California is the third largest state located in the western part of America. The recent census shows this state has more than 39 million residents. However, some residents still need to catch up in modern technology adoption. Thus, you can apply for a free tablet with EBT California if you receive CalFresh benefits, California’s most extensive food program. EBT is a channel of benefits dispensation to eligible households in California for the CalFresh program.
The Calfresh program is known federally as the SNAP, formerly Food Stamps, which offers monthly food benefits to members of low-income families. Eligibility for EBT depends on family size, countable income, and monthly expenses, including housing and utilities. On the other hand, you can qualify for a free tablet with EBT if you enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP). To enroll in ACP, participation in SNAP apply, which its monthly benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.
Furthermore, obtaining a free tablet with EBT is of great help to applicants who receive their government assistive benefits through participation in the Food Stamp program. Some states, like California, have added other federal assistance programs to the EBT systems. Currently, the EBT card is used for a program such as food stamps/ SNAP, which offers food-purchasing aid for low-income people in American states.
Disclamation about EBT program
EBT is a short form for Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT). However, this electronic system allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay food bills using SNAP benefits. When an EBT cardholder shops at a SNAP-authorized retail store, their EBT account is debited to compensate the store for the food purchased. EBT offers services in all 50 states of America, including California.
Apart from SNAP, other programs are using or under testing for EBT. The programs include the Tribal TANF, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for (WIC) Women, Infants, and Children, and some state general supported programs. In other words, Californians receiving benefits from these programs also qualify for a free tablet with EBT.
The state loads a certain amount of money based on the recipient’s income and size of household on the EBT card each month. This money can only be utilized for purchasing certain food items, depending on the program. EBT only caters to household foods, and you cant use it to cover alcohol, vitamins, tobacco, and health supplements.
Qualifications for Free Tablet with EBT in California
Eligible applicants can enroll for a free tablet in California following two main eligibility categories. First, you can apply following your gross annual income. A household can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers a free tablet with EBT if the household income is at or below 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines as per the below table:
| Household Size | Annual Income |
| 1 | $27,180 or less |
| 2 | $36,620 or less |
| 3 | $46,060 or less |
| 4 | $55,500 or less |
| 5 | $64,940 or less |
| 6 | $74,380 or less |
| 7 | $83,820 or less |
| 8 | $93,260 or less |
| For eachextra person; | Add $9440 |
Secondly, you can apply following participation in government programs such as SNAP or if a household member attains at least one of the below:
- Participation in federal assistance programs like Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Social Security Income(SSI), WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participation in Tribal specific programs, including Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- A beneficiary in the National School Lunch Program, or
- Participation in School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
- Recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the ongoing award year
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or
- Meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating wireless provider’s existing low-income internet program.
Providers of Free Tablet With EBT California
- TruConnect
TruConnect offers a unique Lifeline plan for its California customers. If you enroll in Lifeline, you qualify for a FREE ACP plan with at least 14GB of 4G/LTE data, with Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities. Eligible members participating in SNAP can qualify for a free tablet with EBT if they enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- Qlink Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a wireless company based in Diana, Florida. The carrier takes pride in offering its ACPcustomers s under a new tablet with Wi-Fi capabilities. Besides, you can get free and unlimited cell phone service by qualifying for ACP. To get this benefit, subscribers must contribute a one-time $10.01 co-payment before obtaining their tablet. Eligible Californian customers for free tablets with EBT include low-income individuals and families. Or participants in federal sponsered programs, including SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, TANF, etc.
- Stand Up Wireless
Stand Up Wireless offers ACP and Lifeline benefits to low-income Americans and certified enrollees in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, Veteran Pension, Federal Public Housing, SSI, or based on annual household income. Through StandUp Wireless, you can get a free tablet with EBT for only $10.01 for qualifying Californian participants under ACP. The Company also offers unlimited text messages, unlimited talk time, 10GB of high-speed data, low-speed data, and more.
- Easy Wireless
Easy Wireless is one of California’s leading Lifeline and ACP government-assisted providers. Through this carrier, you can get an 8-inch free tablet with EBT valued at $120 for only $10.99. According to Federal Poverty Level, eligibility depends on individual participation in a government benefit program like Calfresh or through income at 200% or below.
Bottom Line
To receive a free tablet with EBT California, ensure you qualify for the Food Stamp (SNAP)benefits program and that you’re a resident of California. Besides, you must apply through a participating wireless provider that offers ACP services in California. SNAP-eligible participants automatically qualify for ACP, which provides discounts on monthly internet services and connected devices, such as free tablets.