Just as we predicted, more competition has brought about better service in the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.
Assurance Wireless leapfrogged ahead of the competition when it introduced an unlimited talk and unlimited text Lifeline Assistance plan in California a few months ago. Now Budget Mobile (click here) has stepped up to match that plan.
The company has also added another wrinkle and upped the Lifeline ante a little more with a very inexpensive pre-paid plan that also includes data.
Spokesman Matt LaCasse told us, “We are now offering unlimited talk + text in California for our free California LifeLine service … The prepaid option in California is now $27.60 with unlimited talk/text and 3K MB [3GB] of data.”
If you qualify for Budget’s basic Lifeline Assistance plan, you’ll get a free cell phone, unlimited free minutes each month, and unlimited free texts each month. And unlike typical, expensive cell phone plans, you won’t need to sign an oppressive long term contract. You’ll also get nationwide coverage, caller ID, call waiting and voicemail.
According to their website, “Once you enroll, you will receive your FREE government assisted cell phone service for 12 months. You will need to re-qualify once a year. We will contact you annually to verify that you still qualify for Budget Mobile. However, should your participation in an eligible LifeLine Program cease, you are required to notify Budget PrePay, Inc. within 30 days, to de-enroll from the LifeLine cell phone program.”
A few restrictions apply
The unlimited talk/unlimited text offer is free for qualifying California residents, but there are a few restrictions of which you should be aware.
- LifeLine Service is only available to individuals who participate in a qualifying government program or are income eligible.
- Only one wireless or landline LifeLine account is allowed per household.
- The address you provide for your phone service must be your place of residence.
- Your LifeLine service must be in the name of the qualified customer and is non-transferable.
Budget makes it easier to sign up with its own stores and kiosks
One of the complaints we hear most frequently about the free government cell phone program is that signing up online is confusing and difficult. It looks like Budget has taken a major step toward solving that issue by opening its own stores and kiosks in major population centers across California.
California Store and Kiosk Locations: Bakersfield, El Cajon, Fresno (coming soon), Los Angeles area (Arleta, Commerce, Covina, Los Angeles, Huntington Park, Inglewood, Moreno Valley, North Hollywood, Rialto, San Bernardino, Santa Ana), Oakland (two locations), Sacramento (two locations), Salinas, San Diego, National City, and Stockton (coming soon).
Just one comment for the folks at Budget: It looks like this list shown on the company’s website was put together by a non-Californian. No Southern Californian would ever list Moreno Valley, Rialto, San Bernardino and Santa Ana as “Los Angeles” area. The first three are in the separate Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, and while Santa Ana is part of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana metro area, you probably couldn’t find five people in that city who would look for their city under a “Los Angeles” listing. We’d suggest that they lump the first three under “Inland Empire” and the last one under “Orange County”.
Thanks, Budget
This new unlimited offer is a wonderful thing for low-income Californians. The state leads the nation in the number of residents living in poverty, and Budget is making if far easier for them to cope and succeed in today’s world.
We certainly hope their new unlimited plan inspires ReachOut Wireless and Telscape, two other Lifeline Assistance companies operating in California, to begin offering unlimited plans to their customers.
If not, they’re going to get left behind as Budget and Assurance take advantage of “unlimited” futures in the Golden State.
To learn how to enroll in Budget Mobile, in California or dozens of other states, Click Here.
Hassan Ali says
I need the phone number for the Santa Ana Store—-because I do qualify for these phones. Is there anyway I can get these phones by mail (I live in the Inland Empire district)?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Ahhhh, the so-called Inland Empire, where this comment moderator spent his formative years (Colton, to be exact). You have a problem here, Hassan. Budget Wireless is no longer in business, so you cannot get a free government cell phone from them.
Here’s a link where you can find all the companies offering plans free government cell phone plans in California:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Krista says
Send me a list of places with govt free phones for pick up
Free Government Cell Phones says
Too many cases of fraud and abuse originate with the street vendors, Krista. We recommend enrolling by phone or online to avoid those problems.
Nicolette says
I can’t charge my phone Mobile Budget 3G since yesterday. What other unit is available? Please teply ASAP THNX
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot answer that question, Nicolette, because we are not affiliated with Budget. You’ll need to contact the company’s customer service team.
