Free tablets have been a privilege to the deprived people. They have come out as a boon to tether the lower section of society with the rest of the population, thus clearing the impediments to digital inclusion.
Some organizations are distributing these free tablets to underprivileged people to ensure wider access to digital services.
For example, the tablet distributed under project SIERCAR in Ukraine helped the students continue their education in war-torn situations. Similarly, free laptops in Kalamazoo, US, helped seniors complete their studies during the COVID outbreak.
Here we have a catalogue of organizations and companies providing free tablets to the deprived section.
Where to Get Free Tablets From the Government?
There have been plenty of campaigns to provide free communication devices to underprivileged people. Considering the contemporary scenario, 8 prominent firms and organizations have surfaced to make free government tablets available to the eligible section.
Mobile devices have sneaked into our lives and become an undetachable part. Although they have penetrated almost all sections of societies, some groups remain deprived of their access. To percolate their availability to the lower sections of the population, there is a dire need to provide them through government support.
In the same direction, below are the organizations and firms providing free tablets to eligible people.
Airtalk Wireless
It is a wireless service program by AirVoice to extend connectivity services to eligible people on a no-contract basis. They claim to provide the best devices from top brands such as the iPhone, Samsung, Google, and Motorola.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Annual household income at or below 135% of the Federal poverty standards.
- Beneficiary of SNAP, veteran pension, tribal benefits, public houses provision, SSI, or other government provisions.
|
| Address | 13433 TX-249 Suite 1 Houston, TX 77086 |
| Contact | +1 (855) 924-7825 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
Assurance Wireless
This phone service provider is popular for offering free smartphones and devices and free data, call, and text services to eligible low-income people. They provide these services in about 40 states.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Enrolled in government assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, etc.
- Annual household income equal to or below 135% of the federal poverty level (equivalent to $32643 or less).
- Having an internet subscription or a maximum of $30 per month.
- Must be enrolled in the assurance Wireless Lifeline program.
|
| Address | P.O. Box 5040
Charleston, IL |
| Contact | 61920-9907 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
Cintex Wireless
It extends the lifeline assistance program supported by the Federal Universal Service Fund. Cintex is a wireless service provider that has expanded its service to devices such as smartphones and tablets.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Annual household income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines
- Enrolled in government assistance programs such as SNAP, SSI public housing assistance, WIC, etc.
|
| Address | NA |
| Contact | +1 (855) 655-3097 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO)
Since 1965, CAPNEMO has been volunteering to support and uplift the poverty-stricken families in Missouri. It offers programs such as child food service, daycare homes, and home energy assistance programs, apart from providing free internet and tablets.
| Eligibility Criteria | Receiving lifeline program support |
| Address | CAPNEMO Central Office Hours
215 N. Elson St. Kirksville, MO |
| Contact | (660) 665-9855,
helpingpeople@capnemo.org |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
EveryoneOn
To achieve holistic digital inclusion, EveryoneOn has come forward to make the internet and devices affordable to low-income groups. It covers individuals as well as needy organizations to claim a tablet.
| Eligibility Criteria | Individuals: students, seniors, jobseekers
Organizations: non-profit organizations, schools, and community centers |
| Address | 1175 Shaw Avenue #104-135
Clovis, California 93612 |
| Contact | (888)-228-7320 |
| Link to apply | Apply here |
Free Tablet Wireless
It is a prominent online portal to help applicants claim a free tablet and phone and get unlimited data and call service without any shipping charges, contracts, or credit checks.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Enrolled in SNAP, Celfresh, or Food Stamps
- Annual household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Enrolled in SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, Medi-Cal, and Public housing Assistance
- Receiving unemployment benefits
|
| Address | 7380 Oakland Mills Rd, Columbia, MD 21046, USA |
| Contact | +1 (201)-700-6140 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
Human I-T
The organization came into being in 2012 with the motive to meld affordability with technological access. Human I-T provides low-cost devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile hotspots, along with affordable internet subscription options. It covers several underprivileged groups and needy organizations.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Low-income individuals and families
- Veterans
- Disabled people
- Seniors
- Schools
- Non-profit organization
|
| Address | NA |
| Contact | 888-391-7249 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
Lifeline Program
This program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which collects and disburses data on low-income programs. It was started to provide smartphones to low-income groups for basic needs. However, it expanded its service to tablets to cater to its demand in deprived sections.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Enrolled in SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance, tribal-specific programs, etc
- Annual household income at or less than 135% of federal poverty guidelines
- Beneficiaries of veteran pension and survivor benefit program
|
| Address | Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554 |
| Contact | 1-888-225-5322 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
Affordable Connectivity Program
A notable initiative to provide a free government tablet was the Affordable Connectivity Program. It was a federal program by the US government to provide internet access to low-income households.
