Are you eager to learn if it’s possible to get a free tablet with Food Stamps and how to do it? If so, you have come to the right place! In this article, we will answer all of your questions, including what exactly is the Food Stamp program, how to apply for it, and how can participating in this program possibly help you get a free tablet. You will also get a step-by-step guide on how to receive a high-quality Android or iOS tablet with a huge government-funded discount.
Who Gets the Benefits of a Free Tablet With Food Stamps?
Receiving a free tablet through your participation in the Food Stamp program is a great privilege and it’s not available for everyone. Even the government’s budget is limited, therefore, it can only offer discounts to people who can prove that they have such a low income that they can’t afford a tablet and may also need financial aid to purchase food. Only such customers are eligible to apply and receive the benefits.
The Process of Getting a Free Tablet With Food Stamps
You can only receive a free tablet through your participation in the Food Stamp program if you follow a strict process. Luckily, the process is not that complicated and it should not be very time-consuming either. Plus, if you follow this process to the letter, you should be able to achieve your goal in the end. To get a free tablet with Food Stamps, you must:
- Make sure that you qualify for the Food Stamp (SNAP) program. See the eligibility criteria below.
- Be able to prove your eligibility by providing copies of certain official documents. See the list of acceptable documents below.
- Apply for SNAP.
- Check your Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility, make sure you can prove it, and then apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – another government assistance program that offers discounts on broadband services and connected devices.
- Receive the free tablet and enjoy it!
SNAP Eligibility Criteria
SNAP is a means-tested program, therefore recipients must meet all eligibility criteria in order to receive it.
Income Requirements
Individuals and households may be SNAP-eligible if they have a gross monthly income that is 130% or less of the federal poverty level.
Work Requirements
People who work at least 30-80 hours a week are SNAP-eligible. Students, caregivers of children under 6 and incapacitated people, disabled people, and people in drug rehabilitation must work 30 hours a week. Able-bodied adults from 18 to 49 who are not pregnant and don’t have dependents under 18 in the household are required to work, volunteer, join workfare, or do workforce training for 80 hours a month.
Resource Requirements
Households may have up to $2,250 in a bank account or other countable sources. If at least one person is age 60 or older and/or has disabilities, households may have $3,500 in countable resources. However, these requirements may vary between states.
Housing Expenditure
Housing is generally considered affordable when it costs 30% or less of the total household income.
Immigrant Status Eligibility
You may be SNAP-eligible if you are a legal immigrant that has lived in the U.S. for 5 years or more are receiving disability-related assistance or benefits or have children under 18.
Student Eligibility
Low-income students may also be SNAP-eligible.
You can apply for the SNAP benefit at mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps.
Basic Documents Required to Receive Food Stamp Benefits
In case you are in the process of applying for Food Stamps, you will be required to collect and provide certain documents that will verify your eligibility and other provided information. The required documents include:
- Identification (e.g. a valid ID, driver’s license, passport, military ID, school ID, birth certificate, etc.)
- Proof of citizenship (e.g. a copy of your birth certificate, citizenship/naturalization documents, green card, employment authorization card, U.S. passport, etc.)
- Proof of residence (e.g. a current lease or a rent receipt, a letter from your landlord that verifies your address, a voter registration card, or mortgage records, etc.)
- Earned and unearned income (e.g. a paycheck stub, tax records, bank statements, a letter or formal statement from your employer verifying your income, benefits award letters from your state or the Social Security Administration, child support award letters, etc.)
- Medical expenses (e.g. copies of medical, dental, or mental health care bills and statements)
- Household expenses (e.g. mortgage statements, copies of rental receipts, proof of homeowner’s insurance, property tax records, copies of basic utility bills, etc.)
- Proof of disabilities (e.g. medical records, documentation of diagnosis, or a letter from your physician)
- Proof of school attendance (e.g. school schedule, course registration confirmation, etc.)
