Free Tablet with EBT

If you receive government benefits on an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card, you may qualify for discounted or even free technology to help you stay connected. EBT is the system used for SNAP (food stamp) and other benefit programs, which means SNAP or Medicaid recipients typically meet income-based eligibility. Federal programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Lifeline Program use this eligibility to offer low-income households free or reduced-cost internet devices, including tablets. In this guide we explain what EBT is, how ACP and Lifeline work, which providers offer free or discounted tablets, and step-by-step how to apply. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to claim a free tablet with EBT!

What is EBT and How It Works?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the nationwide electronic system used to deliver public benefits, most commonly SNAP food assistance. Instead of paper coupons, your SNAP or WIC benefits are loaded onto an EBT debit-style card that you can use at stores. Importantly, having an EBT card means you participate in a federal or state assistance program. That often automatically qualifies you for other aid programs. In practice, if your household is receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or certain other benefits, you can usually use that status to qualify for free or reduced-cost internet services and devices under Lifeline or ACP. In short, your EBT card is proof that you meet the low-income requirements for these connectivity programs.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal benefit that subsidized internet service and devices for low-income households. Under ACP, eligible families received up to $30 per month off their broadband bill ($75 on tribal lands) and a one-time $100 discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet. In practice, this device discount allowed customers to buy a tablet through a participating provider for around a $10 copayment. This initiative helped many SNAP and Medicaid recipients afford internet and digital devices. However, Congress did not renew ACP’s funding, and the program ended on June 1, 2024. While new ACP enrollments are closed, providers still use similar eligibility rules (SNAP/EBT, Medicaid, etc.) for their Lifeline plans.

Key points about ACP: it provided a monthly internet discount and a one-time device credit. Though ACP ended in mid-2024, you may still hear ACP mentioned by providers who used the program – just know that today you would sign up through their Lifeline or other low-income plans.

Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program is a long-standing FCC benefit that helps low-income households stay connected by giving a monthly service discount. Typically, Lifeline reduces your phone or internet bill by $9.25 per month (or $34.25 on tribal lands). In many states, Lifeline adds even more – for example, California’s program can give up to $19 off per month, and Oregon’s can provide $19.25 off internet plus free phones for qualifying families. To qualify for Lifeline, your household must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or participate in federal assistance programs. In fact, simply getting SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or similar benefits usually makes you eligible. (EBT card holders typically fit these criteria.)

Once qualified for Lifeline, you sign up with a participating carrier (phone or internet company). That company then applies the discount to your monthly service. Although Lifeline by itself does not guarantee a free tablet, many providers include free devices as part of their Lifeline/ACP service plans. For example, some carriers advertise that signing up will earn you a free smartphone or tablet along with your discounted plan. In summary, Lifeline offers ongoing bill savings (especially for EBT recipients) and can come with promotional free devices.

Providers Offering Free or Discounted Tablets

Several authorized providers give free or low-cost tablets to eligible Lifeline/ACP customers. Among the most well-known are Q Link Wireless, Assurance Wireless (Virgin Mobile), StandUp Wireless, Safelink Wireless (TracFone), Life Wireless (Verizon), and regional carriers like AirTalk Wireless. Availability and device types vary by carrier and state. For example:

• StandUp Wireless: Offers free government phones and plans in many states (e.g. free talk/text + 4.5GB data per month). StandUp’s site even mentions providing a free tablet (such as the 8″ Vortex Tab 8) to qualifying low-income customers.
• Q Link Wireless: A major Lifeline/ACP provider that has historically offered free smartphones and tablets (often with a ~$10 copay) for qualifying households. Plans include unlimited talk/text and data.
• Assurance Wireless: Provides free smartphones and service to eligible Lifeline participants; some promotions may include a tablet for high-data users.
• Safelink Wireless: A Lifeline brand (TracFone) that provides free phones to qualifying households and may offer tablets through special offers.
• Life Wireless: A Verizon-affiliated Lifeline provider offering free phones in areas where Verizon service is available.
• Unity Wireless and others: Smaller regional carriers like Unity Wireless that participate in Lifeline/ACP and sometimes include free tablets or devices.