Deena M Epps says
I want a free phone please
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you need to apply for it, please.
Lydia says
Where are they giving out phones locations. In c9vina. California
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t enroll at one of those locations, Lydia. There have been too many problems with fraud and abuse at the street locations. Please enroll by phone or online.
Naomi Grace Kelley says
I do qualify. I am on food stamps and medical. I will be the one in the household getting one and no one else has a budget mobile phone. everyone else pays for there phone and I do share my food stamps with the members of the house hold by buying food for the house.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It all sounds good, Naomi. Hope everything works out for you.
IUPELI FOTU says
Hi I already have this phone since second of the month but I lost it can you please let me know more information about the lost phone but turn off please add me another phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot help you, Iupeli. We are an independent website, not your service provider. You’ll need to contact customer service at Budget. However, in the meantime, here’s an article that tells you what to do when you lose your phone:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Norma says
I’m wondering if you guys still give away flip phones or phones with bottons? I don’t like touch screen phones. I was something old. I don’t want Data either. Just waste of my time.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t take this personally, Norma, because we’re not really aiming it at you. It’s just that this is about the 50th time we’ve answered this kind of question today.
WE ARE NOT A LIFELINE SERVICE PROVIDER! WE ARE A NEWS AND INFORMATION WEBSITE THAT SPECIALIZES IN FREE GOVERNMENT CELL PHONES. YOU NEED TO CONTACT THE COMPANIES DIRECTLY TO GET YOUR QUESTION ANSWERED.
Ralph says
How do i upgrade my phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you want to upgrade to a smartphone (or to any other phone, for that matter), here’s how to do that:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones
Marco Prera says
I already have a cell phone from Budget mobile,, but I can’t use,(I read than the red mobil no esta disponible) please fix it as soon as possible thank you. My number is 707 653 ****
Beatriz says
I locked myself out of my own phone I honestly forgot pin # how can I get it unlocked or where??
Monica Hall says
How can I upgrade my phone?
quocho says
toi o sanjose dang su dung dien thoai california lifeline nhung dien thoai bi hu goi khong duoc ! so dien thoai 408763**** ! toi muon doi dien thoai moi ! neu khong doi toi cat hop dong su dung
Yvonne Ruiz says
Where do I take my phone, it’s not holding a charge, it just shuts off. I live in Covina, Ca 91722
My phone # is 626 251-****.
robert stombaugh says
I had my phone stolen, do i quaify for a repacement or do i have to pay for a new one?
Sherry Thomas says
My phone has been stolen. Do I quaify for a new phone?
John Sebastino says
I have a budget mobile flip top phone and want to know if we are able to switch to a different phone such as smartphone or Android with a different company
Jacqueline says
Somebody told me that budget mobile service will end in december…is that true?
And does budget offer data at al?
Andrea says
I’m trying to sign up no store or tents around I live in San Bernardino CA is program over?
Kristina says
I have had my budget mobile phone for almost a year now, but every where I look to find kiosk there is none. I got my phone from moreno valley, but that kiosk is now closed. My phone is not operating right nd need to talk to someone. I also call the 888 #nd no one ever answers it. I only get a forever machine telling mgr when I have to re assign can someone please help. I’m staying to think the company is no longer available. Thank u please tell me if I could even change it my phone to another one.
Christina says
My phone screen cracked and now I can’t unlock it to use my phone how can I get it fixed
Howard Lawton says
Where is the nearest location to the El Cajon area 92020 the store I got my phone and it is closed
blanca aguilar says
hola me gustaria saber a donde puedo regresar un cell que me dieron hace un mes aplique en tienda 0.99 y en dos dias se me aapago y ya no enciendio ni con nueva bacteria venia defectuoso y ahora no se a donde ir o a donde llamar es del programa Budget mobil. y con orta ya no estoy en lifeline programa bajo recuerso ,hayguien sabe ,
mary Johnson says
How can I change my phone number.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Call your company.
Gina Esquivel says
I’m on disability can I get free cell phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Disability alone is not a qualifier.
