10 years later, California may finally allow undocumented immigrants cell service subsidies

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The California Public Utilities Commission issued a proposed decision last week that all Californians should have access to a state cell phone service subsidy program, even if they don’t have a Social Security number or can’t immediately provide one.

Earlier this year, CalMatters reported that the LifeLine application still asks for Social Security numbers, even though the commission said in February it had implemented its 10-year-old decision to stop using them.

Five months later, while the application has not yet been updated, it could change as soon as late November, following a comment period and vote next month, said Ashley Salas, an attorney with the consumer group, The Utility Reform Network.

“This is really great news for all Californians because what they propose to do will not only benefit consumers with a Social Security number, but also benefit those with it,” Salas said.

That can include unhoused individuals who might have had their documents taken during an encampment sweep, people fleeing domestic violence, foster youth who don’t have their birth certificates, for example, said Lena Silver director of policy and administrative advocacy for Neighborhood Legal Services Los Angeles.

As CalMatters reported, advocates including the Utility Reform Network and the Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County raised concerns when they realized that, despite the commission stating that all Californians should have access to the program, that wasn’t the case. In reality, applicants without a Social Security number were still facing roadblocks 10 years after that decision.

The commission has proposed updating their application and renewal forms to remove language requiring Social Security numbers and allowing applicants to submit additional identifying documents besides a driver’s license and passport. Applicants will also be able to submit current foreign government identification documents.

Additionally, the decision proposes the use of True ID, an application applicants can use to verify their identity by taking a photograph of themselves.

Advocates for low income residents still have concerns that many low income undocumented or unhoused people will have trouble accessing unexpired government identification from their home countries. Aside from privacy concerns they have regarding the True ID app, advocates say Californians applying for the cell service subsidy will have trouble accessing a cellular device to use the app.

“Having a phone is so crucial to gaining access to all the other public benefits. The name speaks volumes. It’s a lifeline. If you don’t have a phone, it’s going to be really difficult to access WIC, CalFresh and other services,” Silver said.

Silver said the organization will continue to advocate for LifeLine to align itself with other major public benefits programs that are more flexible in what identification documents they accept.

People who have Social Security numbers would still be encouraged to provide that information, since it would unlock additional funds from the federal Lifeline program. The state fund would cover all costs for those who don’t have a Social Security number.

The state LifeLine program is funded by a monthly surcharge on existing telephone service. The program’s reported budget for fiscal year 2022-23 was $274.4 million.