Do you want to get a free Samsung tablet but have no idea where to find one? If so, you have come to the right place, as in this article, we will explore why you might need a free device, the process of getting a free Samsung tablet through ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program – an assistance program offering free internet services and connected devices to eligible low-income people), which providers offer free Samsung tablets, which tablet models are available, and more.
Why Do You Need a Free Samsung Tablet?
This may sound like a silly question but the answer may determine whether or not you are eligible of receiving it. If you come from a low-income household and are unable to afford to purchase such a device, you will be able to get a free Samsung tablet through ACP. Additionally, you may get it from a charity or a non-profit organization.
On the other hand, if you don’t have real financial constraints, you won’t be able to get a free Samsung tablet from ACP or a charity. Instead, you can search for online giveaways and carrier/retailer deals.
Furthermore, receiving a Samsung tablet will bring you numerous benefits, especially as Samsung is considered one of the leading companies in the world of consumer electronics, such as smartphones and tablets. Having a tablet will help you stay in touch with loved ones through emails, social media, communication apps, etc. It will enable you to search for information online, look for employment opportunities, work from home or while commuting, get an online education, and access virtual meetings and lessons. A tablet will also provide numerous entertainment options and enable you to stream videos, listen to music, and play games. Due to having a tablet, low-income people have more opportunities in life, which helps bridge the digital divide.
What is the Most Likely Way to Receive a Free Samsung Tablet?
Well, if you have a low income, the simplest way to get the device is through the new government assistance program, called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
This program was launched by the FCC during the pandemic when the need for a stable internet connection and a device that can connect to the internet has become more obvious than ever. The program offers a discount of up to $30 for eligible non-Tribal households and $75 for eligible Tribal households on monthly internet services. Moreover, the program offers a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a connected device (tablet, laptop, or desktop). Not all wireless companies that participate in ACP and offer the program’s benefits offer device discounts, however, those that do, mostly offer tablets. It is important to note that due to government rules, you must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 to receive the device. As such, the tablet you can expect to receive won’t be completely free of charge, but close enough.
Process of Getting a Free Samsung Tablet ACP In 2023
Not all people qualify to receive a free Samsung tablet through ACP, however, those who do must follow a simple yet strict process. Let’s dive into the ACP eligibility criteria to see whether or not you qualify for the device in the first place and then let’s explore the steps you will need to take to receive the device.
Step 1: Qualify for ACP
To get a free Samsung tablet through ACP, you must qualify for the assistance program. To qualify for ACP, you must either meet the income-based requirement or the program participation-based requirement.
Income-based ACP Requirement:
You qualify if your annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which depend on the state and household size.
Program Participation-based ACP Requirement:
You qualify if you or another household member participates in a qualifying government assistance program, such as:
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
- Lifeline
- WIC
- FPGA
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- A Tribal Assistance Program
- Or if the household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Additional ACP Requirements:
In addition to meeting either the income-based requirement or the program participation-based requirement, you must also:
- Be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor
- Be the only applicant in your household (exceptions apply)
- Apply through a provider that offers ACP benefits in your state of residence
Step 2: Make Sure That You Can Prove Your Eligibility
During the application process, you will be required to provide some personal information and copies of certain documents that prove your eligibility. Whether or not you manage to prove your eligibility with this proof and information will determine whether or not you get approved to receive ACP benefits (including a free tablet).
- To prove your income-based eligibility you must provide a copy of a valid official document that includes your full name and income, such as paycheck stubs, a current income statement from your employer, a Social Security statement of benefits, an Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, a prior year’s tax return, divorce decree, child support award, etc.
- To prove your program participation-based eligibility you must provide a copy of a valid official document that includes your full name, the name of the program, the name of the issuing institution, and a valid date, such as an approval letter, statement of benefits, benefits award letter, or benefits verification letter.
- Additionally, you may be asked to prove your identity (ID, passport), age (ID, birth certificate), address (ID, driver’s license, utility bill), emancipation (court document, emancipation certificate), and other personal information.
Due to security reasons, you are not allowed to send out original documents. As such, make copies using a copy machine, scanner, camera, or smartphone.
