Welcome to the enchanting world of Louisiana, where vibrant culture, captivating history, and the zest for life dance in harmony. Nestled in the heart of the Deep South, Louisiana is renowned for its soul-stirring jazz melodies, delectable Creole cuisine, and the festive Mardi Gras celebrations that grace the streets with a kaleidoscope of colors. Amidst the rich tapestry of this captivating state, there lies a profound understanding of the importance of staying connected in the digital age. As technology weaves its way into every aspect of modern life, the need for seamless connectivity becomes an essential bridge that unites communities and empowers individuals. In the spirit of ensuring every citizen can partake in this digital symphony, the Free Government Tablet Louisiana initiative offers a great opportunity. It is a gateway to a world of knowledge, communication, and boundless horizons, designed to bring the power of information and communication to those who may face financial constraints. Join us on this journey as we explore the avenues of receiving a Free Government Tablet in Louisiana.
About the Free Government Tablet Louisiana Program
The free government tablet Louisiana program is just another name for the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a government assistance program that offers discounts on monthly internet services (up to $30 a month for eligible non-Tribal families and up to $75 a month for eligible Tribal families) and a one-time discount on an internet-connected device (generally, a tablet). While the ACP program is available in all US states, territories, and Tribal lands, each state has slightly different eligibility criteria and different benefits. Therefore, we can talk about the ACP Louisiana program or the ‘free government tablet Louisiana program’.
Generally, the ACP program is funded by the US government on a federal level and it is managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Moreover, the program’s benefits (discounts on services and/or devices) are distributed by individual wireless providers that have decided to participate in the program. The offers differ by the company and by the state. For instance, a wireless provider may operate in several US states, however, it doesn’t provide the exact same list of benefits in one state and the other.
Generally, the ACP program is very generous in Arizona, as many providers offer both free monthly services and a free device. Moreover, many ACP companies in Louisiana also participate in the Lifeline assistance program and therefore offer the most valuable ACP + Lifeline Combo plans that offer the most benefits.
Note: In Louisiana, as well as in all other US states, the ‘free government tablets’ provided through ACP are not completely free of charge. Instead, according to federal rules, you will have to pay a mandatory co-pay of between $10 and $50 to obtain the device.
Free Government Tablet Louisiana – A Short Guide on How to Get the Device
To participate in Louisiana’s ACP program and receive a free government tablet, you must follow a few simple steps. These steps are shortly listed in this section but each step is further explained and described in the following chapters. The steps are designed to guide you through the entire process.
- Check whether or not you qualify for ACP in Louisiana.
- Check if you can prove your eligibility with acceptable document copies.
- Apply for the program through the National Verifier and a selected provider.
- If approved, enjoy your free government tablet in Louisiana.
Do You Qualify for Free Government Tablet Louisiana?
To qualify for the ACP program in Louisiana and potentially get an almost-free government tablet, you must meet some requirements:
- Personal requirements:
- You must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- You must be a resident of Louisiana.
- You must be the only applicant in your household (exceptions apply).
- ACP program requirements (you must only meet one of the following requirements):
- Your household’s annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in Louisiana. The threshold depends on the household size:
- $29,160 for a 1-member household
- $39,440 for a 2-member household
- $49,720 for a 3-member household
- $60,000 for a 4-member household
- $70,280 for a 5-member household
- $80,560 for a 6-member household
- $90,840 for a 7-member household
- $101,120 for an 8-member household
- $10,280 for each additional member
- Your household’s annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in Louisiana. The threshold depends on the household size:
- You or another household member participate in a qualifying government assistance program, such as:
- Lifeline
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
- FPHA
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- A Tribal Assistance Program, such as Tribal TANF
- WIC
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- Your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Can You Prove Your Free Government Tablet Louisiana Eligibility?
