A hybrid learning model that combines in-person and distance learning has been the norm in today’s studies necessitating students to have digital learning tools. You can get a free tablet for students from several sources, including government programs for low-income families. With the help of a free tablet, students can engage in distance learning, send emails, check the news, enjoy social media platforms or stay connected with friends and family.
Most importantly, a tablet is a device that is much easier to use than a phone. Thus, it is suitable for students for many learning tasks, although the cost of tablets is high. If you are a low-income family student looking for a free tablet for your education, you can receive one from the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP). ACP is a recently launched government-aided program by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that offers free government tablets to eligible consumers.
However, to receive a free government tablet for low-income families and students, you must meet the eligibility requirements, including participation in a government-supported program or through income level. Again, you must submit an application form together with the relevant documentation. The documentation proof that you will have to submit depends on the category of the eligibility criteria you are applying with. A student can get a free government tablet upon meeting the eligibility criteria and qualifying.
Qualifications For Free Tablet For Students
A student applying for a free tablet must qualify through their household eligibility. Besides, any household member applying must be at least 18 years or an emancipated minor. You must also be a citizen of one of the states where a wireless provider provides its services on free devices. The general eligibility requirements for students applying for free tablets include any of the following:
- A household’s annual income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- A household must receive a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- A household member must participate in one of the following Lifeline-eligible assistance programs.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Head Start (only for households attaining the income qualifying standard).
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as Food Stamps.
- Medicaid
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for (WIC) Women, Infants, and Children
Application For Free Tablet For Students
When applying for free government tablets for students, you have to ensure that you are eligible. Also, you have to prove your eligibility by submitting certain documents as proof. Then, apply for the free tablet program through ACP.
To apply through the national verifier website, proceed and tap on Apply Now. You must provide all the details, including your name, address, and how you qualify. Besides, you must upload proof documents to support your eligibility.
After getting approval for a free tablet application from the national ACP website, you can apply via your network provider in your state that provides free tablets for students.
To apply directly at a provider, follow the below instructions:
- Search for an ACP provider in your area that provides free government tablets. To find your ideal provider, proceed, click on your state of residence, and look for a provider with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices.
- Immediately you find a suitable provider, proceed to its website and complete its ACP application form.
- Fill out the provider’s online ACP application form by giving all the required information and documentation.
- The final step includes receiving your free tablet if your application was successful.
Best Ways To Get Free Tablet From Government For Students
Low-income families and students may obtain a free government tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program helps eligible applicants with free devices and a discount on monthly broadband services. If you qualify for Lifeline, you can also get a free student government tablet. Complete an application form and attain the eligibility requirements to get started.
Affordable Connectivity Program offers a single discount of up to $100 to eligible low-income students on connected devices, such as tablets. However, a single-connected device discount applies per eligible household. In this case, the student household must inject more than $10 and a maximum of $50 toward the purchase price to obtain the discount.
T-Mobile Free Tablet For Students
T-Mobile is a proud participant in the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through its MetroPcs and Assurance Wireless brands. The ACP offers internet service payment assistance and free tablets to eligible households. T-Mobile applicants must demonstrate eligibility, including attainment of at least one of the below criteria:
- An income that is at or less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;
- A participant in specific assistance programs, like Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, WIC, SSI, or Lifeline;
- A participant in Tribal specific programs, like Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- An approved recipient of benefits via the school breakfast program or the free and reduced-price school lunch program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school calendar year;
- A recipient of a Federal Pell Grant during the ongoing award year; or
- Attainment of the eligibility criteria for a participating wireless provider’s existing low-income program
How To Identify The Best Tablet For Students For Me
Students looking for the best tablet for remote studies should consider the following factors:
Screen size: Tablets range from 7 inches up to 12 inches screen sizes, and some are even larger. If students intend to use their tablets for detailed visual work or connect with a keyboard, at least a 10-inch screen would be ideal for you.
Memory/Storage Capacity: The more (RAM), the better the tablet will support multitasking and prevent apps from running slowly. Consider a tablet with at least 4GB of RAM if students work on several apps or windows simultaneously.
Battery Life: Consider a tablet that offers extended battery life for seamless studies for students learning from home and being on their devices for long hours.
App compatibility: If your lesson integrates remote learning tools like Google Classroom, consider a tablet compatible with this software.
Wi-Fi or LTE Connectivity: Some tablets work on Wi-Fi, while others support cellular connectivity (after adding a SIM card and carrier plan). Consider tablets with LTE connectivity for students without reliable Wi-Fi at home.
Bottom Line
Due to emerging issues in the education sector like e-learning, students require a tablet for going through lessons though the cost can be prohibitive. Thankfully, through the Affordable Connectivity Program, the Federal Government offers free tablets and internet for students in eligible households. You must pass the eligibility and screening process for your household to qualify for this government benefit.