Application Process for the Food Stamps Benefit
To apply for the Food Stamp benefit, follow the instructions below:
- Go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory.
- There, you can find your state and local offices and phone numbers. Do so by clicking on your state of residence.
- Depending on what your state offers, you can apply by calling the provided phone number, visiting a local office nearby, or completing an online application. Either way, you will be required to provide some personal information and documentation that proves your eligibility.
Can You Really Get a Free Tablet Under the Food Stamps Program?
Assuming that you are SNAP-eligible or that you already participate in the government aid program, you may be wondering if there are some other benefits that you can get under the SNAP program other than food. For example, you may be wondering if it is possible to get a free tablet under the SNAP (Food Stamp) program.
The answer is yes – SNAP-eligible people can get a free tablet. However, to get this essential electronic device, you have to meet some eligibility requirements. For example, you must come from a low-income household.
Tablets, as well as laptops and smartphones, are essential electronic devices we all depend on nowadays. These devices are still too expensive for some people to acquire. Luckily, there are some government assistance programs, such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that are designed to help low-income people get free wireless service and discounted or even free devices and thus help them stay connected with the world.
SNAP participants automatically qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers discounts on monthly broadband services and connected devices, such as tablets. However, applying for SNAP isn’t enough to receive a free device. You must also apply for the ACP program. See how in the following sections.
Eligibility Rules for Each State to Receive a Free Tablet With Food Stamps
To participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers free or discounted tablets, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
- You must either qualify based on income. You can do so if your household income is at 200% of the national poverty level. The national poverty level varies by state and household size. For example, a 4-member family in Alaska must have an income level at or below $69,380 a year, in Hawaii, the threshold is at $63,840, and in the other 48 states, D.C., and territories, the threshold for applying is $55,500 a year.
- In addition to income eligibility, there is also program-based eligibility. People who participate in a government air program, such as SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Tribal programs, etc. may also qualify for a free or discounted laptop.
Participating in SNAP makes you qualify for ACP. However, to actually get the device, you will be required to apply for it via a provider or program that provides free tablets with Food Stamps.
Note: As getting a free tablet may affect your SNAP benefits, make sure to ask your provider about the impact and correlation before you take any further steps.
Documents Required When Applying for ACP to Receive a Free Tablet
As you can see, you are eligible to apply for the ACP program and potentially receive a free tablet if you participate in the Food Stamps program. However, during the ACP application process, you will be required to provide certain documents to prove your eligibility and verify some other personal information. During the process, you may be asked to provide:
Eligibility proof, such as:
- Approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, statement of benefits, or another document that confirms your participation in a government assistance program (SNAP/Food Stamps or another program)
- Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement, paycheck stubs, a Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, unemployment statement of benefits, or another program that confirms your low annual income
Identity verification, such as:
- Passport
- Valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth certificate
- Certificate of U.S. citizenship
- Green Card
Age verification, such as:
- Passport
- Valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
Address verification, such as:
- Valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Driver’s license
- Utility bill
- Mortgage
- Lease statement
Verification of emancipation, such as:
- Court document
- Certificate of emancipation
Application Process for Getting a Free Tablet With Food Stamps
Once you have successfully applied for SNAP benefits, you must apply for the ACP program as well. To do so, follow these instructions.
First, apply for the benefit through the National Verifier, a system designed to check your Lifeline and ACP eligibility. You can do so online or via mail.
To apply online, visit https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline/?awsl=link-from-how-to-apply&ebbp=true&id=nv_flow&ln=RW5nbGlzaA%3D%3D and fill out the quick and simple application form by providing all the required information and documentation.
To apply via mail, print out an application form 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 package to ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Once the National Verifier approves your application, you can choose a free tablet ACP provider and apply through the company.
Guide to Fill the Free Tablet Application Form
Filling out the ACP application form to receive a free tablet is relatively simple, regardless of whether you are applying through the National Verifier or through your selected provider. Either way, you must do the following:
- Read the application form carefully.
