Missouri is one of the states of America. It is found in the Midwestern region of the US and borders other states such as Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska. Due to financial challenges, some of the state’s people need help to afford tablets and other devices, such as phones and laptops. You will learn how to get a free government tablet Missouri if you are from a low-income household.
Tablets are crucial devices in the modern era. They have many advantages you can enjoy in your lifetime compared to people who do not own them. The devices have multimedia capabilities that you can use to view, create, and share multimedia content. That includes photos, videos, music, and games. It makes them a great way to stay entertained and informed. Also, tablets have Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, which allows them to connect to the internet. Users can access various online resources, such as websites, apps, and cloud storage.
Moreover, you can use tablets for a variety of educational purposes. They include taking notes, reading textbooks, watching educational videos, and completing assignments. That makes them a valuable tool for students of all ages. Above all, the devices are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry around. That makes them ideal for students, professionals, and anyone who needs to access their devices on the go.
How to get a free government tablet in Missouri
There are a few ways to get a free government tablet in Missouri. They include the following.
1. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that provides discounted or free internet service and devices to low-income households. Your household income must be 200% or below the federal poverty level to qualify for the ACP. You may also qualify for ACP if you participate in the following assistance programs.
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- WIC
- Lifeline
- Pell Grant
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811
- Public Housing
- Tribal Head Start
In Missouri, you can get a free tablet through the ACP if you are eligible for the program. The type of tablet you receive will vary depending on your chosen provider. Some providers offer essential tablets, while others offer more powerful tablets with more features.
You must first apply for the program to get a free tablet through the ACP and choose a service provider. You can apply online at https://www.fcc.gov/acp or by calling 1-855-342-0024. Once you have applied, you will be contacted by a participating provider to discuss your eligibility and to choose a tablet.
Below are some of the participating providers in Missouri that offer free tablets through the ACP:
- AT&T: AT&T offers a free tablet to eligible families who sign up for an eligible internet plan.
- Cox: Cox offers a free tablet to eligible people who sign up for a qualifying internet plan.
- Spectrum: Spectrum offers a free tablet to eligible persons who sign up for an eligible internet plan.
- T-Mobile: T-Mobile offers a free tablet to eligible households who sign up for a qualifying internet plan.
Documents needed for ACP application
The documents you need to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will vary depending on how you apply. However, there are some general documents that you may need to provide, including:
- Proof of identity: This could be a copy of your driver’s license, passport, or government-issued ID.
- Proof of income: This could be a copy of your most recent tax return, pay stubs, or other documentation that shows your income.
- Proof of participation in an eligible government assistance program: If you are applying based on your participation in a qualifying government assistance program, you must provide proof of your participation. That could be a copy of your benefits letter, award letter, or other documentation.
- Proof of household size: This could be a copy of your lease, utility bill, or other documentation showing your household size. You can upload these docs to the application form if you apply for the ACP online. If you are applying by mail, you must mail copies of these documents to the ACP address.
How to apply for ACP
There are three ways to apply for the ACP program.
- Online: You can apply online at the ACP website: https://www.fcc.gov/acp.
- By mail: You may download an application form from the ACP website and mail it to the ACP address.
- Through your current internet provider: If your current internet provider participates in the ACP, you can apply through them.
2. Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT)
Missouri Assistive Technology (MoAT) is a state-funded agency that provides assistive technology (AT) to Missourians with disabilities. AT is any device or product that helps people with disabilities perform tasks they would otherwise be unable to do. MoAT offers a variety of AT services, including:
- Device loans: MoAT offers short-term loans of AT devices to individuals and organizations. That allows people to try out different devices before purchasing them.
- Financial loans: MoAT offers low-interest loans to help people purchase AT devices.
- Demonstrations: MoAT offers demonstrations of AT devices to individuals and organizations. That allows people to see how the devices work and how they can be used.
- Training: MoAT offers training on how to use AT devices. This training is available to individuals, families, and professionals.
- Technical assistance: MoAT provides technical assistance to individuals and organizations on how to use AT devices. This assistance can include troubleshooting problems, modifying devices, and providing training.
MoAT provides tablets and other assistive technology devices to low-income individuals with disabilities. To qualify for MoAT, you must have a disability that limits your ability to perform daily activities. You can apply for MoAT online at https://at.mo.gov/.
Bottom line
Missouri residents who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) may be eligible to receive a free or discounted tablet. The ACP is a federal program that provides discounted or free internet service and devices to low-income households. To qualify for ACP, your household income must be 200% or lower than the federal poverty level. You can contact your local school, library, service provider, or social service agency for a free tablet through the ACP.