In today’s digital landscape, living without smart electronic devices is almost impossible. It deprives you of so many opportunities in life, including the opportunity to work and search for employment, study, stay informed, and socialize with people you can’t see every day. But the sad reality is that many people can’t even afford nutritious food, let alone advanced devices! Fortunately, there is a way in which low-income people can get all of it – healthy food, a free tablet, and a phone. How? Well, through government assistance programs, such as SNAP/EBT. Let’s guide you through the process of acquiring a free tablet and phone with EBT.
Is it Really Possible to Get a Free Tablet And Phone With EBT? How?
Generally, it really is possible to get both a free tablet and phone with EBT. However, whether or not it’s possible for you, we are about to find out! For now, let’s just say that it depends on whether or not you qualify for the right programs.
The possibility of receiving a free tablet and phone with EBT exists thanks to certain government assistance programs. The three assistance programs that are vital in this process are:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). It is also known as the EBT (electronic benefit transfer) program due to the EBT card that SNAP participants use when they shop for food in authorized stores and as the Food Stamps program, as this is the former name of the program. SNAP enables its subscribers to get free food in authorized stores through their EBT benefits.
- Lifeline Assistance Program. It offers discounts on monthly phone and wireless services, as well as free cell phones.
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). It offers discounts on monthly internet services, as well as a discount of up to $100 to purchase an internet-connected device (e.g. a tablet).
While the three programs are all available in all US states and territories and they are all intended to provide financial aid to people in need (either through food discounts, wireless/phone discounts, or internet/tablet discounts), it’s important to know that the three programs are not related and they all have their own set of eligibility requirements. However, to receive free food, a free phone, and a free tablet, it’s actually enough to only qualify for SNAP/EBT.
That doesn’t mean that SNAP/EBT participants can also purchase tablets and phones in authorized stores (only free food items are covered by the benefit)! Instead, participating in SNAP/EBT also automatically makes you eligible for Lifeline and ACP, which are the two programs that offer free tablets and phones.
Note: Unlike the Lifeline phones, which are often completely free of charge, you will have to pay a mandatory fee of between $10 and $50 to receive the tablet.
The Process of Getting a Free Tablet And Phone With EBT in 2023
To determine whether getting a free tablet and phone with EBT is a possibility for you, let’s review this process of receiving the benefits. While you read through it, ask yourself whether or not you are able to take each individual step. If you are able to complete the whole process, you can surely receive a free tablet and phone with EBT.
- Step 1: Apply for SNAP/EBT.
- First, you must qualify for the program.
- Secondly, you must prove your eligibility.
- Lastly, you must apply and get your application approved.
- Step 2: Apply for Lifeline.
- In addition to being a SNAP participant (or meeting another Lifeline requirement), you must be at least 18 years old or emancipated.
- Secondly, you must collect the documents that prove your eligibility.
- You must apply for Lifeline and get your application approved.
- Lastly, you must find a Lifeline company in your area and apply for its services.
- Step 3: Apply for ACP.
- In addition to being a SNAP participant (or meeting another ACP requirement), you must be at least 18 years old or emancipated.
- Secondly, you must collect the documents that prove your eligibility.
- You must apply for ACP and get your application approved.
- Lastly, you must find an ACP company in your area and apply for its services.
If all these applications get approved, you will shortly receive a free tablet and phone with EBT.
Step 1 in Getting a Free Tablet And Phone With EBT in 2023 – Apply for SNAP/EBT
In order to successfully apply for SNAP/EBT, make sure to follow these steps:
See if you qualify for SNAP/EBT
SNAP/EBT eligibility criteria may vary slightly among states, but here are some overarching guidelines:
- Income: Your household’s monthly income should not exceed 130% of the federal poverty level, depending on the household size.
- Resources: Your household’s resources, including cash, bank accounts, and vehicles, should not exceed certain limits, typically around $2,250 or $3,500 for households with elderly or disabled members.
- Work requirements: Generally, able-bodied adults aged 18-49 without dependents must meet specific work requirements or qualify for exemptions, such as participating in employment or training programs.
- Citizenship: To qualify for SNAP benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or a qualified alien.
- Residency: You must be a resident of the state where you apply for benefits.
It’s essential to note that these criteria offer general guidance, and individual states may consider additional factors. To learn precise eligibility requirements and understand the application process, it is advisable to contact your local SNAP office or visit your state’s SNAP website.
Prove your SNAP/EBT eligibility.
Proof documentation is essential to establish eligibility for SNAP benefits, and while the specific requirements can vary by state, here are common documents often requested:
- Identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
- Proof of income, including recent pay stubs, wage statements, or an employer’s letter.
- Residency proof, such as utility bills, lease agreements, or a landlord’s letter.
- Citizenship or immigration status, which may require a birth certificate, U.S. passport, or immigration papers.
- Household expenses evidence, such as rent receipts, mortgage payments, utility bills, or medical expenses.
It’s crucial to note that these are general documents typically requested, but specific requirements may differ by state. For precise information about the documents needed for your application, reach out to your local SNAP office or visit your state’s SNAP website.
Apply for SNAP/EBT
To apply for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and receive an EBT benefits card, follow these general steps:
- Gather necessary documents, including identification, proof of income, residency, and citizenship or immigration status.
- Access the application through your state’s SNAP website or in person at a local SNAP office.
- Complete the application with accurate details about your household, income, expenses, and relevant information.
- Submit the application as directed by your state’s SNAP program, either electronically or in person.
- Attend an interview if required, providing any additional information as requested.
- Receive a decision from the SNAP office within about 30 days of application.
- If approved, receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card and start using the benefits.
