We knew the role of technology when Covid-19 broke out in the world. With technology, one can work independently most of the time, but as technology is a helpful tool for most people, not everyone can afford it.
As a result, people do not use technology for their work because they cannot afford to buy tablets, laptops, or smartphones because they are on low incomes. This means that most people do not use this technology and are deprived of it.
Considering this, we see the government playing a crucial role here: The government and several digital companies and service providers provide free tablets to low-income families to help the nation improve.
In addition, numerous government and nonprofit organizations have also offered free tablets to help low-income groups get better quality of life and a brighter future and to help enhance their condition.
You will find out in this article how you can apply for a free tablet from the government, what the eligibility criteria are, how to apply for a free tablet, and much more in order to qualify for a free tablet. So, without further ado, let’s get started –
How to get a free Government Tablet for anyone?
This program was created in response to the Covid-19 pandemic in order to offer discounts on monthly internet services. Following the end of 2021, the EBB program, now called Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), was modified into the Affordable Broadband Benefit Program (EBB).
There is a government assistance program called the Access to Communications Program (ACP) implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which provides free government tablets to those who qualify.
Free tablets can be obtained in two ways by low-income groups:
Free Tablet from the Government under Lifeline Program
Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for a free government tablet must submit an application form upon meeting the eligibility requirements. If the applicant is deemed eligible and passes the screening test, he or she will receive a free government tablet in 2022-23. However, the process is complicated, and the amount of tablets available is limited.
In order to get $10 tablets via government assistance, low-income individuals can take advantage of the Lifeline program, which provides subsidized tablets for eligible individuals. The Lifeline program offers subsidized tablets to eligible participants who apply for it and meet the requirements. By applying for it and meeting the necessary criteria, you may be able to receive tablets at a price of $10 or less.
Free Tablets from Charities and Nonprofit Organizations
A nonprofit organization or charity can also offer free tablets to low-income families if they cannot get them from the government, but they need to meet some eligibility requirements before they can receive a free tablet. If your organization finds that you qualify, you will receive a free tablet from that organization.
What is the process of getting Free Government Tablets?
The following process must be followed in order to receive a free Government tablet under the ACP program –
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It is important to note that before you start with the application, you should ensure you are eligible for the free tablet program. Be sure to check the eligibility criteria for this program.
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In order to prove your eligibility, you will then need to provide specific documents in support of your claim.
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You can apply online or in person on the ACP program’s official website.
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You will need to wait for your application to be approved. If selected, you will find an ACP provider offering free government tablets in your state.
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The ACP providers do not always offer discounts on connected devices. Many companies only offer discounts on monthly services and not on connected devices.
Eligibility criteria to qualify for ACP to get Free Government Tablet
There are strict eligibility criteria to apply for the ACP. You must meet these conditions before you apply for free tablets under ACP –
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In order to qualify for assistance, you must have an annual household income that does not exceed 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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Your family was awarded a Pell Grant from the Federal Government during the recent award year.
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To be eligible to participate, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
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The state of residence where the ACP provider provides its services must be one of the states your selected ACP provider serves.
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If you or anyone in your family participates in one of the programs listed below, then you may qualify for a Lifeline service.
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known as Food Stamps.
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Medicaid
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Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
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Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
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Head Start (only for households meeting the income qualifying standard).
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Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
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Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
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Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
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Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools
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Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
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Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
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You are reminded that at least one of the government-aid programs listed above must be part of a household’s budget; however, they are not required to be part of a household’s budget.
Documents required to apply for the ACP to receive a Free Government Tablet
Depending on which of the eligibility criteria you are applying for, you will need to provide a different type of document. It is also important to note that it also depends on which state you intend to apply for and which organization you intend to apply to. Please refer to the organization’s official website for information on eligibility and documents.
Documents required if you qualify through any Federal Government Program
As a part of the application process, you must provide proof that you are enrolled in a Federal Government assistance program along with your name and that of the program.
You may provide any one of the following –
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Approval letter
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Benefit award letter
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Statement of benefits
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Benefit verification letter
- School documentation
Documents required if you qualify through income
You must provide a document containing your full name, annual income, and a statement proving that your current income is less than 200% of the federal poverty level.
There are a number of documents that you can provide:
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Please provide a copy of your most recent income statement or a paycheck stub from your employer
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In order to participate in General Assistance, federal or tribal notice letters must be sent out
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The statement of benefits attached to a retirement or pension plan
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Statement of Social Security Benefits issued by the Social Security Administration
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Statements of benefits issued by the Veterans Administration
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It is necessary to have a statement of benefits from Unemployment Insurance and Workmen’s Compensation
- The previous year’s state, federal, or tribal tax return
Generally required documents
Besides the documents proving you are eligible for the program, you must provide some general documents verifying your identity, age, and address.
