Free phone and Tablet Government Programs

Free phone and Tablet Government Programs – In today’s digital world owning a smartphone and a tablet has become a necessity. These two devices help people to stay connected to their loved ones and even serve as powerful tools for work, entertainment, education and many other opportunities. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford the cost of a cell phone and tablet particularly low-income families who are going through financial hardship.

Fortunately, there are government assistance programs like Lifeline and ACP that provide free cell phones and tablets loaded with unlimited data, text and message options to qualified individuals and households in America. This article will help you explore the significance of having a phone and tablet including the eligibility criteria, documents required for free government phone or tablet programs.

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What Are The Free Phone And Tablet Government Programs?

There are two primary free government phone and tablet programs that can help households with free or discounted phone service. These are Lifeline Assistance Program and Affordable Connectivity Program. While the Lifeline program pays for itself by requiring eligible carriers to pay a universal service fee that finances the program, the ACP program on the other hand is funded by Congress.

The Affordable Connectivity Program has replaced the Emergency Broadband Services and provides $30 per month to eligible low-income households having income less than 200% of the federal poverty level to pay for their online connectivity including a one-time discount of $100 towards the purchase of a desktop, laptop or tablet. The Lifeline Assistance Program dates back to 1985. It assists struggling families and provides a subsidy of $9.25 per month for broadband support to Americans having income less than 135% of the federal poverty level.

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What Are The Eligibility Criteria To Qualify For Government Free Phones And Tablets? 

Low-income families or households can qualify for a free government ACP or Lifeline program and get a phone or tablet for free by meeting certain eligibility criteria. The basic eligibility criteria required is to be at least 18 years old and an emancipated minor to apply for the Lifeline and ACP program.

To ensure that the restricted resources are distributed to low-income families in need there are certain eligibility criteria in place for the free government phones and tablets. Let’s explore the two major programs including the eligibility criteria to qualify for them.

1. Lifeline Eligibility Criteria 

The Lifeline Program offers discounts on monthly phone or internet service to eligible low-income households. Eligible candidates or households can select between a free phone or tablet with unlimited data or getting discounted phone service.

Income-Based Eligibility:

Low-income individuals or households having income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the federal Lifeline Assistance Program. The particular income thresholds may vary depending on your state of residence.

Program Based Eligibility

Individuals who have enrolled in the government assistance programs can qualify for the Lifeline free phone and tablet program. These programs include the following:

• SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Medicaid
• TANF
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Assistance for Federal Public Housing under Medicaid (FPHA)
• Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs for Veterans
• Indian Affairs Bureau (BIA) General Support
• Tribal Short-Term Aid for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
• Program to Distribute Food on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Native Head Start (only households that meet the income qualifying standard)

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2. Affordable Connectivity Program

Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible low-income households with free phones as well as tablets with unlimited data options.

Income-Based Eligibility

Low-income individuals or households having income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the SCP program. The particular income threshold may vary depending on your state of residence.

Program Based Eligibility 

Individuals who have enrolled in particular government assistance programs can also qualify for the ACP program. These programs are as follows

• Lifeline
• WIC
• Medicaid
• Free or Reduced Price Breakfast and Lunch Program
• Veterans Pension And Survivors Pension Program
• Tribal assistance programs (listed above)
• Federal Public Assistance Like Public Housing or Section 8 Program
• If you are any member of your household has received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.

You can verify the income criteria for your state of residence by visiting the Lifeline or ACP official website or by contacting your Lifeline ACP service provider. Moreover, individuals can qualify for the ACP program automatically if they can prove that they are lifeline subscribers. To learn more about Lifeline or ACP qualifying programs you can visit the Consumer Eligibility Page of the Universal Service Administrative Company site.

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What Are The Documents Required to Apply for Free Phones and Tablets?

While applying for an ACP and Lifeline Combo plan, you should give specific documentation to confirm your qualification. You are required to submit documents proving your identity, income and evidence of participation in one of the government programs.

Here are the documents you might need to provide to qualify for ACP and Lifeline plan to receive free phone and tablet :

Identity Documents 

• Certificate of birth
• Your U.S driver’s license
• Social Security Card
• A copy of your utility bill
• Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
• Military discharge document
• Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
• Copy of your rent or mortgage statement
• Latest W-2 or tax return
• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
• Copy of your Individual Taxpayer Identification Number

Income Proof 

• Three successive pay stubs
• Present income statement from your current employer or a paycheck stub
• Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
• Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
• Tax return
• Veterans Administration statement of benefits
• Previous year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
• Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document demonstrating your income details

Proof of Participation in Government Assistance Programs 

• Letter of approval
• Statement of benefits
• School documentation
• Benefit verification letter
• Benefit award letter

As per the Lifeline and ACP Combo plan, individuals must be 18 years in age or be emancipated minors. The emancipated minor should provide any of the following documentations:

• A copy of certificate of emancipation
• A copy of a court document

Application Procedure For Free Government Phones And Tablets

The application procedure for free government phones and tablets is pretty basic and straightforward. Applicants have to follow the following general steps to get started.

