In many ways, tablets are the perfect blend between a smartphone and a laptop. They offer the same features as smartphones, however, they are large enough to use for reading, writing, and other task. Still, they are incredibly light and portable. However, nowadays, computer tablets cost anywhere from just under $100 to almost $1500. While wealthy households may be easily able to afford such a device, lower-income people find them unattainable at these prices. Wouldn’t it be nice to buy a tablet for just $10 though?
Well, luckily, this is very much possible, as eligible citizens can receive a 10-dollar tablet from the government. In this article, we’ll uncover all there is to know about 10-dollar government tablets.
How is it Possible to Receive a 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government?
It is possible to receive a 10-dollar tablet from the government due to a government assistance program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). ACP was launched during the pandemic (first under another name – the Emergency Broadband Benefit or EBB) and it was designed to help people who are struggling financially get more affordable internet connectivity. As such, ACP offers a discount on monthly broadband services of up to $30 for eligible non-Tribal households and up to $75 for eligible Tribal households. In addition, the ACP program offers a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device (tablet, laptop, or desktop computer). While internet services can be free of charge (depending on the provider and its plan – if a plan costs $30 or less, it is free after the applied ACP discount), connected devices (tablets) can’t be completely free of charge, as according to government rules, each eligible customer must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 in order to obtain the device. Luckily, many ACP providers offer tablets for just $10.01 – which is the lowest possible cost defined by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission – the institution that manages the ACP).
Now, you may wonder why would the government provide a program that offers so many great benefits. The answer is to bridge the digital divide. Nowadays, we depend on smart devices for almost anything – communication, socialization, work, education, entertainment, and more. As such, the government wishes to provide equal opportunities in life for all US citizens, no matter how rich or poor.
Benefits of Receiving a 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government
There are numerous benefits of receiving a 10-dollar government tablet, including:
- Affordable Access to Technology: Owning a tablet provides affordable access to technology, which may otherwise be financially inaccessible for low-income individuals. It allows them to participate in the digital world, access online resources, and engage in various activities.
- Educational Opportunities: A tablet opens up educational opportunities for individuals who may not have access to traditional learning resources. It enables access to online educational platforms, digital textbooks, e-learning courses, and educational apps. It can support self-learning, skill development, and provide avenues for personal growth.
- Access to Information and Resources: A tablet allows users to access a wealth of information available online. They can browse the internet, read news articles, access e-books, and explore various resources related to health, finance, government services, and more. It empowers individuals with knowledge and enables them to make informed decisions.
- Job Opportunities and Skill Development: Having a tablet provides access to online job portals, career development resources, and training programs. It can help individuals search for employment opportunities, improve their skills through online courses, and even start their own online businesses. Access to digital tools opens up new avenues for income generation and economic empowerment.
- Improved Connectivity: With a tablet, individuals can stay connected to the internet and access a wide range of communication tools. They can connect with family, friends, and support networks through social media, video calls, emails, and messaging apps. Improved connectivity enhances their social interactions, reduces isolation, and fosters a sense of belonging.
- Entertainment and Recreation: Tablets offer entertainment options such as watching movies, playing games, listening to music, and reading e-books. These recreational activities can provide relaxation, stress relief, and a source of enjoyment for individuals.
By providing $10 tablets, the government promotes digital inclusion, ensuring that individuals from all income levels have access to technology and can participate in the digital age. It reduces the digital divide and creates equal opportunities for all members of society.
It’s important to note that while a $10 tablet may have limitations in terms of specifications and features compared to higher-end devices, it still offers significant benefits in terms of affordability and access to technology for individuals who may otherwise be unable to afford such devices.
What is the Process of Getting a 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government
Receiving a highly discounted tablet through the ACP government assistance program is relatively simple, however, one must still carefully follow a set of rules and steps to obtain the benefits:
- First, you must check whether or not you qualify for the ACP program.
- Secondly, you must check whether or not you can prove your eligibility.
- Thirdly, you must apply for the ACP program – first through the National Verifier and then through a selected provider.
- Once you have selected an ACP provider and applied for its services, you will shortly receive a discounted tablet and other ACP benefits.
Let’s break down these steps in the following sections.
Do I Qualify for a 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government?
