Although the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) officially ended on June 1, 2024, after Congress failed to renew its funding, households that relied on its free government tablets without paying full retail price. Thankfully, the FCC’s enduring Lifeline Assistance program remains active, providing eligible low-income consumers a monthly subsidy on phone or broadband service and, in many instances, bundling free or highly discounted tablets through participating providers.
Beyond Lifeline, major carriers like T-Mobile and regional Lifeline providers have launched targeted affordability initiatives, and nonprofit refurbishers such as PCs for People and Human-I-T continue to distribute refurbished tablets at deeply reduced copays to households receiving SNAP, EBT, Medicaid, or SSI benefits.
By understanding these evolving programs—each with distinct eligibility criteria, application steps, and copay ranges—EBT households can still navigate toward a “free or low-cost tablet” solution, ensuring continued digital access for education, health care, and job searches in 2025 and beyond.
Lifeline Program Tablets
Since 1985, the Lifeline Assistance Program has offered monthly subsidies on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. Many Lifeline providers bundle a free or deeply discounted tablet with service plans to support education, telehealth, and job searches.
Key Eligibility Criteria
Households qualify if they participate in SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or have income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and proof of eligibility (e.g., EBT card, Medicaid letter) plus photo ID is required.
Major Lifeline Tablet Providers
SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless, part of the TracFone family, enrolls qualifying EBT/SNAP and Medicaid households in its Lifeline service and offers free monthly phone service; select promotional periods also include discounted or free tablets for new enrollees.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless participates in both federal and state Lifeline programs to deliver free smartphones and unlimited talk, text, and data. While tablet offers vary by state, Assurance periodically extends tablet promotions alongside its free phone service.
TruConnect
TruConnect’s Lifeline plans include free unlimited talk and text plus a monthly data allowance; they also list affordable smartphones and occasional tablet deals in their online “Devices” shop, often at deeply reduced prices.
TAG Mobile
TAG Mobile offers free government-issued feature phones and basic smartphones under Lifeline, and its “Shop” portal includes discounted tablets—eligibility requires an approved Lifeline application and standard household documentation.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless bundles free phones with its Lifeline service and periodically stocks low-cost tablets for new subscribers, promoting “no contract, no credit check” offers across select states.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch Wireless provides free phone service under Lifeline and runs an ongoing “Low-Income Tablet” program, enabling eligible applicants to obtain select tablets at nominal copays after enrollment.
Life Wireless
Life Wireless delivers free government-subsidized phone service to qualifying households and, in partnership with device vendors, occasionally features tablet offers—availability and model selection vary by region.
Assist Wireless
Assist Wireless covers Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and Maryland with free monthly talk, text, and data under Lifeline—and while primarily focused on phones, they sometimes run special tablet promotions for new enrollees.
ISP Initiatives and Retail Programs
T-Mobile Project 10Million
Project 10Million furnishes eligible K-12 households free internet (200 GB/year) and a complimentary hotspot for five years, with optional at-cost laptops and tablets (e.g., Samsung Chromebook 4, TCL Tab 8 LE) available through the program portal. Eligibility hinges on participation in the National School Lunch Program or similar assistance programs like SNAP/EBT.
Other Carrier Offers
- Assurance Wireless: Under the Lifeline umbrella, occasionally extends device offers—check the Assurance Wireless site for current tablet promotions.
- Boost Mobile & TracFone: Some regional variants of SafeLink/TracFone provide discounted tablets for new enrollees.
Non-Profit Refurbishers and Discounted Devices
PCs for People
This national nonprofit offers refurbished tablets and computers for $25–$50 after an ACP-style $100 discount (copay $10–$50) when bundled with their $15/month internet service. Eligibility requires enrollment in a government assistance program or household income under 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn’s Offer Locator Tool connects users to local low-cost internet plans and computer deals, including tablet grants from partner refurbishers; it also provides free digital literacy training to strengthen tech skills.
Human-I-T
Human-I-T sells donated and refurbished tablets at steep discounts to qualifying households (low-income families, veterans, seniors, people with disabilities) with proof of need.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Gather Documentation
- EBT/SNAP benefits letter, Medicaid card, or other proof of assistance.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport).
Choose Your Program
- For Lifeline tablets: visit provider sites (SafeLink, TAG Mobile) and complete their Lifeline application forms.
- For Project 10Million: apply through T-Mobile’s portal, select “Project 10Million,” and upload eligibility proof.
- For PCs for People: create an account on pcsforpeople.org, verify eligibility, and order a tablet with a copay.
- For EveryoneOn: enter your zip code at everyoneon.org/find-offers to discover partner tablet offers.
Submit and Wait
- Applications typically process within 5–10 business days.
Receive and Activate
- Lifeline tablets often arrive pre-activated.
- For non-profit tablets, follow included setup instructions.
Cost Estimates
- Lifeline Tablets: $0–$20 copay, depending on provider inventory.
- PCs for People Tablets: $25 or $49.99 after discount.
- Human-I-T Devices: Varies, often $20–$60.
- Project 10Million Devices: Hotspot free; tablets cost at-cost (~$50–$100), subject to program terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ACP still available?
No; it ended June 1, 2024, due to funding exhaustion, and no further ACP enrollments are accepted.
What is the difference between ACP and Lifeline?
ACP provided broadband and one-time device discounts until 2024, whereas Lifeline is a longstanding program offering monthly service subsidies and device bundles.
Can I get more than one benefit per household?
No; both ACP and Lifeline allow only one benefit per household at a time.
How long does it take to receive my tablet?
Expect 5–10 business days after application approval.
Conclusion
Though the ACP has closed, multiple avenues remain for EBT/SNAP families to secure free or affordable tablets: Lifeline providers, ISP initiatives like Project 10Million, nonprofit refurbishers, and low-cost USB solutions. By following the step-by-step guide, gathering required documents, and exploring each program’s offerings, you can equip your household with the digital tools needed for education, work, and everyday life—without incurring full retail device costs.
For ongoing updates, revisit each program’s official site and check EveryoneOn’s locator periodically, as inventory and offers evolve.