• Check Your Eligibility

The first step is to review your eligibility criteria for the federally funded Lifeline and ACP programs and determine if you can qualify for any one of the two programs.

• Choose A Service Provider

The next step is to select a provider that provides free government phones and tablets in your state. The list of service providers has been mentioned in the below section of the article.

• Complete The Application Procedure

You need to contact a preferred service provider and complete the application procedure. You have to provide proof of documents to demonstrate your eligibility like proof of your identity, income or participation in government-assisted programs.

• Wait For Approval

Once you have submitted your application, wait patiently for the service provider to review your application and approve it. This process can take some time.

• Receive Your Device

Your service provider will review your application form and approve or reject your application. On approval, you can get your free phone or tablet with unlimited data, text and calling options. The instructions for the activation and usage have been provided in the below section of the article.

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List Of Benefits You Can Get From Free Phone And Tablet Government Programs

The benefits for both Lifeline and ACP free phone and tablet government programs come in the form of amazing discount deals such as the following.

Lifeline Benefits

Low-income households who qualify for the federal Lifeline program can reap the following benefits.

• A monthly discount of $9.25 that you can pay towards telecommunication bills respective of whether landline, wireless or internet services.
• Eligible customers living on tribal land get a higher discount of up to $34.25 monthly
• Apart from discount deals on telecommunication bills eligible households receive a free cell phone.

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ACP Benefits

Low-income households to qualify for the federal ACP program can get the following benefits.

• A $30 discount per month that a household can pay towards their broadband services
• A higher discount of up to $75 per month for low-income households living on qualifying tribal lands
• Eligible low-income households receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a desktop computer, laptop or tablet from any participating ISP provider if they can contribute more than $10 and less than $50 towards the purchase price of the gadget.

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What Are The Guidelines For Lifeline/ ACP Free Phones And Tablets Program?

Whether you are applying with a service provider that provides you with a free phone and tablet or not, the federal Lifeline and ACP programs require households to follow the below-mentioned rules and guidelines.

• Lifeline benefits are available to subscribers only if they prove their eligibility. On applying for the Lifeline free phone and tablet program you need to provide proof of your participation in a qualifying government assistance program or income verification documents.
• Every year USAC will check your eligibility to confirm if you still qualify for the Lifeline free phone and tablet program
• In case you change your address or if your income increases and you no longer qualify for the Lifeline program you need to notify your company within a period of 30 days. You also have to notify if more than one person in your household is receiving Lifeline benefits.
• Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. Household here refers to a group of individuals living together and sharing both income and expenses.
• There will be punitive actions against you if you make any false statements on your Lifeline-related questionnaires or forms.
• You have to use Lifeline services once every 30 days to maintain the service and continue receiving assistance. In case you fail to adhere to this rule then you will get a 15-day notice to use and then your services will be terminated.

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 Top 9 Lifeline And ACP Service Providers That Help Low-Income Households With Free Phones and Tablets

Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless is a premier Lifeline and ACP service provider that provides free phones and tablets to those who qualify, including free monthly service plans that provide free text, minutes and high-speed data.

Q Link Wireless

Another Lifeline and ACP service provider is Q Link Wireless which is known for providing high-quality tablets and smartphones for free to eligible customers.

The company provides a plan that is loaded with free cell phone service along with unlimited text talk and data. You need to visit the website, enter your zip code, mail address and press the ‘Get It Now’ option and follow the instructions to complete the application form.

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Easy Wireless

Easy Wireless is another Lifeline and ACP provider that provides free unlimited text and talk, free data and hotspots, highly discounted or free tablets and a free smartphone.

You can enroll with the service provider by visiting the official website by entering your email address, providing a zip code in the provided box, press Enroll option, follow the prompts that appear on the screen and complete the application.

AirTalk Wireless

AirTalk Wireless is a generous Lifeline service provider that offers free Apple and Android smartphones and tablets including a robust plan with free text, data and minutes. Visit the official website, press the Apply option, enter your zip code, choose your preferred plan and complete the application form by providing relevant documents and required information.

NewPhone Wireless

Low-income households can get a free government phone from New Phone Wireless. Apart from being an amazing ACP and Lifeline provider it also provides a free monthly service plan that comes with high-speed data, unlimited text and talk. To sign up you need to visit the official website, press the Apply button, enter your zip code, select a preferred plan and complete the application form.