- Type or write in all the required information.
- Add copies (physical or digital) of your proof documentation.
- Follow the instructions carefully.
- Press ‘Next’ at the end of each digital application page.
- Press ‘Submit’ at the end of the application form.
How to Check Your Free Tablet Application Status?
After submitting the application status, the National Verifier and the selected provider will both take some time to review your application and eligibility. If they approve your application, you will be notified via email or another provided contact means.
Given the fact that you will be notified about your application status as soon as it changes, you don’t have to check it yourself. Nevertheless, if you wish to do so, you can contact the National Verifier or your provider or sign into your online account. There, you will be able to see your application status. It may be marked as pending, approved, or rejected.
Reasons for the Rejection of the Free Tablet With Food Stamps Application
In case your ACP application has been rejected, there are several reasons why it may have happened. The most common reasons for rejecting an ACP application include:
- The provided information was incorrect or incomplete.
- The provided proof documentation was incorrect, incomplete, invalid, or blurry.
- The information and documentation provided at the National Verifier don’t match the information and documentation provided to your ACP provider.
- You are not a Food Stamps subscriber and you don’t meet any other ACP eligibility requirements.
- You are not 18 years old or more or a resident of one of the states where your selected provider offers its services.
- You are not the only applicant in your household (the benefit is only available for one person per household).
If the issue is in any of the first three potential reasons, you should contact the company or National Verifier and ask to reapply. This time, make sure to provide just the right information and documentation.
List of Free Tablets With Food Stamps
Most Lifeline and/or ACP providers do not reveal exactly what tablet brands and models they provide in advance simply because their offers depend on the state and availability. Lifeline/ACP providers tend to offer new or refurbished mid-range tablets with 4G connectivity and all the basic features. According to Lifeline/ACP subscribers, you may currently receive one of the following devices:
- Apple iPad Air 2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4
- Samsung Galaxy Tab 4
- Apple iPad Air
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
- Apple iPad Mini 3
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2020
- Alcatel Joy Tab
- Apple iPad Mini 2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S2
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E
- Apple iPad 3
- Samsung Galaxy Tab A 2018
- KonnectONE Moxee Tablet
- Apple iPad Mini
Note: Free government tablets are not completely free of charge. Instead, according to government rules, you must pay a mandatory co-pay of $10 to $50 in order to receive the device.
List of Other Benefits You Can Receive in Addition to a Free Tablet With Food Stamps
Participating in the Food Stamps or SNAP assistance program will provide you with the opportunity to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program and in turn, you may get a free tablet. However, your SNAP participation may get you other valuable benefits as well, such as:
- Affordable food
- Improved food security
- Lifeline participation (which may give you a free or discounted phone or internet service and a free cell phone)
- Other benefits of ACP participation (such as free or discounted internet services and a free connected device)
The Best Providers That Provide Free Tablets With Food Stamps
Your best bet to get a free or discounted tablet with Food Stamps is via a government aid program, such as Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for low-income households. It is a permanent program designed to help low-income families get more affordable communication services. Different Lifeline providers that are available in all U.S. states offer different Lifeline benefits. Most of them offer monthly services with free minutes, text messages, and a certain amount of free monthly data. Some Lifeline providers even offer free or discounted smartphones. Keep in mind that only one Lifeline benefit is available per household and it’s non-transferable. Lifeline participation isn’t enough to receive a tablet. You must apply for the ACP program as well.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, is a long-term FCC program designed to help households and individuals who are struggling to afford internet services. It is a financial aid program that provides a discount of up to $30 a month ($75 a month in Tribal lands) towards broadband service for eligible consumers. Eligible households may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase an electronic device, such as a desktop computer, a laptop, or a tablet. Again, not all providers offer free tablets, some only offer free broadband service.
In this section, we will take a closer look at the Lifeline and ACP providers that offer free tablets.
