In the current age of technology, tablets are considered a basic necessity rather than a luxury device. They have the portability of a smartphone while providing a bigger screen for comfortable internet browsing and other essential tasks. However, for many low-income families, these devices are still out of reach. The question here is whether families holding EBT cards can get a free tablet from the government.
EBT or Electronic Benefit Transfer is a nationwide scheme for households with below basic income. Through this initiative, the government provides financial support and other essential aid to help families fulfill their basic needs.
So, Can EBT help you secure a free tablet in 2023? If so, what are your options, and how to apply for one? In this guide, I will answer all these questions.
How Can You Get A Free Government Tablet With EBT?
Let me make it clear straightaway – There is currently no government program in the United States that provides free tablets or smartphones with the EBT scheme. The program is primarily aimed at assisting financially disadvantaged households with necessities, such as food, medication, and childcare.
Nonetheless, you can use your EBT to participate in other government initiatives that offer affordable internet services along with a complimentary tablet or smartphone.
The US government introduced several technology support initiatives to support financially challenged households, unemployed individuals, and senior citizens post-COVID-19 pandemic. It was a step to bring back the economy on track after the disastrous financial year of 2020.
With these programs, eligible participants can enjoy a substantial discount on monthly phone and internet expenses through participating organizations. Some of these organizations are generous enough to give away free tablets or at least a significant discount on them.
Which Programs Can Help You Get A Free Tablet With EBT?
To get a free tablet with EBT, you must be eligible for either of the following government programs:
1. Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program was started in December 2021, to provide low-cost internet service to financially backward households for education, work, and healthcare.
Under this program, qualified participants can receive a discount of up to $30 on monthly internet bills (a $75 discount for households residing in tribal areas). Additionally, individuals can benefit from up to $100 discount on the purchase of tablets by contributing over $10 towards the price.
The program relies on the National Lifeline Accountability Database, National Eligibility Verifier, and its own Affordable Connectivity Claim System to identify legitimate eligible applicants.
Numerous Broadband service providers offer free-of-cost tablets to Affordable Connectivity Program participants. To learn more about the affiliates, give a call at (877) 384-2575 or email at [email protected].
2. FCC Lifeline Assistance Program
The Lifeline Assistance Program is run by the US Federal Communication Commission and provides affordable voice and internet service to low-income households. Under this program, qualified members can get a monthly discount on telephone, broadband, or voice-internet combo packages from all the participating providers.
Lifeline Assistance Program offers a discount of up to $9.25 on monthly voice, internet, or bundled service. Also, some Lifeline program affiliates offer a complimentary tablet for selected eligible consumers.
To get more information on the program and participation rules, call (800) 234-9473 or drop an email to [email protected].
What Providers Are Offering Free Tablet With EBT in 2023?
Please keep in mind that all the providers mentioned in this guide offer discounted voice and internet services, but only a selected few may offer a free tablet to those qualifying through EBT.
While there is no guarantee of a free tablet, if you are establishing your eligibility through ACP, you are sure to receive a discount of $100 against the purchase cost of the device. But remember, you will be required to pay at least $10 to claim this offer.
Also, certain partners’ discounts and offers are limited to particular regions. The best is to verify from the official website. All you have to do is follow the link mentioned alongside each provider and enter your area code to get the latest offerings.
Now, let’s look at some participating providers:
1. Q Link Wireless
☎ – (855) 754-6543
Q Link is one of the biggest ACP partners in the country and provides very generous offers to its subscribers. If you manage to prove your eligibility through SNAP (EBT), you can enjoy:
- New tablet
- A free always-on plan for calls and data every month
- Unlimited voice calling and text messaging every month
- Unlimited internet data
- Easy mobile number portability
- Seamless internet over America’s largest LTE/5G networks
- Voicemail, 3-way calling, and emergency service calls
A $10.01 contribution is required to claim unlimited calls, data, and a free tablet.
