I use my own phone for the work group chat. Should my employer pay for that?
Yes, a reasonable percentage of your bill. California requires employers to reimburse necessary business expenses, and courts have held that applies to work use of a personal phone even when you are on an unlimited plan and paid nothing extra. The employer cannot benefit from a cost you carry.
The unlimited-plan argument is the one employers try most often and it has been rejected. The reasoning is that otherwise the employer receives a free benefit from an expense the employee is bearing, which is exactly what the statute prevents.
"Reasonable percentage" is deliberately imprecise. Many employers handle it with a modest fixed monthly stipend, which is lawful as long as the amount is genuinely reasonable for the actual use.
The same rule covers mileage in your own car, required tools, and uniforms that are not ordinary street clothing.
This is not something you can waive in advance, and an agreement saying you will cover your own phone does not change the obligation.
Last reviewed 2026-08-09. Informational only — not legal advice. California rules change; confirm against the current source before acting.