Q Link Wireless is a wireless telecommunications company and Lifeline provider. The company offers free and discounted wireless services to Lifeline-eligible customers. They provide prepaid mobile services, including talk, text, and data services. Lifeline-eligible customers can get a free Always On Lifeline Plan, which includes unlimited data, unlimited talk, and text, unlimited picture messages, voicemail, 3-way calling, access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations, a free SIM card, the ability to keep your phone and number, and a new tablet for Affordable Connectivity Program-eligible customers.
In this article, you will find out all you need to know about the Q Link Wireless free tablet offer. Let’s dive right into it!
Does Q Link Wireless Offer Free Tablets in 2023?
Q Link Wireless is both an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline provider.
Lifeline is a government assistance program that offers eligible customers free cellular phone services every month.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, is a long-term program providing discounted monthly broadband internet services and certain connected devices. It is operated by the FCC and it provides unlimited data, talk, text, and a new tablet to eligible customers. ACP is a new government assistance program that replaced the former Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) on December 31, 2021.
In order to qualify for the Lifeline and/or ACP, you must either participate in a government program like Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI, have your household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or be currently unemployed.
Only ACP-eligible customers are qualified to receive a new tablet as a part of the ACP device discount. While the tablet is not completely free of charge, it is highly discounted. Eligible customers are only required to pay a $10.01 co-pay fee. Also, note that this is a limited-time offer, that it depends on product availability, and that it depends on FCC rules and updates.
How to Get Q Link Wireless Free Tablet
As we have mentioned before, only Affordable Connectivity Program-eligible customers will receive a new tablet as a part of their ACP device discount. The tablet will be equipped with a webcam, microphone, and Wi-Fi capability. After applying an ACP device credit of up to $100, the eligible customer will be required to pay a $10.01 co-pay, which he or she must pay within 30 days. The FCC does not allow this amount to be subject to company credits that the customer may have earned for previous purchases. Once the customer places the order, the shipment may take up to 6 or 8 weeks, depending on availability. Note that this is a limited-time offer subject to product availability.
Complete Eligibility Rules for Each State to Receive a Q Link Wireless Free Tablet From the U.S. Government in 2023
Only ACP-eligible customers qualify to receive a new tablet. You can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program in two cases.
First, if you participate in the same government programs as Lifeline, such as:
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- SSI
- WIC
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Survivors Pension Benefits Fund
- Tribal Assistance programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- If you already receive a Lifeline benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- If your household has received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Second, if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
In addition, you must be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor) to participate in the ACP program.
Documents Required When Applying for Q Link Wireless Free Tablet
When you apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you may be asked to provide information or documentation to prove your eligibility. These documents include:
- An official document to prove a qualifying assistance program participation (for example, approval letter, benefit verification letter, benefit award letter, etc.)
- An official document that confirms that your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines (for example, last year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer, unemployment or worker’s compensation statement of benefits, etc.)
- Identity verification document (for example, a state ID, U.S. driver’s license, SSN, passport, etc.)
- Address documentation and duplicate address
- An official document showing substantial loss of income
- An official document showing that you are either 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
You will be asked to make clear copies or pictures of the documents and to send these copies (never original documents) either online or by mail.
Application Process to Get a Q Link Wireless Free Tablet
You can apply for the ACP and Lifeline program at qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717. Simply provide the required information and documentation and follow the simple on-screen instructions. The application process will only take a few minutes and afterward, you will be notified whether or not you qualify. In case you do qualify, you will get verified, and you will be able to activate Q Link’s service and receive all the benefits, including the new tablet.
In Which Areas Currently Q Link Offers Free Tablets?
Q Link’s ACP-eligible customers can get a discounted tablet in any U.S. state, however, the exact eligibility requirements, terms, and conditions vary from state to state. You can find out more about Q Link’s state-specific terms and conditions at qlinkwireless.com/terms (STATE-SPECIFIC TERMS AND CONDITIONS).
The best way to make sure whether or not you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program and can receive a new tablet is by signing up at https://qlinkwireless.com/acp/. It will only take a few minutes to sign up and you will get notified whether you qualify in no time. You can also contact Q Link Wireless customer support at qlinkwireless.com/members/support.aspx and ask them any tablet or ACP-related questions you may have. You call also call 611 or 1 (855) 754 – 6543 to find out more about the Affordable Connectivity Program.
What Are The Benefits if I Qualify for a Q Link Lifeline and/or ACP Program?
