Not all US citizens can afford to purchase this practical device. Fortunately, there are other ways to get a free tablet. In this article, we will focus primarily on how to get a free tablet with EBT near you. Let’s dive right in!
Understand “Free Tablet With EBT Near Me”
Before we start to dissect if and how can you get a free tablet with EBT near you, we must fully understand what we’re talking about in the first place.
The phrase ‘a free tablet with EBT’ does not refer to a special tablet kind, brand, or model. Instead, EBT refers to ‘Electronic Benefits Transfer’, which is an electronic system used in the government assistance program called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), also known as the Food Stamps program. The EBT system allows the state assistance department to issue benefits through a magnetically encoded payment card to qualifying low-income customers. The EBT payment card is used by SNAP participants to purchase food in authorized retail stores. When a person receiving SNAP benefits purchases groceries from a store authorized by SNAP, the cost of the food is deducted from their SNAP EBT account to reimburse the store. The EBT system is utilized in all states across the United States and is the exclusive method of distributing SNAP benefits nationwide.
As SNAP is an assistance program that only covers food items (as it is designed to help fulfill the nutritional needs of people in need), the EBT system can only be used to purchase food. It cannot be used to purchase other groceries, cosmetic products, or household items, let alone electronic devices, such as tablets. So why are we then even talking about free tablets with EBT?
Well, because people who use the EBT system and card (SNAP participants) automatically qualify for another government assistance program, called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). ACP is a new program that offers discounts on monthly internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 for eligible customers to purchase an internet-connected device (such as a tablet) with a mandatory fee of between $10 and $50. As such, if you use the EBT system and are therefore a SNAP participant, you can indirectly (through your ACP qualification) receive an almost-free tablet.
Process of Getting a Free Tablet With EBT Near Me
In order to receive a free tablet with EBT near you, it is important to follow these steps which are straightforward yet non-negotiable. Take the time to read them attentively and delve into the subsequent sections for more information:
- Step 1: Begin by applying for SNAP to become an EBT recipient.
- Step 2: Apply for ACP, as SNAP participants are typically approved without difficulty.
- Step 3: Locate an ACP company that provides free tablets with EBT near you.
- Step 4: Proceed with applying for the company’s services.
- Step 5: Once approved, receive your complimentary tablet with EBT along with other accompanying benefits and relish the experience.
Step 1: How to Qualify and Apply for EBT (EBT Card)?
1. See if You Qualify for EBT (EBT Card)
To be eligible for participation in the EBT or Food Stamp program, certain requirements must be met. In accordance with federal regulations, your household needs to satisfy three income criteria for qualification in the EBT/SNAP program:
- The gross monthly income of your household (income before applying any program benefits) must be equal to or below 130% of the poverty line. The specific poverty line varies based on household size and state.
- The net income of your household (income after deducting program benefits) must be at or below the poverty line.
- The total assets of your household must fall below-specified limits. For households without a member who is elderly (60 years or older) or disabled, the asset limit is $2,500 or less. For households with an elderly or disabled member, the asset limit is $3,750 or less.
- The applicant’s residency must be in the state where they are applying for benefits and they must be a US citizen, US national, or qualified alien.
- Able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49 without dependents must meet specific work requirements or qualify for an exemption.
2. See if You Can Prove Your Eligibility
During the application process for Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT, you may need to provide specific documents to verify your eligibility for the program. These documents can be submitted along with your application. The documents required to prove SNAP eligibility include:
- An official document displaying your identity and Social Security Number (SSN).
- An official document demonstrating your residency, such as a rent receipt, lease, utility bill, or mortgage statement.
- An official document indicating your earnings and hours worked, such as pay stubs or an employer letter detailing gross income and hours worked.
- An official document accounting for other sources of income, such as workers’ compensation, Veterans’ benefits, pension, child support, or alimony. Acceptable documents include benefit/award letters, payment records, or checks.
- An official document confirming your noncitizen status, such as a Permanent Resident Card or Employment Authorization Card, or any relevant immigration document.
You may also be asked to provide additional documents, such as proof of housing costs, utility bills, dependent care expenses, medical bills, or child support payments. For more information on the required documentation, visit the website: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/snap-verifications-what-information-you-need-to-provide.
