The government is working in partnership with various phone service providers like Verizon, Access Wireless, and AT&T to offer affordable internet to every American household. At the onset of the Corona pandemic, the government through the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program helped to keep families connected by offering a monthly phone service discount of up to $50 or up to $75 for households in Tribal Lands to mitigate the effects of reduced incomes. Families with reduced incomes due to job loss were eligible to receive the EBB benefit.
Under the EBB program, Verizon offered eligible households free internet, free minutes, and free texts to help them apply for jobs, reach out to relatives and friends, and seek emergency services. The eligible households could also get a Verizon free tablet from the government. Since 31st December 2021, the government has replaced the EBB program with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Verizon continues to offer free internet plans to eligible households under the ACP program.
In this article, we look at what Verizon offers under the ACP program and how you can qualify for the Verizon free tablet.
Plans Offered by Verizon to Eligible Households
Verizon offers free data, minutes, and texts to ACP and Lifeline-eligible individuals. You may also qualify for Verizon free tablet plans and a device, but the device availability depends on your state and the running promotion offer. Nonetheless, Verizon has some of the best plans if you are looking for a carrier with nationwide 4G and 5G network coverage, fast internet speeds, and a broad range of phone plans. ACP-eligible customers can request the carrier to apply the ACP discount on any of the applicable Fios Internet plans, Home plans, prepaid plans, and Fios Prepared plans.
The ACP program offers a discount of up to $30 per month or $75 per month on households living in the Tribal lands. You can receive free Verizon internet if you choose a plan that costs less than $30 per month or $75 per month if you are in an eligible Tribal land, such as the ACP Verizon free tablet plan that costs $25 per month. Nonetheless, you will have to pay for any balance if you choose a service plan that costs more than the available ACP discount.
You can ask Verizon to discount your preferred plan if you are an already existing Verizon customer. New customers have to register for their ideal plan before they can ask Verizon customer care to apply for ACP benefits. Verizon applies the ACP discount on the following plans:
Verizon Home Internet Service
Verizon customers already enrolled on a Verizon Home Internet service plan can continue to receive the Lifeline benefits and also qualify to receive the Affordable Connectivity Program. The Verizon Home Internet service plans available to the ACP-eligible and enrolled individuals include the Fios to new and existing customers with a Mix + Match internet plan. Once enrolled, you can start enjoying high-speed video streams without worrying about buying additional hardware. Verizon offers a rental Fios router for $15 a month but it can use the ACP subsidy to offer the router at no cost. Furthermore, Customers who qualify for the Fios Forward plan will get a free Fios router at no monthly cost. Use the following steps to apply for ACP Verizon Home Internet Plans:
- Check if your address qualifies: The 5G Home plan is not available nationwide. Call customer care at 1-800-9220-0204 to check if the service is available in your home area.
- Register for the ACP benefits: Verizon does not offer ACP approval. You have to apply with the National Verifier to get approval. Visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/ to register.
- Order your plan: You can buy your preferred plan online or call customer service to complete the purchase. If you are an existing Verizon customer, make sure you have a plan with Internet access.
- Get the subsidy applied: Call customer care to get the subsidy applied to your phone plan. Make sure you have completed the installation before you request customer care to use the ACP subsidy.
Verizon Home Plans You Can Use ACP benefit
5G Home plan
The Verizon 5G Home Plan does not require you to purchase equipment. The plan comes with the equipment necessary to help you access the internet upon activation. However, you have to ensure the plan is available in your area. Moreover, Verizon Lifeline customers will continue to receive their Lifeline subsidy on top of the ACP benefit.
LTE Home plan
The LTE Home Internet plan is available for ACP-eligible individuals. It is also available to customers already receiving Lifeline benefits. However, you will need to purchase a router to use the LTE Home plan. The plan does not come with equipment. Verizon offers customers a router for $240 that you can pay $10 every month using the Verizon Payment plan.
High-Speed Internet
Customers eligible for ACP can use the ACP discount to lower the cost of their High-Speed Internet Plan. You can also request Verizon to combine your Lifeline benefit with the ACP benefit to reduce the cost of your plan if you are a Lifeline beneficiary. A router is a must for you to use this plan. However, you can use your own, purchase a new one or ask Verizon to apply an ACP discount on your router charge.
Wireless Mobile Phone plan
Verizon Wireless Mobile Phone plan offers flexibility to new and existing customers. ACP benefit can help you discount your Mix and Match Unlimited Phone plan or a standalone Mobile Hotspot plan. The applicable Mix and Match Unlimited phone plans include Start Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, and Get More Unlimited. The ACP applicable Mobile Hotspot plans include Unlimited and Unlimited Plus. You will need a smartphone to use the Mix and Match plans and a tablet to purchase the standalone Mobile Hotspot plan.
