The government provides free tablets, but if you meet the requirements for the ACP program, you can get a tablet at a discounted price. Additionally, your preferred carrier may offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to help you purchase a tablet at a lower cost. While some people may consider this a “free” tablet, it still costs $10.01.
If you qualify for the Lifeline & ACP combo plan, you can receive not only a discounted tablet but also a free 5G smartphone from reputable brands like Apple, Samsung, LG, and Motorola. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the program, you can receive both a free tablet and phone.
How Do I Qualify for Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan
To qualify for the Lifeline and ACP combo plan that offers a free tablet with a phone, you need to meet certain eligibility requirements. Firstly, your income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which vary by state.
In addition to meeting the income criteria, you can also qualify if you are a beneficiary of certain government assistance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Medicaid, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or the free and reduced price school breakfast or lunch program.
If you reside on Tribal lands, you may also be eligible if you participate in programs such as the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Tribal Head Start, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program.
What documents do I need When Applying for ACP and Lifeline Combo plan?
When applying for an ACP and Lifeline Combo plan, you will need to provide certain proof documentation to verify your eligibility. Here are the documents you may need to provide:
Proof Documentation for ACP:
Official document verifying your identity:
- Valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- U.S. Driver’s license
- Passport
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- Government assistance program document
Official document verifying your address:
- Driver’s license or other valid government, state, or Tribal ID
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
Official document proving your low household income:
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
- Divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
Official document proving your participation in a government assistance program:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- School documentation
Proof Documentation for Lifeline:
Proof of income (one of the following):
- Tax return
- Three consecutive pay stubs
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information
Proof of participation (one of the following):
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
You must also provide a copy of a document that proves your identity, such as:
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- Driver’s license
- Government assistance program document
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- Social Security Card
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Military discharge documentation
- Unemployment/Workers’ compensation benefits
How to Apply for A Free Tablet With a Phone
Applying for a free tablet with a phone is not a difficult process. You can follow these steps to apply:
- Check your eligibility for the Lifeline & ACP combo plan. You must have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in a government assistance program such as Medicaid, Section 8, WIC, SSI, or SNAP. You can find out if you are eligible by contacting the National Verifier.
- Choose a service provider that offers a free tablet through the Lifeline & ACP combo program. There are many carriers in the United States that offer this program, including Cintex Wireless and AirTalk Wireless.
- Start the application process by clicking on the “Apply Now” or “Get Started” button on the carrier’s website. You will need to enter your ZIP code to proceed.
- Fill out the online application form with your personal details, including your name and Social Security number. Make sure to enter the correct information so your application can be approved.
- Attach soft copies of your personal and eligibility documents to the application form.
- Review your application and submit it.
- Wait for the carrier to review your application. This should only take a few days.
- If you are eligible, you will receive a discount on the purchase of your tablet. You will need to contribute at least $10 but no more than $50 towards the purchase of the tablet and smartphone.
- You may also receive other offers, such as a free smartphone, unlimited talk, text, and mobile data, as well as voicemail services, caller ID, call waiting, and unlimited calling to international countries such as Canada and Mexico.
List of Government Providers for Free Tablets and Phones
The Lifeline and ACP combo plan is a government-supported program that aims to help low-income families and individuals by providing them with free or discounted telecommunication services. This Wireless carrier offers this plan to its customers, which includes a free smartphone or tablet and monthly service with unlimited talk and text, as well as unlimited data plan. Here are some of the reputable carriers that offer Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Combo plans which offer smartphone and tablet even iPad:
- Cintex Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- Assist Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
How Do I Check Which Provider is Best For Me
- Coverage: Make sure that the provider has good coverage in your area.
- Device options: Some providers may offer a limited selection of Smartphone and tablets, while others may offer a wider variety. Consider which devices are available and whether they meet your needs.
- Plan details: Each provider may have different plan features, such as data limits or additional fees. Look into the details of each plan and choose one that fits your usage and budget.
- Customer service: Consider the level of customer support and assistance offered by each provider. Check their reviews and ratings from other customers.
- Eligibility: Each provider may have different eligibility requirements for the Lifeline and ACP Combo plan. Make sure you meet their requirements before signing up.
