The need for devices like Free Tablets and the Internet is necessary nowadays. According to Pew Research, 47% of U.S. adults and 40% of households do not own a tablet. It helps students do homework, allows individuals to find jobs, and helps families to get connected. But on the same note, it’s not that cheap and not accessible for everyone.
The Federal Communications Commission has special programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline Program that help families get Free Government tablets and internet service at low cost.
Can You Get a Free Tablet From the Government?
In reality, getting a completely free tablet can be difficult, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. You can receive one through government programs or substantial discounts from some providers. Also, if you have more than one kid in school then you may qualify for further benefits.
Support from schools and community centers plays a big role in this initiative and provides the necessary resources to facilitate learning and work from any location.
Keep reading, we’ll discuss what are the government programs and providers that are giving free or discounted Tablets, what is the procedure, and how you can apply for that!
Top Free Government Tablet Programs
To get a free gov tablet you need to know about the programs and who qualifies for them. Here are all the programs that are giving tablets and laptops to low-income individuals along with their eligibility criteria:
1. Lifeline Program
Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers provides 21st-century broadband services and free devices to eligible candidates.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Household Income should be below or at 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participation in Medicaid, SNAP, or any other government funding program is required.
2. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) greatly reduces the cost of broadband service for households that qualify. But as of Feb 2024, they are not accepting new applications.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Household income should be under 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participation in SNAP, Housing Assistance, Medicaid, or any other government aid program.
3. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is part of the Lifeline support service that provides Assurance Wireless Free tablets along with a monthly data plan, a lot of texting, and calling to the eligible participants.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Participation in Medicaid, or SNAP.
- Check specific Assurance Wireless Eligibility on their website.
4. Human-I-T
Human-I-T also offers free digital literacy training to help recipients and provide them with handy devices. You can check out more details at Human-I-T Low-Cost Devices.
Eligibility Criteria:
- They accept EBT, free school lunches, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), and other government help as proof of low income.
5. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn Low-Cost Offers connects individuals and families to low-cost internet service and affordable devices like discounted and free government tablets that enhance educational and employment opportunities.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Depending on the household size the Income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
6. Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO)
CAPNEMO Affordable Connectivity Program is another free devices and services program that aims to help and improve the lives of low-income individuals.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Including homes that get Lifeline help.
7. PCs For People
Pcs For People provides affordable refurbished desktop computers, laptops, and devices to eligible individuals. Also, they have detailed literacy courses that you can get free along with devices.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Low-income individuals and families.
8. Freechild
Freechild has been helping for the last 20 years to non-profit organizations and schools with their empowering tools and devices that are needed for education and personal development.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Your Child must be from 6 to 18 years old and belong to a low-income family.
10. Freegeek
Free Geek promotes reusing computers and providing education. Its purpose is to cut down on electronic waste and increase digital access so there are higher chances that you can only get laptops and not tablets.
Eligibility Criteria:
- To be eligible you must belong to low-income families.
How To Apply For a Free Tablet?
After picking the Affordable Connectivity Program, Lifeline, or a community center program and confirming your eligibility, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Gather Documents
Firstly, gather the following documents.
- Last year’s tax return (state, federal, or tribal)
- Recent yearly income statement from your job
- Social Security benefits statement
- Unemployment or worker’s compensation benefits statement
- Notice of participation in General Assistance (Federal or Tribal)
- Divorce decree or child support award
Step 2: Fill Out the Application
Read the ACP application Instructions and complete the application form online, via mail, or through phone. You can also get an online application form to get a free tablet from this link.
Step 3: Application Submission
Apply after reviewing your application for errors. Then, wait to hear if you were approved.
Step 4: Get Your Tablet
If your application gets accepted then your tablet will be shipped to your home.
Apply NOW For a Free Gov Tablet
Does the Government Provide Refurbished or Used Tablets?
Yes, including new tablets the government also provided used and refurbished tablets through partnerships with nonprofit organizations like Freecycle where everyone donated the things they didn’t need including tablets. Also, there is another source of getting a used tablet through Amazon renewed or Best Buy.
What Discounted and Free Tablets You Can Get?
You can find the best tablet deals from the following providers:
- T-Mobile offers discounted REVVL TAB 5G, iPad 9th generation, iPad 10th generation, and many more.
- Verizon offers discounts on Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ 5G, iPad 9th generation, and many more.
- StandUp Wireless offers Vortex ZTAB 10 TABLET for just $10.01.
Free Gov Tablets FAQs
The Final Say
Government programs like the Lifeline Program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), schools, charities, libraries and other local providers help ensure that no family is left behind.
These programs provide low-cost or sometimes free government tablets for educational resources, job applications, and essential communication.
Compared to free government smartphones and laptops there are very less programs for Free tablets so you might find difficulty searching for a completely free device, so its recommended to go for the discounted options or search for the Free Government iPhone!
Stay connected and wait for the next post, till then goodbye and enjoy the deals!