The project commenced in 2021 but was aborted in mid-2024 owing to the non-renewal of funding. However, if it resumes, it will be an ideal opportunity for underprivileged people.
| Eligibility Criteria | - Annual household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Enrolled in government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
|
| Address | Federal Communications Commission
45 L Street NE
Washington, DC 20554 |
| Contact | 1-888-225-5322 |
| Link to apply | Apply Here |
All organizations and the firms mentioned above have different eligibility criteria. The applicant should go through them first before applying to their provisions.
Now let’s take a glance at the key steps to apply for the free tablet.
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Steps to Apply for a Free Government Tablet
After going through the above options, the next doubt faced by the needy people is how to apply for free tablet from government.
To address this, the applicants need to follow the steps mentioned below to avail a free government tablet.
- Step 1: Go through the entire application guidelines and instructions thoroughly.
- Step 2: Match your current status with the eligibility criteria of the selected program.
- Step 3: Visit the organization’s portal and apply for it. Make sure you enter the correct name, contact, and other credentials.
- Step 4: Attach necessary documents in the application, such as documents of SNAP, SSI, income statement, etc.
- Step 5: Send the application in the required manner (offline or online).
- Step 6: Wait for the organization’s response and act as per further instructions.
This process needs to be followed with utmost attention to draw the benefit of the desired program.
After claiming a free tablet, the beneficiaries can use it in multiple ways, as discussed below.
Potential Uses of a Free Tablet
The claimant of the free tablet can use it in innumerable ways. However, the genuine use of a device lies not in using it for entertainment but in utilizing it productively.
Below are some of the best uses of a free tablet for people targeted by the distributors.
- Educational: A tablet is the most potent device for educational purposes. It can be used in various ways, with the following being its prominent utilities.
- Note-making: The student’s fundamental objective during studies is note-making, which can be assisted by a tablet. It replaces the need for bulky notebooks and also helps in tracing a piece of information from the notes during revision slots or exam preparation.
- Planner: A planner is instrumental in scheduling a student’s daily, weekly, and monthly tasks. It helps the students organize their lives and manage their studies.
- Learning apps: With e-learning becoming pervasive, numerous learning apps on the app stores intrigue the student in grasping the information and accessing study material. Installing them on the tablet will facilitate a convenient learning experience.
- Web Browsing: Students can use the web browser for research, while jobseekers can use it to prepare for or apply for a job.
- Communication and Sharing Material: A tablet can be used for sharing audiobooks or crucial documents and communicating with people to stay connected to the communities virtually.
- Claiming Government Services: The government services are transitioning from brick-and-mortar offices to online interfaces. A tablet helps the beneficiaries avail themselves of these provisions through digital mediums.
These cardinal utilities of tabs further accentuated their demand in the lower section of the country.
After claiming a free tablet, there are certain accessories that one should get to make it useful in the long run.
Accessories to Make Full Use of a Free Government Tablet
Like any other device, a free tablet requires certain accessories to ensure its efficient performance, which are mentioned below.
- Case/ Cover: A case or cover will protect the tablet from external shocks and damages.
- Screen guard: It will keep the sensitive screen safe from scratches.
- Stylus (if supported): Some tablets support a stylus, which can be used as a pen over its screen. Make sure you are provided with a stylus, and it is advisable to use a stylus cover.
- External Keyboard: This accessory transforms the tablet into a laptop. Though it will provide limited features, it can fulfill temporary computer needs.
- Power Bank: To avert power shortages in emergencies, keep a power bank with your free government tablet.
These accessories are necessary for protecting the device and ensuring its prolonged usefulness.
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Conclusion
The underprivileged people have the best opportunity to claim a free government tablet for their basic digital needs, provided they fit into the eligibility criteria framed by the respective organization.
These handy devices encapsulate several functionalities and corresponding utilities. The free tablets can be envisioned as a promising tool for augmenting digital inclusion and virtual connectivity.
FAQs
Ans: The eligibility criteria of different programs for free tablets vary to an extent. The applicant must go through the guidelines and eligibility criteria of the respective program to find out which documents are necessary.
Ans: It was a federal program to provide affordable internet service to low-income households. The initiative was terminated in mid-2024 due to non-renewal of the funds.
Ans: The application procedure differs from organization to organization. The applicant should go through the provided instructions to get thorough with the application process.
Ans: Yes, the tablets provided by the government are good to use. You can extend their life by using certain accessories such as covers and screen guards.
