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 the 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.
What are the 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 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 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.
Can You Really Get a Free Tablet Under the Food Stamp 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 or have children that are still students.
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 Emergency Broadband Benefits (EBB) 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.
To participate in such a government aid program that 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 135% of the national poverty level.
- 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, etc. may also qualify for a free or discounted laptop.
Participating in SNAP makes you qualify for a government assistance program that offers free electronic devices, such as Lifeline and EBB. 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. In the following section, we will take a closer look at the best providers/programs that provide free tablets with SNAP.
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.
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 Emergency Broadband Benefit or EBB.
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, laptops, or tablets. Keep in mind that only one Lifeline benefit is available per household and it’s non-transferable.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), on the other hand, is a temporary FCC program designed to help households and individuals who are struggling to afford internet service during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is a financial aid program that provides a discount of up to $50 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 EBB providers that offer free tablets.
T-Mobile
T-Mobile is one of America’s ‘big four’ carriers. It offers many different plans, devices, and a nationwide network. T-Mobile is also an Emergency Broadband Benefit provider. As such, the company helps eligible households affected by the Covid-19 pandemic get free EBB services (there are different plan options available) and, depending on availability, even a no-cost tablet with unlimited data on their network (depending on availability). If a tablet is indeed available in your state and at the time of your inquiry, you may receive a Moxee Tablet or Alcatel Joy Tab 2. Read more at t-mobile.com/business/government/state-local-government/emergency-broadband-benefit.
Who Qualifies for T-Mobile’s EBB Program?
- Households that qualify for the Lifeline program.
- Households with income at 135% of the national poverty level.
- Households that participate in another government aid program, such as SNAP or Medicaid.
- Households that received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- Households that experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020, and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers.
- In addition, only current T-Mobile customers on an eligible rate plan can qualify.
Application Process
To sign up for T-Mobile’s EBB program, simply follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Confirm your eligibility. Visit getemergencybroadband.org/?icid=MGPO_TMO_U_21TMOEBB_7GB6DU9M5JB8XJIE24759 and fill out the form. Once you have verified your eligibility, you can proceed.
- Step 2: Complete the enrollment application at t-mobile.com/customers/emergency-broadband-benefit. Make sure to log in to your account type and to fill out the form in the exact same way you did during step 1.
Documents Needed
When applying for T-Mobile’s EBB discount and benefit, you may be required to provide certain documents.
Potentially required EBB 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% 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
- If you qualify based on substantial loss of income, you will have to provide a document showing loss of income due to job loss (including bankruptcy or business closure) or furlough since February 29, 2020, and a document proving that your annual household income is now below $99,000 for single filers or $198,000 for joint fillers
- As EBB participants must be at least 18 years old or emancipated, emancipated minors must provide a court document or certification proving their emancipated minor status.
The applicant can make copies or take pictures of the required document using a scanner, copy machine, camera, or smartphone. Copies must be clear, easy to read, and should not be blurry or too dark. Make sure to never submit original documents.
Q Link Wireless
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 Program?
Eligibility for Lifeline 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 meets your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you are currently unemployed.
- 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 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% 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
Currently, no other Lifeline or EBB providers offer free tablets, however, this may change in the future, therefore it’s best to check the different provider’s current offers every once in a while.
Is There a Free Tablet Available in Any Other Program?
In addition to Lifeline and EBB 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 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 Others Thing You Should Know
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 EBB, 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.