3. Apply for EBT (EBT Card)
To access SNAP/EBT benefits, you have two options: reaching out to your local SNAP office or conveniently applying online through your state’s SNAP website. It’s important to gather the necessary documentation to verify your income, citizenship status, and residency in advance. Each state may have specific requirements and application procedures, so consulting your local SNAP office for accurate guidance is advisable.
If all household members receive SSI payments, you can obtain a SNAP application at any Social Security office. However, other applicants, including those solely receiving Social Security benefits, must directly submit their applications to the local SNAP office. To find your local SNAP office or apply online, you can use the USDA SNAP state directory website or call the toll-free SNAP information line at 1-800-221-5689. The subsequent interview is usually conducted over the phone.
After submitting your application, the SNAP office will process it and assess your eligibility for benefits. The determination process typically takes up to 30 days, with expedited service available for eligible individuals. If you haven’t received a response within 30 days, it is recommended to contact the SNAP office for further assistance. Once you receive a confirmation letter or similar official verification of your participation in SNAP, be sure to keep it safe as it will likely be needed during the ACP application process.
Step 2: How to Qualify and Apply for ACP
1. See if You Qualify for ACP
If your EBT/SNAP application gets approved, you surely qualify for ACP. However, you must also be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and the only applicant in your household.
Moreover, even if your EBT application gets rejected, you can qualify based on your low income (if your household’s income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level) or based on your participation in another assistance program (such as Lifeline, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, FPHA, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, School Breakfast Program, a Tribal assistance program, or Federal Pell Grant).
2. See if You Can Prove Your Eligibility
If you qualify based on your program participation (EBT/SNAP or any other qualifying program), you can prove your eligibility by providing a clear copy of a valid official document, such as:
- Program approval letter
- Benefit award letter
- Benefit verification letter
- Statement of benefits
If you qualify based on a low income, you can provide a copy of your paycheck stubs, current income statement from your employer, a prior year’s tax return, etc.
You may also be asked to prove your age (valid ID, passport, birth certificate), address (utility bill, valid ID, driver’s license), emancipation, SSN, etc.
3. Apply for ACP
You have three options to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
- Online Through the National Verifier: Login or create a new account to complete the ACP application online at https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply. You can find the online application instructions in multiple languages. If you choose to apply online, you may receive immediate approval.
- Mail Through the National Verifier: Print the application in English at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf. It is recommended to include a Household Worksheet with your application, available in multiple languages. You can print it out at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf. Complete the application and Household Worksheet, gather copies of your proof documentation, and mail them to: ACP Support Center PO Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773.
- Contact your internet company: Reach out to your internet company to inquire if they participate in the ACP. Alternatively, you can use the online tool to find a participating company near you. Participating companies can assist you in applying through their own application process.
After applying, the National Verifier or/and the company will review your application and notify you of whether or not it was approved.
Step 3: How to Choose a Suitable Free Tablet With EBT Provider Near Me?
How to Find Out Free Tablet With EBT Near Me
All ACP providers offer ACP benefits for EBT/SNAP subscribers. However, not all providers operate in all areas and not all of them offer almost-free tablets. To find a list of all the ACP providers that operate in your particular area, follow these simple steps:
- Visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
- Enter your location, choose the ACP program, and press Search.
- The system will generate a list of all the ACP companies in your area. See which ones offer a tablet.
- Follow the provided links to the companies’ official websites to review each provider’s offer.
- Choose the provider for you depending on which offer best suits your needs.
Note that most ACP companies don’t have physical stores or regular stands. Instead, they only offer online stores and services, as such, you are likely to receive benefits via mail instead of picking them up in-store. To find out which is the best free tablet provider with EBT near you, review the following companies, as these are considered the very best ACP companies. After all, the following providers offer both free monthly internet services and almost-free tablets to eligible customers.