List of States that Offer Government Free Tablets and Phones
The Lifeline & Affordable Connectivity Program is federal program that provides a discount on monthly phone or internet service to eligible low-income consumers. While the program is available nationwide, the specifics of Lifeline & ACP service availability can vary by state and provider. In this list, we will provide an overview of the states in the United States that offer Lifeline & ACP services.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
The Lifeline service availability may vary by state and provider, and not all providers participate in the program in every state.
Which Tablet will I Get Under ACP?
When applying for the ACP free tablet program, the specific brand or maker of the tablet you will receive is not disclosed. Your service provider does not have this information either, and you will only find out which tablet you will receive once you receive the device.
It is expected that the tablet you receive will have the latest features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, and in some models, SIM card capabilities. It is possible that you may receive a tablet from one of the following brands: Lenovo, Samsung, Amazon Fire, or Apple iPad. However, please note that the list of devices provided may vary from time to time depending on the availability of stocks under the ACP free tablet program.
- Lenovo tablet: The Lenovo tablet is a popular choice for those who want a tablet that is powerful, reliable, and affordable. It has a sleek design, high-quality display, and long battery life. Some models come with SIM card support for cellular connectivity.
- Samsung Tablet: Samsung Tablets are known for their high-quality displays, powerful processors, and great cameras. They run on the Android operating system and offer features like expandable storage, stylus support, and long battery life. Some models also come with cellular connectivity.
- Amazon Fire tablet: Amazon Fire tablets are a great option for those who want an affordable tablet with access to Amazon’s vast library of digital content. They have a user-friendly interface, long battery life, and come in a variety of sizes and colors. However, they do not offer access to the Google Play Store.
- Apple iPad: The Apple iPad is a premium tablet that offers a high-quality display, powerful processor, and long battery life. It runs on Apple’s iOS operating system and offers access to the vast library of apps available on the App Store.
What types of Free Government Phones can I get under the ACP Lifeline combo plan?
The ACP Lifeline Combo plan is a government program that provides free or discounted phone services to eligible low-income households in the United States. Under this program, eligible participants can receive either a free basic phone or a discounted smartphone.
For those who qualify for a discounted smartphone, the available models vary by provider. However, most providers offer mid-range Android smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy A10e, LG Stylo 5, Moto E6, and Alcatel TCL A1. These devices typically offer decent specs for everyday use, including a decent camera, sufficient storage capacity, and reasonable processing power.
It is worth noting that while some providers offer discounted iPhones, they are typically older models, such as the iPhone 6s or 7. These devices may not have the latest features and software updates, but they can still offer basic smartphone functionality.
Ultimately, the exact phone models available under the ACP Lifeline Combo plan will depend on the provider and the region. It is best to check with individual providers to see what phones they offer under the program.
FAQ
What is a free government phone or tablet?
A free government phone or tablet is a device provided by the government to eligible low-income individuals. These devices often come with a limited amount of minutes, texts, and data to help people stay connected to important services and opportunities.
Who is eligible for a free government phone or tablet?
Eligibility varies by state and program, but generally, individuals who participate in government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Section 8 housing are eligible. Additionally, individuals with low incomes may also be eligible. You can check your eligibility at FCC Benefit Program.
How do I apply for a free government phone or tablet?
To apply for a free government phone or tablet, you can visit the https://www.fcc.gov/acp website and find a list of approved providers in your state. From there, you can follow the instructions to apply online or by mail.
What kind of phone or tablet will I receive?
The type of phone or tablet you receive may vary by provider and availability. However, most devices are basic smartphones with limited features and capabilities.
How much does a free government phone or tablet cost?
The device itself is free, but you may be required to pay a small monthly fee to cover the cost of service. This fee is typically around $10.01, but it may vary by provider and state.
Can I use my free government phone or tablet with any carrier?
No, free government phones and tablets are typically locked to a specific carrier. However, you may be able to transfer your service to another carrier after a certain amount of time or by paying a fee.
What if I lose my free government phone or tablet?
If you lose your device, you should contact your provider as soon as possible to report the loss and request a replacement. There may be a fee for replacing a lost or stolen device.
Can I upgrade my free government phone or tablet?
Most providers offer the option to upgrade to a more advanced device for an additional fee. However, this may depend on your state and program.
How long does it take to receive my free government phone or tablet?
The time it takes to receive your device may vary by provider and availability. In some cases, you may receive your device within a few days of your application being approved. In other cases, it may take several weeks.
