From classrooms to office rooms, iPads are used everywhere in today’s digital age. The versatility and portability of iPads make them invaluable tools in various contexts, including entertainment, communication, productivity, etc.
Sadly, it’s hard for some to buy an iPad, even the older models. So, what if you get iPads for free? Sounds great, isn’t it? If you are one of those with limited financial resources, you will likely look for the free government iPad.
But does the government really offer free government iPad tablets? This article will explain whether or not you will get a free iPad through the government. Also, you will learn several scam-free ways to get discounted or free iPads.
Let’s get started.
Does the Government Offer Free Apple iPads?
Simply put, no! Currently, there is no dedicated government program that offers a free Apple tablet. Low-income individuals and families will get no chance to get free iPads from government.
However, there are a handful of government programs that offer discounted or free iPads with conditions. The Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline program are prominent among them.
These programs offer a discounted or free iPhone tablet with phone or internet services. The discount amount may vary depending on the type of iPad model you choose and the provider.
Read also: SafeLink Free iPhone Government Phone: How to Get
How to Get a Free Government iPad?
While it’s true that the government doesn’t offer iPads for free, you can still get iPads at a discount. If you have a low income, you can get a discount on an iPad through the following free iPad government assistance program.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP is an FCC government program that offers discounts on broadband internet service and connected devices. Sometimes, it provides a free phone and iPad as well. Only low-income individuals and families can participate in the ACP program.
Eligible households can get a free iPad through the free iPad ACP program. It offers a one-time discount of up to $100 when you buy an iPad. However, there is a one-time payment included with the ACP iPad program.
You may need to give between $10 and $50 to help cover the iPad’s cost. If you don’t get a free iPad with ACP program, you can still get a considerable discount. Moreover, it offers up to $30 per month on home internet services.
So, you can use your discounted iPad at a discounted internet service. That’s not all. The government also provides a discount of up to $75/month if you live in qualifying tribal lands.
You must be eligible to participate in the ACP program to enjoy all these benefits. If you meet any of the following criteria, you will be eligible to apply for a free ACP tablet program iPad.
Read also: Free Government iPhone 15 & 15 Pro Max [Apply Now]
Eligibility Criteria for the ACP Program
- Your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You must receive a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- You must participate in the following participating program;
- SNAP
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- Medicaid
- SSI
- Federal Housing Assistance Program
- You must meet the criteria for a participating provider’s low-income program.
Lifeline Assistance Program
Lifeline is another program that offers discounted iPads. It mainly provides free or discounted phone services to low-income individuals and families. In addition to this, it also provides a free government phone and iPad.
The Lifeline program offers up to a $9.25 monthly discount on phone services. If you live in Tribal lands, you can get up to a $34.25 discount per month. It also offers a considerable amount of discount on iPads.
The discount amount varies depending on the participating provider and the type of iPad. In this way, you will need to pay at least $10 for the iPad. The eligibility criteria for participating in the Lifeline program are the same as the ACP program.
There is a slight variation only in the income threshold. The participating household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Besides, they must participate in one of the above-mentioned government programs to get a free Apple iPad government.
Read also: Free Government iPhone 13 & 13 Pro Max [Apply Now]
Participating Lifeline and ACP Providers
Many providers participate in the free government iPad program. However, a few of them offer discounted iPads. Eligibility and offers may vary by state.
- Easy Wireless: Easy Wireless is the leading provider of ACP and Lifeline government-assisted free cell phone services and free iPads. They work with Lifeline and offers 8-inch tablet for only $10.99.
- Assurance Wireless: Assurance Wireless, a subsidiary of T-Mobile, participates in the Lifeline program and offers discounted iPads.
- SafeLink Wireless: SafeLink Wireless, a subsidiary of TracFone, is another Lifeline provider that may offer tablets as part of their services.
- Q Link Wireless: Q Link Wireless provides free or discounted iPads as part of the Lifeline program. They offer a 10-inch tablet for a co-pay of at least $10.01.
- ReachOut Wireless: ReachOut Wireless is another Lifeline provider that may offer tablet options along with their phone services in specific locations.
- Cintex Wireless: Cintex Wireless offers eligible customers free smartphones and tablets as a part of their Lifeline and ACP programs. They offer iPad Mini for a co-pay of $10.01.
Can You Get Free iPads from the Government Through the EBT?
May be! If you qualify for the Electronic Benefit Transfer, you may get a free or discounted EBT iPad. However, the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) program is not typically associated with providing free iPads or tablet devices.
It’s a system for delivering government benefits, such as SNAP and other assistance, to eligible low-income consumers. The EBT benefit is primarily used for distributing funds to help purchase groceries and essential items.
There is no 100% surety that you can get a free Apple tablet with EBT benefits. Still, if you have low-income and EBT benefits, you can participate in the Lifeline and ACP programs. By participating in these programs, you can easily get free iPads.
Providers That Offer Free iPads Through EBT
Two providers offer free or discounted iPads under the ACP program. You can expect to get a free i Pad from the following providers.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless comes with exciting news for iPad mini fans. By participating in the ACP, you can get an Apple iPad Mini, iPad Mini 2, iPad Mini 3, iPad 3, iPad Air, iPad Air 2, etc.
