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California LifeLine and Federal Lifeline Programs

There are state and federal public assistance programs to help eligible households save on phone and internet service.

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Public Assistance Programs

There are three separate discount programs available to eligible Volcano customers. Each one targets a different type of service, is administered differently, and has its own qualification rules and discount amounts.

Two programs are run by the state of California, and one is a federal program. A customer may only be enrolled in one at a time, so it is worth understanding the differences before applying.

This state-run program reduces the monthly cost of voice service (phone). The discount amount depends on how the customer qualified — California has its own income and program guidelines that are separate from the federal government’s.

Discount amounts if qualified through Federal guidelines

  • Voice only $19.90/mo. discount
  • Voice + broadband bundle $17.90/mo. discount

If qualified through California guidelines

  • Voice only $25.15/mo. discount
  • Voice + broadband bundle $27.15/mo. discount

This state-run pilot program reduces the monthly cost of broadband internet service. The discount amount depends on whether broadband is your only service or is bundled with voice. Customers who have both voice and broadband should note that this program offers a higher discount than the California LifeLine Program, making it the better choice for bundled service accounts.

Discount amounts:

  • Broadband only — $20.00/mo. discount
  • Broadband + voice bundle — $30.00/mo. discount

To apply, visit: www.californialifeline.com

Once approved, Volcano will receive confirmation from the Third Party Administrator (Maximus) and will automatically apply the discount to your account.

Already enrolled in California LifeLine? If you have broadband service, you may be able to transfer to the Home Broadband Pilot Program — no new application needed. Contact us to make the switch.

The Federal Lifeline Program is administered by the federal government through USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company) and provides a monthly discount on voice or voice bundled with broadband service. Qualification is based solely on federal income and program guidelines.

Discount amounts:

  • Voice only — $5.25/mo. discount
  • Voice + broadband bundle — $9.25/mo. discount

How to apply: Customers may apply online at lifelinesupport.org or pick up a paper application in our office. Eligibility is based on Federal Poverty Guidelines or participation in a qualifying federal program. More information at usac.org/lifeline.

Important: Volcano does not receive automatic notification when a customer is approved. Once you receive your approval confirmation and Application ID from USAC, you must contact Volcano so we can enroll you in the program and apply the discount to your account. Without this step, the discount cannot be added.

FAQs Tag

LifeLine Program Frequently
Asked Questions

  • The California LifeLine Program is a state-supported program that provides discounted phone to eligible households. It’s designed to help keep essential communication services affordable.
  • The Federal Lifeline Program is a federal program that also provides discounted phone services to eligible households, helping ensure access to essential communications nationwide.

The California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot expands Lifeline benefits to include internet service, helping eligible households access reliable internet at a reduced cost. Please note the following important details about the program:

  • A standalone broadband plan does not include voice service for making 911 calls.
  • Customers may be de-enrolled from the program due to non-usage.
  • Only one service is allowed per household (except for TTY users, in which case a second phone line may be discounted).
  • Wireless service may experience interruptions due to weather conditions, terrain, or gaps in service coverage. (D.12-12-038)

You may qualify based on your household income or if you participate in certain government assistance programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh (SNAP), SSI, or others. Visit: https://www.californialifeline.com/en/eligibility_requirements to view full eligibility requirements.

You can apply online here or by mail through the California Lifeline administrator. Once approved, we’ll help you get your service set up or updated.

  • Both the California LifeLine and Federal Lifeline programs can provide discounts on home phone service.
  • Additionally, through the new California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot Program, eligible households may also receive a discount on internet service. Please note that the broadband pilot program is a California-specific benefit and is separate from the Federal Lifeline program’s standard offerings.

Yes. If you qualify, Lifeline (California & or Federal) can be applied to your existing service or used when setting up new service.

Eligible households may qualify for both California LifeLine and Federal Lifeline support at the same time. However, benefits are limited to only one person per household.

A household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. Even if you live at the same address as others, you may qualify separately if you manage your finances independently. View the full eligibility requirements here: https://www.californialifeline.com/en/eligibility_requirements

Eligible customers receive a monthly credit on their service—$10 per month for phone service, $20 per month for internet service, or up to $30 per month if both services are combined.

No. Lifeline customers receive the same reliable service as any other Volcano Communications customer.

In some cases, installation or equipment fees may be reduced or waived for Lifeline (California & or Federal) customers.  Our team can walk you through what applies to your situation.

Approval times can vary, but most applications are processed within a few days to a couple of weeks depending on verification requirements.

Once approved, your Lifeline discount will be applied to your account, and you can begin receiving the reduced rate on your service.

Yes. Lifeline (California & Federal) requires annual renewal to confirm you still qualify. You’ll receive a notice when it’s time to recertify.

pdf tag

LifeLine PDF Guides

LifeLine Acceptable Documentation Guide

Use this guide to learn what documents you’ll need to provide if LifeLine asks you to share proof of your eligibility, identity, or address.

 

California LifeLine Annual Notice 2026-2027

Important Notice from Volcano Telephone Company regarding the California LifeLine Telephone Program 2026-2027 eligibility requirements.

 

LifeLine Program Application Form

Current LifeLine application form, FCC Form 5629.

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