2. Maxsip Telecom
☎ – (866) 629-7471
Partnering with ACP, Maxsip has some of the most generous offers for eligible applicants. You can claim your participation through SNAP (EBT), Medicaid, WIC, SSI, and more. The benefits include:
- A free 4G tablet worth up to $300
- Mobile hotspot access with free monthly service ($50 one-time fee)
- Unlimited data, calls, and SMS for free
- 15GB additional data for the tablet
- Exceptional network coverage in North Carolina, New York, Florida, Montana, New Jersey, and other locations
A one-time payment of $20 is necessary to claim the free tablet with internet.
3. Assurance Wireless
☎ – (407) 856-2666
Assurance Wireless offers free tablets or smartphones with EBT for ACP participants across the country. If you are on the T-Mobile network, this is probably the best choice for you. Here is what you get:
- Free tablet or smartphone (depending on the availability)
- Unlimited voice calls, texts, and internet data
- Guaranteed $0 monthly bill
- 25 GB of additional high-speed data
- 10 GB mobile hotspot data on the T-Mobile network
- Excellent LTE and 5G coverage
4. Cintex Wireless
☎ – (855) 655-3097
Cintex is an official partner to both ACP and Lifeline programs, offering great deals on monthly internet and calling services. In some regions, the company also offers some high-end Android and iOS devices for free or at least at a substantial discount.
Here is what you get:
- Certified refurbished tablets and smartphones from reputed brands
- Unlimited internet data, texts, and voice calls
- 15 GB of monthly high-speed data
- 5G network in selected regions (Maryland, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Maine, etc)
5. StandUp Wireless
☎ – (888) 225-5322
StandUp Wireless, under Affordable Connectivity and Lifeline Assistance programs, offers complementary devices and lucrative discounts on monthly voice and data consumption.
All qualifying members will receive:
- A $100 discount on selected 10-inch tablets (one-time payment of $10.01 required)
- Up to $40 savings on monthly call and data bills
- 10 GB of high-speed LTE/5G data
- Unlimited monthly voice calls and SMS
- Unlimited additional data
- Exceptional nationwide coverage
The free tablet or smartphone offer is only available for the participants applying for ACP and Lifeline programs together.
6. Easy Wireless
☎ – (877) 476-3451
Easy Wireless is another popular service provider that offers complimentary devices with ACP and Lifeline support programs. Depending on your qualification, you will get:
- Free smartphone and tablet
- Unlimited calls and texts each month
- Unlimited data for ACP + Lifeline members
- Free 5 GB and 25 GB data for ACP and Lifeline participants respectively
- Voicemail, caller ID, 3-way calling, emergency services, and more
Free smartphones and tablets with EBT are available for users applying for ACP and Lifeline +ACP only. For lifeline users, a one-off payment of $25 is needed to claim the free device.
How to Apply for a Free Tablet From the Government in 2023?
There are two ways you can apply for the free government tablet with EBT. You can use the program’s official website, fill out the form, and provide the necessary documents to prove your eligibility. All the details, necessary documents, and terms & conditions are listed on both ACP and Lifeline programs’s websites.
Here are the steps you need to take:
- Make sure you are eligible for the program and possess all the required documents.
- Head to https://www.getinternet.gov/ for ACP and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ for Lifeline free tablet.
- Click on Apply now.
- Select your state if prompted.
- Provide your personal information, such as name, contact, address, etc.
- Choose how you qualify for the program and provide the necessary documents.
- Select the provider offering a free tablet with EBT in your region. Usually, you will find a box checked next to offering connected devices. It means the provider is offering the tablet.
- Once you’ve located the preferred provider, fill out the form, and wait for the approval.
If you are already a beneficiary of government programs like SNAP, Medicaid, etc, you can apply for a free tablet with EBT directly from the provider’s website. All you need to do is provide your email address, enter your ZIP code, and fill out the free tablet application form.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For Free Tablet With EBT?
