Tablets are one of the most critical pieces of technology in this era. However, not everyone can afford one. But did you know that you can get a tablet from government without paying a dime! If you don’t know how to get a free tablet from government, you’ve come to the right place.
This article expounds on applying for a free tablet from government and other non-governmental organizations. You will also learn about all the documents required for your free tablet application to go through.
The government plays a huge role in helping the less-fortunate access necessities like health and food. Recently, it has been able to distribute tablets to low-income households through various programs. Please keep reading to find out more about them.
Does The Government Offer Free Tablets
Yes, the government offers free tablets to people who meet their stringent qualification criteria. The government understands that tablets are an essential tool in digital migration. It also knows that not everyone is capable of purchasing one.
Every year, it incorporates funds into its budget to cater to helping low-income families access the latest technology. The government has achieved this by providing free devices such as phones and tablets through government-aided programs and non-governmental organizations.
So, how can you get a free tablet from the government? You will first need to gather all the essential documents specified by the Federal Communication Commission. Send your application together with your documents and wait for a response.
All your documents are scrutinized to prove your eligibility before being approved, so you have to be patient. Once you are approved, your will receive your tablet within a few days. If you’re not approved for one, there are other means to get a free tablet mentioned in this article.
Who Can Get A Free Tablet From Government
How do you know that you qualify for a free government tablet? As stated above, there are several qualifications criteria put in place by the federal government. These guidelines aren’t uniform across all states. Below are some of the ways you can be eligible for a free government tablet:
Income-Based Qualification
Having an income that doesn’t exceed 125-185% of the federal poverty guidelines will make you eligible for a free tablet from the government. These guidelines vary depending on the number of people your household possesses. You can check out the federal poverty guidelines here.
Participation In A Government-Aided Program
Sometimes participation in a government-aided program can make you qualify. This is because government-aided programs were started to help economically challenged people. If you are participating in one, it proves that you’re financially unable to buy a tablet. Below are examples of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Temporary Assistance For Needy Families or TANF
- Supplemental Security Income or SSI
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program or LIHEAP
- Social Security Disability or SSD
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or FPHA
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP
- Federal Pell Grant
- Head Start.
- Food Support
EBB program Membership
You may also qualify if you’re a participant of the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit). This program was initiated by the Federal Communication Commission to assist disadvantaged groups in having internet access at a low cost.
Through this program, eligible households can receive as much as $50 discounts to pay for the internet. Households residing in tribal lands can receive as much as $75. It also provides as much as $100 discounts to qualifying households to help them purchase computers, tablets, or phones. Every household can only receive one discount per month for purchasing a device.
More recently, the EBB program has been replaced by the ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program). Basically, the ACP has the same mandate as its predecessor, with only a few things altered. For example, the highest discount you can receive per month for internet service was reduced to $30 from $50.
Special Needs Qualification
If you’re a person living with any disability, you’re more likely to qualify for a government tablet. Many people with special needs are already enrolled in different government-aided programs, making them eligible.
Texas Telecommunication Assistance
If you’re a resident in Texas, you can get a free tablet through the specialized Telecommunication Assistance Program (STAP). This program is slightly different from other government assistance programs. You only need your name, proof of residency, Identity Card, and a signed certification to prove your eligibility.
Students
Students from low-income households can apply for a free tablet to help in their learning activities.
How To Check if You’re Eligible For A Free Tablet From The Government
There is an easy way to confirm if you meet the eligibility criteria set by the government. Through its branch, the USAC (Universal Service Administrative Company), the FCC has developed an official site for this. This site helps you to check for your lifeline eligibility.
Essential Documents Needed For Free Government Tablets Application
Now that you have confirmed that you are eligible, what documents will you be required to produce? Well, it depends on which state you are currently residing in and what criteria made you eligible. Generally, these are the documents you’ll need to have:
- Documents proving your identity, including your Identity card, proof of residence, and driver’s license.
- Documents confirming your current financial status include an unemployment benefits statement, a pension benefits statement, a letter of participation in an assistance program, a federal tax return slip, and a social security benefits statement.
- Documents confirming your participation in a government-assisted program, including a Federal Pell grant letter and an acceptance letter to the Medicaid program.
- If you’re a person living with a disability, you may be required to provide a document from a recognized medical institution to support your claim.
