A tablet is a digital device with the same functionality as a smartphone, but it’s bigger. However, buying this device, it’s pretty unaffordable for many, especially for low-income families. For this reason, the federal government and some non-governmental organizations offer programs that give a free tablets to eligible households. There is a need to know how to get a free tablet, especially during these challenging economic times due to the recent Covid pandemic.
Most importantly, free tablets for low-income people help bridge the digital divide. In other words, the digital divide means the gap between those who have access to modern communication technologies and those who don’t. If you’re looking for a free tablet to bridge your communication gaps, you can take advantage of the free internet and devices offered to qualified low-income families.
Today, we shall explore all the avenues through which you can obtain a free tablet for low-Income families, disabled, veterans, seniors, and college students. The US federal government has programs that offer free government tablets to eligible applicants. The programs include the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can apply for free tablets if you meet government program eligibility criteria. However, you will have to submit relevant documentation to prove eligibility.
Best Ways To Get Free Government Tablets For Low Income Families
You can obtain free government smartphones and tablets for low-income families through the newly launched Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline Program, or through SNAP EBT card. Besides, you can also have free tablets from HeadStart, NGOs, The Pell Grants, and charities such as Adaptive.org, Salvation Army, etc.
However, these benefits are for low-income families, the disabled, students, and needy people. You qualify for free cell phone service through participation in government benefit programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI. Additionally, you may also be eligible based on your income levels.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the recent government-sponsored program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to offer low-income Americans discounts on monthly broadband services and connected devices.
On the other hand, Lifeline is a government benefit program that provides eligible customers free cell phone service every month. You must participate in federal programs, including Medicaid and SNAP, or through income levels to qualify. Thus, to qualify for a free government tablet and phone, ensure that your household income is at or below 135% for Lifeline or 200% for ACP of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Lifeline Free Phone And Tablet
Participating Lifeline providers only give discounts on services and smartphones. Lately, there are no Lifeline providers that provide free tablets directly via the Lifeline program. However, Lifeline customers automatically qualify for the newly started government assistance program that offers free tablets.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a Lifeline-free phone and tablet if you are Lifeline-eligible. In this case, you can automatically apply to an ACP program and get a free tablet or any connected device.
You qualify by default for a free government phone and tablet if you’re already enrolled in a government-supported program. Low-income households already enrolled in any of the below programs are eligible:
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Tribal-specific programs that include:
- Head Start, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), and Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
Furthermore, if you’re not participating in government programs, you can qualify if your annual income lies at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Most importantly, most cell phone companies participating in the Lifeline program also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a free cell phone or a discounted tablet at $10.
Free Government Tablets Stands Near Me
Typically, not all ACP providers provide discounts on connected devices such as tablets, desktop computers, or laptops. However, of the several qualifying ACP participants, not all provide free tablets. To avoid the stress of reviewing every ACP provider in your area, you need to know the free government tablets near me. Here, you will check a list of the best ACP providers in the country that provide free/discounted tablets in your state.
To get started, you must identify an ACP provider in your state of residence that provides discounts on connected devices. You can utilize the Companies Near Me tool at Affordable connectivity companies near me to locate an ACP company in your state.
To get a suitable free tablet stand near you, proceed to FCC affordable connectivity program providers, tap on your state of residence, and look at a provider with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices) .’Besides, you can search using your Zip code, city, and state.
Free Tablet with EBT
Limited Lifeline and ACP providers provide free tablets with EBT or SNAP Benefits cards. EBT is a short form for Electronic Benefits Transfer. However, EBT is an electronic system that enables state welfare departments to give benefits through a magnetically encoded payment card.
All SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) participants can pay for their groceries using their SNAP benefits. The EBT system applies to all 50 US states, including the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
Most importantly, a household qualifies for ACP if the income level is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Threshold; however, a household member attains specific criteria such as participation in SNAP or food stamps. The eligible households participating in SNAP can receive a tablet with a co-pay of as little as $10.01.
Free Tablets With Food Stamps
Food Stamps is currently referred to as SNAP. The acronym SNAP in full refers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The SNAP program’s main aim is to provide low-income people with quality food and nutrition. Many low-income families cannot purchase nutritious foods; this is where SNAP steps in.