There are two ways you can prove your eligibility to get a free government tablet with EBT:
1. Income-based Eligibility Criteria
The government identifies low-income households based on Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you belong to this financial category, simply present your income certificate or tax return papers to get approval for the program.
- To participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, your household income must be equal to or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- To participate in the Lifeline Assistance Program, your household income must be at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
To know the latest Federal Poverty Guidelines, click here.
2. Participation Through Government Assistance Programs
The next option is to establish your eligibility through government assistance programs that you are part of. As you know, the US government has numerous support programs to aid low-income households, tribals, and other economically backward sections. If you are a beneficiary of any of the following initiatives, you will automatically qualify for the free tablet with EBT:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid or Medical Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income
- SSD (Social Security Disability)
- Food Support
- The National School Lunch Program’s Free or Reduced Lunch Program
- Extended Foster Care
- LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- Adult & Child Mental Health Case Management
- Employment Services
- Head Start
- Section 8, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or GRH (Group Residential Housing)
What Documents Do You Need To Apply For Free Tablet?
Apart from the identity and address proof, you need to submit copies of supporting documents to prove your eligibility for either of the two programs. If you are receiving any of the above-mentioned government programs, you must produce the necessary documents proving your participation. In case you fall within the Federal Poverty Guidelines, the proof of income or tax return papers would suffice.
Here is a list of documents you can use:
| Category | Supporting Document |
| Proof of Identification | Birth certificate |
| Passport | |
| ID issued by the government or state | |
| Permanent Resident or Resident Alien Card | |
| Tribal ID | |
| Driver’s license | |
| Foreign passport | |
| Certificate of Naturalization/U.S. Citizenship | |
| Proof of Address | Government or state-issued ID |
| Driver’s license | |
| Paycheck stub | |
| Copy of utility bills | |
| Current income statement | |
| Current mortgage or lease statement | |
| Tribal ID | |
| Proof of Income | Federal Tax paper from the previous year |
| Paycheck stub | |
| State tax return documents from last year | |
| Present income statement from your employer | |
| Unemployment compensation statement | |
| Tribal tax documentation | |
| Workers’ compensation statement | |
| Veterans Administration statement of benefits | |
| Program Participation | An official document as evidence of government program participation |
| Notice letter of participation in the eligible state program | |
| Letter of participation in the federal support program | |
| Statement of benefits from a federal, state, or tribal program | |
| Documents attesting your participation in the qualifying program | |
| Proof of Tribal support program |
FAQs
1. How to get a free tablet with EBT near me?
If you are an EBT beneficiary, you can apply for a free tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program or Lifeline Assistance Program.
2. Can you use EBT on Amazon?
Yes, you can use an EBT card for the purchase of selected items on Amazon (Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market).
3. What are food stamps?
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamp is a government-funded initiative that provides financial assistance to low-income families to purchase food and other essential items.
4. How to get food stamps?
If you are eligible for SNAP benefits in your state, you can walk to your nearest SNAP office or apply via the official website, fax, or mail. Fina your SNAP office here.
5. Can I get a free tablet from Medicaid?
Yes, in some states, you can get a free tablet as a beneficiary of the Medicaid program.
Final Word
The purpose of these government initiatives is to bridge the economic and social disparities between different segments of the community. While there is no direct way to obtain a free tablet with an EBT (SNAP) program, the ACP and Lifeline assistance programs can certainly help you get one for free or at least at a discount.
Please remember that several cybercriminals may promote deceptive online offers, trying to get you to provide your details. To avoid this situation, be careful and don’t jump to the offers that seem unbelievable. Apply only through the authorized federal websites, as mentioned in this guide.
Also, it’s important to remember that these programs are designed to help disadvantaged households rather than to fulfill individual desires. Please be honest while applying, and don’t falsify your details to secure a free tablet. It’s important to respect the program’s intended purpose and put someone else’s needs before your wishes.
