California is among the 50 states in America with an excellent economy, but millions of its residents thrive at the poverty level. For this reason, the Federal Government launched a program known as the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) designed to alleviate Californian’s standards of living through digital technology. ACP offers free government tablet California, plus monthly internet discounts that make broadband services and devices affordable to eligible low-income households in California.
California ACP program offers free tablets and cellular services through participating wireless providers in the state. You can proceed to the USAC website and use the Companies Near Me tool. Then, check using your Zipcode, State, or City for the qualifying wireless providers offering free tablet discounts in California. However, some top service providers, like TruConnect and QLink Wireless, provide a free government tablet to eligible residents in California under the ACP program.
Moreover, California Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is managed by the (USAC) Universal Service Administrative Company under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). You can qualify and apply for a free table through the ACP by participating in similar qualifying programs as Lifeline Program, like SNAP, WIC, and others. Besides, an eligible low-income household in California can apply for one monthly service discount and one free device discount.
Qualifications For Government Free Tablet
A household qualifies to enroll for a free government tablet in California if a household member attains any of the following criteria:
- Possess an income of 200% or less of the federal poverty level;
- Receives Assitance Programs benefits from Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, SNAP/Cal-Fresh, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- An approved recipient of benefits via the school breakfast program or the free and reduced-price school lunch program
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the ongoing award year.
Notably, eligibility for free tablet applications will be determined by USAC’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database or another verification process authorized by the FCC.
Application For A Free Government Tablet in California
The initial step in applying for a free tablet in California is finding a service wireless provider operating in your state that offers free government tablets via the ACP program. You can enroll for a free government tablet in California by contacting a participating service provider directly or through California’s Lifeline offices.
To apply for a free tablet through a wireless service provider, follow below simple steps:
- Locate an ACP provider in your area that provides free government tablets in your area. To get a suitable provider, proceed, tap on California as your state of residence, and look for a provider that includes a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices.
- Then, proceed to the selected company’s website to begin your application.
- The wireless provider will review your eligibility to enroll in a free tablet.
- If you qualify, you will apply using your Zip code and Email Address on the provider’s online application website and proceed to the last step.
- Wait for a couple of days to get confirmation on the status of your application.
Eligible Documentations for Free Tablet From Federal Government
1. General Eligibility Documentation
When applying for California free government tablets, you may be required to submit and verify personal information, like age, identity, or address. In this case, you must give an official document including the required information and your full legal name. Acceptable documents to prove identity include a photo ID proof, valid government, state, military, or Tribal ID, driver’s license, passport, etc. You may also require to provide the following:
- Contact information
- Income proof or student information
- Eligibility proof document
- Income proof or salary slip
- Residence proof
2. Federal Government Program Documentation
You must submit proof of participation in a federal government aided program bearing your full legal name, the qualifying program name, the name of the entity that provided the document, and a provision date for the last 12 months or future expiry date. The required document examples include the following:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- School documentation
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
3. Income Eligibility Documentation
When applying for a free government tablet in California, you must prove that your latest income is at or under 200% of the federal poverty level. Provide documentation from a government source, including your full legal name and annual gross income. The required documents include the following:
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- A recent income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- An Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefits
- A Veteran Administration statement of benefits (VA cards alone are unacceptable)
- Federal or tribal notice participation letter in General Assistance
- The previous year’s federal, state, or tribal tax return (W2 forms or pay stubs are unacceptable)
Free or Discounted Tablets Under the ACP Program in California
The California Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly launched program by the Universal Service Administrative Company managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The ACP program aims to lower or eliminate the bill on monthly broadband services and provides a one-time credit towards purchasing an internet-capable device such as a free government tablet.
Additionally, eligible households will get a monthly discount of up to $30 towards monthly broadband service, plus a discount of up to $75 if your household resides on qualifying Tribal lands.
Most importantly, you will get a one-time benefit of up to $100 under the California ACP Program towards internet-capable devices like laptops, tablets, or desktop computers. In this case, you may have to co-pay at least $10 and, at most, $50 towards the purchasing price.
Bottom Line
If you are a low-income individual qualifying for the California Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive a free tablet. You may qualify for California’s free government tablet based on program participation or income level. Besides, you must submit documentation of proof of eligibility when applying for this offer.