Tablets are essential devices in modern-day life. They allow you to carry out various tasks, including visiting websites online, preparing documents, and making calls. However, due to financial challenges, we have people who need help to afford the devices. Fortunately, you can get a free tablet in your locality. This article will focus on getting a free tablet NYC. New York has wealthy, low-income persons who require help in various areas, including acquiring communication devices.
Thousands of senior New Yorkers usually receive free tablets with internet service to better connect with their families since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. The plan was announced by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio in April 2020. Since these elderly persons were staying at home most of the time, it was necessary to keep them connected to the rest of the world. Some could also use the devices to work from home and earn good money.
The NYC government set aside a $5 million investment to affect the free tablet project to reduce isolation among older New Yorker seniors without access to virtual communication methods. People older than 65 have a high risk of developing health complications from gov. They can contact emergency services with communication devices to get medical attention as fast as possible. That way, they can continue living healthy lives like the youthful New Yorkers. Apart from the elderly free tablet program, we also have the Affordable Connectivity Program.
How to get a free government tablet in NYC 2024
We have two ways you can get a free tablet in New York. They include the following.
1. New York Department for the Aging (DFTA) free tablets
Seniors in New York can receive free tablets from the local government to better their lives. As mentioned earlier, the program came into existence in 2020 when Covid’19 broke out worldwide. The devices were meant to keep the elderly connected to their friends and family. Interestingly, the devices came with free internet so that users could connect to the internet for free to access essential services and information.
During the pandemic, people were barred from moving from one place to another. That meant the only way to communicate with one another was through mobile phones, tablets, and computers online or through cellular services. Since some seniors could not purchase communication devices, giving them free ones was a significant milestone in fighting Covid’19.
2. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a US federal government program offering free broadband services to eligible persons with seniors. You can receive up to a $30/month discount on your internet service if eligible. Apart from the free broadband, the program also gives highly discounted tablets to eligible households through participating service providers. You only need to apply for the device and contribute the required amount towards the purchase price. Usually, you should contribute between $10-$50 towards the buying price of your tablet.
Additionally, the ACP program gives a discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop or desktop computer to eligible applicants.
3. Eligibility to get a free tablet NYC
To get a free tablet through DFTA, you only need to be a senior legally living in New York. For ACP, you can qualify for a free tablet in two ways. You can qualify through income, whereby your household should have an income of 200% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Additionally, you can qualify through various government assistance programs. We have many government assistance programs in the United States, and you only need to participate in one to benefit. Various assistance programs that you can benefit from include the following.
- Agriculture Community Eligibility Federal Housing Assistance, including Housing Choice Voucher Program, Public Housing, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811, and Affordable Housing Provision schools.
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- WIC
- Programs for Alaska Natives, American Indians, or Native Hawaiians
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program: includes the US Department of
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
- Tribal TANF
Documentations to get a tablet in NYC for free
To prove that you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program and get a free tablet, you must have a document to prove your eligibility. Documents that prove program participation include a benefit award letter, statement of benefits, benefits verification letter, and approval letter.
Various documents can prove your income status. These include;
- Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Prior year’s federal, state, or Tribal tax return
- Latest income statement from your current employer or a paycheck stub
- Federal/Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Child support award, divorce decree, or any other official document with income information
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
Is there an offer for a free tablet for senior NYC 2023
As mentioned, seniors in New York can get free tablets from the NYC government through DFTA. The program came into existence to help people affected by Covid’19. The devices assist the elderly in staying connected to their friends and family. Amazingly, tablets have free internet, so users can connect to the internet for free to access vital services and information.
How to get a free tablet with Medicaid in NYC
You must apply for the ACP program to get a free tablet. There are three main ways you can apply for the program. You can apply online whereby you will need to provide various details online. When you hit the apply button, you will land in the National Verifier portal. You should have your Social Security Number, address, phone number, Medicaid participation document, and other details to check if you qualify. After qualifying, you will choose your service provider for your ACP service.
Also, you can apply for ACP through your service provider. You only need to visit their portals and look for the application button to submit the necessary details. After that, you will get your free broadband service and also pay the required minimum amount to get your highly discounted tablet.
Thirdly, you can apply by mail. To complete the process, you must get the application form, fill out the necessary details, and attach the required documents. After that, put the documents in an envelope and send them to ACP Support Center PO Box 7081. London, KY 40742. When successful, you will receive instructions on how to proceed and get a tablet.
How to get a free tablet with Food Stamps in New York
You may also apply for a free tablet using Food Stamps. Remember that a single program can qualify you for a free tablet through ACP. You only need to visit your service provider to apply or apply through the mail using the same procedure as Medicaid. Also, various NGOs offer free tablets to low-income families. Most NGOs’ qualification criteria are similar to the ACP one, whereby you can participate in a government program such as Food Stamps to get a free computer. Examples of NGOs that offer free tablets include;
- Salvation Army
- Adaptive org
- Everyone
- Computer Technology Support Corps
- City org
Final Word
Tablets are crucial devices in modern-day life. You can use the device to access online services, communicate through social media, and work online. You can also use the devices to make calls and send text messages if they are SIM card enabled. You can get a free tablet in New York if you meet specific requirements. Some NGOs, the Affordable Connectivity program and New York Department for the Aging (DFTA), offer free tablets to eligible persons.