by ZIP code on californialifeline.com.
Then you can log in online, or in about a week you will get a pink envelope in the mail with your enrollment number. Fill out the form, sign it, and send copies of your proof of eligibility by the due date. If you do not send it on time, your application will be rejected.
Renew every year
To keep the discount, you must renew every year. California LifeLine will contact you by phone, text, email, or mail (a pink envelope). Return the signed form with proof by the due date, or renew online.
For questions about your application or due dates, call the California LifeLine Administrator at 1-877-858-7463, 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time, Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
Steps
- See how you qualify. Through Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or another program, or by income under the limit.
- Choose phone or internet. Each household gets one discount.
- Call a participating company. Find one by ZIP code on californialifeline.com. The company starts your application.
- Send your proof on time. Sign and send copies of your proof of eligibility. Keep the pink envelope.
Quick check
- Does anyone in my household have Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, or Section 8?
- Is my household's yearly income at or below the limit?
- Does anyone in my household already get a LifeLine discount?
- Do I have a copy of my Medi-Cal card, CalFresh letter, or income documents?
Common questions
I have Medi-Cal. Do I qualify?
Possibly. According to California LifeLine, people with Medi-Cal (or with someone in the household on Medi-Cal) qualify through that program. You still need to send proof.
How much is the discount?
It depends on the type of service and the company. Ask a participating phone or internet company. According to the CPUC, the internet discount pilot offers up to $20 a month for standalone internet and up to $30 a month for internet bundled with phone.
My adult child and I live together. Do we each get a discount?
If you are one household (living together and sharing income and expenses), you get one discount. Adults who live together but handle their finances separately may count as separate households; children and dependents do not. Ask California LifeLine.
Is QualitySpace part of California LifeLine?
No. QualitySpace Insurance Agency is a private insurance agency, not a government office. To apply, call a participating phone company.