These devices originally cost between $110 to $230. The cherry on the top is that you can get these devices as low as $10.01 to $35. So, by participating in the ACP and with the EBT benefits, you can grab your iPad from Cintex Wireless.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless also offers a similar opportunity to get an iPad at a discounted price. Like Cintex Wireless, they also provide iPad Mini and iPad Air series at $10.01 and $35.
Read also: Free Government iPhone 11 & 11 Pro Max [Apply Now]
Does the Government Provide Free iPads Through the EBB Program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit program is a government program that provides subsidies to help low-income households access affordable internet services.
It primarily focuses on providing discounts on internet services. It sometimes provides discounts on a connected device (such as a tablet, laptop, or computer). Eligible low-income households can get a discount of up to $50 per month.
In fact, the qualifying Tribal territories can get up to a $75 per month discount for homes. However, you need to pay more than $10 and less than $50 as the cost of the tablet from a partner provider.
Can You Get a Free iPad with Food Stamps?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, primarily assists in purchasing food and groceries. By integrating with several programs, SNAP is moving beyond its traditional role to foster digital empowerment.
They are working to ensure that low-income families are not left behind in the digital age. This ensures that these families get a free iPad with SNAP benefits. That is, there is a good chance to get a free iPad for food stamps recipients.
Programs that Offer Free iPad with Food Stamps
There are several programs that offer a free iPad for SNAP recipients. This includes;
Affordable Connectivity Program
AirTalk Wireless offers an exciting opportunity for food stamp recipients to access free or discounted iPads through the ACP. They also provide free monthly internet service with unlimited calls and texts.
On It Foundation
The On It Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides technology resources to underserved and low-income communities. They come with initiatives, including distributing digital devices to students and families in need.
In continuation of this, they provide several iPads and internet services to the eligible households. If you have SNAP benefits, you have the opportunity to get a free iPad with phone and internet services.
Human-I-T
Human-I-T is a nonprofit organization focusing on digital inclusion by refurbishing and redistributing technology resources to underserved and low-income communities.
They collect, refurbish, and redistribute various technology equipment, including computers, laptops, tablets, etc. These refurbished devices are then made available to eligible individuals and families at affordable prices or, in some cases, for free.
PCs for People
PCs for People is a nonprofit organization that offers affordable technology resources to low-income individuals and families. They also offer refurbished tablets to eligible households at subsidized costs or even free.
ConnectHomeUSA
ConnectHomeUSA is a collaborative initiative between the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, internet providers, local governments, and nonprofit organizations. It aims to provide affordable internet services and iPads.
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is a national nonprofit organization in the United States. It provides affordable internet access, digital literacy training, and access to low-cost computers and iPads to low-income communities.
Can You Get Free iPads Through the Veteran Affairs Telehealth Program?
Yes, eligible veterans can get free iPads through the VA telehealth program. The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers telehealth services to veterans. It aims to improve access to healthcare, especially for those who reside in remote or underserved areas.
The VA offers free iPads to those unable to attend telehealth appointments due to a lack of internet or an internet-connected device. So, they can access virtual health care services even without internet service. You will need to contact your local VA to determine your eligibility.
Do the Schools Provide Free iPads to the Students?
Some K-12 schools offer free iPads to eligible students for classwork and continued learning at home. The Gary Community School Corp. in Gary, Indiana, provides a 10.1″ tablet and free monthly internet service.
If you have a low income, your children can get a free iPad from the school. However, you must apply for free iPad to your child’s school. If the school accepts your application, they will provide you with the money to buy an iPad.
Public Wireless is also working with K-12 schools to provide free iPads to eligible students. In fact, some colleges and universities, such as the University of Kentucky, Delaware State University, etc., offer free tablets and iPads.
What Are the Other Ways to Get a Free iPad?
There are many other ways you can obtain a free iPad. But, this is not absolutely free, meaning that you must pay some for getting the iPad. Let’s look at the other ways to get an iPad.
Mobile Carriers
Many mobile carriers offer the latest Apple and Android tablets. Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T are among them. Sometimes, you can get free or discounted iPads or tablets for just switching to a new carrier.
And at times, you can get it by adding a new line to the existing account. Verizon offers a discount of up to $180 on an Apple iPad 10th generation when you trade in a qualifying device.
Nonprofit Organizations
Many nonprofit organizations provide free or reduced-cost tablets and iPads to underserved communities. These organizations often focus on various areas such as education, healthcare, digital inclusion, or support for specific residents.
The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), EveryoneOn, and Wayne County Committee for Crippled Children and Adults are among them. Also, some local charitable organizations, like local churches, libraries, etc., provide free iPads or tablets.
Surveys
Participating in surveys can also get you a free government iPad. Many websites provide points for completing the surveys. You can complete the survey and earn points. When you get enough points, you can redeem the points for an iPad.
Promotional Deals
Some broadband internet service providers offer free or discounted iPads in their packages. You may check your local internet service providers for promotional deals. Maybe you can get an iPad for free.
Final Words
A free government iPad is not just a tablet; it’s a gateway to a world of opportunities, education, employment, and healthcare. Thankfully, you have learned all possible ways to get a free government iPad. So, try your luck; maybe in one of these ways, you will get your desired iPad.