Both Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program are assistance programs designed to help low-income individuals and households receive government benefits. Lifeline is designed to ensure low-income households have access to basic telecommunication services and thus stay connected to their family members, jobs, healthcare providers, and emergency services. ACP is an additional limited-time program created by the FCC as a response to the COVID-19 crisis that provides discounted monthly broadband internet services and certain connected devices.
The benefits of qualifying for the Q Link Lifeline and/or ACP program include:
- Free or discounted cell phone service
- Unlimited talk, text, data
- Unlimited picture messages
- Free SIM card
- Free activation
- The ability to bring your own phone and keep your number
- Nationwide coverage and access to America’s largest 4G LTE and 5G network (T-Mobile)
- Constant access to emergency service calls to 911
- The ability to connect to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations
- A new tablet
- No contracts, no monthly bills, no fees
What Are Q Link Wireless Lifeline and ACP Plans?
Q Link Wireless Lifeline plans may vary by state. The company’s Always On Plan includes free monthly cell phone service with:
- Unlimited data (funded by the ACP program)
- Unlimited texts
- Unlimited talk
- Additional benefits, such as nationwide calling, call waiting, caller ID, 3-way calling, voicemail, ability to connect to Wi-Fi, free 911, free domestic roaming, 411 directory assistance, text and picture messages, etc.
If you are also ACP-eligible, you may also receive a new tablet in addition to the free service plan mentioned above.
Who is Not Eligible for the Q Link Wireless Lifeline and ACP?
People who are not eligible for the Q Link Wireless Lifeline and ACP are the ones that do not meet any of the ACP eligibility criteria listed in the section ‘How to Qualify for Q Link Wireless Free Tablet?’. If you are not sure whether or not you qualify, you can determine your eligibility through the National Verifier.
Are There Any Restrictions for Q Link Wireless Free Tablets?
To get the discounted tablet, you must meet some requirements and respect some restrictions. The restrictions include:
- You can only get a new tablet if you are ACP-eligible (see the eligibility requirements above).
- You must pay a $10.01 co-pay to receive the device.
- You must pay within 30 days.
- The FCC doesn’t allow the co-pay ($10.01) to be subject to company credits that you may have earned for previous purchases or to be subject to a general or universal waiver.
- You cannot choose the tablet, as this offer is subject to product availability.
- You must understand that this is a limited-time promotional offer.
- The offer may vary depending on the state and availability.
- It may take up to 6 or 8 weeks after placing the order to receive the device, depending on availability and location.
- It is a one-time offer and the device is non-transferable.
Which Brand Tablets Does Q Link Wireless Offer for Free?
Q Link Wireless doesn’t offer free tablets, however, they do offer new tablets at a highly discounted price of $10.01 to their Affordable Connectivity Program-eligible customers. The brand and model of the discounted tablet depend on the location and availability and the customer cannot choose the exact device he or she wishes to receive. However, all the provided models feature a webcam, microphone, and Wi-Fi capability.
While Q Link doesn’t offer a list of potential tablet brands and models eligible customers may receive, other sources claim that eligible customers may receive one of the following tablet models:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8″ Ruggedized Tablet, Black
- Apple 12.9-inch iPad Pro 2021- Space Gray
- 2020 Apple iPad – Space Gray (8th generation)
- New Microsoft Surface Go 2 – Platinum (Latest Model)
- Fire HD 10 Tablet + Amazon Standing Case (Sandstone White)
- LG G Pad 5 -4GB LTE Unlocked Tablet
- Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Tablet
You can read one of our past articles Latest Qlink Wireless Compatible Phones
Can I Replace a Q Link Free Tablets?
While Q Link doesn’t state any official tablet replacement rules on their website, we may assume that the replacement rules for discounted ACP tablets are similar or the same as mobile device replacement rules.
When it comes to mobile devices and accessories, Q Link states that in case the tablet is defective, you can return it within 14 days from the delivery date. Q Link Wireless may replace the product with a refurbished product of the same model if the model is available, otherwise, you may receive a comparable refurbished product. To replace a defective phone, call Q Link’s customer support service at 1-855-754-6543.
If your Q Link Wireless mobile device gets lost or stolen, on the other hand, you may purchase a replacement device for a small fee. In the case of a cell phone, the fee is $25.
As mentioned before, these replacement rules apply to mobile devices (and accessories). To find out whether the same rules apply for discounted ACP tablets, contact Q Link’s customer service.
Read one of our past articles How To Replace Qlink Wireless Phone
Alternative Ways to Get Free Tablets for Low-Income Families From Charities and Non-profit Organizations
In case you applied for a discounted government-funded tablet at Q Link and got rejected, you may still be able to receive a free or discounted government tablet from charities and non-profit organizations.
