Do you need a free tablet? Tablets are critical communication equipment that enables you to connect with your loved ones and accomplish tasks at work. For people from low-income families, buying a laptop can be extremely difficult.
You can get a free Boost Mobile tablet via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Qualifying families can get discounted laptops and related Boost Mobile subsidized phone deals.
But how do you get a Boost Mobile free tablet? All you must do is prove that you’re eligible for the ACP and make an application. This article talks about all of that and more.
What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an initiative of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to replace the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). When the EBB ended on December 31, 2021, the ACP came into effect.
Its purpose is to provide people from low-income families with free or affordable communication gadgets like phones and tablets. The ACP also offers impressive discounts on phone and internet plans.
Eligibility criteria for the ACP include benefitting from a government assistance program or having a low income. You can get a discounted tablet and affordable phone services via participating network carriers such as Boost Mobile.
Those enrolling in the ACP typically receive a $100 one-time discount, which they can use to buy a tablet, desktop, or tablet. However, you must pay $10 to $50 to buy the tablet.
Additionally, you get a subsidized broadband service with a $30 discount for general low-income families and $75 for those on Tribal Lands.
So you can stay connected both socially and professionally. You can communicate with your family, work, and learn online without paying the full price. Each qualifying household gets one monthly discount and one tablet with the ACP.
How to Get Boost Mobile Free Tablet
You must apply for the ACP to get Boost Mobile free tablet. Applications are either through Boost Mobile or the National Verifier. If you participated in the EBB by December 31, 2022, you qualify for the ACP. However, you should have regularized your ACP membership by March 1, 2022.
If you have an income of up to 200% of current Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can apply and get a Boost Mobile free tablet. That’s also true for those in any of the available government assistance programs.
Eligibility Criteria for Boost Mobile Free Tablet
You may not apply for a Boost Mobile free tablet if you’re not eligible for the ACP. However, those with the EBB discounts qualified for the ACP automatically for the first 60 days before getting recertified.
The ACP eligibility criteria include having a low income or participating in a government assistance program such as the free school lunch program. The following are some of the conditions you must meet to get a Boost Mobile free tablet:
1. Having a Household Low Income
Low-income earners automatically qualify for a free tablet if they can prove it. According to the FCC, you should have an income of up to 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.
However, the guidelines may vary depending on your residence. So, always check with your state authorities to be sure just how much you should pay.
Here is a breakdown of the income limits based on 2022 Federal Poverty guidelines in different U.S. states:
2022 Poverty Guidelines and ACP Income Levels for 48 States and the District of Columbia
| No. of persons in a family or household | Poverty guideline | ACP Income Limit (200% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13,590 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $18,310 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $23,030 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $27,750 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $32,470 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $37,190 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $41,910 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $46,630 | $93,260 |
| Each additional household member | $4,720 | $9,440 |
So, in a one-person household, you can get a Boost Mobile free tablet with a $27,180 income. For each additional family member, the income increases by $9,440. Therefore, having a large household makes it easier for you to qualify for a free tablet.
2022 Poverty Guidelines and ACP Income Levels for Alaska
| No. of persons in a family or household | Poverty guideline | ACP Income Limit (200% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $16,990 | $33,980 |
| 2 | $22,890 | $45,780 |
| 3 | $28,790 | $57,580 |
| 4 | $34,690 | $69,380 |
| 5 | $40,590 | $81,180 |
| 6 | $46,490 | $92,980 |
| 7 | $52,390 | $104,780 |
| 8 | $58,290 | $116,580 |
| Each additional household member | $5,900 | $11,800 |
Alaska’s poverty guidelines differ from those in other parts of the country. Here, you can get a Boost Mobile free tablet if your income is up to $33,980 in a one-member household. The income threshold increases by $11,800 for each additional family member.
2022 Poverty Guidelines and ACP Income Threshold for Hawaii
| No. of persons in a family or household | Poverty guideline | ACP Income Limit (200% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $15,630 | $31,260 |
| 2 | $21,060 | $42,120 |
| 3 | $26,490 | $52,980 |
| 4 | $31,920 | $63,840 |
| 5 | $37,350 | $74,700 |
| 6 | $42,780 | $85,560 |
| 7 | $48,210 | $96,420 |
| 8 | $53,640 | $107,280 |
| Each additional household member | $5,430 | $10,860 |
If you live in Hawaii, you can get a Boost Mobile free tablet with an income below $31,260 in a one-member household. For a family with two members, your income should be up to $42,120. With each additional family member, the income threshold increases by $10,860.
2. Beneficiary of Government Assistance
People in needy families get various forms of assistance from the U.S. government. The programs aim to alleviate suffering for low-income families at home, school, and elsewhere. So, you can get a free Boost Mobile tablet if you participate in government assistance programs.
Examples of the eligible programs include the following:
- Medical Assistance or Medical Aid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA, Section 8)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- The current year’s Federal Pell Grant
- Veterans Survivor Pension Fund
- National School Lunch programs like reduced-price or free lunch program
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
3. Beneficiary of Tribal Assistance Programs
Besides the programs above, you can get a Boost Mobile free tablet if you participate in a Tribal program. These programs aim to make life more bearable for people living on Tribal lands. Here are some of the most common Tribal programs available in the United States:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
4. Participation in Lifeline Assistance
Lifeline Assistance is an FCC initiative through which the government gives free phones and discounted phone services to deserving families. The program is much older than the ACP and has more or less the same eligibility criteria. So, if you’re already a Lifeline Assistance participant, you can get a Boost Mobile free tablet.
