Are you aware that low-income Americans can receive a free laptop with phone thanks to Federal Government programs? Most importantly, the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) is the best way to qualify for a free government laptop or a phone. Besides, you can also receive a free phone through eligibility for the Lifeline program. These programs help low-income households struggling with monthly bills afford the devices and internet required for healthcare, work, school, and more.
Lifeline program provides internet service for eligible low-income households and some cases, a free phone. On the other hand, the Affordable Connectivity Program offers qualifying households a discount on monthly broadband service plus a free device that includes a laptop or any other connected device. If you apply for a free laptop with a phone through these programs, ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements. Again, you must gather the required documentation that proves your qualification.
Generally, the Lifeline program offers free cell phones, but qualifying for this program gives automatic eligibility for the ACP program. You can get a free laptop or phone through the ACP program. The eligibility requirements for a free laptop with phone applications include attaining the income level threshold according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participating in a government-sponsored program.
Best Ways To Get a Free Laptop with Phone
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Programs are the channels through which a qualified low-income consumer can receive a free laptop or phone. Lifeline refers to FCC’s permanent program to support affordable access to communications services like broadband Internet access. In comparison, ACP is a newly launched program designed to offer additional support for making broadband services more affordable for low-income households.
Most importantly, you can combine your Lifeline and ACP benefits and apply to the same service plan or separate service plans. Apart from issuing a free phone, the federal Lifeline program provides an internet discount of up to $9.25 monthly or (up to $34.25 for low-income families on Tribal lands). ACP-qualified subscribers receive a free laptop, a $30 monthly broadband discount, and up to $75 for eligible members on Tribal lands.
Notably, only one Lifeline and ACP discount is allowed in every household, and the benefits are not transferable from one person to another.
Eligibility For Free Laptop With Phone
i. Lifeline Program
Your household can qualify to apply for a free phone and monthly internet service through Lifeline if:
Has an income that is at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
A household is a recipient of benefits via the:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or specific Tribal programs like Head Start, Tribal TANF, and others.
When you apply for a free phone via Lifeline, you must show proof of eligibility, including pay stubs, a tax return, a card, a letter, or other documents with details that you participate in one of the recognized assistance programs.
Ways to apply For A Phones with free laptop – Lifeline program
You can apply for Lifeline benefits online by using the Lifeline National Verifier application system to enroll in an account and check if you qualify. Second, you can apply through the mail by printing and completing an application (English / Spanish) and mailing it with your eligibility proof documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Besides, if you have queries concerning your application or prefer an application mailed to you, you can contact Lifeline at 800-234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org.
You will receive 90 days to select a phone or internet company and enroll for a free phone and service if you are eligible. Using the USAC online search tool, you can identify a service provider that offers free phones through Lifeline.
ii. Affordable Connectivity Program
Most Lifeline participants can receive a free laptop with a phone and an internet service discount through ACP. This program is available to more households in many states of the US. Eligible households can also obtain a one-time discount of about $100 to purchase a laptop from participating wireless providers upon contributing a minimum of $10 and a maximum of $50 toward the purchase price.
To qualify for the program, you must meet the Affordable Connectivity Program Free Laptop With Phone Eligibility as described below:
A household with an income that is at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
A recipient of benefits through the:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for (WIC) Women, Infants, and Children
- Veterans’ and Survivors’ Pension Benefits or specific Tribal programs
- A recipient of a federal Pell Grant during the current award year, or
- A members approval of benefits under the school breakfast program, or the free and reduced cost school lunch (NSLP) or including through the Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019 to 2022 school calendar
- A household with the eligibility criteria for a qualifying participating provider’s existing low-income program.
Ways To Enroll For a Free Laptop With a Phone under ACP program
You can apply for a free laptop and phone in the following ways. First, you can go to the National Verifier official page at AffordableConnectivity.gov to send an application online or print out a mail-in hard copy application. On this page, tap on Apply Now to provide all the details, such as full name and address, and attach your documentation. After you receive approval from the national ACP website, you can enroll for the benefit through your preferred wireless provider.
In this case, contact your wireless provider of choice to select a plan and apply for the free laptop with a phone discount. You can see the complete list of participating wireless providers at fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers. Then, identify those with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices. Immediately after picking your preferred wireless carrier, you can begin the process of a free laptop with a phone application. Most importantly, you must submit your ZIP code and email address and click on the ‘Apply Now or; Get Started’ button on your ACP service provider’s website.
Bottom Line
Low-income families receiving a Lifeline benefit can automatically enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Consequently, you can receive both benefits on a free laptop with a phone through ACP. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and contact a participating wireless provider to apply for a free laptop and phone plus a monthly package of cell phone plans.