In today’s world, to lead a happy and secure life, communication with others is a must. And for that purpose, we need a communication device, such as a mobile phone or a tablet.
Through the two federal programs , lifeline and affordable Connectivity Program, government is trying to make telecommunication and internet facility almost free for those who are unable to afford these services or bear the costs by themselves. With the help of these government program, someone can get a free tablet , free data package, and discount on monthly internet services to access healthcare, education resources and job opportunities.
To get benefits from affordable Connectivity Program and lifeline program, you first need to submit an application. If you meet all the criteria and submit an application and if your application is approved, then you get a tablet for almost free with a free data plan and also get discount on your monthly internet expenses.
Steps To Apply For Free Tablet From Government
- Ensure your state’s free tablet program: To apply for the affordable connectivity program, first ensure that the service is offered to your state. For that, go to ACP’s official website and find out if the service that you want is available in your state.
- Verify your eligibility for the program: You have to verify your eligibility for the program. You can verify your eligibility in two ways. Your income based eligibility and your participation based eligibility.
- Gather necessary documents and information: You have to gather and prepare your necessary documents. You have to submit your proof of income and proof of participation in a federal assistance program.
- Choose a service provider: You have to choose a service provider. You may apply through this provider. The provider also helps you to get the benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- Fill out the application form accurately and completely: You should fill out the application form accurately and completely. Inaccurate and incomplete applications are generally rejected by the authority. So, carefully fill out the application form.
- Submit The Application: After Completion of your application, you have to submit it. You can submit your application online, via mail, or via your chosen provider.
- Wait for processing and approval: After submitting the application , you have to wait for processing and approval. If your application is approved by the authority, then you will get all benefits of ACP with an almost free tablet (Government will give a discount of up to $100 for the tablet, and you have to pay only $10.01).
Eligibility For Affordable Connectivity Program
Affordable Connectivity program provides a free tablet for those who are able to fulfill the criteria for the program.
There are two types of criteria to determine if a household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program or not. These are: Income based criteria and Participation based criteria.
Income Based Criteria
A person or house hold is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if his/her, or the house hold’s income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Participation Based Criteria
Participation based criteria depends on the participation in a government or Federal program. If a person or a member of the household participates in such a program then he/she or the household will qualify for receiving the benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
A person is qualified for the program if he/she
- Received a Federal Pell Grant award during the current award year.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program. If the AirTalk Wireless is the provider, then the house hold should meet the eligibility criteria for AirTalk Wireless’s low-income internet program.
Participates in Assistance Programs
- The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP.)
- Medicaid.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, infants and Children (WIC).
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits.
Participates in the following Assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (income based).
Qualify through his/her child or dependent
A household can be eligible for the ACP by any member of the family. For example, if your child or dependent participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, or school breakfast program, then your household qualifies for the Free ACP Benefits.
If You Have Already Received Lifeline Benefits, then you are also qualified for the ACP
Lifeline is a government program for low income people to make them capable of using communication services. If you are a lifeline beneficier then you are automatically qualified for the affordable Connectivity Program. And if you wish you may get benefits of these two programs at the same time.
Documents Required To Qualify For The Affordable Connectivity Program
You have to submit the following documents to qualify for the affordable Connectivity Program.
Proof of eligibility: You need any of the two types of proof of eligibility to qualify for the affordable Connectivity program. One is for the proof of eligibility of your participation in government assistant program. The other is for your income based eligibility. If you take part in any Government or Federal Program, you may get a document or certificate for the participation in the program. You can submit it to the affordable connectivity program as a proof of participation. On the other hand you can submit a copy of your recent tax return as a proof of your income based eligibility.
Proof of identity: Government always tries to make sure that you are the person that apply for the program. So, you must submit your proof of identity. And for that you can submit a government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
Proof of address: You must submit a proof of address, or proof of your residence. For that you can provide a document that shows your current address, such as a utility bill or lease agreement.
Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. So consumers must be approved and enrolled with a service provider by 11:59 p.m ET on February 7th to receive the ACP benefits. The existing ACP beneficiaries will continue to receive their ACP benefits for at least April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change.
Application Process To Get A Government Tablet Under The Affordable Connectivity Program
You can apply for the ACP through the following Processes:
If you want to apply through the ACP website to get your free tablet , then you can apply in the following process:
Apply Via ACP Website:
- Go to the ACP official website.
- Click on the “Apply ” button.
- Follow the instructions on the website and complete your application.
- Provide necessary information, such as your name, your address, your email, your city, state, Zip code, income information, and information on your participation in government assistance programs.
- You may have to provide eligibility documents.
- Submit your application, with the necessary documents.
- The ACP will review your application and send an email confirmation to you to inform you of their decision.