The federal government manages the program to enable low-income families easily buy food and achieve the nutrition requirement of the family. There are many grocery shops and stores in partnership with the SNAP program.
However, you can get free tablets with Food Stamps through:
1. Income-Based ACP Eligibility
You qualify for ACP, which offers free tablets with food stamps if your annual household income level is 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Besides, the guideline varies depending on the state and the household size.
2. Program-Based ACP Eligibility
You qualify for a free tablet with SNAP if you or any household member participate in Lifeline or any qualifying government/Tribal assistance programs under the Lifeline program eligibility.
Moreover, you can also submit your free tablet application by mail or fax. Proceed to mass.gov/lists/dta-documents-and-forms to download the SNAP benefits application form in your language.
Free Tablet With Medicaid
Assurance Wireless plus other service providers provides free tablets and cell phones for Medicaid services. The program provides millions of Americans with free government tablets and plans. People with Medicaid services are given a free tablet through this program. You can apply for a free tablet via the program if you qualify for Medicaid.
To apply for a free tablet with Medicaid, you will have to follow the below steps:
- Call your local Medicaid office and ask about the program.
- Complete an application for the free tablet program.
- After your application gets approved, you will get a list of participating tablet providers.
- Select a provider and finish the enrollment process.
- Once enrolled, you can pick a free tablet from the provider’s selection.
The Medicaid program assists eligible low-income individuals and families, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and the elderly. However, the benefits of Medicaid programs vary from state to state. Lifeline and ACP providers provide limited free tablets with Medicaid and monthly discounted wireless services to qualified low-income customers.
Free Tablet For Seniors
In the United States, 62 years or older demographic are considered seniors. Several programs or organizations provide a free tablet for seniors. Fortunately, numerous programs provide free or discounted tablets to seniors, including:
- The AARP Foundation’s Tech Savvy Seniors Program offers free tablet computers to low-income seniors across the United States. To qualify, seniors must be members of AARP and possess an annual income of $30,000 or less.
- The Senior Savings Network provides a free tablet program for seniors enrolled in their health insurance plans. To apply, seniors must be 65 or older and possess an annual income of $20,000 or less.
- The MedicaidFreePhones.com program offers free tablet computers to low-income seniors enrolled in Medicaid. To qualify, seniors must attain an annual income of $16,755 or less.
- The Verizon Wireless HopeLine program offers free tablet computers to victims of domestic violence and seniors 65 years or older. To qualify, seniors must provide eligibility for the need for the tablet.
Free Tablet For Disabled
The US federal government provides free tablets for the disabled upon attaining the eligibility criteria. Many households having low-income, disabled, unemployed people, senior citizens, and students require the tablets to get a better life and enjoy many life-changing opportunities.
You are eligible for a free tablet through three categories and general eligibility criteria based on FCC guidelines, which apply to most states:
- You can qualify through other federal government programs (if you participate in an income-based government-sponsored program).
- Qualify due to some disability.
- You qualify based on your total household income if at or under 200% of the federal poverty level.
After application and approval, you will get your free tablet for the disabled. You can get devices like Huawei Media Pad T3, Apple iPad 10.2, Lenovo Tab E10, and amazon Fire 7, among others.
Free Tablet With Internet
The US Federal government offers free tablets with internet discounts to qualified households. However, you must prove eligibility and apply for a free government tablet with internet through your preferred wireless provider. To be eligible for a free tablet with internet from the government’s programs, you must apply, collect the relevant documentation and meet all the eligibility requirements.
Moreover, if you qualify for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive a free tablet or a cell phone with the internet. Lifeline gives a monthly discount of $9.25 towards internet bills. For eligible customers residing on Tribal lands, the discount is $34.25 per month.
Additionally, all ACP qualifying wireless providers offer a monthly broadband internet service discount of up to $30. Besides, qualified households residing on Tribal lands receive up to $75.
The participating ACP providers also offer a one-time discount of up to $100 per eligible household to purchase a connected device, a tablet, a laptop, or a desktop computer. To receive this discount and device, you must give a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50.
