How to Get Free iPad With EBT?

Wondering whether you can obtain a free iPad with EBT scheme? This guide will provide you with all the answers. 

EBT is an assistance scheme run by the United States government for low-income families, offering them financial support to purchase food and other essential items for daily needs. While the purpose of EBT is to support those who are short on cash, certain non-profit initiatives and programs may help you get a tablet or other electronic devices at extremely low cost with the help of EBT. 

In the last few years, particularly during COVID-19, mobile devices like iPads have proved to be extremely useful for work, study, and other essential tasks. However, they come at a heavy price tag. But if you hold an EBT card, you may obtain one at a great discount. 

Let’s explore further and find out how. 

What is EBT?

EBT or Electronic Benefit Transfer is a state-run support system used to distribute benefits to people who are already part of other government assistance programs. Started in 2004, it’s one of the biggest and most important government initiatives, targeted to the family below average American income. 

Each EBT beneficiary is issued a magnetic card which he/she can use at participating stores to purchase food and other essential items at a discounted price. EBT cards are also used by the government to transfer direct monetary benefits to the holder’s accounts. 

You can apply for EBT if you are part of any of the following government programs:

1. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) – Previously known as Food Stamps, this program allows low-income families to purchase food and non-alcoholic items at authorized stores. 
2. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) – This allows young mothers, children, and pregnant women to purchase the necessary nutritious food items at the selected stores. 
3. TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) – It’s a direct cash assistance scheme for low-income families to meet their daily living expenses. 
4. Child Support Payments – In certain regions, families dependent on government child support can obtain an EBT card.

Can You Get a Free iPad With EBT?

So can your EBT card get you a free iPad? Unfortunately, there is no ongoing government program giving out free iPads to EBT card holders. This is a very common misconception among people that the government is handing out free iPads to families in need. 

However, you can take advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program, formally known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program to acquire an iPad or other tablets at a great discount. 

If you are not aware, ACP is a government-funded program, designed to help low-income households get a cheaper broadband internet service. To be a part of this program, you must fulfill certain criteria, depending on your region and family income, as we’ll discuss in the following section. 

Please remember that none of the programs will get you a free iPad with EBT. Even with the most generous initiatives, you will be required to pay a certain amount. Also, there is no guarantee you will get the latest iPad or the one you want. The purpose of these organizations is to help the one in need, not to fulfill the luxury desires. So, be prepared to receive an outdated or possibly a used iPad. 

Who Is Eligible For Free iPad With EBT?

Once more, there is no program offering free iPads with EBT at the moment. However, you can get a cheaper one via the Affordable Connectivity Program. The eligibility for the program is determined either by participation in other government assistance programs or family income.

If you are a beneficiary of any of the mentioned government programs for low-income families, you will be automatically eligible to apply for ACP:

• Food Support
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Social Security Disability
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Head Start
• Adult & Child Mental Health Case Management
• Medicaid or Medical Assistance
• Extended Foster Care
• The National School Lunch Program’s Free or Reduced Lunch Program
• Supplemental Security Income
• Employment Services

The US government relies on Federal Poverty Guidelines to determine the financially disadvantaged families. If your family income falls into this category, you will be eligible to apply for the program. 

To participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, your family income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 

Once you are eligible for participation, you can get a free iPad using your EBT card from any of the participating providers. 

To learn more about the program and fill online application form to get a free tablet through ACP, use these contact details:

Contact: (877) 384-2575

Email – [email protected]

Website – https://www.fcc.gov/acp 

How to Get a Free iPad With EBT 2023? 

Once your eligibility is confirmed, the rest of the process is relatively straightforward. All you have to do is locate the participating provider in your area, apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, and check out the available offers on iPads. 

Here are the key steps you must take to get a free phone and tablet government:

• Visit https://www.fcc.gov/acp and use the ACP locator tool to find a provider in your region. 
• Fill out the application form and attach the necessary documents proving your eligibility. 
• Cross-check the personal and financial information in the form. Please remember this will be verified on multiple levels. 
• Submit the form and wait for the response. 
• Once approved, check out the available iPads and offers from the participating organizations. 

What Documents Do You Need to Get a Free iPad With EBT?

While filling out the application for a free tablet, you will need to provide supporting documents to establish your eligibility for the ACP program. 

If you are using the Federal Poverty Guidelines to prove your eligibility, a simple proof of income would work. In case you are a beneficiary of the government assistance programs, you must include the documents related to your participation. 

Please remember that proof of identification and domicile is mandatory to apply for the free iPad with EBT. 