Early McCaster says
I would like to know if I can upgrade to a better phone and a better plan. Do you have a phone that contains the 4gs mobile apps such as Google, Pandora, Free movies and play store.and games. Thank you. My cell number is (424)216-****
Taxpayer says
How about if you stop using the word “free”? Lets be accurate. How about this: “Now you can get a cell phone that other people to pay for.” Just like they help pay for your “free” food, “free” housing and “free” healthcare.
Careforourpeople says
Well maybe if you are ever in the need for “free” and my taxes help pay for your “free” phone please by all means use the word “FREE” because it is for you!!!! and I don’t mind helping out people in the world do you??? or are you a Selfish SOB
Rony Joseph says
Do you provide unlimited talk and unlimited texts for Massachusets as free government cell phone ?
Please advise
hector velador says
I would like to apply for a free phone i got 0 income on food stamps i would like a free phome i cant afford a cell phone thank you
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
To pick a phone provider in your area, CLICK HERE and then click on your state.
Leslie Andrews says
My phone as been stolen and the person that took it wont give it back. How do i get the phone turned off and another phone sent to me.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You call the company from which you got the phone.
Earl says
2 days after I got the phone, it got broke, the screen, how do I replace it ?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
dwayne says
The phone I got the glass was broke when it arrived what should I do?
Carson Lowe says
I am homeless and have no permanent physical address, I only have a POB
On food stamps.
How can I get a Mobile phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Unfortunately you can’t. Here are others talking about the same problem:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/can-i-get-a-phone-at-a-po-box-address
Laurie Sigloch says
Hello, I have a part time, hourly wage job and am struggling to pay all monthly bills as a single mom of one daughter. We are on WIC and MediCal. What is the best website to use to sign up and maybe qualify for a free govt. cell phone plan?
Thank you.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We can’t recommend which company is best, but if you are in California (you’ve posted on the California page), Assurance Wireless has the best plan. Click through above on their name and it will lead you to the page on our site with their contact info. If you are not in California, CLICK HERE to go to our states page, and select your state.
joan merritt says
to whom it may concern ive been trying to contact u about my change of address . so here it is. p.o.box ***** Victorville CA. 92395 please inform me if u recieve this message . thanks Joan Merritt.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You have to contact the company directly. We can’t do anything for you but provide information, sorry.
danielle says
I have a galaxy S4 AND WAS WONDERING IF I COULD ADD THE LIFLINE SERVES TO That instead
Cynella says
I have a phone from yous. I just want to know if I have a better phone, can my number be switched from yours to mine?
elmira boehm says
I really need a phone,my husband passed a why last year,it changed my income very much
Chris says
need this badly. What kind of phone is it?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
As you can see from Budget Mobile’s user manual page, it can be one of any number of brands and models.
http://www.budgetmobile.com/phones/manuals.cfm
cheryl farpella says
It would be great if budget could allow us to use our own phones instead of just theres when one needs to replace a phone .we must send it in. And be without service until were sent another one most of use cant get to there stores if outta our town …what do we do ?
donna says
My budget lifeline nui liv10 phone is locked please help me i need this to find a job and am waiting for phone calls!
jayne north says
How can I keep my previous phone number? It is still active.
Rhanks
Wun Tuthree says
What you do is put the number in a box, or maybe safety deposit at bank. That way you always have it. So I don’t see why you couldn’t keep it, or when you say active like it runs away all the time? I know how much fun that can be.
Dianne Washington says
I am trying without any luck to speak to someone in your customer service department. The toll free phone number does no good at all for what I am trying to accomplish. I need to have my California Lifeline discount transferred from Budget back to Assurance Wireless as soon as possible. Hopefully you can help me with this request without it being a long drawn out ordeal. My Budget phone number in (916) 694-****’ I never activated this phone number. If you have any questions feel free to call me at (916) 842-****. Thanks a lot!
Alice says
Call assurance wireless and tell they that you would like to transfer back to them and if you already have life line service tell them so that they can do your application over the phone, and oh the number is 1888-898-4888
Maxine Hendrix says
I want to be re-certified with budget mobile. They called December 21
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You should probably call them back then.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers/budget-mobile