If you are seeking to acquire a free government-funded phone and tablet but are uncertain about the initial steps, this comprehensive guide has all the necessary answers. We are pleased to inform you that these devices can be obtained through the Lifeline and ACP programs.
It is important to note that these programs do not provide free government devices directly. Instead, they collaborate with qualified service providers to offer these devices to eligible low-income households. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you can obtain a free government device through these providers via a straightforward process.
However, prior to receiving your devices, you will be required to furnish a range of supporting documents that demonstrate your eligibility and adhere to the appropriate procedure. This article will explore the eligibility requirements, the necessary supporting documentation, and the step-by-step process for applying for a free government phone and tablet. Stay with us until the end to gain a comprehensive understanding.
How Do I Get a Free Government Phone And Tablet
You are aware that obtaining a complimentary government-issued phone and tablet through Lifeline and ACP is feasible. In this section, we shall succinctly elucidate the process of acquiring a device at no cost from these programs:
How to get a free government phone and tablet from ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a recent federal government program that was initiated following the termination of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). The program’s primary objective is to provide affordable broadband services and devices to low-income eligible households.
Through the ACP, qualified individuals can receive a discount of $30 per month on their monthly internet bill or $75 per month on qualifying tribal lands. Additionally, the program offers a one-time discount of up to $100 on the purchase of a connected device, such as a phone, tablet, or laptop. By applying this discount, individuals may also be eligible to receive a free phone or tablet with a co-payment of only $10.01.
Furthermore, the ACP offers other benefits such as free phones and monthly talk and text services, depending on the carrier and state of residence. As such, individuals who meet the eligibility requirements may obtain a free phone and tablet through the program.
How to get a free government phone and tablet from lifeline
Lifeline, a venerable initiative of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), was introduced in 1985 to enhance the affordability of telephone and internet services for individuals facing financial challenges, including the unemployed, elderly, disabled, and low-income consumers. Collaborating with participating service providers, Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on telephone and internet services, with an increased discount of up to $34.25 for qualified consumers residing in tribal lands. The specific benefits and offerings may vary based on the service provider and the state of residence. In addition to the discounted rates, Lifeline may also provide a free telephone, complimentary monthly calls, text messages, and data. Furthermore, some service providers offer complimentary tablets when bundling Lifeline with Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) plans, subject to state regulations and availability.
What Are The Requirements That Qualify Me For Free Government Phone And Tablet?
It is evident that government-provided phones and tablets are not intended for universal distribution. Consequently, the government has established specific criteria to determine eligibility for these benefits. If you are seeking a free government phone and tablet, it is essential to satisfy at least one of the following requirements:
- You are a low-income consumer with a total income equal to or below 135% of the federal income guideline for Lifeline.
- You are a low-income consumer with a total income equal to or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline for ACP.
- You are a current academic year beneficiary of the federal Pell Grant for ACP.
- You are a beneficiary of the Free and Reduced-Price School Breakfast Program or School Lunch Program, including the USDA Community of Eligibility Provision for ACP.
- You are an eligible beneficiary of the following programs for both Lifeline and ACP:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
What Documents Do I Need To Get A Free Government Phone And Tablet
Upon qualifying for a free government phone and tablet through Lifeline or ACP, you will be required to demonstrate your eligibility to ACP officials. This can be accomplished by submitting documentation that substantiates your eligibility, such as proof of address and identity. The following is a list of documents that you will need to obtain these devices:
Program Eligibility Documents:These documents serve as evidence of your membership in a qualifying program. They should contain your legal name, the name of your program, the name of the governmental entity that issued the document, and a valid issuance date. The following are examples of acceptable program eligibility documents:
- Benefit award letter from your qualifying program
- Income approval letter from your qualifying program
- Benefit statements of benefits from your qualifying program
- Benefit verification letter from your qualifying program
- School letter or documentation
Documentation of Household Income Eligibility: These are documents which demonstrate that your income is equal to or below 135% or 200% of the federal poverty guideline. This documentation should include your legal name and your annual income. The following are examples of income eligibility documents:
- Prior year’s state, Tribal, or Federal tax return
- Paycheck stub
- Social Security statement of benefits
- Pension or retirement statement of benefits
- Current income statement
Identification Documents: These documents are used to verify the true identity of the applicant. The documents must include the legal name and birth date of the applicant. Some examples of acceptable identity documents include:
- Passport
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization
- U.S. Driver’s license
- Green card or permanent resident card
- Government-issued, state, military, or tribal ID
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
Proof of Residency Documents: These documents serve as evidence of your place of residence. They must display your legal name and physical address. The following are examples of acceptable address documents:
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- W-2 form or tax return
Steps To Apply For Free Government Phone And Tablet
To obtain a no-cost government-issued phone and tablet, enrollment in either the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or Lifeline through the Federal Communications Commission’s website is recommended. Once your application has been approved, contact your service provider and request a device at no charge. The following are the steps to take:
1. Enroll online
The most straightforward, expeditious, and assured method of applying for no-cost governmental programs is presented herein. Below are the step-by-step instructions for enrolling in Lifeline or ACP online:
Enrolling in Lifeline Online:
- Open the Lifeline website: getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home&ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D.
