Can my criminal backGround limit my ability to get a California Lifeline phone?

No. Having a criminal record does not affect your eligibility for the California LifeLine phone program.

SPECIAL POLICY NOTE FOR PEOPLE UNDER FEDERAL SUPERVISION (for example, federal probation, supervised release, or federal parole): On September 9, 2014, former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder announced that all federal halfway houses are required to allow their residents to have cell phones, so that people in reentry can pursue job opportunities and connect with family.[1840] If you are on federal supervision, you must still meet the same standard eligibility requirements for the California LifeLine phone program, just like anyone else.

  1. 1840

    See U.S. DOJ Press Release at https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/new-step-fight-recidivism-attorney-general-holder-announces-justice-department-require (March 24, 2014). ↑