You can get a free tablet Illinois if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program is a government initiative that helps low-income households afford broadband internet service. The program provides a $30 monthly discount on internet service and a one-time discount of $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Eligible households can apply for the ACP through participating internet providers or the government website, GetInternet.gov.
To be eligible, households must meet specific income requirements or participate in certain assistance programs. The ACP is an excellent way for low-income households to save money on their internet bill. The program can help families stay connected to the internet, essential for work, school, and healthcare. We have so many people in the United States who have benefited from the program, including students. The $100 discount you get can help you get a free tablet for your activities.
For your information, a tablet is more significant than a smartphone, smaller than a laptop with a touch screen, and usually operates like a smartphone. It allows you to communicate through online platforms when connected to the internet. Additionally, tablets with SIM card slots allow you to make calls and send messages like a smartphone. Again, tablets allow you to get entertainment via gaming and viewing movies.
How to get a free government tablet in Illinois
As mentioned, you can get a free tablet in Illinois via the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can follow various steps to get your free tablet and other services. They include the following.
- Check your eligibility. You can check your eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program on the government website, GetInternet.gov.
- Apply for the ACP. You can apply for the ACP online, by mail, or call relevant offices.
- Choose a participating provider. Once you have been approved for the ACP, you will need to choose a participating provider. Illinois has many participating providers, so you should be able to find one that offers a tablet.
- Receive your tablet. Once you have chosen a participating provider, they will send you a tablet. The tablet will be free of charge.
How to qualify for a free tablet
There are a few different ways to qualify for a free tablet. Some of the most common ways include the following.
- Income eligibility: The Affordable Connectivity Program requires that your household income be 200% or lower of the federal poverty level.
- Participation in other government programs: You may also qualify for a free tablet in other government programs, such as Lifeline, WIC, Medicaid, or SNAP.
Documents needed for free tablet application
The documents you must provide for a free ACP tablet application will vary depending on the provider. However, some standard documents you may need to provide include the following.
- Proof of identity: This can be a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate.
- Proof of income: This can be a tax return, pay stubs, or other documentation that shows your household income.
- Proof of participation in a government assistance program: If you are applying for the ACP because you participate in a government assistance program, you will need to provide proof of participation. That can be a letter from the program, a benefits card, or other documentation.
- Proof of address: This may be your utility bill, bank statement, or other documentation that shows your current address.
In addition to these documents, some providers may require you to provide a copy of your social security card or other documentation. You should check with the provider you are applying with to see the required documents.
How to apply for a free tablet in Illinois
There are three ways to apply for the ACP Program. They include the following.
- Online: You can apply online at GetInternet.gov.
- By mail: You may download an application form from the ACP website and mail it to the address on the form.
- By phone: You can call ACP offices to apply over the phone.
When applying for the ACP, you must provide basic information, such as your name, address, and household income. You may also need proof of your income or participation in a government assistance program. Once you have handed in your application, you will receive a notification concerning your eligibility within a few weeks. If approved, you will start using the ACP benefits immediately.
Service providers offering free tablets in Illinois
There are various service providers that you can depend on in Illinois if you are looking for a free tablet. They include the following.
- Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless offers a free tablet to eligible households who sign up for their ACP plan. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 tablet has a free data plan with 10 GB of monthly data.
- Unity Wireless
Unity Wireless offers a free tablet to ACP consumers. You can get the ZTE Zpad 8 with a free data plan.
- Moolah Wireless
Moolah Wireless offers a free Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 with a free data plan of 5 GB of monthly data.
How many free tablets can you get
The Affordable Connectivity Program has a one-table limit per household. You can only get one free tablet per household if you are eligible for the ACP. The FCC, which oversees the ACP, put this limit to ensure that the program is fair and everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit.
The limit also helps to prevent people from gaming the system and getting multiple free tablets. If you already have a free tablet from the ACP, you are not eligible to get another one. However, you may get a discount on a new tablet if you are still eligible for the ACP.
Bottom line
To get a free tablet via ACP in Illinois, you must check your eligibility online at GetInternet.gov. You can contact one of Illinois’s participating providers to sign up for their ACP plan if you are eligible. Once you have signed up for a plan, you will receive a free tablet from the provider. You must prove eligibility by providing the necessary documents, such as your identity document, address, SSN, and so on. Only one person per household can apply.
