Can you still get a free government tablet?
Not in the way you used to. Free tablets mostly came from the Affordable Connectivity Program's $100 device discount, which ended in June 2024. Some providers still sell discounted tablets, and nonprofits and libraries offer free or loaned ones.
- Lifeline covers service, not devices
- Nonprofit refurbishers often accept SNAP or Medicaid as proof of need
- Libraries lend tablets free with a card
Do free government tablets still exist?
Free government tablets were mainly a product of the Affordable Connectivity Program, which paid up to $100 toward a device. Since the ACP ended in 2024, providers have mostly stopped offering tablets for $11–$20. A few still sell discounted tablets to Lifeline customers, and nonprofits fill some of the gap.
Where to find a free or cheap tablet now?
| Source | Typical cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeline provider tablet offers | Discounted | Offers vary by provider and state |
| Nonprofit refurbishers | Free–$50 | Often need a referral or proof of income |
| Library lending | Free | Borrow for weeks at a time |
| Schools | Free (loan) | For enrolled students |
| Refurbished Android tablets | $50–$120 | Wi-Fi models are cheapest |
Not sure which option fits you?
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Who qualifies for low-income device programs?
There are two routes to eligibility: program-based (you already receive certain benefits) or income-based (your household earns no more than 135% of the poverty guidelines).
Qualifying programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
On federally recognized Tribal lands, these also qualify: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
Income limits
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Want an instant answer? Use the Lifeline eligibility checker. It takes under a minute.
Tablet vs phone vs laptop
| Need | Best device |
|---|---|
| Calls, texts, maps | Phone |
| Reading, video calls, telehealth | Tablet |
| Homework, job applications, typing | Laptop or Chromebook |
Avoiding tablet scams
Be careful: Ads promising a brand-new free iPhone 17 with no conditions are almost always scams or data harvesting. Real offers come from known carriers or approved Lifeline providers.
Legit providers name the tablet model, the price and any co-pay. Be wary of sites that say “free tablet” but ask for card details before checking eligibility.
Documents for tablet and device programs
Most nonprofit and provider tablet programs ask for the same proof as Lifeline:
- A current benefit letter or card (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension), or
- Income proof: last year's tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment statement
- Government photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport)
- Proof of address if your ID shows a different one (utility bill or lease)
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Tribal ID number
What a good cheap tablet needs
- A current Android or iPadOS version that still gets security updates
- At least 3–4GB RAM for video calls
- Wi-Fi 5 or newer
- A charger and a warranty or return window
If you receive a very old tablet, it may no longer run banking, telehealth or school apps. Ask about the model and its update status before accepting it.
Frequently asked questions
Is the free government tablet program still available?
Not in its ACP form. Some providers and nonprofits still offer free or discounted tablets.
What documents do I need for a low-income tablet?
Usually the same as Lifeline: benefit letter or income proof, and ID.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.