California woman enjoying California LifeLine free government phone service

California LifeLine Renewal

Individuals and families across California can access discounted rates for cell and Internet service through the California LifeLine service. But how can households continue to keep their benefits year after year? 

In order to renew California LifeLine, you will receive a text and letter about recertifying your LifeLine benefit. This page will help all California LifeLine customers learn how to keep their benefit(s) active!

California residents who need to renew their Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit must do so here.

ONLINE RENEWAL       Get Started

About Renewing Your LifeLine And/Or ACP Benefit(s)

You will be notified when it is time to renew your LifeLine and/or ACP benefit(s). California residents with a LifeLine + ACP Combo plan will need to separately renew each program benefit. To complete the California LifeLine renewal, first you must determine which program needs to be renewed at this time.

Note: You should follow the instructions ONLY for the program you are being asked to renew, even if your enTouch Wireless plan combines both LifeLine and ACP benefits.

Renew Your LifeLine Benefit

If you have California LifeLine, renew your benefit online or by mail in just a few minutes to keep your service active.

The California LifeLine Administrator will send a letter by mail and enTouch Wireless will send you text reminders!

Get Started

Renew Your ACP Benefit

The ACP administrator, Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), will contact you by mail and text message with instructions when it is time to renew your ACP benefit. Learn more about the ACP renewal process using the link below!

RENEW ACP

How To Renew Your California LifeLine Benefit

You will receive a pink envelope from the California LifeLine Administrator notifying you when it is time to renew your LifeLine benefit. The envelope containing the letter will include your renewal form and a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN). You will have 60 days to complete your renewal application to verify your continued eligibility for your monthly benefit.

This page is for California LifeLine renewal only. To renew your ACP benefit in California visit this page.

Renew Online

Use the Personal Identification Number, located on your recertification form to renew online. Didn’t receive your letter or don’t have your PIN? Text GETPIN from your LifeLine phone to 345345.

ONLINE RENEWAL

Renew by Mail

Complete the California LifeLine application form  sent to you by the California LifeLine administrator (in a pink envelope) and return by the indicated due date to:

    • California LifeLine Administrator
      P.O. Box 138014
      Sacramento, CA 95813-8014

California LifeLine Renewal FAQ

I didn't receive a letter and/or don't know my PIN.

If you believe your benefit is up for renewal, but have not received the Pink envelope containing your PIN, you can:

  • Text GETPIN from your LifeLine phone to 345345. We will text your PIN to your LifeLine phone.
  • Contact the California LifeLine Administrator to get your PIN. Hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, except during state holidays.

How can I check the status of my renewal?

Once you have submitted your California LifeLine program renewal application (either by mail or online), you can check your renewal status online, using your PIN and Lifeline phone number: https://www.californialifeline.com/en/account/check

I lost my form, how can I get a new one?

Please contact the California LifeLine Administrator to request a reprint of your form. Remember, you only have 45 days from the date of the original form to return your completed form. Your form will be mailed to you only if it is within the 45-day period given to you to submit the form.

We recommend renewing online if you have lost your form, to assure meeting the renewal deadline.

I want to know the status of my application. How can I find out about it?

Please go to Check Your Status to find out your status online. You may also contact the California LifeLine Administrator to find out about your application’s status. You can check your status 24 hours a day, or customer service representatives are available Monday to Friday, 7am to 7pm, except during state holidays.

What can I do if my renewal is denied?

If your disqualification can be corrected, you will be given a chance to correct it.

If you believe you have been disqualified improperly, you may file a written appeal. No verbal appeal will be accepted. Your appeal must be received by the due date stated on your disqualification letter to be considered. Your appeal must include the following:

  • A copy of your disqualification letter.
  • A brief description of your complaint – Please limit your appeal to two pages or less. You can also use the back of your disqualification letter to write down your appeal.
  • Any supporting document(s) to prove your eligibility.

Your appeal may be faxed to (415) 703-1758 or mailed to:

California Public Utilities Commission
Consumer Affairs Branch
505 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94102

It is open Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, except during state holidays.

  ID Guidelines

  • U.S. Driver License
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • U.S. Passport/U.S. Territory Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • U.S. government, military, state or Tribal issued-ID, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • U.S. Military ID cards (active or reserve duty, dependent of a military member, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
  • Common Access Card (only if designated as Active Military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve)
  • Military Discharge documentation, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • Northern Mariana Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Permanent Resident Alien Card
  • Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Mexican Consular Card (Matricula Consular - 2006, 2014, 2015 and later versions)

 

*All forms of ID must be valid and used before expiration date.

SNAP / Food Stamps / CalFresh

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA, or on SSA letterhead.

  • Consumer’s name
  • Date
  • Eligibility Date
  • Claim number OR Other consumer identification number
  • Payment amount

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

FPHA award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Date of the award,
  • Name of the beneficiary, and
  • Award amount.

Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Pension Grant Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Participant’s name
  • Address
  • A decision about the participant’s monthly entitlement amount
  • Payment start date

Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

  • Prior Year’s State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation Benefits Statement
  • Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
  • Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
  • Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
  • Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
  • Social Security Benefits Statement

Medi-Cal / Medicaid

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

CalFresh / Food Stamps / SNAP

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Lifeline Program

Due to sharing many of the same eligibility requirements those currently enrolled in the lifeline program may qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also.

 

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Notice of Action (award letter) acknowledging eligibility for FDPIR benefits;

  • Name of the beneficiary;
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

OR

FDPIR participation documents(e.g., a benefit card or copy of a benefit card);

  • Name of the beneficiary
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

TANF Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribal Head Start

Head Start Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)

BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

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  Eligibility Documents

  • Current or prior year's statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Program participation documents.
  • Another official document evidencing the consumer's participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Unemployment Documentation (notice of unemployment benefit payment or notice of successfully submitted application for unemployment benefits)
  • Copy of last year's State or Federal income tax return.
  • 3 consecutive months' worth of your most current pay stubs.
  • Social Security benefits statement. Veterans Administration benefits statement.
  • Retirement/Pension benefits statement.
  • Divorce decree or child support document.
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation benefits statement.