- To prove your ACP eligibility during the application process, you will be required to do two things:
- Provide the required information
- Provide copies of the required documentation
- Required information includes:
- Your full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical address
- Email address
- Phone number
- The last 4 numbers of your SSN or your Tribal ID number
- Other contact information
- Required documentation includes:
- Proof of age or emancipation (a valid document that includes your full name and date of birth or emancipation status):
- A 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
- Certificate of emancipation or court document
- Proof of age or emancipation (a valid document that includes your full name and date of birth or emancipation status):
- Proof of address (a valid document that includes your full name and physical address):
- A valid government, state, or Tribal ID
- Driver’s license
- Utility bill
- Mortgage or lease statement
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Proof of income (a valid document that includes your full name and income):
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
- Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
- A 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
- A retirement/pension statement of benefits
- Proof of program participation (a valid document that includes your full name, the program name, the issuing organization’s name, and a valid date):
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
Remember that while you’ll have to prove your age (or emancipation) and address, you will only have to prove either your low income or program participation, depending on how you qualify.
It’s best to prepare the information and documentation copies in advance. As you cannot submit original documents, you should prepare clear copies of valid documents using a copy machine, scanner, smartphone, or camera, depending on whether you need physical or digital copies (which depends on how you’re planning to apply).
How to Apply for a Free Government Tablet Louisiana 2024 – Full Guide
Once you’ve made sure that you qualify for the program and that you can prove it, it’s time to apply for the program. As some ACP providers automatically run your application through the National Verifier (the institution that is authorized to asses people’s ACP eligibility) and others don’t, it’s best to first apply through the National Verifier and then through the provider. To do so, follow these steps:
Apply for ACP Through the National Verifier (Online or Via Mail)
- To apply online, follow these steps:
- Visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply.
- Log in or create an account if necessary.
- Complete the application form by providing all the above-listed information and digital documentation copies.
- Submit the application and you may get immediate approval.
- Applying via mail is a lot more time-consuming, however, if you wish to do so, you can follow these steps:
- Print out an application at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf.
- Fill it out by providing all the required information.
- It’s also recommended to print out a Household Worksheet at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf and fill it out.
- Add physical copies of your proof documentation.
- Send the package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
Once you’ve applied, the National Verifier will review your application and determine whether or not you qualify. If you do, you will be approved and notified. You can then proceed to the next step.
Find a Free Government Tablet Provider in Louisiana
- You can find a free government tablet provider in Louisiana by following these steps:
- Visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Enter your location.
- Choose the ACP program.
- Press Search.
- A list of all companies available in your area will appear. You can visit each provider’s website to see if they offer a tablet or just service discounts. Compare the companies’ offers and select which one best fits your needs.
- The best ACP free government tablet providers in Louisiana include:
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Excess Telecom
- Go Technology Management
- Human I-T
- NewPhone Wireless
- PCs for People
- Q Link Wireless
- Tablet Mobile
- Unity Wireless
This list may help you narrow down your options.
Apply Through Your Selected Provider
Once you have selected a provider that offers a free government tablet in Louisiana, you must apply for the company’s ACP program. The exact application process depends on the provider, however, generally, you will have to follow these steps:
- Visit the company’s website and review the offer to make sure it fits.
- Enter your ZIP code or ZIP code and email address and press ‘Apply’ or a similar button.
- Select the plan in your area.
- When redirected to the application form, make sure to complete it by providing all the necessary information and documentation copies.
- Submit the application and wait for approval.
- If approved, you will be notified and you will receive the free tablet along with other benefits via mail within a few days.
List of Free Government Tablet Models Are Available in Louisiana 2024
Which tablet model you can expect to receive depends on which company you choose. Most companies don’t have a permanent list of available models. Instead, the offer depends on the state and availability. However, a few companies disclose which tablets are available and they offer the following tablet models:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2
- Apple iPad Air 2
- Apple iPad Mini 3
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Sky Pad 8
- Sky Elite T8 Plus
- Apple iPad 6