How to set up your
phone number
1. Setting Up a Phone Number
Option A: Free or Low-Cost Phone Service
Refugees may qualify for Lifeline, a federal program that provides discounted or free phone service.
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Check eligibility & application process:
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You will need:
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Identification (passport, refugee travel document, or state ID)
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Proof of qualifying benefits (e.g., Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI)
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How to apply:
To apply for California LifeLine you must call your home or cell phone company and state you qualify for the program via Program-Based OR Income-Based. Once you inform the home or cell phone company that you qualify, they will begin the application process for you. Within a week, you will be mailed an application form with an Enrollment Code in a PINK envelope. In order to receive the California LifeLine benefits, you must complete the form, sign it, and send it to the California LifeLine Administrator along with any required documents by the due date. You may also Apply Online.
Option B: Prepaid SIM Cards
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Visit a store like T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon, Cricket, Metro by T-Mobile.
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Ask for a prepaid SIM card—you can pay monthly with no credit check.
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Insert the SIM into your unlocked phone (or buy one there).
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Activate using instructions from the carrier.
Setting up an Email Address
Free Email Providers
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Gmail — Create Gmail account
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Outlook — Create Outlook account
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Yahoo Mail — Create Yahoo account
Steps (example for Gmail):
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Go to Google Account Signup.
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Enter your name, desired email address, and password.
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Provide your phone number for account security (you can use your new phone number).
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Follow the verification steps.
Once complete, you can sign in at mail.google.com.
Tips
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Keep your phone number and email safe—you will use them for Medi-Cal, housing, school, and job applications.
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Use a strong password for your email and write it in a safe place.
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If you change phone numbers, update your contact info with all agencies.