Prepaid Mobile plan
All Verizon Prepaid plans with data are eligible for ACP discounts. However, you should go for the Fios Prepaid plan if you want a free ACP plan. The plan helps you connect with your loved ones and relatives while enjoying high-speed Internet speeds for your entertainment. The Fios Forward plan offers the best value. Customers eligible to receive ACP benefits get the plan for free. It does not require Auto Pay and it does not have a service charge, taxes, and setup fees for online orders. The free plan supports speeds of up to 300 Mbps to enable you stream and download movies. The ACP discount also applies to an included router rental fee.
How to Qualify for Verizon Free Tablet Through the ACP Program
You have to register with the ACP program to receive the Verizon free tablet offers. ACP helps low-income households and disadvantaged people in society to get free internet and a connected device. However, the monthly benefit under the ACP is lower. Eligible households can qualify for up to a $30 per month phone service discount or up to $75 for individuals in the Tribal Lands. ACP beneficiaries may also qualify for a one-time $100 discount on a tablet, laptop, or smartphone.
Verizon offers ACP discounts on almost all internet plans, including Mix and Match wireless plans, prepaid plans, and standalone tablet plans. You have to register with the National Verifier to qualify for the Verizon ACP benefits. Once you get the approval, you should register with Verizon and purchase an eligible internet plan of your choice. You should then contact a customer care representative and mention that you are eligible to receive ACP benefits. The customer service representative will discount your plan by up to $30 per month.
You will qualify to receive free Verizon tablet plans if you choose a plan that costs less than $30 per month or $75 per month in the eligible Tribal Lands. If not, you will pay the balance once Verizon uses the ACP benefit on your plan. Individuals interested in a Verizon free tablet may have to pay an amount that is more than $10 but less than $50. You will also need to meet the eligibility criteria for the Affordable Connectivity program. You can qualify for ACP through:
1. Your Household income
ACP is a government program that targets low-income individuals. The total income of your household must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Index to qualify for ACP. The income is the total earned by all household members annually. A household refers to individuals living together and sharing income. Individuals living together but do not share income are separate households.
The ACP benefit is applicable once per household. Different individuals in a household cannot get separate ACP benefits. You will need documents that show proof of income to register for ACP. Failure to show proof of income may delay your application approval. You can use your retirement statement of benefits, paycheck stubs, Social Security statement of benefits, unemployment compensation benefit statement, and State, Tribal, or Federal tax return.
The ACP income threshold varies by state and household size. Check the table below to find the Federal Poverty Index for your household size and state.
| Household Size | Alaska | Hawaii | Other states and territories |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $33,980 | $31,260 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $45,780 | $42,120 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $57,580 | $52,980 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $69,380 | $63,840 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $81,180 | $74,700 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $92,980 | $85,560 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $104,780 | $96,420 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $116,580 | $107,280 | $93,260 |
| Each additional person add: | $11,800 | $10,860 | $9,440 |
2. Participating in a Federal assistance program
Individuals already participating in the Lifeline assistance program can qualify for the ACP Verizon free tablet. You do not need to reapply with the National Verifier if you are receiving ACP benefits. Instead, you should contact Verizon customer care to register for the ACP discount. You will need documents that show proof of receiving Lifeline benefits. The right documents must have your full legal name, assistance program name, expiry date, issue date, and the issuing establishment.
Verizon will review your documents and process your application. You can use an approval letter, statement of benefits, benefits verification letter, and school documentation to show proof of participating in a Lifeline assistance program. The eligible government assistance programs that can make you qualify for Verizon free tablet program include:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Head Start
- Medicaid
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- FPHA (Federal Public Housing Assistance)
- Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
- WIC Special Supplemental Nutrition Program
- School Breakfast or Lunch Program
- Current award year Federal Pell Grant beneficiary
Some of the Top Verizon Free Tablet Devices You May Get
The government through the ACP program makes it easy for every household to access the internet at home. The program offers a one-off $100 gadget discount that enables carriers like Verizon to offer a free device. However, the government requires beneficiaries to make a co-payment of between $10 and $50. Verizon as an approved ACP provider can help low-income individuals get an internet-enabled device at no cost. The availability of a Verizon free tablet will depend on the state and available stock. We recommend that you contact Verizon customer service to enquire about the available free tablet devices. Nonetheless, some of the free Verizon tablet devices you may get include:
1. Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite
Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite is an 8.7-inch slim tablet with a sturdy frame that makes it suitable for outdoor entertainment. The upgraded metal frame protects it against accidental dings and falls that are common in the outdoor working environment. The tablet comes with a decent 5,100Ah non-removable battery that keeps entertained for up to 18 hours. It features 3GB of RAM that offers smooth performance and 32GB of internal memory that is adequate to store your videos and images.