5. Meeting a Network Provider’s Eligibility Criteria
Boost Mobile, just like other network carriers, may have an eligibility criterion. So, those who meet the eligibility criteria for the network carrier can get a free tablet. What does that mean? Apart from checking whether or not you meet the eligibility criteria for the ACP, you should ascertain that you meet your network carrier’s requirements.
Necessary Documents When Applying for Boost Mobile Free Tablets
To apply for a Boost Mobile free tablet, you must provide several documents to prove your identity, address, income, and participation in government assistance. You might not qualify for the free tablet if you miss any required documents.
Here are the documents you should collect in preparation for the application process:
Identification Documents
If you’re the principal applicant for the ACP, you must provide documents proving your identity. The following are some of the documents you need to complete your application:
- Driver’s License
- Social Security Number
- U.S. Passport
- Birth Certificate
- Certificate of Naturalization
- Foreign Passport
- U.S Government, State, Military, or Tribal-Issued ID
Proof-of-Address Documents
Before approving your application for a free tablet, Boost Mobile needs to know your address. It is to the address that it would send billing information and other correspondence. Besides stating your address, you must provide documents proving it. The following are some of the documents you must provide:
- Federal, State, or Tribal-Issued ID
- Current Income Statement, W2, or Paycheck Stub
- Driver’s License
- Current Utility Bill
- Current Lease or Mortgage Statement
Proof-of-Low-Income Documents
You must provide documentation proving your economic status if you come from a low-income household. These documents should contain the name of the principal beneficiary and the income arising from it. Here are some documents you may provide:
- The previous year’s Federal, Tribal, or state tax returns
- Statement of social security benefits
- The current income statements
- Unemployment or worker’s compensation statement of benefits
- Statement of benefits for federal administration
Proof of Government Assistance
Do you or a family member participate in a government assistance program? You must attach a document showing that you participate in such a program. The document should contain your name, the program’s name, and the Federal, Tribal, or state entity offering it. Here are examples of documents you must attach to your application:
- Letter of participation in Federal or Tribal general assistance
- Child support award, divorce decree, or any other documents proving your income
- Statement of eligibility for a state, Tribal, or Federal aid for the previous or current year
For emancipated minors, it is necessary to provide documents proving they are no longer in their parent’s custody. The required documents include a certificate of emancipation or relevant court documents.
How to Apply for a Boost Mobile Free Tablet
Applying for a Boost Mobile free tablet requires you to take several steps. Here is a step-by-step guide on applying for a Boost Mobile free government phone:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility for the ACP
As a prerequisite, you should check that you qualify for a Boost Mobile free tablet. The ACP website lists the categories of people who can be eligible for a free tablet. Besides, you should check for your eligibility via the National Verifier by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC).
You can ascertain if you meet the 200% Federal Poverty Guidelines income thresholds. Once you have checked your eligibility, you can apply via the National Verifier.
Step 2: Select an ACP Provider
Now that you have ascertained your eligibility for a free tablet, you should select an ACP provider. In that case, you should choose Boost Mobile or any other provider you feel offers the best services.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
Of course, you can complete your application before leaving the National Verifier website. Or, you can go to the Boost Mobile website and fill out the application. Be sure to have all the necessary documents when making the application.
For example, you need your social security number, government-issued ID, proof of income, and other eligibility documents. Scan the documents and attach them to your application. Cross-check that all is well and click Submit.
Step 4: Wait for a Free Tablet Approval
The Boost Mobile team may take time to approve your application for a free tablet. After approval, you’ll get a notification via your email informing you how you’ll get the tablet and the other benefits that come with it.
Similarly, if Boost Mobile declines your application, they’ll notify you about it. Thus, you can consider other options. In case of a successful application, you should get the tablet in the mail a few days later. Now you can work, learn, and communicate online.
Restrictions for Boost Mobile Free Tablets
The Boost Mobile free tablet is only available to one household member at a time. So, regardless of your qualifications, ensure that only one member gets a tablet. Making multiple applications can only get you disqualified.
Also, Boost Mobile doesn’t allow you to choose a free tablet. Instead, it gives any available tablet. Additionally, the available tablets vary depending on your state, and you cannot transfer the program to another person.
Boost Mobile Tablet Data Plans
Boost Mobile has several data plans targeting beneficiaries of the free tablet program. The following are some of the plans you can enjoy:
- $50 per month for unlimited talk, text, data, and a 12 GB mobile hotspot
- $35 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data, with endless music streaming and mobile hotspot data
- $5 per month for 1 GB of data
- $10 per month for 3 GB of internet data
- $50 per month for unlimited data, talk, and texts, $30 for every additional line
Available Boost Mobile Free Tablets
Boost Mobile offers tablets from some of the top brands like Fire, Apple, LG, and Lenovo. The following are some of the available tablet models from Boost Mobile:
- LG G PAD 5
- Fire HD 10 Tablet
- Lenovo Smart Tab M10 Plus
- New Apple iPad Pro 2nd Generation
- Apple iPad Pro 3rd Generation
The Final Verdict
Now that you know how to get Boost Mobile free tablet, you can apply for it. However, you must be eligible for an ACP discount to apply. You can check your eligibility and complete the application via the National Verifier. Alternatively, you may apply via the Boost Mobile website. After getting the free tablet, you can use it for your work, study, or leisure.
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Yes, Boost Mobile offers free tablets through the ACP program. So, you can get a free Boost Mobile tablet if you qualify for the ACP. After checking eligibility for the ACP, you can go ahead and apply for the tablet.
Boost Mobile offers free internet data to those qualifying for the ACP. For example, you can get 35GB of free data per month. However, to get additional mobile hotspot data, you’ll have to pay $24.99.
Yes, you can get an iPad from Boost Mobile. The company offers the iPad Pro 2nd generation or the iPad 3rd generation.