USA Phone is a wireless service provider that offers free internet services to eligible low-income customers through the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). In addition to free monthly internet, qualifying customers can also receive a USA or US Phone free tablet.
As many low-income households cannot afford basic communication devices that would help them stay connected to friends, family, work, school, and services, it is invaluable for many such families to receive a high-quality tablet free of charge or for a very small fee.
If you are interested in getting a US Phone free tablet of your own, stay tuned.
How is it Possible to Get a US Phone Free Tablet and Service
The USA or US Phone free tablet and internet service are made possible through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a government benefit program aimed at ensuring universal online access. This program offers free services to individuals who receive government assistance, such as Food Stamps/SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, SSI, Federal Housing, Federal Pell Grants, and more.
By qualifying for these government assistance programs, individuals become eligible to benefit from the ACP’s free tablet and internet service. This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and provide equal opportunities for everyone to stay connected and access vital online resources.
Through the ACP, eligible individuals can receive a free tablet and internet service, enabling them to access educational resources, employment opportunities, healthcare information, and stay connected with loved ones. The program is funded by the government to ensure that people on government assistance can overcome the financial barriers to online connectivity.
By offering these free services, the ACP aims to empower individuals, enhance their digital literacy, and enable them to participate fully in the digital age. It recognizes the importance of internet access and digital devices in today’s society and strives to ensure that no one is left behind due to financial constraints.
Overall, the USA Phone free tablet and internet service are made possible through the ACP, a government initiative that aims to provide equal access to online resources and opportunities for individuals receiving government assistance.
What Benefits Can I Expect to Receive in Addition to the US Phone Free Tablet?
When you apply for USA Phone services (we will guide you through the application process in the following sections) and if your application gets approved, you can expect to receive the following benefits:
- A free SIM card
- USA Phone free tablet (the company does not disclose the exact tablet brand or model that you may receive, as it depends on availability, plan, and state)
- Free monthly broadband services
You have the option to utilize the SIM card for your free tablet service or enjoy the benefits of free wireless service, which includes unlimited Talk and Text.
Note: While we talk about a US Phone ‘free’ tablet, it’s important to know that ACP-provided tablets are not completely free. According to government rules, you must pay a mandatory fee ($10-$50) to receive the device.
Process of Getting a US Phone Free Tablet
To receive the benefits listed above, you should follow these instructions:
- Step 1: See if you qualify for the assistance program and benefits.
- Step 2: Prepare the information and documentation that you will need during the application process to prove your eligibility.
- Step 3: Apply for the service.
- Step 4: If approved, expect to receive the free tablet and a SIM card to your address via mail.
Do these steps confuse you? Don’t worry, as we’ll break them down for you in the following sections.
Do I Qualify for a US Phone Free Tablet and Service?
The Affordable Connectivity Program extends eligibility to households based on certain criteria. A household qualifies if their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets any of the following conditions:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
- Participates in assistance programs such as the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- Receives benefits from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Housing Assistance (including Housing Choice Voucher Program, Project-Based Rental Assistance, and Public Housing), Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), WIC, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, or Lifeline.
- Participates in assistance programs while residing on Qualifying Tribal lands, which may include Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal Head Start (income based).
Additionally, the applicant must be at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where USA Phone operates. You can check whether or not the company offers benefits in your area at https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
How to Prepare for the US Phone Free Tablet and Service Application Process?
To ensure a fast and smooth application process, you should prepare some information and documentation that proves your eligibility in advance. The documentation should be presented in the form of clear digital copies of valid official documents that contain all of the relevant information (your full name, age, address, income, and/or program participation).
Prepare the following information:
- Your full name
- Your contact information
- Date of birth
- Address
- Which government assistance program you participate in
- The last 4 digits of your Social Security Number
Prepare the following documentation:
- A valid ID (to prove your identity, age, and address)
- A government assistance program ID or card (to prove your participation in a qualifying program)
- A document that proves your low income (paycheck stubs, prior year’s tax return, a current employer’s income statement, divorce decree, child support award, etc.)
How to Apply for a US Phone Free Tablet and Service
To apply for USA Phone benefits, simply complete the application form available at the company’s official website and submit it. The company’s team will contact you when you have been qualified.
Follow these simple steps:
- Visit https://usaphone.org/.
- Scroll down to get to the company’s application form.
- Fill out the form by providing the following:
- First name
- Last name
- Mobile number
- Date of birth
- ZIP code
- Residence address
- Apartment or Suite #
- City
- State
- Have you applied with the Program before?
- Select government benefit (Food Stamps/SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security, SSI, Federal Public Housing, Tribal Benefits, Federal Pell Grant, Veterans Pension, WIC, or your yearly income is 60,000 or less)
- Add a government ID copy (make sure it is valid)
- Last 4 of SSN
- Signature
- Agree with the terms and conditions and give other consents.
- Review the form to make sure you didn’t make any mistakes or that you didn’t miss anything.
- Submit the form.
- The company may or may not require you to apply through the National Verifier separately. If so, an agent will provide you with all the information.
When Can I Expect to Receive My US Phone Free Tablet and Service?
Once you submit your application, the company will do its best to review it as promptly as possible. The company will review all of the information and documentation copies that you have provided and try to verify the validity of the provided data. In case the company is unable to determine the validity, an agent will contact you and ask you to provide additional information and/or documentation. In order to prevent any delays or unnecessary double verifications, make sure to include all of the required details in your application and not make any mistakes.
The application will typically be reviewed in a matter of a few hours to a few days. Afterward, the company will immediately ship your package including the tablet and SIM card via mail completely free of charge. You can expect your goods to arrive at your home address within 5 business days of approval.
In case the package hasn’t arrived within this time, you can contact the company’s customer care service and ask an agent about your package’s whereabouts. Contact the team by phone at 866-372-0619 or via email at [email protected].
The Pros and Cons of Getting a US Phone Free Tablet
Before you commit to USA Phone services and apply for the benefits, you should keep in mind that getting a USA Phone free tablet comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Review them to make an informed decision about whether or not this is the right solution for you.
Pros:
- You will receive a reliable tablet for a very low price.
- You will be able to use the device to browse for information, stay in touch with loved ones, work or search for a new job, get a formal or informal online education, access virtual meetings and webinars, read and write, stream videos, listen to music, play games, etc.
- Receiving a tablet through the government is safe and simple and you don’t have to worry about being scammed (as you should if trying to acquire a free tablet through an online giveaway).
- In addition to the tablet, you will also receive monthly internet service and a SIM card, both completely free of charge.
Cons:
- USA Phone doesn’t reveal the tablet brand or model in advance nor does it allow customers to choose from a variety of different devices. As such, you won’t really know what you’ve applied for until you receive the device.
- The tablet isn’t completely free of charge. Instead, you will have to pay a mandatory co-pay of between $10 and $50.
- ACP providers usually don’t offer the most recent and advanced devices, however, they are reliable and include all the basic features.
- As an ACP subscriber, you will be required to follow some rules, such as reapplying for the benefit once a year, using the benefit at least once every 30 days in order to keep receiving it, informing the provider if you no longer qualify for the benefit, only receiving the benefit from one provider at a time, only applying for one benefit per eligible household, etc.