Application For A Free Tablet
Application for a free tablet from the government may vary based on the specific program or initiative you are applying through. However, some tips on applying for a free tablet from the government include liaising with your local federal or state representatives to ask about qualifying programs. Besides, you can search online for government programs that offer free or low-cost tablets for eligible individuals.
You make an application for a free government tablet by going to the official Lifeline website. Here, you will find programs that qualify for free tablets. After getting an application form for a free government tablet, you will have to offer the below documents as proof:
- Contact details
- Residence proof
- Income proof or salary slip
- A photo ID Proof
- Eligibility proof document
- Income proof/ student information
If you qualify for a free government tablet following your income level, you must include your current income proof showing that your income level is less than 200% of the federal poverty level threshold.
Trending Free Tablet Providers
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a well-known government assistance program that recently replaced the expired Emergency Broadband Benefit. ACP offers discounts on monthly internet services and discounts on free tablets. You need to know what Company is giving free tablets through the program and the prerequisite to get a free device.
In this case, some ACP providers such as Qlink, Stand Up Wireless, Easy Wireless, Cintex Wireless, and others also provide a one-time discount of up to $100 for the Connected devices. The beneficiary contributes more than $10 and less than $50 for the connected device. Besides, the connected device can be a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, depending upon the provider and availability.
Additionally, non-profit organizations such as Adaptive.org, Accelerated schools program, Computer technology assistance corps, City.org, Computers for learning, and others offer free tablets to needy individuals. The government funds such organizations so you can get free tablets.
Qlink Wireless
Q Link Wireless is one of America’s Largest mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) nationwide, with 4G LTE/5G networks. The Company is one of the famous network providers which gives free tablets to Lifeline-eligible customers. Also, Qlink participates in the ACP initiative that offers eligible low-income families broadband discounts and free tablets for just $10.01.
You also receive cellular service with free texts, data, and calling minutes. To get a Qlink wireless free tablet or free cell phone, you need to apply, get verified, and activate your service. The eligible household member can also receive a free tablet with a SNAP Benefits card through QLink ACP. The tablet features the latest Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. ACP subscribers applying through this network must pay a one-time $10.01 co-pay to get a $100 discount.
Apart from obtaining a free tablet or smartphone, Qlink Wireless provides an Always-On Plan that offers free cellphone plans with 3 GB data, 1,000 talk-time minutes, and Unlimited messaging.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is another major lifeline wireless service provider that offers free government tablets to low-income families. The Company also provides free internet and communication services or subsidized costs to needy families. To receive a free tablet from assurance wireless, download and fill out an application form on their official site, attain their eligibility requirement, submit the form, pass the verification process, and wait to receive your free tablet.
However, several documents are required when applying for an Assurance Wireless free tablet. Notably, different states and providers require different types of documents. Besides, your eligibility category determines the document type to submit. Below are the documents required during the application process:
1. Documents to prove disability
- A letter or document from a government medical institution with proof you are indeed disabled.
- Documents to prove household income
- Your social security statement of benefits
- A veteran administration document
- Your unemployment statement of benefits.
- Pension statement of benefits.
- Federal letter of participation in general assistance
- Your annual federal/tribal tax return document.
2. Documents to prove federal government programs participation
- Employment service document
- Extended foster care, among others
- Up-to-date letter of participation in a food support program
- Up-to-date letter showing Medicaid program eligibility
- Federal Pell grant
- Social security disability
3. Other Common Required Documents
- Your salary slip
- Residence address
- Your contract document
- Photo ID proof
T-Mobile
Mobile is proud to participate in the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers internet service payment assistance to eligible households. However, the program is available through Metro by T-Mobile and Assurance Wireless. The National Verifier determines your eligibility, and to sign up for the T-mobile free tablet, you should:
- Go to ACP benefit, finish the application form and get your approval from the National Verifier.
- Transfer to Metro by T-Mobile, choose from the largest selection of free 5G phones in prepaid and check the available free tablet options.
- Go to My Account on the Metro by T-Mobile and finish the application form for the ACP benefit or walk into your nearby Metro by T-Mobile store.
- Afterward, you will get a text message telling you whether you have been successfully enrolled in the ACP with Metro by T-Mobile.