Consequently, you must provide proof of photo identification, such as a government, military, state, or tribal ID card, passport, driver’s license, etc.
You may also be required to give –
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Here are the contact details for our company
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Documents proving eligibility to participate in the program
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It would be helpful if you could provide proof of income or salary slips
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Proof of income or information about the student’s status
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A copy of your residence proof is required
Documents required if you qualify through a disability
In order to qualify for a loan with a disability, you must provide a certificate from a government agency that demonstrates that you are disabled.
How to apply for ACP and receive a Free Government Tablet?
In order to obtain a free government tablet in your state, you can either apply through your state’s government or by directly contacting a provider who provides free government tablets in your state who participates in the ACP program.
To apply for the ACP program online, please follow the steps below –
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Open this link – https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true
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The official ACP online application form opens up.
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Fill out the form by providing all the essential details and documentation.
- Upon completing the form completely, click on the Submit button, and you will be redirected to the page where the form will be submitted.
If you are interested in receiving a free Government tablet, you can also apply via mail:
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In order to apply for an Affordable Connectivity Program, you will need to print out an application form. You can get the form by clicking on this link – https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
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You will be asked to fill out a form to apply.
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If you have any documentation, please attach a copy.
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Lastly, send the package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742 as soon as possible.
Please follow these instructions if you wish to apply directly from the provider –
It is very important to find an ACP provider in your area who offers free government tablets, and you can do this by visiting the following link: https://www.fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers/.
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The state of your residence will be displayed when you select it.
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Under ‘Offering Connected Devices’, find providers with a ‘tick’ next to their name.
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After finding a suitable provider, open its website to view the application form available for the ACP.
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You must complete an application form on the provider’s website to apply for an ACP program.
You can contact its customer service department if you do not find the application form on the provider’s website.
What are the best Free Government Tablets?
There is no way for qualified customers to specify what type of tablet they would like to receive under the ACP program, as the institution, state, and availability determine the tablets.
On the other hand, the government provides tablets that are in good working condition, and come with basic features like webcams, microphones, Wi-Fi capability, and other basic features that are in good working condition.
It has been reported that the government will provide free tablets to employees through either Lenovo, Acer, or Microsoft products.
Some of the best free government tablets are listed below –
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Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021- Space Gray
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Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Tablet
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2020 Apple iPad – Space Gray (8th generation)
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Lenovo Tab 5
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Fire HD 10 Tablet + Amazon Standing Case (Sandstone White)
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LG G Pad 5 – 4GB LTE Unlocked Tablet
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New Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Platinum (Latest Model)
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Google Chromebook
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Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8″ Ruggedized Tablet, Black
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Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
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Vortex tablet
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Alcatel Joy Tab
Best companies that offer government-free tablets
We have compiled a list of the best providers and companies offering free government tablets that you can use.
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Q Link Wireless
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Easy Wireless
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StandUp Wireless
By visiting the websites of these providers, you can find out whether they offer their services in the state you reside in and whether you can apply for free tablets through them.
Nonprofit Organizations that offer free government tablets
For a low-income household there are a number of nonprofit organizations that provide free tablets for low-income households. If you are not eligible for the government-provided tablets, you may still qualify for a free tablet through one of the nonprofit organizations listed below.
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Smartriverside
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On IT Foundation – Free Tablets from Government
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Computers 4 Kids
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Adaptive.Org – Government Free Tablets
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Cty.Org
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Everyone – Free Government Tablet
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Interconnection
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Computers For Learning – Free Government Tablets
FAQs About Free Government Tablet
Why is internet access important?
Many online resources are available to students and professionals worldwide, including information, employment, shopping, and education. Using the Internet allows students and professionals to communicate with their families, access educational materials, and function more efficiently.
Do the free tablet programs have any requirements for eligibility?
For free tablet programs, eligibility requirements are strict. SNAP, TANF, and WIC recipients must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and provide official identification. The free tablets are given only to deserving candidates.
How can I get a free tablet?
In order to qualify for the program, you must earn less than 200% of the federal poverty level or live in a low-income household. In order to bridge the digital divide, people who qualify are given free or discounted tablets as part of the government’s effort to bridge it.
Can I upgrade my government-free tablet?
Your wireless service provider will be able to update your tablet, or a nonprofit organization can upgrade it for you.
The provider and state may determine the ability to upgrade free tablets under Lifeline ACP.
Can I really get a tablet for free from the government?
As you might have guessed from the article above, the government provides low-income families free tablets through its Lifeline Assistance Program and Affordable Connectivity Program. Low-income families may qualify for free tablets.