Application Process For Free Tablets From Government
If you don’t know how to get a free tablet from the government, this is the simplified process of applying:
- STEP 1: Research more about the organization you want to get a free tablet from. This will help you know what they require. It will also help you to confirm the legitimacy of the said organization. If you have any inquiries, this is also the perfect time to contact the organization’s customer support.
- STEP 2: Gather all of the documents we have mentioned above.
- STEP 3: Go to the official website of the organization you have chosen and fill out an application form. Do not provide any false information.
- Step 4: Attach all your documents and send your application.
You can also deliver your application to the organization personally or send it to their physical location through the mail.
How To Get A Free Tablet From The Government Through Service Providers
Some wireless service providers have partnered with the government to provide tablets to low-income individuals and households. These companies distribute the tablets under the lifeline assistance program and are then compensated by the federal government. Here are the main ones:
1. Assurance Wireless
Assurance wireless is one of the best network providers offering free government tablets to eligible individuals. In addition, they provide internet services at a discounted cost to financially distressed households. They aim to ensure that everyone is well-connected despite their financial status.
If you want a free tablet from them, go to their website and check their qualification guidelines. If you meet all of them, fill out a form on their site and submit your application together with your documents. You will receive your free tablet in due course.
2. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless can give you a free government tablet if you are enrolled in the EBB program and meet the eligibility criteria. Q Link Wireless has been providing wireless services to millions of consumers.
They partnered with the federal government to ensure that no one misses out on the opportunity to own digital devices. You can apply for a free tablet through their website. Follow the instructions they provide to you, and remember to attach all the required documents.
Q Link Wireless charges a small fee of about $10 for the application. It takes about 6-8 weeks for your application to be processed. After that, your tablet will be sent to you.
How To Get A Free Tablet From The Government Through Non-Governmental Organizations
Many non-profit organizations have been formed to help bridge the gap being created by the digital divide. These organizations focus on providing devices such as tablets, computers, and laptops to disadvantaged groups in the community. Please continue reading to know some of them.
1. World Computer Exchange
World Computer Exchange is a leading non-governmental organization that focuses on linking Americans with technology. They also carry out their operations internationally.
By partnering with the government and like-minded non-profit organizations, they can distribute free government tablets to many people. You can apply for a free government tablet from them by completing an online application form.
2. The Salvation Army
The second non-profit organization on our list is the Salvation Army. They are well-known for assisting low-income households, seniors, and people with special needs. When it comes to technology, they have not been left behind either.
Salvation Army gives you the chance to own a free government tablet if you meet the Lifeline criteria. If you’re not sure about their application process, you can visit one of their many stores, and you will be directed accordingly. You’re guaranteed a free tablet if all your documents check out if you apply correctly.
3. Causes
Causes is not precisely a non-governmental organization but a non-profit charity run by the federal government. However, they offer services similar to the other organizations on our list. Causes provide free tablets to qualifying applicants.
Causes policy revolves around recycling electronics. They collect tablets from other organizations and redistribute them to the less fortunate. Although the tablets are refurbished, they are still fully functional.
4. Everyoneon.org
Everyone on is a charitable organization that provides free phones and tablets to people who fall in the low-income bracket. If you earn less than $35000 in a year, you can get a free tablet from Everyoneon. They also offer many free courses that train people to be digitally literate. You can try your luck with them today by going to their site and applying.
Why You Should Get A Free Government Tablet
A tablet can help you accomplish many tasks conveniently. Unlike a computer, you can carry your tablet anywhere and use it to watch movies, attend online classes, make business calls, play games, browse the internet and take pictures.
Final Verdict
Now that you know how to get a free tablet from the government, you can carry out your research and send an application to the organization of your choice. The whole process can take anywhere between a few days to several months, so you must be patient.
If you don’t understand anything during the application process, you can contact the customer representative of the respective companies for clarification. This would be better than sending the wrong application and missing out on a free government tablet. You can start the application process today to enjoy the benefits of these handsets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, it does. You can only receive a free government tablet if you meet the guidelines set in place by the FCC. Households are also limited to only one free device.
Yes, they can. If you’re a senior citizen, many charitable organizations collaborate with the government to offer you free Tablets. Search for these organizations online and make your applications.
It all depends on the organization you received your free government tablet from. For most institutions, you cannot do it. Only a few institutions allow upgrading to the latest model of a tablet
They are. But your income level will play a huge role in determining whether you’ll receive a government tablet at a discounted price or completely free.