- Commence your application by indicating your state or territory.
- Click on the “Get Started” link.
- You will be redirected to a virtual application form on the National Lifeline Verifier page.
- Accurately complete the form with your legal name, Social Security number, date of birth, contact information, residential address, and any other required personal information.
- After furnishing all the requisite information, proceed to the subsequent page and submit copies of your identification, address, and eligibility documentation.
- Follow all instructions and submit your application.
Enrolling in ACP Online: Please note that if you are already enrolled in the Lifeline program, there is no need to reapply for ACP. Otherwise, you may enroll in ACP online as follows:
- Visit the ACP online page: affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply.
- Click on the “Apply Now” button.
- You will be redirected to the program’s online application form: “getinternet.gov/apply?awsl=button-from-homepage-apply&id=acp&ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D“.
- Begin completing the form with your address and email address or phone number.
- Proceed to the next page and provide your valid Social Security number.
- You may also attach valid identity documents such as a passport or driver’s license.
- After attaching the relevant documents, click on the “Next” button and follow the prompts until you have completed filling out the form.
- Once you have provided all the necessary information, click on the “Submit” button and await approval.
2. Enroll through mail
Individuals who do not prefer the online application method have the option to enroll for Lifeline or ACP via mail. To do so, contact the Lifeline or ACP support center and request a paper application form to be mailed to your address.
Alternatively, follow these steps to download and print the Lifeline/ACP paper application form:
Applying for Lifeline via Mail:
- Access the Lifeline Download Link: “lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf“.
- Commence the download of a paper application form and subsequently print it.
- Diligently complete the form, attaching all pertinent application documents.
- Transmit the completed form via postal mail to the Lifeline Support Center at the following address: USAC, Lifeline Support Center, P.O Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
Enrolling for ACP via Mail:
- Access the ACP Download Link: “affordableconnectivity.gov/help/tools/#instructions”
- Download the Household Worksheet.
- Print the forms.
- Meticulously complete the forms, attaching all pertinent application documents.
- Transmit the completed forms via postal mail to the ACP Support Center at the following address: ACP Support Center, P.O. Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
3. Enroll through service providers
Upon submission of your lifeline or ACP application form, the team will receive said document, verify its contents, and provide you with feedback within hours or a few days. If the feedback is positive, you will be granted membership to the program.
As a new member, the next step is to identify lifeline/ACP service providers within your state and sign up for a government-provided free phone and tablet. To identify a provider, utilize the ACP search tool and follow the prompts located at “affordableconnectivity.gov/companies-near-me”.
Have you identified a potential provider? If so, you should now contact them and sign up for a free device. You can complete this step by calling your provider’s helpline or visiting their website for instructions on how to sign up for a free phone and tablet. To facilitate this process, we have discussed these providers in the section below.
How Do I Select The Best Providers That Offer Free Government Phone And Tablet
Within this section, several tips will be discussed that should be followed when selecting the most suitable provider when considering the several providers that offer free government phones and tablets.
- It is crucial to ensure that your selected provider offers ACP or lifeline services within your locality. To determine this, the ACP search tool can be utilized.
- As lifeline and ACP benefits vary depending on state and availability, it is essential to verify that your provider offers free phone or tablet benefits.
- You should confirm that your provider has customer support that is both reliable and responsive.
- It should be noted that some lifeline and ACP providers offer discounted phones and tablets rather than free devices. As such, it is important to verify that the deal proposed by your provider is, in fact, free or affordable.
- Aside from lifeline and ACP requirements, some providers have additional rules or requirements that must be met. Therefore, it is essential to inquire about and ensure compliance with these rules before requesting a free device.
Best Providers That Offer Free Government Phone And Tablet
As previously discussed, there are numerous carriers collaborating with Lifeline and ACP, rendering phone and internet services, as well as devices, economically obtainable for low-income individuals. In this section, we present an inventory of seven premier providers offering free government-provided phones and tablets, alongside instructions on the enrollment process.
1. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless proudly participates in the Lifeline and ACP programs, offering services in several states across the United States. As a customer of Cintex Wireless, you may be eligible to receive a free smartphone as part of a bundled ACP/Lifeline plan. Additionally, you can obtain a free tablet through the carrier’s ACP plan by making a minimum payment of $10.01. To apply for these free government devices, visit the official Cintex Wireless website and click the “Apply” button located at cintexwireless.com/acp-program.