Q Link Wireless – Free Tablet Provider
Q Link Wireless is a Lifeline provider that offers free services and tablets to eligible customers. Lifeline-eligible customers may get the tablet discount by paying a co-pay of $10.01. This offer is temporary and it depends on product availability. Read more about their Lifeline program at qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717/?signupModal.
Who Qualifies for Q Link’s Lifeline/ACP Program?
Eligibility for Lifeline/ACP varies by state, however, there are two general qualification criteria and you must meet at least one.
- You may be eligible if your total household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You may be eligible if you participate in a government assistance program, such as SNAP or Medicaid.
Application Process
Signing up for a Q Link Wireless Lifeline benefit and free tablet is easy! Simply follow the steps provided below.
- Step 1: Visit qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717/?signupModal and sign up with Q Link Wireless.
- Step 2: Get verified with a quick approval process.
- Step 3: Activate your service and receive a free tablet.
Documents Needed
When applying for Q Link’s Lifeline benefit, you may be required to provide certain documents.
Potentially required Lifeline/ACP application documents include:
- An official document verifying your identity
- An official document showing your address
- If you qualify based on your income, you will be required to provide a document that shows that your annual household income is at or below 135% (Lifeline) or 200% (ACP) of the Federal Poverty guidelines
- If you qualify based on assistance program participation, you will be required to provide an official document proving that you are currently participating in the program
StandUp Wireless-Free Tablet Provider
StandUp Wireless is a wireless service provider that participates in both Lifeline and the ACP assistance program. Not only can eligible households get a free monthly service, but they can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 on certain devices – in their case, tablets. According to the FCC, the company must charge at least $10.01 for the device.
Who Qualifies for the StandUp Wireless Lifeline/ACP Program?
Eligibility for Lifeline/ACP varies by state, however, there are two general qualification criteria and you must meet at least one. You must either qualify by income or by program participation. See the Lifeline and ACP eligibility criteria above.
Application Process
Signing up for a StandUp Wireless Lifeline/ACP benefit and free tablet is easy! Simply follow the steps provided below.
- Step 1: Visit https://standupwireless.com/apply-now/ and sign up with StandUp Wireless.
- Step 2: Qualify through the National Verifier at
- Step 3: Receive your free tablet in the mail.
- Step 4: Activate your service by calling 1-800-544-4441 or 611 from your phone.
Documents Needed
When applying for the StandUp Lifeline/ACP benefit, you may be required to provide certain documents.
Potentially required Lifeline/ACP application documents include:
- An official document verifying your identity
- An official document showing your address
- If you qualify based on your income, you will be required to provide a document that shows that your annual household income is at or below 135% (Lifeline) or 200% (ACP) of the Federal Poverty guidelines
- If you qualify based on assistance program participation, you will be required to provide an official document proving that you are currently participating in the program
AirTalk Wireless, Cintex Wireless, and NewPhone Wireless – Free Tablet Providers
AirTalk Wireless, Cintex Wireless, and NewPhone Wireless are affiliate companies that share an owner. As such, both providers offer similar services and devices and both participate in both Lifeline and ACP programs. Through their combined Lifeline + ACP programs, they offer free monthly services with free talk, text, and data, and a 4G/5G LTE smartphone and iPhone. ACP-eligible customers can also receive a brand-new tablet for only $10.01. This offer is supported by the ACP and is subject to availability.
Who Qualifies for the AirTalk, Cintex, or NewPhone Lifeline/ACP Program?
Eligibility for Lifeline/ACP varies by state, however, there are two general qualification criteria and you must meet at least one. You can either qualify based on your annual household income or based on your participation in the Food Stamp (SNAP) program or another qualifying government assistance program.
Application Process
Signing up for an AirTalk, Cintex or NewPhone Wireless Lifeline/ACP benefit and free tablet is easy! Simply follow the steps provided below.
