How to Apply to Get a Free Tablet from Government Programs

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Get a free or discounted tablet to use at home or in the classroom

Co-authored by Raffi Bilek, LCSW-C and Cheyenne Main

Last Updated: August 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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How to Apply

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Eligibility

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Programs

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Private Programs for Free Computers

To apply for a free or reduced-price tablet from the government, apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Everyone who is already enrolled in a government assistance program can apply for the ACP. Although few companies offer completely free tablets, the program offers a discount of $100 to buy a laptop, computer, or tablet, which means that most companies offer new tablets for a one-time co-pay of $10.01. Keep reading to learn more!

Things You Should Know

Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program by completing their application and providing documentation that proves you participate in a government assistance program.
Submit an application to a participating internet or phone company according to their requirements.
Pick up your tablet from a certain location or have it delivered to your home, then follow the device or company instructions to set up your tablet.

Section 1 of 4:

Free Tablet Application Process

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1
Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Check the ACP’s requirements to make sure you qualify and click “Apply” on their website. Login or create a new account and complete the online application.^{[1]
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- If you’re a Lifeline subscriber, reach out to your internet company directly to apply for ACP.
- You can also fill out an application form and a Household Worksheet and mail them along with your documentation to:
  ACP Support Center
  PO Box 9100
  Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
2
Provide documents that prove you’re eligible for the program. Once you submit an online application, the website will ask you to share proof of your eligibility (unless you provide your Social Security number).^{[2]
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Research source} Depending on your program, you may have to submit:
- Proof of income:
  - A state, Federal, or Tribal tax return from last year
  - A current annual income statement from your job
  - A Social Security statement of benefits
  - An unemployment or worker’s compensation statement of benefits
  - A Federal or Tribal notice of participation in General Assistance
  - A Divorce Decree or child support award
- Proof of government assistance program or Tribal program participation:
  - A benefit award letter
  - A statement of benefits
  - A benefit verification letter
  - A screenshot of the online benefits portal
- Proof of Federal Pell Grant:
  - An official financial aid award letter from the school or U.S. Department of Education
  - A paid invoice that shows the student got a Pell Grant for the current award year
  - A screenshot of an online financial aid portal
- Proof of free and reduced lunch or school breakfast programs:
  - Letter from the school or school district
- To apply by mail, include these documents along with your application forms.
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3
Submit your application to a participating internet provider. Once you’ve been approved for ACP, submit an application to a participating program according to their guidelines. Depending on the company, you may have to provide additional information or documentation proving you receive a government benefit.^{[3]
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- Some companies may give you the option to apply online, by mail, or in person. Ask your company for more details.
- After submitting, stay informed about the progress of your application and note any deadlines or notifications you may receive via email.
4
Receive and set up your tablet. If your application is accepted, the company will send you instructions on how to pick up your tablet—you might have to pick it up from a certain location or have it delivered to your home.
- Depending on the company, your tablet might come with apps for internet access, email management, financial management, or educational apps if the program is for students.
- The amount of time you have to wait to receive your tablet depends on the program. Ask your company when you might receive your tablet.
- Some programs offer device setup support on-location, over the phone, or online. Follow any instructions or guidance provided by the company to properly set up your tablet.

Section 2 of 4:

Who’s eligible for a free tablet from the government?

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Households enrolled in government assistance programs are eligible. A household with an income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or who participates in an assistance program might be eligible to receive a free tablet through a participating internet company.^{[4]
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Federal Communications Commission
Independent U.S. government agency responsible for regulating radio, television, and satellite, and phone communications

Go to source} These government assistance programs include:
- Receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- Medicaid
- Federal Housing Assistance (Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA), Public Housing, and affordable housing programs for Native Americans)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Lifeline
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)

Section 3 of 4:

Government Programs for Free Tablets

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Look for internet or phone companies that offer ACP services. Check the FCC’s complete list to see which providers are offering free connected devices. You can also find companies near you that offer ACP benefits by using this tool. Some of them may include:^{[5]
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- Standup Wireless: Offers a tablet for a $10.01 co-pay.
- Q Link Wireless: Offers a free tablet and phone service.
- National Wireless: Offers a subsidized 4G tablet.
- AFNET: Offers a new tablet or iPhone for veterans and those in active duty.
- Telnet USA: Offers a tablet for a $10.01 co-pay and free phone and internet.
- Maxsip Telecom: Offers a 4G Android tablet for a $20 co-pay.
- IPC: Offers a new tablet for an $11 co-pay.
- Moolah Wireless: Offers a new tablet.
- Excess Telecom: Offers a new Android tablet or phone for an $11 co-pay.
- Cintex Wireless: Offers a tablet for a $10.01 co-pay.
- TruConnect: Offers a tablet for a $10.01 co-pay.
- AirTalk: Offers an Apple iPad Air 2 for $35 or a Sky PAD8 Pro for $10.01.
- Easy Wireless: Offers a tablet for a $10.99 co-pay.
- Government programs like Computers for Learning offer free computers to schools or educational nonprofit organizations.
- Check with your state or local government website to see if they have additional programs available.

Section 4 of 4:

Private Programs for Free Computers

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Apply to a private program to get a free computer. Although most nonprofits don’t offer free tablets, there are a ton that offer free or discounted laptop or desktop computers to students, schools, and low-income families.
- Computers With Causes: Provides donated computers to schools, universities, museums, charities, and other nonprofit organizations.
- The On It Foundation (Florida only): Provides free computers, computer training, and internet to low-income families with students in grades K-12 who receive free or reduced school lunch.
- Computers for Kids (Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and Utah only): Offers refurbished desktop or laptop computers to students in grades K-12.
- ConnectAll: Offers low-cost laptops, desktops, and internet for low-income families.