What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, which is a system that is used by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to distribute benefits to eligible individuals and families. EBT operates like a debit card, and participants in SNAP receive a plastic card that is loaded with their benefits each month.
When a participant wants to purchase food using their EBT card, they simply present the card at the point of sale, and the transaction is processed electronically. The cost of the purchase is deducted from the participant’s account balance, and the retailer is reimbursed by the government for the value of the food that was purchased.
EBT cards can be used at most grocery stores, supermarkets, and farmers’ markets that accept SNAP benefits. The card can only be used to purchase eligible food items, such as fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy products, and bread. Non-food items, such as cosmetics, office supplies, alcoholic beverages, or even cooked dishes cannot be purchased using EBT benefits.
EBT is a convenient and secure way for participants to access their benefits, and it also helps reduce stigma and discrimination by providing a discreet way to purchase food.
Can I Get a Free iPad With EBT or SNAP?
If you are an EBT system user and therefore a SNAP (also known as Food Stamps) subscriber, you can only purchase food items with your EBT card. Nevertheless, participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program automatically makes you eligible to apply for certain other government assistance programs, including the new Affordable Connectivity Program that offers discounts on monthly internet services and connected devices.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a brand-new assistance program. It was first launched during the pandemic by the FCC as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). This was a temporary program designed as a response to the international crisis. However, it soon became clear that internet services and connected devices are vital for work, education, and socialization, and that low-income people are struggling to afford them. Therefore, the government decided to modify and extend the EBB program, creating the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program offers a discount of up to $30 for eligible non-Tribal households and $75 for eligible Tribal households on monthly internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 on an internet-connected device, such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. Here it’s important to note that free government tablets provided through the ACP are not completely free of charge as government rules require the customer to pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 to receive the device.
Moreover, the ACP offer depends on each provider. While all providers offer a discount on monthly internet services, only a few providers offer discounts on connected devices. Additionally, there are even fewer ACP companies that offer free iPads, as most only provide discounts on mid-range Android devices.
Anyway, if we return to the original question, the answer is this: Since using EBT and participating in SNAP makes you eligible to apply for the ACP program and as some ACP providers offer almost free iPads (or other tablets), we can say that you can indirectly get a free iPad with EBT.
How Can I Get a Free iPad With EBT in 2023
Getting a free iPad with EBT isn’t something that can happen with a simple push of a button. Instead, you must follow a precise process:
- Step 1: You must become an EBT user or a SNAP participant. To do so, you must qualify for SNAP, prove your eligibility, apply for the program, and get approved.
- Step 2: You must become an ACP participant. To do so, you must qualify for ACP, prove your eligibility, apply for the program, and get approved.
- Step 3: You must find a free iPad with EBT provider that offers its services in your area and apply for its benefits.
- Step 4: You can then (if approved) receive a free iPad with EBT along with some other benefits.
This process may sound complicated and overwhelming. But fear not, as we will guide you through each step in the following sections.
How to Become an EBT/SNAP Participant
How to Qualify for EBT/SNAP?
To qualify for SNAP/EBT benefits, you need to meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are some of the general requirements:
- Income: Your gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level. This is based on your household size and income. As of 2023, the maximum gross monthly income for a household of one is $1,494, and for a household of four is $3,054.
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. citizen, a U.S. national, or a qualified alien to receive SNAP benefits.
- Residency: You must live in the state where you are applying for benefits.
- Resources: Your household’s resources must not exceed $2,500 (or $3,750 for households with an elderly or disabled member).
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 who are not caring for a dependent child must meet certain work requirements or be exempt.
How to Prove My EBT/SNAP Eligibility?
To verify the information on your SNAP application, you can provide various documents such as identification (driver’s license, state ID, etc.), proof of income, dependent care expenses, rent receipts/mortgage payments, utility bills, and medical bills for those over 60 or receiving disability benefits.
How to Apply for EBT/SNAP?