- Step 1: Visit https://airtalkwireless.com/, https://apply.cintexwireless.com/, or https://apply.newphone.com/ and sign up with one of the three providers. To enroll, you will be required to provide certain personal information and documentation that proves your eligibility.
- Step 2: Get verified with a quick approval process.
- Step 3: Activate your service and receive a free tablet.
Documents Needed
When applying for the AirTalk, Cintex, or NewPhone Wireless Lifeline/ACP benefit, you may be required to provide certain documents.
Potentially required Lifeline/ACP application documents include:
- An official document verifying your identity
- An official document showing your address
- If you qualify based on your income, you will be required to provide a document that shows that your annual household income is at or below 135% (Lifeline) or 200% (ACP) of the Federal Poverty guidelines
- If you qualify based on assistance program participation, you will be required to provide an official document proving that you are currently participating in the program
Other Companies That Offer Free Tablets With Food Stamps:
- Easy Wireless (check out the offer and apply at https://myeasywireless.com/)
- Excess Wireless (check out the offer and apply at https://www.excesstelecom.com/)
- Go Technology Management (check out the offer and apply at https://goknows.com/emergency-broadband-benefit-12/)
- Maxsip Telecom (check out the offer and apply at https://maxsipconnects.com/)
- Moolah Wireless (check out the offer and apply at https://moolahwireless.com/tablets/)
- My Tablet ACP (check out the offer and apply at https://www.mytabletacp.com/)
- Stimulus (check out the offer and apply at https://stimulustabletjobs.com/)
- TruConnect (check out the offer and apply at https://www.truconnect.com/)
Is There a Free Tablet Available in Any Other Program?
In addition to Lifeline and ACP providers who may give SNAP participants a free tablet, low-income consumers may also get a free tablet from certain charities, non-profit organizations, and companies. Check out the full list of establishments that may offer free tablets and exactly how to get one below.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a non-profit organization that offers basic services and items to people in need. They offer food, clothes, furniture, and electronic devices, such as tablets.
You can find out how to get a free tablet at their official website at salvationarmy.org. You will be required to provide income proof and once they review it, you will be able to complete an application form and get a free tablet.
Accelerated Schools Program
This program offers both tablets and computers on loan for people in need. To get their help, you will be required to pay a security deposit of $100, which you will get back after returning the tablet or computer in proper working condition.
Adaptive.Org
This is another organization that offers free tablets and laptops to people in need. They help low-income people, disabled persons, students, veterans, etc. However, to get a free device from them, you will be required to do 10 hours of community service.
Causes
Causes is a federal company designed to provide refurbished devices to eligible applicants. To find out whether or not you may get a free tablet, make sure to contact them.
Computer Technology Assistance Corps
CTAC or Computer Technology Assistance Corps is an organization that provides financial assistance, which you can use to get a free tablet or computer. Simply contact them and ask them how to apply.
Computers For Learning
Computers for Learning is a company that provides refurbished computers and laptops to schools, universities, and colleges to help children learn with the use of technology and these useful electronic devices. To get assistance, simply contact them by phone or email.
Cty.Org
Cty.Org is a national organization that provides free and discounted tablets and laptops to low-income people. It is focused on helping teachers, students, and parents who are struggling financially. The organization also offers internet services and software.
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is a program designed to help households with an annual income of $35000 or less. They provide free internet services, tablets, laptops, and even free courses for the unemployed.
Komputers 4 Kids
This is an organization that donates tablets and computers to children and students in need. Simply contact them and ask them how to get a free tablet.
Microsoft Registered Refurbished
Microsoft is doing a great job in refurbishing tablets, laptops, and computers, and donating them to low-income families and charities. If you are struggling financially, contact them and they might be able to help you out!
On It Foundation
This renowned organization is designed to provide free internet services, tablets, laptops, and training programs to low-income people in Florida.
Smartriverside
This is an organization that works in collaboration with the government as well as several non-profit organizations to offer free tablets and laptops to low-income people.