You can even receive a free tablet with unlimited data on the T-Mobile network. Suppose a tablet is available in your state when applying. In that case, you can get a Moxee tablet or an Alcatel Joy Tab 2 according to the eligibility criteria and if you are eligible for the plan.
TruConnect
TruConnect is an American mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) that offers an Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline benefits to eligible low-income families. To qualify for TruConnect free tablet, you must be ACP eligible and apply following the below procedure:
- Ensure you are TruConnect ACP eligible.
- Proceed to truconnect.com/broadband, input your email address and tap the” Apply Now” button. Afterward, you will proceed to the TruConnects ACP application form, fill out the required information, attach the documentation, and submit your request for TruConnect free tablet.
- Finally, you will have to wait several days for the provider to inform you whether or not your application was successful. Then, wait for your free monthly broadband benefits and a free tablet.
TruConnect may provide eligible low-income households a discounted 8-inch Google Play Certified Android tablet with LTE connectivity based on availability. In this case, the providers give a $100 discount toward the purchasing price. The eligible people need to co-pay between $10 to $50. The device discount is limited to one per household, and you can check the status of your free tablet application by signing in to your TruConnect online account.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless offers both ACP and Lifeline-free tablets and smartphones. The carrier offers qualified customers unlimited text, unlimited talk, and 10 GB of data. However, to receive a standup wireless free tablet, you will have to co-pay at least $10.01. You should confirm with your state to see if you qualify, as this offer is unavailable in every state.
To start the application process for a free tablet, proceed to standupwireless.com, input your zip code and email address, and press “Begin Application.” Families with low-income and program-based requirements can get a discount on broadband service and connected devices from Stand Up Wireless. When you qualify, you can apply for an 8″ tablet for just $10.01 and receive a free tablet at standupwireless.com/acp.
Excess Telecom
Excess Telecom is among the fastest-growing telecommunications companies providing Lifeline and ACP benefits. To qualify for excess Telecom free tablet, you must meet the income and program-based eligibility as the FCC guidelines. This carrier participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program that offers free tablets and monthly broadband services. Through Excess Telecom, you can get fantastic brands of tablets such as Lenovo, LG, and Samsung.
You can enroll for Excell Telecom’s free tablet if you qualify for ACP. You are eligible following participation in a government-aided program, through a disability, or your income level. The income level must be 200% or below the poverty level threshold, and you must gather all the necessary documentation to prove eligibility. To apply for a free tablet through this carrier, you have to:
- Determine your ACP eligibility with the National Verifier at USAC.org.
- Contact Excess Telecom and inform them you wish to apply for the free government tablet through them. You can contact the Company using +800-615-0898 or chat with them using their official website.
- Apply for a free tablet at excesstelecom.com and choose a plan. Input your ZIP code, tap ‘Learn More’ follow the guidelines to fill out the application form.
- If approved, you will be notified and get your free Excess Telecom device shortly.
Cloud Mobile
Cloud Mobile is a company that provides cell phones, Wi-Fi hotspots, and tablets to eligible low-income customers. However, cloud mobile tablet free is brought to you by the TruConnect affordable connectivity program (ACP). The ACP is a new managed federal government program that offers discounts on monthly broadband services and specific connected devices like free tablets, desktop computers, and laptops.
Moreover, you are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) tablet through participation in qualifying programs such as the Lifeline Program. The qualified programs include Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Fund. Besides, your income level must be at 200% according to the Federal poverty level to qualify for Cloud Mobile free tablet.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless is one of Cintex’s affiliate companies that provides the same Lifeline and ACP benefits. To apply for newphone wireless free tablets, follow these steps:
- Ensure you are eligible and a resident of the states where the provider of choice operates.
- Then, proceed to apply.newphone.com and input your ZIP code and email address in the empty boxes. Tap ‘Apply Now.
- You will get redirected to the Company’s online application form. Fill it out by offering all the required personal information and documentation. Send your online application.
- If approved, you will get notified through an email and expect to get your free tablet within 7 to 10 days, based on availability.
Maxsip Telecom
Maxsip Telecom is an upcoming ACP provider that provides free services and tablets. To receive maxsip Telecom free tablet, make sure to:
- Confirm your eligibility.