2. Airtalk Wireless
Airtalk Wireless is another proud participant in the Lifeline and ACP programs. By bundling Lifeline and ACP plans, you have the opportunity to receive a one-time free smartphone, as well as free data, calls, and texts every month. Alternatively, you can enroll in the ACP plan only and receive a free tablet; however, you must make a minimum payment of $10.01 before receiving your free device. To determine your eligibility for Airtalk Wireless’s Lifeline or ACP programs, visit their official website at airtalkwireless.com/lifeline-program to begin your application.
3. NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless is another carrier that proudly participates in the government’s Lifeline and ACP programs. Once you have qualified for these programs, you may choose to sign up for NewPhone Wireless’s ACP plan or Lifeline plan separately. Alternatively, you can bundle Lifeline and ACP plans to receive a free smartphone and tablet. To enroll, visit their website at newphone.com and click the “Apply” button.
4. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is a potential provider that offers free government phones and tablets through the Lifeline and ACP programs. By bundling these programs, you have the chance to receive a one-time free smartphone, as well as free unlimited talk, text, and data every month. Additionally, you have the opportunity to obtain a free tablet through the ACP-only plan after making a co-payment of $10.01. To obtain free devices from this provider, visit their official website at standupwireless.com, enter your ZIP code and email address, and click on “Begin Application.”
5. TruConnect
TruConnect assists low-income consumers in staying connected by offering Lifeline and ACP benefits. By bundling these programs, you have the chance to receive a free Android smartphone, as well as free unlimited monthly data, texts, talk, and free international calling. Additionally, TruConnect will provide you with a free tablet for only $10.01 after enrolling in their ACP-only plan. To obtain your free government phone and tablet from this provider, visit their website at truconnect.com/broadband, enter your ZIP code and email address, and click on “Apply Now.”
6. Selectel Wireless
Selectel Wireless is also committed to assisting low-income consumers in staying connected affordably through the Affordable Connectivity Program. Once you qualify for Selectel ACP, you can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing connectivity devices such as tablets. However, you will need to make a payment of $10 to $50 before receiving your tablet. Additionally, if you are a qualified new customer of Selectel Wireless, you will receive a free smartphone. To determine your eligibility for this program, visit the carrier’s ACP page at selectelwireless.com/acp and click on “Apply Now.”
7. Torch Wireless
If you qualify for ACP under Torch Wireless, you may be eligible to receive a government-free phone and tablet. To take advantage of this limited-time offer, you will be required to make a one-time payment of $11. To receive your free devices, visit the Torch Wireless official website at torchwireless.com, enter your ZIP code, and click on “Start.”
Which Type Of Free Phones Can I Get From The Government
When submitting an application for a complimentary telephone device through a government program, the recipient does not have the ability to select or ascertain the specific make or model of the phone they will receive. This is because the service provider will furnish a complimentary telephone based on availability, eligibility, and the state of residence.
The following is a list of types of phones that an individual may receive at no cost:
- Apple iPhone 7
- Samsung Galaxy A02s
- Samsung Galaxy A51
- Apple iPhone 7 Plus
- Motorola G Stylus 2020
- Samsung Galaxy A50
- iPhone 6s Plus
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Apple iPhone 7 Plus
- Wingtech REVVL V
- Samsung Galaxy A10E
- Samsung Galaxy A03s
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Samsung Galaxy S8
- Schok Volt
What Type Of Free Tablets Can I Get From The Government
Similar to the process for free phones, applicants do not have the opportunity to select the specific type of tablet they will receive. This is because the tablets are provided based on eligibility and availability. However, the following types of tablets are commonly offered:
- Apple iPad Air 2
- Apple iPad Air
- Apple iPad Mini
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2
- Apple iPad Mini 2
- Apple iPad Mini 3
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Sky Pad 8
- Sky Elite T8 Plus
Can I Get A Fee Government Phone And Tablet At The Same Time?
The opportunity to simultaneously obtain a government-provided phone and tablet exists. For example, individuals who have received a complimentary phone through the Lifeline program may additionally enroll in the ACP program to receive a free tablet. Furthermore, certain service providers offer combined ACP and Lifeline plans, facilitating the acquisition of both a phone and a tablet at no cost.
How Do I Check My Free Government Phone And Tablet Application Status?
The procedure for verifying the status of your application will vary depending on your service provider.
Nevertheless, the most straightforward method is to contact your provider’s helpline and speak with a representative who can provide you with information regarding your status.
Additionally, some providers offer the option of checking your status by logging into your lifeline/ACP account.