Technology Assisting People In Need
This is a program designed to offer free computers and tablets for low-income households, students, and disabled people living in Ohio.
World Computer Exchange
World Computer Exchange is a program that collaborates with the government and some non-profit organizations. They provide free internet services and computers to children and students, thus enabling them a better education.
In addition to these options, you can also use a public tablet at a public library, win a free tablet at an online promotion (make sure it is not a scam), ask a local school or church for help, or purchase a discounted refurbished tablet.
Free Tablet With Food Stamps – Other Things You Should Know
Who is Not Eligible for the Food Stamps Program?
Every person who does not meet the SNAP or Food Stamp program eligibility criteria does not qualify for the program and cannot enroll. You can see the SNAP eligibility criteria in the section ‘What are the SNAP Eligibility Criteria?’.
Moreover, several groups were removed from the eligibility criteria in 2016, including the National School Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Low-income Home Energy assistance program, and state-created criteria.
What are the Importance of Free Tablets for Low-Income Families
Nowadays, we rely heavily on our smart devices – smartphones, laptops, computers, and more. Of all the smart devices, tablets may just be the most practical ones, as they combine the best smartphone features with the best laptop options. Tablets enable us to contact our loved ones, work, read, write, attend online classes and meetings, browse the internet, play games, watch videos, take pictures, record videos, and much more.
Unfortunately, not all people can afford to purchase this highly convenient device and these people miss out on many opportunities. Therefore, the fact that the government offers discounts on tablets comes with vital advantages. Getting a free tablet (and a monthly internet connection) enables people in need to look and apply for jobs online, work from home and on the road, educate themselves, stay in touch with loved ones, businesses, healthcare providers, and more.
What is the Food Stamps or SNAP Program?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal aid program that offers food-purchasing assistance for low-income people. Individuals and households with SNAP benefits receive financial aid each month directly deposited into the household’s EBT card account. SNAP participants may use EBT cards to pay for food at supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailers, and even some farmers’ markets.
Does Q Link Offer Free Tablets?
Yes, Q Link Wireless currently offers free tablets to eligible low-income people or consumers who participate in a government assistance program, such as SNAP or Medicaid. Read more and apply for Q Link’s free tablet and Lifeline benefit at qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717/?signupModal.
How Can I Get a Free Laptop for Low-Income Families?
There are several ways for low-income families to get a free laptop or tablet. They can get one through a government aid program, such as Lifeline or ACP, as well as through charities, non-profit organizations, and some companies. The providers, programs, and institutions that offer low-income people free tablets and laptops are listed in the previous sections.
What Are the Benefits of Receiving a Free Tablet With Food Stamps?
Getting a free tablet makes life a lot easier for people who are struggling with money. It allows them to stay connected to their loved ones, stay in touch with work, seek out better job opportunities, access the internet and find all kinds of information, get better educational opportunities, get an online education, contact emergency and medical services, etc.
Can I Get a Free Tablet Under the ACP Program?
Yes, many Affordable Connectivity Program providers offer a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a connected device. Some ACP providers offer discounts on desktop computers or laptops, and others on tablets.
Are Free Tablets Really Free?
No. According to the FCC rules, each eligible customer must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 in order to obtain the free device.
Can I Get Free Internet With Food Stamps?
Yes. Participating in the Food Stamps program makes you eligible for both Lifeline and the ACP, both of which offer discounted or free internet services.
Can I Get a Free Phone With Food Stamps?
Yes. Participating in the Food Stamps program makes you eligible for both Lifeline and the ACP, both of which offer discounted or free phones.
Free Tablet With Food Stamps: Is This SNAP Rumor True?
Yes. Even though you can get a free tablet directly through the Food Stamps/SNAP program, you can get it indirectly, as your SNAP participation makes you eligible to participate in the ACP program, which offers discounts on monthly internet services and connected devices, including tablets.