- Proceed to maxsipconnects.com/apply.
- Complete the Company’s application form. Choose the service you want to apply for and submit your personal information and documentation.
- Then, send your application.
- If approved, you will get notified and receive your free tablet shortly.
Notably, none of the said devices is entirely free of charge. The FCC requires each qualified customer to pay a co-pay of more than $10 and not more than $50 to get the Maxsip Telecom free tablet. However, most providers charge slightly above $10.
Vortex Government Tablet
StandUp Wireless is the Lifeline wireless provider giving Vortex tablets free to eligible customers. However, to get vortex tablet government from Stand Up wireless, your household income must be at the 200% threshold per federal poverty guidelines. Alternatively, you must participate in a government-assisted program like SNAP, Medicaid, and other Lifeline programs. You must also offer the required documentation as proof of eligibility to qualify for a free Vortex government tablet.
However, all the ACP-eligible low-income households can receive a one-time discount of $100 on a Vortex free tablet, plus a free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and data.
To enroll for Stand Up free tablet, follow these steps:
- Go to Standup Wireless.
- Submit your ZIP code and email address, and press ‘Begin application.
- Fill out the online application by giving all the required information and documentation.
- Submit your online application and wait for the provider to inform you whether or not your application was successful.
Most importantly, choices are dependent on inventory availability, and the available tablet models include:
- SKY Elite 8
- Vortex Tab 8
- NUU Tab 8
Free Government Tablet In Texas
If you are a member of a low-income household or a student residing in Texas, you can get a free government tablet. The Specialized Telecommunications Assistance Program (STAP) is a state-sponsored program that provides electronic tablets to eligible residents of Texas. Besides, this program does not affect any government benefits you are currently receiving.
To qualify for a free government tablet in Texas, you require the below information only:
- Your First and Last name
- Address
- Date of Birth
- Signature
Proof of Residency in any of the following forms: ​
- Driver’s License
- State ID Card
- Voter Registration Card
- Or Utility Bill
- (Expired IDs are not accepted)
- (Correct address is required! No exceptions)
Additionally, an approved certifier must apply when any applicant begins their application. After the application gets submitted, the Austin STAP office takes around 6 months to finish the application. Immediately after your application gets approved, the state mails the voucher package to the applicant. After the applicant gets the voucher in the mail, the tablet is delivered to your address.
Government Tablet In Louisiana
Life Wireless is one of the carriers that free government tablets and wireless to low-income families and individuals in Louisiana. However, Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) reduce the cost of monthly phone or broadband services for eligible households and give devices on connected devices.
Additionally, as part of the ACP benefits, you will get a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a smartphone or other internet-connected devices like a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. Depending on your service provider, you must pay $10 to $50 for your tablet.
After signing up for a free tablet in Louisiana with the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you’ll receive up to 14 GB of monthly data in addition to a free smartphone/tablet or Wi-Fi hotspot, if eligible.
Free Government Tablet In California
California is one of the states with millions of residents that live below the poverty level. However, its one of the largest economies in the United States, but Californians find it challenging to purchase basic needs, such as high-speed broadband internet and devices. Thankfully, the federal government helps low-income Americans get a free government tablet in California through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
However, the ACP offers FREE cellular and connected device discounts so Americans can stay connected to friends, school, work, family, 911 Emergency service calls, etc. Thus, as a leading provider of the ACP, Q Link Wireless is one of the eligible ACP providers of a Free government Tablet to California residents.
Additionally, free government Tablets are not exclusive to California. Through the ACP Program, any low-income family in the US can get a free tablet with a contribution of a $10.01 co-payment. To qualify, you must attain an income of 200% or below the Federal government poverty guideline or participate in Federal aided programs.
Final Words
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are Federally funded programs that help low-income families with internet discounts and free government tablets. Generally, for all the wireless providers participating in these programs, you will get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a free tablet.
Through the ACP, you can use a participating service provider to buy your device through a co-payment ranging from $10 to $50. To apply, proceed to the provider’s official website and check their online application form. Fill out the application by submitting all the necessary personal information and documentation, and then send the application.