Step 3: Apply for ACP and the Free Samsung Tablet
Finally, you must apply for the program and benefits. You can first apply through the National Verifier. The fastest and simplest way to do so is online at https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply. You may be asked to log in or create a new account. Then, complete the application by providing all the required personal information and proof documentation. If you apply online, you may receive immediate approval.
Alternatively, you can apply via mail. To do so, print out an application 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 both forms, add physical copies of your proof documentation, and send the documents to ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
Finally, after your application gets approved by the National Verifier, you can find a provider that offers free Samsung tablets through ACP in your area and apply for its benefits. You are likely to receive the (almost) free tablet and free or discounted monthly internet service.
List of Providers That Offer a Free Samsung Tablet ACP in 2023
Many ACP providers only offer discounted monthly services. However, the ones that also offer discounted devices (usually tablets) tend to be very secretive about which device model a customer may receive in advance, as the offer depends on the plan, the state, and availability. Still, as many providers promise to provide eligible customers with high-quality Android tablets, a free Samsung tablet fits the description, which means that most tablet-offering ACP companies may offer free Samsung devices.
The companies that have confirmed to offer Samsung tablets include:
- AirTalk Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://airtalkwireless.com/)
- Cintex Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://cintexwireless.com/)
- NewPhone Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://newphone.com/)
Other ACP companies that offer free tablets include:
- Easy Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://myeasywireless.com/)
- Excess Telecom (review the offered benefits and apply at https://www.excesstelecom.com/)
- Go Technology Management (review the offered benefits and apply at https://goknows.com/)
- Maxsip Telecom (review the offered benefits and apply at https://maxsipconnects.com/)
- Moolah Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://moolahwireless.com/)
- My Tablet ACP (review the offered benefits and apply at https://www.mytabletacp.com/)
- Q Link Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://qlinkwireless.com/)
- StandUp Wireless (review the offered benefits and apply at https://standupwireless.com/)
- Stimulus (review the offered benefits and apply at https://stimulustabletjobs.com/)
- TruConnect (review the offered benefits and apply at https://www.truconnect.com/)
To find a company that offers free Samsung tablets with ACP, follow these steps:
- Visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Enter your location.
- Choose the ACP program.
- Press Search.
- Review the generated list of all ACP companies in your area and note which ones offer discounted devices. Hope to see one of the above-mentioned companies in the list.
- Visit the chosen provider’s website, find its application form, and apply.
- If approved, you will be notified.
List of Free Samsung Tablet ACP Models in 2023
As only a few companies reveal which tablet models they offer, we can only tell which devices they offer for sure. Other ACP companies may offer different Samsung tablet models. The confirmed models are:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2018
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
What to Do if You Are Unable to Get a Free Samsung Tablet ACP?
In case you cannot get a free Samsung tablet from an ACP company, you should try the following:
- Contact a local charity or non-profit organization and ask if they offer free tablets for low-income people.
- Get a free Samsung tablet through a promotional deal. Carriers, retailers, and Samsung itself often offer promotional deals on tablets. Find the deals on their websites and make sure to review the conditions before committing.
- Try your luck online. You may be able to get a free or discounted tablet by entering online giveaways, participating in surveys, becoming an online reviewer, or becoming a marketing agent.
FAQ
Why Does the Government Offer Free Samsung Tablets With ACP?
In order to help bridge the digital divide and provide low-income people with equal digital opportunities.
Can I Replace a Free Samsung Tablet ACP?
It depends on the provider, however, most of them offer a one-year manufacturer’s warranty that covers malfunctions.
Can I Upgrade a Free Samsung Tablet ACP?
It depends on the provider, however, many offer upgrade devices, which come at higher prices.
Is it Possible a Samsung Tablet from ACP Completely Free of Charge?
No, as the government rules demand the customer to pay a small fee ($10-$50).
What Other ACP Benefits Are Available?
Free monthly internet services.
What Other Tablets Are Available From ACP?
ACP companies also offer tablets from Alcatel, Sky Devices, KonnectOne, and Apple.
Can I Get a Free Samsung Phone From ACP?
Yes, however, free phones are usually offered to customers who also qualify for Lifeline.