Lifeline is a program started in 1985 by the US federal government to help financially unstable households with affordable communication services. This benefit aims to lower the monthly bill for phone or internet service. Interestingly, you can get Lifeline free laptop through eligibility for the newly developed Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) during the Covid-Pandemic times. Lifeline is among the requirements for eligible consumers to apply for ACP.
Moreover, consumers eligible for Lifeline may get additional benefits, such as free laptops under the Affordable Connectivity Program. Lifeline and ACP programs are both administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). If you qualify for Lifeline, you automatically qualify for a free laptop through ACP. USAC helps consumers apply for the free laptop program, understand eligibility requirements, and maintain their benefits active via an annual recertification process.
To enroll in the Lifeline free laptop program, you must possess a household income of at or less 135% per the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Besides, you may be a participant in specific federal sponsered programs. They include Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or specific Tribal Programs like Tribal TANF.
How To Get a Lifeline Free Laptop
The first step to obtaining a free laptop through Lifeline is qualifying. You may be eligible to get Lifeline free laptop based on your income level or by participation in a government-aided program. Lifeline only allows a household to get one benefit and not per person. If you qualify for Lifeline, your household can get one Lifeline benefit for phone or internet service, but not both.
After you qualify, the next step is to find an internet provider near you and apply for Lifeline free laptop and service with them. To identify an ACP company in your state, use the Companies Near Me tool and search using your Zip code or your state and city. You can see the complete list of free government laptop providers.
You must submit accurate and authentic information on the online or downloaded form during the application process. You will be barred from applying for the free laptop program if you provide false or forged information. Again, the Lifeline National Verifier cannot verify that you qualify for a free laptop based on the information in the application form. In that case, you may be required to show additional official documents as proof.
Qualifications To Get Lifeline Free Laptop
ACP is the only program offering free devices such as laptops and broadband services. Notably, Lifeline offers a direct pass for ACP eligibility. In this part, we shall discuss applicants’ requirements to qualify for ACP. Qualification follows similar eligibility criteria as Lifeline, program participation, and income based.
A Lifeline-eligible household qualifies for a free laptop under the Affordable Connectivity Program by income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Again, a household member may also qualify if they attain at least one of the below program-based criteria:
- The National School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Program
- Supplemental security income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans’ pension or survivor benefits
- Lifeline
- Federal Pell Grant recipient during the ongoing award year.
- Eligibility criteria attainment for a participating provider’s existing low-income Internet program.
You also qualify if you participate in one of the following assistance programs and reside on qualifying tribal lands:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start- Income Based
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Affordable Housing Programs for Alaska Natives, American Indians, or Native Hawaiians
Applications to get Lifeline free laptop
To apply for a Lifeline-free laptop, a consumer must generally follow the National Verifier application system. The National Verifier is a body launched by the FCC and managed by USAC that proves Lifeline applicants’ eligibility. After National Verifier approval, you can apply for a free laptop through the participating wireless providers. In this case, you can use the “Companies Near Me” tool to search for a Lifeline program provider in your area.
Cellular Providers That Provide Lifeline Laptops
- Life Wireless
Life Wireless is a Lifeline program that offers eligible low-income households free monthly data, unlimited texts, and free monthly talk. Besides, enrollment requires individuals who qualify following the federal or state-specific eligibility criteria.
You can apply for a free laptop by entering your ZIP code.
- Access Wireless
Access Wireless provides qualifying Lifeline consumers free cell phones, monthly plans, and other devices such as laptops through Lifeline and the ACP service. Qualifying low-income customers who meet the income level eligibility or participate in government sponsered programs can enroll for a free laptop through this internet provider.
To enroll for Access Wireless free laptop, navigate to the acesswireless.com webpage, and submit your zip code and email address to get started.
- enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless is a nationwide provider of free service through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Eligible customers can get free phones or laptops through ACP free talk, text, and data.
enTouch Wireless provides a free device with service to eligible individuals nationwide in 34 states. To apply, go to entouchwireless.com and tap “Enroll Today.”
The list of providers is extensive and includes other providers such as:
- Easy Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Qlink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- TracFone Wireless
- Unity Wireless
- Selectel Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
Does ACP Program Provide Free Laptops
Yes, you can get a free laptop through ACP. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly started US government program managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This program helps low-income families pay for internet service and offer a discount on connected devices like a laptop or tablet.
If you’re from an eligible household, the program offers a $30 monthly broadband discount for their internet service. Besides, you may get a one-time payment of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desk computer, or tablet.
Bottom Line
Eligible low-income families in American states can get a free lifeline laptop by applying via the Affordable Connectivity Program. To get this benefit, you must meet some eligibility requirements. In this case, you must ensure that your income falls at or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Alternatively, you can get a free laptop via ACP through participation in a government-aided program.