In order to get a 10-dollar tablet from the government, you must qualify for the ACP program. To qualify, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor, the only applicant in your area, and a resident of one of the states where your selected provider is offering its services.
Moreover, you must either meet the income-based eligibility or the program participation-based eligibility:
Income-based Eligibility
You meet this requirement if your annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Program Participation-based Eligibility
You meet this requirement if your household participates in one of the following programs:
- Lifeline
- SNAP
- SSI
- WIC
- Medicaid
- FPHA
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- A qualifying Tribal assistance program, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Or if your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Can I Prove My 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government Eligibility?
During the application process, you will be required to provide additional information and documentation that proves your eligibility. You will likely be asked to provide:
- Identity and age proof (a valid ID, birth certificate, passport, driver’s license, Green Card, Certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization, or another valid official document that includes your full legal name and date of birth)
- Address proof (a valid ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage, lease statement, or another document that includes your full name and physical address)
- Income proof (current income statement from your employer, paycheck stubs, a prior year’s tax return, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, or another document that includes your name and annual income)
- Program participation proof (approval letter, benefit award letter, statement of benefits, benefit verification letter, or another valid official document that includes your full legal name, the name of the program, the name of the issuing institution, and a valid date)
If you are an emancipated minor, you will have to prove your emancipation by providing a copy of an official document that confirms your status (a court document or certificate of emancipation).
Moreover, you may be asked to provide your social security number or any other personal information.
Make sure to only provide copies of these documents (digital or physical, depending on how you apply) and to never send out originals for security reasons).
How Can I Apply for a 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government
Step 1: Apply Through the National Verifier
The best way to apply through the National Verifier is online, as this way, you can receive immediate approval. To do so, visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply, log in or create an account if prompted, and complete the online application form by providing all the required information and digital documentation copies.
Alternatively, you can apply via mail. To do so, you must print out an application form at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf and a Household Worksheet at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf, complete the forms, add physical documentation copies, and send the package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
Step 2: Apply Through the Selected Provider
Secondly, you must apply through your selected provider. All ACP companies offer online application forms, which you must complete by providing all the required information and documentation. You can access a company’s application form on each provider’s official website. You may also be asked to choose a plan and even the device you wish to receive.
However, to apply through a provider, you must first find a suitable option.
How Can I Find and Choose a 10 Dollar Tablet From the Government Provider
To find and choose a suitable 10-dollar government tablet provider, follow these steps:
- Visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Enter your location and choose the ACP program. Press Search.
- See the list of all ACP companies in your area. Note which ones offer a discounted device.
- Visit each provider’s official website to compare their offers.
- You can also choose a provider from the list of best 10-dollar government tablet providers below.
The Best 10-Dollar Tablet From the Government Providers
It’s important to note that not all ACP companies offer discounted tablets. Some only offer free or discounted monthly internet plans. The companies that do offer discounted tablets (mostly at only $10) include:
- AirTalk Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://airtalkwireless.com/)
- Cintex Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://cintexwireless.com/)
- Easy Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://myeasywireless.com/)
- Excess Telecom (see the offer and apply at https://www.excesstelecom.com/)
- Go Technology Management (see the offer and apply at https://goknows.com/)
- Maxsip Telecom (see the offer and apply at https://maxsipconnects.com/)
- Moolah Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://moolahwireless.com/)
- My Tablet ACP (see the offer and apply at https://www.mytabletacp.com/)
- NewPhone Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://newphone.com/)
- Q Link Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://qlinkwireless.com/)
- StandUp Wireless (see the offer and apply at https://standupwireless.com/)
- Stimulus (see the offer and apply at https://stimulustabletjobs.com/)
- TruConnect (see the offer and apply at https://www.truconnect.com/)
What 10 Dollar Tablet Models and Other Benefits Can I Get From the Government
Many ACP companies don’t reveal the tablet model in advance as the offer depends on availability and other factors. However, the companies that do disclose this information offer these models in 2023:
- Alcatel Joy Tab or Joy Tab 2
- Apple iPad 3
- Apple iPad Air or Air 2
- Apple iPad Mini, Mini 2, or Mini 3
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2018 or 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S, S2, S3, or S4
- Sky Elite T8 Plus
Additionally, you may be able to receive free or discounted monthly internet services.
