California LifeLine was created by state law (Public Utilities Code § 871) and is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). It works together with the federal Lifeline program, but has its own eligibility rules, its own administrator and its own renewal process.
What's different in California
Higher income limits
$24,600 for one person vs. $21,546 federally (2026 figures).
More programs
17 qualifying programs, including CalFresh, WIC and school lunch.
Separate administrator
The California LifeLine Administrator handles applications and renewals.
Annual household income limit by household size (1–4 people).
Source: USAC Lifeline Support – How to Qualify; CPUC – California LifeLine Eligibility
California LifeLine qualifying programs
You qualify if you or someone in your household participates in any of these:
- Medi-Cal / Medicaid
- CalFresh / SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- National School Lunch Program
- LIHEAP
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- TANF
- CalWORKs
- StanWORKs
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Qualifying through a program is an alternative to qualifying by income.
Source: USAC Lifeline Support – How to Qualify; USAC – Tribal Eligibility; CPUC – California LifeLine Eligibility
California LifeLine income limits
| Household size | Annual income limit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $24,600 |
| 2 | $33,300 |
| 3 | $42,100 |
| 4 | $50,800 |
| Each additional | +$8,700 |
How applying works in California
- Apply with Combo Wireless. Start with our online application and choose your combo.
- Administrator review. The California LifeLine Administrator processes your eligibility. You may receive a form or notice from the Administrator; respond by its deadline, following its instructions (which may include a PIN for online or phone responses).
- Approval and activation. Once approved, your line is activated on the T-Mobile network.
- Delivery. Your devices ship with free standard shipping.
Renewals are also handled by the Administrator each year. See recertification.
Free device combos in California
California customers can choose any of our nine combos. Popular choices for CalFresh and Medi-Cal households include:
Tribal lands in California
California is home to more than 100 federally recognized Tribes. Eligible residents of Tribal lands may receive the enhanced federal Tribal benefit. See Tribal Lifeline.
Complaints and help
Contact us first at support@combowireless.com. For California LifeLine complaints or appeals, the CPUC's Consumer Affairs Branch can help; see the CPUC LifeLine page for official contact details.
California FAQs
Is California LifeLine the same as federal Lifeline?
No. They're separate programs that work together. California LifeLine has its own rules, income limits and administrator. See Lifeline vs. California LifeLine.
Can I qualify with WIC in California?
Yes. WIC is a qualifying program for California LifeLine, even though it isn't on the federal list.
Can I get a free phone and tablet combo in California?
Yes. Eligible customers who enroll can choose the phone and tablet combo or any other combo. Devices are Combo Wireless offers, not part of California LifeLine.
How many LifeLine discounts can a California household get?
One per household, with limited exceptions set by the CPUC (for example, for certain Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants).