A tablet is a wireless, portable computer with a touchscreen interface. It is typically smaller than a notebook computer and resembles a smartphone. You can confuse it with a large smartphone. Usually, tablets have screen sizes of at least 7 inches. The largest tablets can even have a screen size of 11 inches. However, not everybody can afford them. We shall see how you can get a free tablet from government shortly.
Since devices are essential in modern-day life, everybody has a right to own one. Tablets allow you to execute various tasks in your workplace that you could have done using a computer. By the way, we have tablets that have the windows operating system and can support Microsoft applications such as word, excel, PowerPoint, publisher, and others. Therefore, you can use the device instead of a laptop.
Children in most schools are beginning to appreciate the need for tablets. The devices allow pupils to study efficiently, whereby they can research various topics, making their learning smooth. Again, the devices are essential for entertainment. You can play games, watch videos as well as play music. Therefore, they are fantastic devices to have. That is why today’s article seeks to explain how you can get a free tablet if you cannot afford one.
Who can get a free tablet
Usually, the people in need are the ones that should get free tablets. If you can purchase the device, then there is no need to get the device for free. The following groups may get a free tablet from the government or even well-wishers.
i) Children from low-income households
Children from low-income households qualify to get free tablets from the government. They can use them for various activities such as doing their school work, playing games, and watching movies, among other activities. Research has shown that exposing children to technology makes them become great technology experts in the future.
ii) Adults from low-income families
The truth is that we still have adults who struggle to survive. If you are an adult from a poor background, you may get a free tablet from the government as long as you show proof of income. Usually, if you live below 135% of the federal poverty guideline, you qualify to get the device. Also, people with that income level can get free government smartphones through the Lifeline program.
iii) The disabled
Most disabled people in society get into a lot of trouble to survive in the modern world. Therefore, there is a need to help them where we can. The government understands that such people can enjoy free services and get free tablets, computers, and phones via various government programs. We even have non-governmental organizations that consider such people by helping them get free tablets, laptops, and other necessities.
iv) Seniors
Seniors are older adults around 65 years and above. The group does not have adequate energy to generate income for their needs. Even though some are well off, most require help to get the essential things in life. Such people also need to stay connected to the rest of the world, and thus the need to give them free tablets and other devices.
Which service providers offer free government tablets
Numerous service providers offer the Affordable Connectivity Program, which gives free tablets to those who qualify. They include the following.
Free Tablet Application Form – Apply Now
1) StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless offers the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that allows qualifying households to receive a one-time-only discount of at most $100 to get a tablet or any other applicable device. You need to pay at least $10.01 towards the purchase price. That is according to the Affordable Connectivity Program requirement.
The tablet supports Wi-Fi connections so that you can save money on data plans when you use public WiFis. It also supports the StandUp Wireless mobile network. However, you cannot make or receive calls or text messages unless you use Skype or a similar app. StandUp Wireless sends you a separate email to order your discounted tablet once you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
2) PCs for People
PCs for People is a non-governmental organization that works with the government to offer the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can also get a free tablet from the organization through the ACP program. Interestingly, the organization also gives computers and laptops for free without contributing any coin. You need proof of your eligibility, and you are good to go.
To shop for a discounted tablet from the organization, you must currently benefit from a government-based assistance program or have an eligible household income of less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines. You may also get a discounted tablet with 60% of the area’s median income. To complete the purchase, PCs for People require photo identification plus income documentation to ensure that customers meet our eligibility criteria.
3) QLink Wireless
QLink Wireless is a leading provider of the Lifeline program and gives eligible people free cell phone service on its 4G LTE/5G network. Once you qualify, you will never receive a bill, have a credit check done on you, or pay fees to participate in the program.
When you qualify and apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you can get FREE and UNLIMITED Data, Talk, Text, and a new tablet.
4) TracFone Wireless
TracFone Wireless is a Lifeline service provider that provides low-income households with Lifeline services. It was an Emergency Benefit Provider and is now among the Affordable Connectivity Program service providers. Once you buy the required amount, you can receive a free tablet from the company.
How to receive a free tablet from government
You can receive a free tablet from the government when you apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Even though the tablet may not be entirely free due to the small contribution you have to make towards the purchase, it is almost the same as being free, as you only have to pay $10 toward the purchase price of your service provider.
You might be wondering what the Affordable Connectivity Program is, especially if you hear about it for the first time. For your understanding, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC benefit program that ensures households can afford the broadband they require for healthcare, work, school, and much more. It replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program offered to those affected by Covid’19 pandemic broadband allowance, cheap healthcare connections, and free devices such as laptops, desktop computers, and tablets.
The benefit gives the eligible persons a discount of up to $30 every month as an internet subsidy and up to $75 per month for families/households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible Americans can also get a one-time discount of at most $100 to buy a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer, from participating service providers. They should contribute at least $10 and less than $50 to cater to the purchase price.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a monthly service discount. Every eligible household can get one monthly service and one device discount per household.
How do I qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program
A household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if its income is 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. That is a significant increase from the previous 135% for the Emergency Broadband Benefit program. You can also qualify for the ACP program if a member of the household meets any of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant within the current award year;
- Meets the qualification criteria for a participating service provider’s existing low-income internet program;
Another way you can qualify for the affordable connectivity program is through the following assistance programs:
- School Breakfast Program
- Medicaid
- The National School Lunch Program
- Lifeline
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
Moreover, you can benefit from the Affordable Connectivity Program if you benefit from the following programs and resides on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income-based)
- Tribal TANF
One thing you need to know about the program is that you must apply for it to benefit. There are two ways you can apply for the program. You can apply by going to Affordable Connectivity and submitting an application. Also, you can print out a mail-in application and send it to the relevant agency.
Once you have applied successfully, you can contact your most suitable participating provider to select a plan and get a discount. It is from the same service provider where you will get a free tablet once you pay the required amount.
Also, you can apply for the service through your service provider. After succeeding in your application, you can then get the benefits.
Bottom line
A tablet is a wireless, portable computer with a touchscreen interface. It is usually smaller than a notebook computer and resembles a smartphone. The device is vital as it helps users to execute various tasks in their job places. Also, school learners can use tablets in their studies, making learning an exciting activity. Not everyone can afford tablets, and thus the need to help those in need. Such people include seniors, children from poor backgrounds, and the disabled.