A tablet is a modern communication device that is bigger than a smartphone. However, the device may be too expensive for low-income families. Through the Federal tablet program, you can receive a free device and enjoy the digital way of life if eligible for a free tablet program. Low-income households can obtain a free federal tablet through the newly launched ACP initiative, charities, or non-profit organizations.
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers a discount on connected devices such as tablets that helps eligible low-income earners benefit from affordable or cost-free tablets if unable to afford other similar expensive devices. One of the benefits that federal tablet offer to eligible applicants is the ability to connect to friends and relatives, attend online meetings and classes, search for job opportunities, and access information and educational resources.
Most importantly, you must meet the eligibility requirements for participation in a Federal program or the low-income poverty level threshold. Upon confirming eligibility, you may apply for a free government tablet by simply filling out an application form and submitting the eligibility proof documents. You can expect a tablet from approved wireless providers from renowned brands such as Apple, Microsoft, Lenovo, LG, Google, or Samsung.
Qualify For The Federal Tablet Program
The ACP determines eligibility for the Federal tablet program, and the benefit only applies to one member in every eligible household. You can apply via income or program participation criteria as per the below provisions:
- A household income is at 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participation in authorized federal programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline.
- Participation in Tribal specific programs, including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Headstart, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal TANF.
- A beneficiary under the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program, primarily via the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the ongoing award year.
- Attained of the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income
Applications ways for Federal tablet program
Eligible low-income families who meet the above eligibility requirements can apply for a free tablet through ACP federal program directly to the national verifier website at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov and tap on Apply Now.
On this page, you must submit details such as name, address, and how you qualify. Also, you will have to upload supporting documents during the application. After the national verifier approval, you can proceed to your preferred wireless provider offering free tablets and apply through its website. It can take 7-10 working days to notify you where to collect your tablet.
You can find an ACP provider in your area that offers free government tablets at https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers. Then, choose your state of residence, and select a provider with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices.’
Documentation That Is Needed For a Free Tablet From Federal Program
The Federal Government has clear guidelines on the eligibility, application, and documentation required when applying for a free tablet through the federal program. Some of the available documents required include the following:
Eligibility documents proving enrollment in federal programs.
The document must include the name of the entity that issued the document, the name of the qualifying program like Medicaid, and a future expiration date in the future or within the last 12 months. The required documents include the following:
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Benefit verification letter
Income Level Proof
However, to prove qualification for a federal program tablet based on income criteria, you can submit a copy of the below documents with an individual or household annual income at 200% of the Federal Poverty Level:
- State, Federal, and tribal tax returns from the previous year
- A federal or tribal participation notice letter
- Unemployment or workers’ compensation document
- Veteran Administration Statement of Benefits
- Retirement or pension list of benefits
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
Which Federal Program Offers Tablet
The program behind the Federal tablet is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program and aims at helping families and households afford internet service and devices such as tablets. The program offers two types of discounts.
- Discount on internet
Eligible low-income families can receive up to a $30 monthly discount on internet service. Households on qualifying tribal lands receive up to a $75 monthly discount for the internet.
- Discount on free tablet
Eligible applicants can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 from the federal government through ACP to get a tablet through a participating provider. If you don’t qualify for the Federal program tablet, there are other ways to get a free tablet, as explained in the next section.
Non-Federal Program Tablets Program
Adaptive.Org provides free tablets to needy students. To be eligible, you must be ready to sacrifice 10 hours of community service. This organization also assists low-income families, disabled people, and senior citizens.
Cty.Org is a national organization distributing free and discounted tablets and laptops for low-income families. The program typically helps parents, students, and teachers and provides free internet packages and software.
Everyoneon is a non-federal tablet program available in almost 50 states of America. Eligibility applies to families with an annual income of below $35000. This program offers internet services, free refurbished tablets and laptops, and even free courses for the unemployed.
CTAC (Computer Technology Assistance Corps) is an organization that provides financial aid and resources for obtaining a free tablet or computer.
Notably, to apply for a free tablet through the listed organization, ensure you search for an organization that currently provides free devices. Most of these programs offer online applications for free tablets and other offers.
Does The Federal Program Offer Free Tablets For Low-Income Families
Low-income families refer to individuals living below the poverty line. The federal program for a free tablet for low-income has strict eligibility requirements. According to the federal poverty guidelines, applicants must be low-income individuals at or under 200% to qualify for and participate in government-free tablet programs. Besides, low-income households must participate in government-supported programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and WIC.
What Are The Offered Federal Tablet Models
Applicants from low-income families can expect the following devices if eligible for free tablets from the federal program:
- Vortex tablet
- Sunshine T1
- Alcatel Joy Tab
- Lenovo Tab 5
- Google Chromebook
- Lenovo Tab M10 plus tablet
- Samsung galaxy tab S7
- LG G pad 5 4GB LTE unlocked tablet.
- New Microsoft Surface Go 3 tablet
Does The Federal Program Offer Free Tablets For Seniors
Several government-sponsored programs offer free tablets to eligible seniors. One such program is the AARP Foundation’s Tech Savvy Seniors Program which offers free tablets to low-income seniors across America. To qualify for federal program tablets for seniors, you must have 65yrs or older and have an annual income of $30,000 or less. Thus, if you attain these qualifications, you can enroll in the program at the official website.Â
Bottom line
The federal government offers free tablets to low-income individuals who enroll in the Affordable connectivity program. The program offers a discount to acquire a tablet for just $10.01. You can apply for a federal program tablet if your annual income qualifies you as low-income or if you participate in government programs such as Medicaid. You can also get a tablet from non-governmental organizations highlighted in this article.