How to Qualify for a Free Tablet with EBT in 2024
Are you looking for a way to get a free tablet with your EBT card? If you are receiving SNAP food stamps, you may be eligible for a free or discounted tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This is a new federal program that provides internet service payment assistance to low-income households. In this blog post, I will explain the ACP, how it works, and how you can apply for a free tablet with your EBT card. Read on to find out more!
Key Takeaways:
- The ACP is a program that offers discounted broadband service and internet-connected devices to low-income customers.
- Customers who participate in the ACP through T-Mobile or TruConnect can get a free tablet with an EBT card or SNAP benefits.
- Customers who participate in the ACP through Lifeline can get up to $30 off their prepaid plans or a free smartphone or hotspot.
- To qualify for the ACP, customers must meet certain income or program-based criteria, such as receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other public assistance programs.
- To apply for the ACP, customers must contact their preferred service provider and provide proof of eligibility.
What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, a system that allows you to access your issued food and cash aid benefits from the government. You can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items at most grocery stores and some other retailers. You can also use your EBT card to withdraw cash from ATMs, depending on your state and program. EBT cards are similar to bank debit cards, but they are not linked to your bank account. They are loaded with your benefits each month by the state.
Food Stamps Benefits
Food stamp benefits, also known as SNAP benefits, are a form of government assistance that helps low-income households buy food. SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP benefits are issued on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used like a debit card at authorized grocery stores and farmers’ markets. The amount of SNAP benefits you can get depends on your income, expenses, and household size. You can use the prescreening tool to see if you are eligible for SNAP and how much you could receive. You can also find out how to apply for SNAP in your state by contacting your state SNAP office. SNAP benefits can help you afford healthy and nutritious food for you and your family.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that offers discounts on internet service and devices for eligible low-income households. The program was launched in November 2023 as a successor to the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, which was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACP is a long-term, $14 billion program that aims to help ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, health care, and more.
The ACP provides a monthly discount of up to $30 per month on internet service bills and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
What are the eligibility criteria for ACP?
The eligibility criteria for the ACP are based on your household income or participation in certain government assistance programs. You are eligible for the ACP if:
- Your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below).
- You or someone in your household participates in one of these programs: SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, or received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- You live on qualifying Tribal lands and participate in one of these programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal Head Start.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,160 | $36,420 | $33,540 |
| 2 | $39,440 | $49,280 | $45,360 |
| 3 | $49,720 | $62,140 | $57,180 |
| 4 | $60,000 | $75,000 | $69,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 | $87,860 | $80,820 |
| 6 | $80,560 | $100,720 | $92,640 |
| 7 | $90,840 | $113,580 | $104,460 |
| 8 | $101,120 | $126,440 | $116,280 |
| For each additional person, add: | $10,280 | $12,860 | $11,820 |
To apply for the ACP, you need to contact your preferred service provider and provide proof of eligibility. You can find more information about the ACP on this website.
How can I Apply for the Free tablet with EBT?
To apply for the Free tablet with EBT, you need to follow these steps:
Step 1: Visit the official Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) website and check your eligibility for the program. You will need to provide some information about your household income, size, and participation in other government assistance programs, such as SNAP or Medicaid.
Step 2: If you are eligible, you will receive an email confirmation with a unique enrollment code. You will need this code to apply for a free tablet with one of the participating providers.
Step 3: Choose a provider from the list of [approved providers] that offer free tablets with EBT. Some of the providers are Moolah Wireless, QLink, and Assurance Wireless. You can compare their plans and features on their websites.
Step 4: Contact the provider of your choice and apply for their service using your enrollment code. You will also need to provide proof of your EBT card or SNAP benefits. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail, depending on the provider.
Step 5: Once your application is approved, you will receive a free tablet with internet service from the provider. The tablet will be shipped to your address within 8 weeks. You will also receive a monthly discount of up to $30 on your internet bill as part of the ACP program.
Best Free Tablet with Internet Providers Under Lifeline and ACP Programs
There are many service providers that participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Lifeline program, which offer discounted broadband service and internet-connected devices to eligible low-income customers. Some of the best service providers under these programs are:
AirTalk Wireless:
AirTalk Wireless is a Lifeline provider that operates in 12 states and offers free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as a free 4G/5G smartphone to qualifying customers. AirTalk Wireless also provides free shipping, free SIM cards, and free activation.
Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus from Comcast:
Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus is an ACP provider that operates in 39 states and offers affordable high-speed internet service for $9.95 per month, plus taxes and fees, with no credit check, no term contract, and no installation fee. Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus also provides a free tablet with a contribution of $10.01, as well as access to millions of WiFi hotspots, online security, and digital literacy training.
Verizon Home Internet – Verizon Lifeline 300 Mbps:
Verizon Home Internet is an ACP and Lifeline provider that operates in 21 states and offers fast and reliable internet service for $19.99 per month, plus taxes and fees, with no annual contract, no deposit, and no installation fee. Verizon Home Internet also provides a free tablet with a contribution of $10.01, as well as a free router, unlimited data, and 24/7 technical support.
Standup Wireless:
Standup Wireless is an ACP and Lifeline provider that operates in 29 states and offers free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and data, as well as a free 4G/5G smartphone to qualifying customers. Standup Wireless also provides free shipping, free SIM cards, and free activation.
Assurance Wireless:
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline provider that operates in 40 states and offers affordable monthly service with 1000 minutes of talk, unlimited text, and up to 4.5 GB of data, as well as a free Android smartphone to qualifying customers2. Assurance Wireless also provides access to the T-Mobile network, online account management, and customer care.
Qlink Wireless:
Qlink Wireless is an ACP and Lifeline provider that operates in 30 states and offers free monthly service with unlimited talk, text, and up to 25 GB of data, as well as a free smartphone or hotspot to qualifying customers. Qlink Wireless also provides free international calling, free caller ID, and free voicemail.
What kind of Free tablet will I Receive?
The kind of tablet you will receive depends on the provider you choose and the availability of their stock. Some of the models that the participating providers offer are:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S8+ 5G: This is a high-end tablet with a 12.4-inch display, a powerful processor, a dual camera system, and 5G connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours and supports wireless charging.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite: This is a budget-friendly tablet with an 8.7-inch display, a quad-core processor, a single rear camera, and 4G connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours and supports fast charging.
- Lenovo Tab M8: This is a compact tablet with an 8-inch display, a quad-core processor, a single rear camera, and 4G connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 18 hours and supports face unlock.
- Amazon Fire HD 8: This is a popular tablet with an 8-inch display, a quad-core processor, a dual camera system, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 12 hours and supports Alexa voice assistant.
- Apple iPad Air 2: This is a premium tablet with a 9.7-inch display, a dual-core processor, a dual camera system, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours and supports a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
- Alcatel Joy Tab: This is a basic tablet with an 8-inch display, a quad-core processor, a dual camera system, and 4G connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 9 hours and supports Google Assistant voice assistant.
- Apple iPad Mini 2: This is a mini tablet with a 7.9-inch display, a dual-core processor, a dual camera system, and Wi-Fi connectivity. It has a battery life of up to 10 hours and supports a Touch ID fingerprint sensor.
Conclusion:
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a great opportunity for low-income households to get access to affordable and reliable broadband service and internet-connected devices. If you have an EBT card or SNAP benefits, you may be eligible for a free tablet through the ACP. All you need to do is visit the ACP website, check your eligibility, get an enrollment code, and choose a provider that offers free tablets with EBT. Don’t miss this chance to get online and enjoy the benefits of the digital world. Apply for the ACP today and get your free tablet with EBT!