Highlights
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal memory
- 8.7-inch screen
- 5,100mAh battery
2. Orbic Tab 8 5G
Orbic Tab8 is the perfect device if you have a 5G Verizon phone service that supports HD video streams. The Ultra Wide Band technology makes playing online games fun with no lags. The tablet features an 8-inch HD display and a powerful 6000mAh battery for an amazing entertainment experience. It can keep you entertained for up to 24 hours. You can also use the tablet to capture professional-like photos of your friends. A 13MP camera rear camera supports special features that let you capture highly detailed images. It also comes with an 8MP front camera that captures fine selfies.
Highlights
- 6000 mAh battery
- 13Mp rear camera
- 8MP front camera
- 6GB of RAM
- 128GB of internal memory
3. Apple iPad
Apple iPad is a performance tablet for individuals who need a device that supports multitasking. You can work on your latest project while streaming music without lags or hitches. An A13 Bionic chip powers the device to deliver faster CPU and graphics performance. You also do not have to worry about running out of power as you work. The tablet can entertain you for up to 9 hours with a single battery charge. It further features a 12MP ultra-wide main camera to enable you to capture your social moments. The camera supports 1080p HD video recording. You can also use an 8MP secondary camera to capture group photos.
Highlights
- 12MP main camera
- 8MP secondary camera
- 64GB or 256GB internal storage
- 10.2-inch display
4. CTL Chromebook NL71CT-L
CTL Chromebook NL71CT-L keeps you connected and productive in the workplace, class, outdoors, or home. The tablet’s portable design makes it easy to carry around as you inspect your projects. It is 4G capable, which allows you to connect to the internet in areas without hotspots or Wi-Fi connections. The tablet is power efficient with its smaller 3,700mAh battery keeping you working for up to 12 hours. It also comes with a 180-degree rotating camera to help you easily capture the surrounding areas without moving around. An 11.6-inch display screen keeps you entertained with bright-colored images. The CTL Chromebook tablet is perfect for individuals who multi-task. A 4GB RAM offers smooth transitions and quick load times as you switch between apps. The tablet further comes with 32GB of internal memory for your storage needs.
Highlights
- 4GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal memory
- 180-degree rotating camera
- 11.6-inch display
5. TCL TAB 8
The TAB 8 is a performance tablet that lets you work as you listen to music or chat with friends on social media without lags. The tablet comes with 3GB of RAM that offers quick load times as you start and switch between apps or when gaming. It has 32GB of internal storage that you can use to install additional apps or keep your treasured images. A MicroSD slot makes it possible to expand the memory up to 256GB. A large 5,500mAh non-removable battery provides adequate power to keep you working and entertained for up to 17 hours. The tablet features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera to help you add videos and images to your conversations. The TCL TAB 8 features an 8-inch display that supports full-HD videos for a remarkable entertainment experience.
Highlights
- 8-inch FHD screen
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal storage
- 8MP rear camera
- 5MP front camera
6. Orbic Chromebook
Students and workers will find the Orbic Chromebook a handy tool that helps them to complete assignments or fill daily reports. It has a stylish look and durability to help you work from any location. The 11.6-inch tablet has an IPS HD screen that offers vivid images and videos for outdoor and indoor entertainment. It features 4GB of RAM and an octa-core processor, which makes the tablet powerful enough to handle with ease some of the resource-hungry demands like online gaming. A large 5530mAh battery keeps you working for up to 15 hours.
Highlights
- 4GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal storage
- 5530mAh battery
- 11.6-inch display
7. TCL TAB Family Edition
The Family Edition TCL TAB tablet is a perfect entertainment tool for the entire family. It comes with multiple eye protection modes to help your children watch entertaining cartoons or adults work for hours without eye fatigue. You can customize your viewing experience to suit your environment and performance needs. An 8-inch display supports full-HD videos, which lets you stream the latest movies for your entertainment. It comes with 3GB of RAM and an octa-core processor, which offers smooth performance when multitasking. 32GB of internal memory provides you with adequate space to install your favorite apps. You can expand the memory by up to 256GB for additional storage to keep your movies and videos.
Highlights
- 8-Inch full-HD screen
- 3GB of RAM
- 32GB of internal memory
- 8MP rear camera
- 5MP front camera
Conclusion
The Verizon free tablet program helps low-income families to access free internet and a connected device to apply for jobs and complete homework. The ACP discount is applicable on all Verizon plans with an internet plan. However, you will have to qualify for ACP and get approval to enroll in the program. Customers already receiving Lifeline government assistance benefits should contact customer care at 1-800-9220-0204 to get the ACP discount.
People Also Ask
It depends on your location and the running campaign. Contact a customer care representative to enquire about the availability of a free tablet in your area.
No. You have to make a co-payment of between $10 and $50 to get the government-discounted device.
You can qualify for the Verizon free tablet if your household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Index in your state. You may also qualify for the ACP benefit if you are a participant in an eligible government assistance program, such as Medicaid.
Get approval for ACP from the National Verifier and then visit the Verizon website to purchase an eligible data plan. Once you place the order, you should contact customer care at 1-800-9220-0204 to request the carrier to use the ACP benefit on the plan.