To apply for SNAP/EBT benefits, you can contact your local SNAP office or apply online through your state’s SNAP website. You will need to provide documentation to prove your income, citizenship status, and residency. The specific requirements and application process may vary by state, so it’s best to check with your local SNAP office for more information.
Generally, you can obtain an application for SNAP benefits at any Social Security office. If you and everyone in your household are receiving SSI payments, a Social Security office can assist you in filling out the SNAP application and submitting it for you. However, all other applicants, including those receiving Social Security benefits only, need to submit their applications directly to their local SNAP office. You can find your local SNAP office or apply online through the USDA SNAP state directory website or by calling the SNAP information line toll-free at 1-800-221-5689. Once you submit your application, you will need to complete an interview, which is typically conducted over the phone.
After submitting your application, the SNAP office will process it and determine if you qualify for benefits. Eligibility should be determined within 30 days, and expedited service is available for those who qualify. If you do not hear back within 30 days, you should contact the SNAP office.
How to Become an ACP Participant
How to Qualify for ACP?
To qualify for ACP, you must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor, the only applicant in your household, and a resident of one of the states where your selected provider operates. Moreover, you must meet one (or more) of the following FCC-determined eligibility criteria:
- Have an annual household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Participate in one of the following government assistance programs:
- SNAP (EBT)
- Lifeline
- Medicaid
- SSI
- FPHA
- WIC
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- A Tribal assistance program
- Or have received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
How to Prove My ACP Eligibility?
If you apply through your SNAP (EBT) participation or participation in any other government assistance program, you will simply need to provide a copy of your approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, or statement of benefits.
If, on the other hand, you are applying based on your low income, you can prove your eligibility by providing a copy of the prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement, paycheck stubs, etc.
Additionally, you may be asked to verify your identity, age, physical address, emancipation status, or other personal information.
How to Apply for ACP?
You must apply for ACP through the National Verifier. You can do it online or via mail, however you prefer.
You can apply for ACP online by visiting https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?id=nv_flow&ebbp=true&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply and completing the digital application form with all the required information and digital documentation copies.
If you prefer to apply via mail, you need to print out the application form, which can be found at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf. You should also include a Household Worksheet when applying for the ACP, which is available at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf. Complete all the forms, add physical copies of your proof documentation, and mail the package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742. The National Verifier will review your application and determine your eligibility, informing you of their decision as soon as possible.
How to Find a Company That Offers Free iPads With EBT
There are only a handful of ACP companies that offer free (discounted) iPads for sure. There are:
- AirTalk Wireless (see its tablet offer and apply at https://airtalkwireless.com/)
- Cintex Wireless (see its tablet offer and apply at https://cintexwireless.com/)
- NewPhone Wireless (see its tablet offer and apply at https://newphone.com/)
Other ACP companies, such as Easy Wireless, Q Link Wireless, and StandUp Wireless do not reveal which tablet model they offer in advance.
To find a company that offers free iPads with EBT, you must visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/, enter your ZIP code or city and state, select the ACP program, and press Search. The system will generate a list of ACP companies in your area. Then check if AirTalk, Cintex, or NewPhone are included in the list. If one of them is, you can visit its website and apply. If not, check the other providers that are marked as offering discounts on tablets and contact them to ask if they provide free iPads with EBT.
What Are the Benefits of Getting a Free iPad With EBT
If you manage to enroll in ACP and find a provider that offers free iPads with EBT in your area, you will receive a discount of up to $100 on the tablet. Receiving the device will enable you to stay in touch with family and friends, browse the internet, find employment, work, study online, play games, watch videos, listen to music, contact healthcare and other service providers, and call emergency services. Additionally, participating in ACP offers other benefits, including a discount on monthly broadband services through ACP, and other perks like nationwide coverage and hotspot data. If the provider also offers Lifeline benefits (and you qualify for Lifeline as well), you can also receive a discount on monthly phone or wireless services and a free smartphone.
