Low-income families are considered households are thriving below the Federal Poverty Standards. In the modern technological world, it’s hard to live life without the means to check the news, send emails, apply for jobs, study remotely, or connect with friends and family. For this reason, the US Federal Government developed a program that gives free tablet for low income families. The program that offers free tablets is called the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP).
More importantly, the free government tablet offers much easier functionality than using a phone for these daily tasks. However, the cost of tablets is a significant constraint to owning the device, but there are free tablets for low-income people who can come by. You can use this free device from the Federal Government or some charities and non-profit organizations. One of the crucial requirements is to meet the set eligibility criteria.
For the ACP, eligible low-income households can receive a single discount of up to $100 to buy a tablet from participating providers. In this case, you must contribute more than $10 but less than $50 on the buying price. Eligible customers must meet the program or income-based eligibility to receive a free tablet through ACP. Besides, you must provide documentation that proves your eligibility in a qualifying program or income level as per the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The Importance of Affordable or Free Tablets for Low-Income Families
A tablet is a versatile device that helps everyone, especially those with low income. Children in your household may utilize a tablet for school to do homework and enjoy games and music on YouTube. Seniors can also book appointments and seek emergency services using a free tablet for low income.
On the other hand, unemployed adults from low-income households can use tablets to search for job vacancies and apply online instead of in person. Again, many Companies enable employees to work remotely after the Pandemic menace. Thus, if you have a tablet and internet access, you can tackle such jobs without the comfort of the house.
Documentations That Are Needed To Get Free Government Tablets
Eligibility criteria for free government tablets include qualifying for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Besides, to qualify for ACP, a household must have an income at or below following the 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Besides, you can also qualify if a member of the household attains at least one of the criteria below:
- A participant in specific assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, WIC, or Lifeline;
- A participant in Tribal specific programs, including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- A participant in the School Breakfast Program or Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant at the ongoing award year; or
- Attainment of the eligibility requirements for a participating provider’s current low-income internet program.
Document Required if you are Disabled.
If you qualify based on the Federal programs that offer assistance to people with disabilities like SSI and SSDI, you must submit an official document like an approval letter. The document should bear the name of the government or Tribal entity that provided the document. It should be a recent letter within the last 12 months’ issue date and should capture the kind of your disability and the qualifying programs.
Suppose you are a disabled person needing assistance with your Affordable Connectivity Program free tablet application. In that case, you can contact the ACP Support Center at ACPBenefit org, using the email, or by calling 877-384-2575.
However, if you have any questions about the free tablet and service accessibility, you can contact the FCC’s Disability Rights office at 202-418-2517 (voice phone call), you can call 844-432-2275 through videophone, or use email.
Document Required for Income Based
When applying for a free tablet for low income through your income eligibility, you must submit a document indicating that your annual income is at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You can provide any of the below documents:
- Last year’s federal, state, or Tribal tax return
- Recent income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- A Social Security statement of benefits
- Child support award, Divorce decree, or a similar official document proving your income
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
Apply For Free Tablets From Government For Low-income Families
You can submit your application directly to acp org or apply through a participating wireless provider. Apply directly at acpbenefit org and then reach out to your preferred participating provider to choose a plan and get the discount transferred to your bill. To apply for a free government tablet for low-income families through a wireless provider, you must follow the below simple steps:
1st Step: Check your ACP eligibility. Before applying for a free tablet, ensure you qualify based on the eligibility mentioned above criteria.
2nd Step: Find a participating wireless provider that provides services and ACP-free tablets in your residence. You can check the complete list of free tablets for low-income providers by the state at fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers. Check the providers with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices.
3rd Step: Once you choose a provider that provides Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free tablets in your state of residence, proceed to its website and complete their ACP application form by giving all the needed information and documentation that prove your eligibility. If you experience this during enrollment, you can contact the provider’s customer service team.
4th Step: After sending the application, wait several days for the provider to inform you if you have qualified and when to expect your free tablet delivery.
The Best Companies That Provide Government-Free Tablets For Low-Income
1. Life Wireless
Life Wireless offers free phone service and government tablets by state, with a qualifying application through the ACP program. Eligible low-income customers can apply for a free tablet and receive additional free data with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
To apply, go to lifewireless.com. Enter your ZIP code and email address, click the Apply Now button, and proceed until the last step of the application.
2. Access Wireless
Access Wireless offers free cell phone service that includes text, talk, and data for qualifying customers through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program. To apply for a free tablet through ACP:
Proceed to acesswireless.com. Submit your zip code and tap on the Start Application button. Ensure to provide the required information and follow the prompts until you complete the application process.
3. Entouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a national provider of Lifeline and ACP benefits to eligible low-income families in 34 states. Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you can apply for a free tablet provided you come from a low-income background and get free text, talk, and data.
To enroll for a free tablet with enTouch Wireless, go to entouchwireless.com, click Enroll Today, and follow the provided instructions until the last step.
4. Standup wireless
StandUp Wireless is a provider of Lifeline and ACP government benefit programs. The qualifying low-income individuals may enroll for free tablets with StandUp Wireless and receive free minutes, text, and data. You can qualify through programs like Medicaid, Federal Public Housing and Veterans Pension, SNAP, or based on your household income.
To apply for a free tablet through this provider, proceed to standupwireless.com, provide your zip code and email address, and then press “Begin Application.”
5. TruConnect
TruConnect offers wireless and internet service plans and low-cost devices via the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to all eligible low-income Americans.You must attain income-based or program eligibility to obtain a free tablet and monthly service through ACP.
Proceed, enter your ZIP code and email address, and press ‘ Enroll now to start your application for a free tablet for low income.
Non Profit Organizations That Offer Free Government Tablets For Low-Income
1. Computer Technology Assistance Corps(CTAC)
CTAC is a donation-based organization that offers affordable desktop and laptop computers to eligible low-income families, schools, and faith-based organizations. They gather donations, refurbish them, and provide savings to eligible recipients.
2. Computers With Causes
This organization is available nationwide and distributes gifted computer equipment, including tablets, to low-income people and families. Notably, acceptance of a donated computer from Computers With Causes may affect certain government benefits, including SNAP and SSDI. The primary intention of this program is for educational needs and to assist disabled veterans who may require internet access.
3. The On It Foundation – Florida
If you’re a Florida resident and searching for a tablet for school, On It Foundation is your ideal plug. The name means “Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology,” and seeks to improve access to technology in low-income households, including kids in K 12 education programs.
4. Computers For Learning
Computers For Learning is a program sponsored by the federal government and is designed to help organizations and schools with getting digital devices. In other words, the organization work with schools rather than individuals. Again, meet the eligibility requirements and the school(s) you or your family participate in. The administration may bring this organization to offer free tablets for all students.
Bottom line
Gone are the days whereby tablets were owned by the rich. Low-income households can enjoy this valuable device for free or at a discounted price. The US Federal Government, in collaboration with participating wireless providers, offer free government tablet to eligible low-income families. The eligibility requirement is to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.