Volunteers at charities and non-profit organizations may sometimes receive a PC, laptop, or tablet. Thrift stores regularly donate used tablets to their staff members. Certain charities also offer free tablets to people in need. They may provide either new or used tablets. Churches and other religious institutions and groups are also known to offer free tablets to low-income households and students. In addition, students from low-income families may receive a free or discounted tablet at school.
The programs and organizations that may offer you a free or discounted tablet include:
- Smartriverside
- Everyoneon
- Ctac-Computer Technology Assistance Corps
- Freecycle
- The Salvation Army
- With Reasons
- Microsoft Registered Refurbished
- The On It Foundation
- Technology Assisting People In Need
- World Computer Exchange
- Adaptive.Org
- Cfy.Org
- Computers For Learning
- Komputers 4 Kids
- Accelerated Schools Programs
- Public Libraries
- Local Churches
- Search for used or refurbished tablets, as many companies may offer them for free
- Federation of Italian American Organizations of Brooklyn offers free tablets for Kings County seniors
How Free Government Tablets Help Low-income People?
There are many ways in which receiving a free government tablet may help low-income people that may not be able to afford to purchase one.
- It helps low-income individuals and families stay in touch with family members and friends.
- It provides internet access and thus enables low-income people to take an online course, read books, studies, and articles available on the internet, get an online education, and learn new skills.
- It enables people to apply for jobs.
- It enables students to apply for scholarships and education programs.
- It enables people to do their jobs and earn money.
- It enables people to monitor their health and stay in touch with health care providers.
- It provides more advanced communication equipment that can in many ways replace a cell phone.
- By providing more communication, work, education, and other options, it may improve the quality of life.
In case you also need information on Free Government Cell Phones For Low Income
How Do I Transfer My Q Link Wireless EBB Benefit to ACP in 2023 if I am Already Receiving EBB?
Customers who have enrolled in the Q Link Wireless EBB program before it expired on December 31, 2021, had a 60-day transition period to roll over to the ACP program. This transition period ended on March 1, 2022. During the transition period, EBB customers continued to receive EBB discounts, however, after the transition period, they will receive the ACP benefits instead (assuming that they remain eligible for the new program). After the transition period, ACP-eligible customers will continue to receive a free phone service with unlimited data, talk, and text. Fortunately, most EBB and ACP eligibility criteria are the same, therefore most former EBB customers will continue to receive ACP benefits. Either way, Q Link has contacted EBB subscribers letting them know if they still qualify and whether or not they have to re-apply.
Other Things You Should Know About Q Link Wireless Free Tablet
What Is Q Link Lifeline Program?
Q Link Wireless Lifeline program is a government assistance program designed to help make communications services more affordable for low-income people. It offers discounts on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages of up to $9.25 (or $34.25 for eligible customers on Tribal lands). Q Link Lifeline provides free monthly phone service with free data, talk, and text for people in need.
Does Q Link Charge Any Cost for Free Tablets?
Yes. The tablets you can receive at Q Link aren’t completely free of charge but highly discounted instead. To receive the discounted tablet you will be required to pay a $10.01 co-pay.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Q Link Free Tablets?
Once the customer places the order, the shipment may take up to 6 or 8 weeks, depending on availability.
What Is Going to Happen to Q Link EBB Subscribers Who Enrolled Before December 30, 2021?
Q Link EBB subscribers who enrolled prior to December 30, 2021, continued to receive EBB benefits during the 60-day transition period until March 1, 2022. Before the transition period came to an end, the company contacted all EBB subscribers, letting them know whether or not they also qualify for the new Affordable Connectivity Program, what they have to do to qualify once again, whether or not they have to re-apply, and exactly how to do so. Most former EBB customers then continued to receive similar ACP benefits.
Does Q Link Give Free Phones?
No, Q Link provides their Lifeline and ACP-eligible customers with free cell phone service with unlimited data, talk, and text, and discounted tablets. However, unlike some other Lifeline providers, the company does not provide free phones.
Can I Use Any SIM Card on Q Link Free Tablets?
It depends on whether or not the tablet is unlocked. If it is unlocked, you may be able to use any SIM card with it. However, if you wish to use the tablet with Q Link’s free monthly services, which a Lifeline or ACP-eligible customer will receive, you will have to use Q Link’s SIM card.
Does Q Link Tablet Have a Hotspot?
It depends on the exact tablet model you may receive. However, Q Link currently doesn’t offer a hotspot for devices with their plans.