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Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is a premier ACP and Lifeline provider that provides free cell phones. The company not only provides a free cell phone but also amazing plans for eligible customers you can enroll with Assurance Wireless by visiting the official website, then enter the zip code, select a preferred plan and complete the application form.

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enTouch Wireless

enTouch Wireless is another ACP or Lifeline service provider that helps low-income customers with free government forms. You can get a free plan and phone by visiting the official website, press the Enroll Today option, choosing your state and plan and then completing the application form online

Maxsip Telecom

Maxim is a popular free internet service provider that provides free ACP tablets to low-income households who qualify. To receive a free tablet you need to go to the website, fill out the application online and once approved you will be notified.

Go Technology Management

Go Technology Management participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program and provides free tablets to low-income households along with free monthly plans.

To get the benefits visit its official website by entering the zip code, pressing the start button and filling out the online application by providing your details, documents and selecting a preferred plan.

Few more resources are as follows:

• TAG Mobile
• Verizon
• T-Mobile
• Reachout Wireless
• Safelink Wireless 
• TruConnect
• Easy Wireless
• Prosper Wireless etc.

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Nonprofit Organizations And Charities That Provide Free Phones And Tablets

Besides the federal government, numerous nonprofit organizations and charities are committed to providing free tablets and phones to low-income households facing financial difficulties. These are as follows:

• Accelerated Schools Organization
• Adaptive.org
• Causes
• Computers for Learning
• Computer Technology Assistance Corps
• Cty.Org
• EveryoneOn
• Human I-T
• Computers 4 Kids
• Microsoft Registered Refurbisher
• On It Foundation
• PCs for People
• Smartriverside
• Technology Assisting People in Need
• The Salvation Army
• World Computer Exchange.

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What Are The Top Government Phone And Tablet Models? 

The Lifeline program provides devices to low-income households that are determined by the carrier. They generally provide basic or mid range smartphones from top reputable manufacturers like LG, Motorola and Samsung. The specific models that you can receive from your service provider through Lifeline and ACP programs are not disclosed in advance and the offerings may vary depending on your state and plans.

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides $100 for internet-connected devices like laptops, tablets or desktop computers. You may access the latest gadgets that exceed $100 in value and the government guidelines mandate a compulsory copay between $10 to $50 making the device not entirely free but discounted.

Following are the Lifeline and ACP phone models that you can get

• Samsung Galaxy Note 8
• Samsung Galaxy S9 plus
• LG G8X ThinQ
• One plus 7T
• Motorola Moto Edge 5G
• Apple iPhone SE2
• Google Pixel 4 XL

ACP’s top tablet brands include the following

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
• Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
• Apple iPad Air 2
• Apple iPad air
• Alcatel Joy Tab 2
• Sky Elite T8 Plus.

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How To Activate A Free Government Cell Phone And Tablet?

You can activate a free government cell phone and tablet by following the below-mentioned steps:

• Unbox your device, separate it from the accessories and charge it
• Insert your SIM card into the device, power on the device and choose your preferred language and region
• Connect to Wi-Fi and set the device up manually
• If prompted enter the SIM card credentials, create a passcode if required and wait for the activation

For free devices, certain eligibility criteria should be met and documents are required to be submitted. You can activate the free phone and tablet online through service providers, apply through mail or contact the participating carriers over the telephone. Once activated you can enjoy several benefits like free calls, messaging, emergency services, online learning, cost saving on data and job searches.

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Conclusion

Owning a cell phone and tablet with unlimited text, data and call options in today’s digital age is no longer a luxury available for the privileged. Fortunately, there are government assistance programs like Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program that help low-income individuals and households in America to get free government phones and tablets so that they can stay connected, enhance their quality of life and access educational and job resources. By understanding the criteria, completing the application procedure and choosing the right service provider you can take advantage of the government assistance program and enjoy the benefits of getting a phone or tablet without increasing your financial burden.

We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who qualifies for a free government phone or tablet?

Qualification for a free government phone or tablet varies as per the state, however, people who take part in government assistance programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or Section 8 housing are qualified. Moreover, people with low earnings may likewise be qualified. You can check your qualification at the FCC Benefit Program page.

What kind of free phone or tablet can I receive?

The type of smartphone or tablet you get may differ by provider and accessibility. However, the majority of devices are basic smartphones with restricted features and capacities.

How to apply for a free government phone or tablet?

In order to apply for a free government phone or tablet, you can visit the https://www.fcc.gov/acp site and find a list of approved suppliers in your state. From that point, you can follow the directions to apply online or via mail.

What happens if I lose my free government phone or tablet?

In case you lose your device, you should contact your provider straightaway to report the loss and request a substitution. There might be an expense for replacing a lost or stolen device.