List of the Best Free Tablet With EBT Providers Near Me
Overall, these are the ACP providers that offer the best free tablets and other benefits with EBT:
- AirTalk Wireless (visit https://airtalkwireless.com/)
- Cintex Wireless (visit https://cintexwireless.com/)
- Easy Wireless (visit https://myeasywireless.com/)
- Excess Telecom (visit https://www.excesstelecom.com/)
- Go Technology Management (visit https://goknows.com/)
- Maxsip Telecom (visit https://maxsipconnects.com/)
- Moolah Wireless (visit https://moolahwireless.com/)
- My Tablet ACP (visit https://www.mytabletacp.com/)
- NewPhone Wireless (visit https://newphone.com/)
- Q Link Wireless (visit https://qlinkwireless.com/)
- StandUp Wireless (visit https://standupwireless.com/)
- Stimulus (visit https://stimulustabletjobs.com/)
- Torch Wireless (visit https://torchwireless.com/)
- TruConnect (visit https://www.truconnect.com/)
- Unity Wireless (https://apply.gounitywireless.com/ACP/)
- USA Phone (visit https://usaphone.org/)
Step 4: How to Apply for a Free Tablet With EBT Near Me Through a Provider?
Once you find the best free tablet with EBT provider near you, you can apply for its benefits by following these steps:
- Visit the provider’s official website.
- Enter your ZIP code.
- If prompted, select a plan and/or other benefits.
- When redirected to the company’s application form, complete it by providing all the required information and documentation copies. Make sure not to make any mistakes.
- Submit the application and wait for the company to review it and contact you to let you know whether or not it was approved.
- If approved, you can expect to receive the free tablet and other benefits shortly.
List of Free Tablet Model With EBT Near Me
Which free tablet model you may be able to receive depends on the company you applied for. Most companies won’t tell you which device you will get in advance as the offer depends on availability, state, plan, and other factors. Nevertheless, most ACP providers offer mid-range Android tablets with basic features. Still, there are exceptions.
The providers that do reveal the available tablet models in advance currently offer the following models:
- Alcatel Joy Tab
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2
- Apple iPad 3
- Apple iPad 6
- Apple iPad Air
- Apple iPad Air 2
- Apple iPad Mini
- Apple iPad Mini 2
- Apple iPad Mini 3
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
- Sky Elite T8 Plus
- Sky Pad 8
Benefits of Getting a Free Tablet With EBT Near Me
Getting a free tablet with EBT offers several benefits:
- Increased Connectivity: A tablet provides access to the internet, allowing you to stay connected with family, friends, and the world around you.
- Educational Opportunities: With a tablet, you can access educational resources, online courses, e-books, and educational apps, enhancing your learning experience.
- Productivity and Organization: Tablets enable you to manage tasks, create documents, and stay organized with productivity apps and tools, increasing efficiency in both personal and professional endeavors.
- Entertainment and Media: Enjoy a wide range of entertainment options such as streaming movies, music, games, and reading e-books, providing leisure and relaxation.
- Communication and Social Interaction: Tablets facilitate communication through video calls, social media, messaging apps, and email, allowing you to stay connected with loved ones and engage with others.
- Access to Information: Gain instant access to information, news, and updates on various topics, enabling you to stay informed and expand your knowledge.
- Portability and Convenience: Tablets are lightweight and portable, making them convenient for on-the-go use, whether at home, work, or while traveling.
Overall, a free tablet provides access to a wealth of digital resources, enhances connectivity, and offers a versatile tool for communication, education, productivity, and entertainment.
In addition to the almost-free tablet, ACP beneficiaries will also receive other benefits, such as free or discounted monthly internet services with free data and potentially talk minutes and text messages.
Are There Any Other Ways to Get a Free Tablet Near Me?
Apart from obtaining a free tablet through ACP, there are other ways to acquire one, including:
- Charities and Non-Profit Organizations: Organizations like the Salvation Army, Human I-T, and PCs for People may provide free tablets.
- Companies: Companies such as Adaptive.org, Microsoft Registered Refurbished, and On It Foundation might offer free tablets.
- Institutions: Churches, schools, and public libraries may have programs that provide free tablets.
- Online Platforms: Platforms like Craigslist, Reddit, Freecycle, and similar websites might have listings for free tablets.
- Other Online Options include giveaway contests, promotional deals by carriers, manufacturers (for example, Samsung), or retailer stores, participating in surveys, becoming a reviewer, becoming a marketing agent, etc. Note: There are many scams online, so make sure the offer is legit before providing any personal information.