- If your application is approved, you will get a voucher from the Government which you can redeem for a free tablet from your preferred provider .
Apply Via Mail
- You have to download the application form and the household worksheet from ACP official website.
- Now, take print out of the papers.
- Complete the application form and the household worksheet properly..
- Gather required documents to support your eligibility.
- Now, send the application form and the household worksheet, with all other documents to the following address: ACP Support Center, PO Box 9100, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
- The FCC will review your application and notify you of their decision.
- If your application is approved, you will get a coupon via from the Government which you can redeem for an almost free tablet from your preferred provider.
- Via a Provider: You can apply for the free tablet under Affordable connectivity program through a provider’s website also. To apply via a provider, first choose a provider that suits you best. Then apply through the provider’s website. The process is:
- You have to select an ACP service provider and go to their official website.
- On the webpage navigate to the application section and enter your Zip Code and Email address. Thus start the application process.
- Now, follow the onscreen instructions and complete the application process.
Some Reasons For The Rejection Of Your Free Government Tablet Application and Their Perfect Solution
If your application for a free government tablet has been rejected, there could be several reasons why this was happened. Here are given some common reasons for rejection of the application and their potential solutions:
Incomplete Application
Your application may have been rejected because it was incomplete or missing important information.
Solution: After completing the application, carefully check if any information is missing or incomplete. If you are not sure about any information or have any query , then please contact the relevant government agency for assistance about the issue.
Ineligibility
Before apply, try to know about all eligibility criteria. You may have been rejected for ineligibility. Say, the program is launched for low income people, and if you are not a low income but apply for the program, then your application will be rejected surely.
Solution: You should read everything on their website. This will make you conscious about all the necessary information. Take a clear vision of the eligibility criteria and evaluate with your condition. If you are fully eligible then apply. it is hoped that your application then may not be rejected.
Limited funding
The government may have limited funding available for the free tablet program, and this could have resulted in your application being rejected.
Solution: Actually there is no instant solution for this problem. You have to wait until the government fund is available. If you like you can seek for other alternatives to get a tablet.
Lack of supporting documents
Your application may have been rejected for lack of supporting documents. If you did not submit all necessary documents, say your proof of income, or proof of identity, etc. then your application may have been rejected.
Solution: Carefully read the guidelines and eligibility criteria for the program and prepare all necessary documents. Make sure you submit all the documents that are necessary.
Errors on the application
Your application may have been rejected if there were errors or wrong information.
Solution: Double check your application before submitting it. If you realize that there are still any error after submission, then contact the relevant agency to correct it.
Duplicate application
Your application may have been rejected if you submitted more than one application for the same program. The FCC authority does not accept more than one application from one household.
Solution: Make sure you only submit one application and keep a record of it when you submitted it.
Lack of response
Sometimes your submitted documents are not enough to prove your eligibility. Additional documentation may be required. If you did not respond to a request for additional information or clarification, your application may have been rejected.
Solution: Carefully ensure that you may not miss any email, messages or Phone call from the government agency. If you get any email, message or call, try to respond immediately and provide all the documents that are asked for.
Incorrect contact information
Your application may have been rejected if your contact information, such as your email or phone number, was incorrect or outdated.
Solution: Make sure that you provide accurate contact information and update it if necessary.
Provider That Provide Free Tablet from Government
- Cintex Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- Maxsip Telecom
- Le Wireless USA
FAQ
How long does it take to receive a free tablet after submitting the application?
It takes several days to several weeks to receive a free tablet after submitting the application. It depends on the approval of the application, the availability of the tablets, the date of shipment and the state from where you will receive the tablet.
How to get help with the application process?
You should read the terms and conditions of the program. Read the full guidelines. If you further have any issue, please contact their customer care.
Can I apply for more than one free tablet?
No, you cannot apply for more than one tablet. The authority allows one tablet per household.
What should I do if I am not eligible for the free tablet program?
If you are not eligible for the free tablet program, then you may try alternative ways to get a tablet. You may take part in online contests and win a tablet, or find deals in trade in programs, or you may check for a refurbished one for free or low cost.
Can I apply for a free tablet if I already own one?
The answer is yes and no. lets make it clear. If you have a tablet from lifeline or affordable connectivity program then you cannot apply for the second one. But if you have a tablet that you purchase yourself and there is no involvement of the lifeline or affordable connectivity program with it then you can apply for a free tablet.
What happens if I lose or damage my free tablet?
If you lose or damage your free tablet, then inform the program administrator immediately about it. They will decide what to do according to their rules and regulations.
Will I have to pay for the tablet in future?
No, you will not have to pay for the tablet in future. You only have to pay a one time fee of $10.01. That’s all.