Low income finds it expensive to purchase a luxurious device like an iPhone or a tablet. Thus, the U.S. government is highly focused on ensuring every household has access to basic communication requirements regardless of income. Through the digital equality initiative, low income can get free government iPhones and tablets if eligible. If you qualify, you can get these devices based on Federal Communication Commission (FCC) managed programs, including the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline.
For eligible households to benefit from free iPhones and tablets from Lifeline or ACP, you must ensure you attain the program’s eligibility requirements. The eligibility includes participation in a government-supported program such as Social Security Income(SSI) or attainment of low-income status as per the Federal Poverty Level.
Most importantly, applicants enrolling for a free iPhone and tablet from the government must provide proof that they meet the guidelines by submitting personal and eligibility verification documents. Your application is usually only complete if you attach these documents. The government offers eligible consumers free iPhones and tablets through participating wireless providers in ACP and Lifeline programs.
Qualify For Free iPhone And Tablet Government Program
Only two government programs offer free iPhones and tablets to low-income families. They are Lifeline and ACP. Their eligibility is as discussed below:
Eligibility for Lifeline assistance program:
You are qualified for a free government iPhone and tablet if you meet the following eligibility criteria:
An annual household income of 135% or less, according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
If you participate in these government-aided programs, you are also qualified for a free iPhone and tablet.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Medicaid
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Eligibility For Free Tablet and iPhone through ACP
You must meet the following ACP eligibility criteria for a free government iPhone and tablet. The qualification requirements are listed below:
- Your annual income should be 200% or less of federal Poverty Guidelines.
- If you are a recipient of the federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- If you are enrolled in any federally aided program, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Medicaid
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Section 8/ Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), like public housing
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Reduced priced and free school lunch program or breakfast program.
If you live in tribal lands and participate in any of these programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (income based)
- Tribal TANF
Apply For Free iPhone Government Phone And Tablet
You can apply for a free government iPhone and tablet through a service provider website or ACP and lifeline assistance’s official website. Let’s start with the service provider application of the free gov tablet and iPhone method. You will visit the company’s official website and enter the zip code to begin the process.
Afterward, follow the instructions as you fill out the document with your personal information. Then you will attach verification documents as eligibility proof for free government iPhone, and tablet.
The other alternative method is where you apply through the national verifier. Carefully fill out the enrollment form and attach the required documents as eligibility proof for free government Appl Phones and tablets. Then click on the submit button. You may also be apt to send the application form and verification form via mail by downloading and printing the application form.
Required Documents For Free iPhone And Tablet From The Government
To process your free government iPhone and tablet application, you must provide eligibility-proof documents based on your qualification. These documents are listed below:
- Income-based eligibility documents for free gov iPhone with tablet include General assistance participation tribal/federal notice letter, Child support award/ divorce decree, Paycheck stub, current income statement written by your employer, and Veterans Administration statement of benefits.
- For proof of participation in a government-assisted program as an eligibility criterion for free government tablet, you will provide any of these documents: Statement of benefits, School documentation, Benefit verification letter, Benefit award letter, and Approval letter.
- Moreover, you will be required to provide identity-proof documents and address-proof documents. These documents include a Birth certificate, mortgage or lease statement, Passport, Utility bill, a valid U.S. driver’s license, and U.S. naturalization or citizenship certificate.
Government Programs Offering Free iPhones And Tablets
Lifeline and ACP are government programs that offer free government iPhones and tablets to low-income households through service providers. The federal communications commission powers these programs. These programs are the Lifeline assistance program and ACP. To enjoy these benefits, you must meet the income-based and participation-based requirements of each program.
Cellular Providers That Offer Free iPhone And tablet
Several service providers are offering free government iPhones and tablets. The following list of the best service providers offering free government iPhones and tablets.
- Qlink Wireless
- TruConnect
- Safelink Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- SFone Wireless
What Types Of Devices Are Offered
You can get the following devices from free government iPhone and tablet:
Free government iPhone:
- Apple iPhone 6
- iPhone 7 Plus
- Apple iPhone7
- iPhone 6s
- Apple iPhone 8
- iPhone S.E.
Free government tablet:
- Alcatel Joy Tab
- Vortex tablet
- Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021- Space Gray
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Tablet
- Google Chromebook
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8″
- 2020 Apple iPad – Space Gray (8th generation)
- New Microsoft Surface Go 2
- L.G. G Pad 5 – 4GB LTE Unlocked Tablet
- Lenovo Tab 5
- Fire H.D. 10 Tablet + Amazon Standing Case (Sandstone White)
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Who is eligible for free government iPhone and tablet
Only low-income households who have met the income-based and participation-based eligibility criteria for a Lifeline and ACP can get free government phone and tablets.
How Can I Apply For a Free Government Device
You can get a free government device by applying online via the Lifeline or ACP website or by mail. However, you must ensure you are eligible for the device before starting the application process. You can also apply for a free government device through a participating service provider in your state offering Lifeline or ACP benefits.
How Long Does The Program Typically Last
The free iPhone and tablet benefit program is subject to funding availability from the FCC, consumer eligibility, and provider participation. The program will last until the FCC announces the depletion of funding or if a wireless provider determines you are no longer qualified for the ACP.
Bottom Line
Low-income households can obtain a government iPhone and tablet by enrolling in government-aided programs that give free devices. These programs are the lifeline assistance and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). However, you must meet the qualification criteria and have supporting documents that prove your eligibility category, either income-based or program participatory.