Keep in mind that the application process and specific requirements may vary by state. For more information, visit your state’s SNAP website or contact the local SNAP office for assistance.
Step 2 in Getting a Free Tablet And Phone With EBT in 2023 – Apply for Lifeline
Once your SNAP/EBT application got approved, you can apply for Lifeline:
See if you qualify for Lifeline
If your SNAP/EBT application got approved, you are eligible for Lifeline. However, you should also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
In case you don’t qualify through SNAP/EBT, you can still qualify if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or if you participate in another qualifying government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension, or a Tribal assistance program.
Prove your Lifeline eligibility.
If you qualify based on your SNAP/EBT subscription (or your participation in any other qualifying assistance program), you can prove your eligibility by providing a copy of the approval letter, benefit award letter, statement of benefits, or benefit verification letter.
If you qualify based on your low income, you can prove your eligibility by providing a copy of a prior year’s tax return, paycheck stubs, a current income statement provided by your employer, an unemployment letter, or another similar document that shows your income.
You will also likely be asked to provide proof of identity (ID), age (birth certificate), emancipation (emancipation certificate), address (driver’s license or utility bill), SSN, etc.
Apply for Lifeline
It’s best to apply online through the National Verifier. To do so, visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home, log in or create a new account if prompted, and complete the application form by providing all the required information and documentation copies. Submit the application and expect immediate or slightly delayed approval. You will be notified.
Learn about other application options at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-started/.
Find a company that offers a free tablet and phone with EBT in your area.
You can only apply for Lifeline benefits from a company that operates in your area. You can find a list of all the Lifeline providers in your area at https://cnm.universalservice.org/. Visit each company’s website to see their different offers and to see whether or not you can receive a free phone from the company. Select the provider that best fits your needs and apply for its benefits on its official website.
Step 3 in Getting a Free Tablet And Phone With EBT in 2023 – Apply for ACP
To apply for ACP, follow these instructions:
See if you qualify for ACP
If your SNAP/EBT application or your Lifeline application got approved, you are eligible for ACP. However, you should also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
In case you don’t qualify through SNAP/EBT or Lifeline, you can still qualify if your annual household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or if you participate in another qualifying government assistance program, such as a Lifeline-qualifying program listed above, WIC, Free or Reduced Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, or if your household received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Prove your ACP eligibility
If you qualify based on your SNAP/EBT subscription, your Lifeline subscription, or your participation in any other qualifying assistance program, you can prove your eligibility by providing a copy of the approval letter, benefit award letter, statement of benefits, or benefit verification letter.
If you qualify based on your low income, you can prove your eligibility by providing a copy of a prior year’s tax return, paycheck stubs, a current income statement provided by your employer, an unemployment letter, or another similar document that shows your income.
You will also likely be asked to provide proof of identity (ID), age (birth certificate), emancipation (emancipation certificate), address (driver’s license or utility bill), SSN, etc.
Apply for ACP
The best and quickest way to apply is through the National Verifier online. Simply visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/, press Apply Now, and complete the application form by providing all the required information and digital documentation copies. Submit the application and await for the organization to reach a decision and contact you. See other ACP application options at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/.
Find a company that offers a free tablet and phone with EBT in your area.
Again, you can only get benefits from a company that operates in your area. Find such companies at https://cnm.universalservice.org/. Visit each company’s website to compare their offers and see which ones offer discounted tablets. Then, find its application form online and complete/submit it.
Top Companies They Offer Both a Free Tablet and Phone With EBT in 2023
There are multiple Lifeline and ACP providers that offer free tablets and phones in all US states and territories. The companies that offer both a free tablet and phone with EBT include:
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- TruConnect
Additionally, free phone with EBT companies include:
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- Infiniti Mobile
- Life Wireless
- SafeLink Wireless
- True Wireless
And free tablet with EBT providers include:
- Excess Telecom
- Go Technology Management
- Maxsip Telecom
- Moolah Wireless
- Stimulus
- Unity Wireless
- USA Phone
Keep in mind that from a Lifeline provider, you are likely to receive a free monthly phone plan and from an ACP provider you are likely to receive a free monthly internet plan. It’s best to apply for a company that offers both Lifeline and ACP services and thus receive all of the benefits from the same provider.
Also, remember that you can only receive one Lifeline and one ACP benefit per eligible household.
The Advantages of Receiving a Free Tablet And Phone With EBT in 2023
Receiving a free tablet and phone with EBT/SNAP food discounts comes with numerous perks, including:
- Enhanced connectivity. With a free tablet and phone, you can stay connected with family, friends, and the world through calls, messages, and social media.
- Access to information. The tablet and phone provide access to a wealth of information, educational resources, and entertainment, enhancing learning and leisure.
- Internet access. Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) or other initiatives, you can access the internet for free or at a reduced cost, enabling online activities.
- Cost savings. Receiving a free tablet and phone eliminates the need to purchase expensive devices, saving money for other essential needs.
- SNAP food discounts. SNAP (EBT) benefits provide discounts on groceries, ensuring access to nutritious food for you and your family.
- Improved communication. Free communication devices help you stay connected with potential job opportunities and important services.
- Social inclusion. The tablet and phone allow you to participate in digital communication and social interactions, reducing isolation.
- Productivity and learning. You can use the tablet and phone for educational purposes, skill development, and remote work opportunities.
- Emergency assistance. Having a phone can be crucial in emergencies to call for help or assistance.
- Financial assistance. Getting these discounts and benefits provides overall financial relief, which can help people afford other essential products and services as well.
Note: The perks may vary based on the specific devices, government programs, and eligibility criteria in your region.