Each provider has its own application process. To find which carriers offer EBT free tablets in your area, you can check the FCC’s Lifeline provider map or use the Lifeline National Verifier tool. (The Verifier lets you see participating providers by ZIP code.) Whichever carrier you choose, you will apply through them to receive the tablet as part of your Lifeline/ACP service.

State-Specific Programs and Benefits

Some states enhance the federal program with additional discounts or device offers. For example:

• California: The California LifeLine program provides up to $19.25 per month discount on phone or internet bills for qualifying households. Carriers like TruConnect offer free smartphones with ample data to Californians on Lifeline.
• Oregon: Oregon Lifeline offers up to $19.25 off internet and $15.25 off phone. Some Oregon carriers (like Access Wireless) give free smartphones with data to eligible users.
• New Jersey: New Jersey residents on income-based aid can enroll in Lifeline with providers like Assurance Wireless or Safelink, which offer a free smartphone and wireless service at no monthly cost.
• New York: SNAP, Medicaid, or similar participants in NY automatically qualify for Safelink Wireless’s free phone and service program.

Additionally, Tribal lands get extra support: tribal residents receive $34.25/month off (instead of $9.25) under Lifeline. Always check your specific state’s rules – many states have utility boards or agencies (like CPUC in California) that manage these benefits.

Eligibility Requirements & Documentation

To get a free or discounted tablet, you must first meet the program’s eligibility. Generally, you qualify if any member of your household participates in a federal assistance program or if your income is low enough. Qualifying programs include:

• SNAP (Food Stamps) or TANF
• Medicaid or CHIP
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
• Certain Tribal assistance programs
• Other state-specific assistance

Participation in any of the above usually suffices, regardless of exact income. (For example, having SNAP automatically makes you Lifeline-eligible.) You may need to prove this with documentation. Common required documents are:

• Proof of Program Participation: A benefit award letter or statement showing your name and program (e.g. SNAP/EBT approval letter, Medicaid card, SSI letter). Note: An EBT card by itself is usually not enough; you typically need the official award letter or benefits statement for verification.
• Photo ID: A government-issued ID (driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.) for the person applying.
• Proof of Address: Recent utility bill, lease agreement, or official letter showing your current address.
• Additional Info: Some applications may ask for Social Security Number (last 4 digits), birthdate, or tribal ID, depending on the program.

Collect these documents before you apply. Many providers allow you to upload scans or photos of them online. Having everything ready will make approval faster.

Apply Free Tablet with Internet Now!

How to Apply for a Free Tablet with EBT

Follow these general steps to apply for a free government tablet using your EBT-qualifying benefits:

1. Check Your Eligibility. Visit the Lifeline National Verifier or a provider’s eligibility tool to confirm you qualify (by program participation or income). This will show which programs make you eligible.
2. Choose a Participating Provider. Find a Lifeline/ACP provider in your state that offers EBT tablets for free. (Carrier websites or the FCC map can help.) Popular options include Q Link, StandUp, and Assurance, among others.
3. Complete the Application. Go to the provider’s website and fill out the Lifeline/ACP application form. You’ll enter personal info like name, address, and your assistance program details.
4. Submit Documentation. Upload or mail the documents proving eligibility (SNAP award letter, ID, etc.) as instructed. If you’re using the National Verifier, it may automatically verify your SNAP or Medicaid status in many cases.
5. Wait for Approval and Receive Your Tablet. After your application is submitted, the provider will review it. Once approved, they will send you the tablet (and any SIM card/service kit) to your home. Follow their setup instructions to activate your service.

Each provider’s process is similar, but check their site for specifics. Be sure to re-certify or respond to any follow-up requests annually to keep your benefit.

Conclusion

Don’t miss out on this valuable benefit. If you have an EBT card or are enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, or another qualifying assistance program, you should act now. Visit a trusted provider’s website or the official Lifeline site to start your free government tablet with EBT application. By applying today, you can get your free tablet with EBT and begin saving on your phone or internet service.