Staying reachable
Can't afford a phone or internet bill?
A working phone is how you reach your doctor, your care team, and your benefits. Atlas helps qualifying households apply for the California LifeLine discount on phone or home internet service.
What this usually feels like
- Missing appointment calls because service is shut off.
- Not being reachable when a benefits office calls back.
- No internet for a telehealth visit or an online application.
- Losing the discount because a renewal letter got missed.
Formally, this service is California LifeLine assistance. You do not need to know the program name to ask for help.
What we do
How Atlas helps
We check both ways to qualify
Through a program you are already in — like Medi-Cal or CalFresh — or through household income.
We help pick a provider
We look up participating providers in your ZIP code and compare phone versus internet options.
We help you apply
Atlas helps complete the application and gather the ID and proof documents it requires.
We watch your renewal
LifeLine renews annually — we flag the window so the discount does not lapse.
Who may benefit
Who this is for
- Households enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh/SNAP, SSI, or WIC
- Households receiving LIHEAP, Section 8, or Federal Public Housing Assistance
- CalWORKs, StanWORKs, Welfare-to-Work, or GAIN participants
- Tribal TANF, BIA General Assistance, and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations participants
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program recipients
- Households with total annual gross income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants and TTY users (eligible for a second discounted line)
- Members whose lack of phone or internet is a barrier to health care, benefits, or housing
What's included
Support for whatever you're carrying
Eligibility screening (Program- or Income-Based)
We screen members against both qualification paths — enrollment in a qualifying public assistance program (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, WIC, CalWORKs, LIHEAP, Section 8, Tribal TANF, Veterans Pension, and more) or household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Provider selection support
We help members search California LifeLine participating providers by ZIP code and choose between a home phone, cell phone, or broadband plan — one discounted service per household.
Application & documentation assistance
We help members complete the online application (or the PINK envelope paper form) and assemble the required copies — ID plus proof of program participation or income.
Monthly service discount up to $19
Approved participants receive a monthly service discount of up to $19 on cell or home phone service, plus exemption from public purpose program surcharges, the CPUC user fee, federal excise tax, local franchise taxes, and the State 911 tax.
Connection & conversion discounts
Eligible members can receive a service connection discount of up to $39 and a service conversion discount of up to $39 when starting or switching home phone service.
Annual renewal reminders
California LifeLine requires annual renewal on the member's anniversary date. We flag renewal windows, help members respond to the PINK renewal envelope, and prevent lapses that would drop the discount.
How to get it
Getting started takes one step
- 1
Tell us your situation
Start the eligibility check or call us — mention that you need phone or internet help.
- 2
We screen you
We check program-based and income-based qualification with you.
- 3
We help you apply
We assist with the application and the required documents.
- 4
We follow up at renewal
You get a reminder before your anniversary date so the discount continues.
California LifeLine is a state program administered by the CPUC. Atlas assists with screening and applications; approval and discounts are determined by the LifeLine program and participating providers.
Who we help
You may be a good fit for this support if...
Experiencing Homelessness or Unstable Housing
If you're without stable housing or worried about where to stay, we can help coordinate your care and connect you with available housing and community resources.
Coming Home After Incarceration
Recently released or preparing for release? We can help coordinate healthcare, medications, benefits, transportation, and other support as you transition home.
Mental Health & Recovery Support
If you're managing serious mental health or substance use needs, we can help bring your healthcare, behavioral health, recovery services, and everyday support together.
Stay reachable
Let's see if your household qualifies.
For providers, partners & anyone who wants the details
Detailed program information
Program-Based Qualification
A household qualifies if any member is enrolled in Medi-Cal, LIHEAP, SSI, Section 8, CalFresh/SNAP, WIC, NSL, TANF (including CalWORKs, StanWORKs, WTW, GAIN), Tribal TANF, BIA General Assistance, Tribal Head Start, FDPIR, or the Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension.
Income-Based Qualification
Households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify. Effective June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027: $24,600 (1), $33,300 (2), $42,100 (3), $50,800 (4), + $8,700 per additional member.
One Discount Per Household
Only one California LifeLine discount is allowed per household — on a home phone OR a cell phone OR a broadband service — at the member's primary residence. TTY users and Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program participants are the exceptions.
Acceptable Documentation
Program ID or notice of eligibility, prior-year tax return front page, three consecutive months of pay stubs, or benefit statements from Social Security, VA, retirement/pension, Unemployment, or Workers' Compensation.
30-Day Enrollment Freeze
Under CPUC rules, a consumer cannot submit multiple wireless enrollment requests at the same time. Once an application packet is generated, a 30-day freeze applies until a final eligibility decision, cancellation, or 30 days elapse.
TTY & DDTP Support
Members who use a teletypewriter or participate in the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program qualify for discounts on a second home phone line with the appropriate certification.
Annual Renewal
All participants must renew each year on their anniversary date. Renewal forms arrive in a PINK envelope; members can renew online at californialifeline.com or by mail. Missing the due date results in loss of the discount.
The challenge, in statewide data
Sources: California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Medi-Cal, and CalAIM program data.
Up to $19
Monthly California LifeLine service discount
Source · CPUC — California LifeLine Program
150%
Of Federal Poverty Guidelines — income-based qualification threshold
Source · California LifeLine — Effective June 1, 2026
1
California LifeLine discount allowed per household
Source · CPUC — California LifeLine Eligibility
How Atlas addresses it
We help members apply — start to finish
From eligibility screening to provider selection to gathering copies of ID and proof of program participation or income, we stay with the member until the application is submitted and the discount is approved.
Program-Based OR Income-Based — whichever fits
Members already enrolled in Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, CalWORKs, WIC, LIHEAP, Section 8, Tribal TANF, or Veterans Pension qualify by program participation — no income documentation needed. Others qualify at up to 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Renewal reminders that prevent lapses
California LifeLine requires annual renewal on the member's anniversary date. We flag the PINK renewal envelope when it arrives and help members respond before the deadline so the discount never drops.
Other ways we help
All servicesEnhanced Care Management
Coordinated medical, behavioral, and social services for members with complex needs.
Community Supports
Housing, meals, and home modifications—the resources that make daily life livable.
Behavioral Health
Mental health, substance use, and emotional support—body, mind, and spirit.
Community Health Workers
Culturally aligned, person-centered care that bridges health and social services.
Medical Transportation
Reliable, safe transport to and from medical appointments—because access shouldn't be a barrier.