Here are the additional documents you will need:

1. Income Proof

Any of these documents will work as proof of income:

• Present income statement from your employer
• Paycheck stub
• Unemployment compensation statement
• Workers’ compensation statement
• Veterans Administration statement of benefits
• Federal tax paper from the previous year
• State tax return documents from the prior year
• Tribal tax documentation

2. Proof of Government Program Participation

If you are proving your eligibility through support programs, you can use either of these documents:

• Document serving as proof of government program participation
• Letter of participation in the federal support program
• Letter of participation in the eligible state program, as indicated in the notice letter
• Proof of participation in the Tribal support program
• Statement of benefits from a federal, state, or tribal program
• Documents substantiating your participation in the qualifying program

What Organizations Offer Free iPad With EBT?

As I mentioned, the US government is not distributing free iPads with EBT. Instead, you need to choose the companies taking part in the ACP and offering a free government tablet with EBT to those in need. 

Please remember that the participation requirements and offers may change over time. I will provide the website and contact number of each participating provider so that you can confirm the latest offerings. 

Let’s look at some of the affiliated organizations where you can get free or discounted iPad with your EBT:

1. Assurance Wirelsss

Contact – (407) 856-2666

With Assurance Wireless, you can claim your free device loaded with unlimited monthly calls and texts facility, along with 25GB high-speed internet and 2.5GB mobile hotspot data over a T-mobile network. 

Simply enter your ZIP code on the website and find out about the current offers in your region. 

2. Maxsip Telecom

Contact – (866) 629-7471

Maxsip Telecom is operational in selected regions, including Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, New York, Montana, and New Jersey. For just a $20 one-time payment, you can acquire a quality tablet with exciting low-cost internet plans. 

3. StandUp Wireless

Contact – (888) 225-5322

StandUp Wireless is offering a tablet or smartphone with unlimited calls and data facility to all qualifying members of ACP. For just $10.01, you can get an 8-inch tablet with 10GB or LTE/5G (whichever is available) data and unlimited additional internet data. 

4. Cintex Wireless

Contact – (855) 655-3097

If you don’t mind the refurbished products, Cintex is your best chance to acquire an iPad through EBT participation. The company is offering certified refurbished smartphones, Android tablets, and iPads at ridiculously low prices, bundled with generous internet plans. Currently, the offers are available in Arkansas, Maine, West Virginia, Maryland, and Rhode Island only. To know the latest offers and participation rules, provide your zip code on the website. 

5. Easy Wireless

Contact – (877) 476-3451

Easy Wireless is another great option to get a free tablet with EBT card. All ACP-eligible members can apply for an 8-inch tablet worth up to $120 at a price of just $10.99. You will also get unlimited voice calls, mobile data, free voicemail, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more.  

6. Q Link Wireless

Contact – (855) 754-6543

Q-Link offers free government iPads, Android tablets, and smartphones (based on availability) under the Affordable Connectivity Program. With each tablet, Q Link offers an unlimited-validity plan with voice calls, mobile data, emergency services, MMS, free Wi-Fi hotspot access, three-way calling, voicemails, etc. With Q-Link, you can also choose to keep an existing number. 

These are your best options to get a free tablet with EBT 2023. Please remember that there is no guarantee that you will get the specific device you request, as it strictly depends on the device availability and other applicants in your area. If the company feels that someone else needs it more than you, you might have to wait for your turn. 

FAQs

1. Where can I get a free tablet with EBT near me?

To check the availability, go to  https://www.fcc.gov/acp, provide your area code, and select a provider. 

2. Is it possible to get a Free government tablet without EBT?

If you are a beneficiary of certain government-funded initiatives, you can use the participation documents to prove your eligibility for the ACP and get a free tablet. 

3. How do you get a free phone and tablet with food stamps?

You can use your SNAP participation documents to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and get a free phone or tablet from the participating organizations. 

4. Is the US government giving Free tablets?

No. Currently, the government is not giving out free tablets. Although, if you are an EBT card holder, you can apply for ACP to get a free or cheap laptop. 

5. How to apply for a free tablet from the government?

To get a free government laptop, you need to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and then choose an affiliated partner in your area. 

Final Word

There you have it. There is no direct way to get a free iPad with an EBT card, since it’s primarily aimed at helping financially challenged individuals with essentials like food, medicines, etc. However, EBT can help you participate in ACP and other government or non-government initiatives where you may have the opportunity to acquire a tablet for free or at a significantly reduced cost.

You must respect the code of conduct and try not to forge your documents to benefit from these programs. Please remember that the aim here is to fulfill the necessity, not the luxury. On the other hand, be aware of the offers that seem too good to be true. Don’t provide your personal information unless you are 100% sure about the legitimacy and credibility of the program.