Your Guide to Getting a Tablet with an EBT Card

If you have an EBT card, you might be looking for ways to get a discounted or low-cost tablet. The good news is that certain government programs are designed to help you do just that. This guide will walk you through the primary program available, explain how your EBT card helps you qualify, and set clear expectations about the process.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The main pathway to getting a discounted tablet for EBT cardholders has been the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This is a benefit program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designed to help ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.

Important Program Update: As of February 7, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program has stopped accepting new applications and enrollments. The program is expected to run out of funding and may end for all participants in the near future unless Congress approves additional funding. The information below explains how the program has worked, which is still relevant for currently enrolled households.

The ACP provides two key benefits to eligible households:

  1. A discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service.
  2. A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

To receive the one-time device discount, an eligible household must make a co-payment of more than \(10 but less than \)50 toward the purchase price.

How Does Your EBT Card Help You Qualify?

Your EBT card is your key to proving eligibility for the ACP. While the EBT card itself does not pay for the tablet, holding one signifies that you participate in a qualifying government assistance program, most commonly the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

If you or someone in your household participates in one of the following programs, you automatically qualify for the ACP:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), often referred to as food stamps.
  • Medicaid
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

Therefore, your EBT card serves as direct proof of your participation in SNAP, making the eligibility process for the ACP much simpler. You can also qualify based on your household income being at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

A Step-by-Step Guide to the Process

Even with the current enrollment freeze, understanding the process is useful. If the program receives more funding and reopens, these are the steps you would take to get your discounted tablet.

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before anything else, make sure you meet the requirements. The easiest way is through participation in a program like SNAP, as proven by your EBT card. You will need to have documentation ready that shows you are an active participant in the program.

Step 2: Apply Through the Official Channels

The official application process is handled through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The main portal for this is GetInternet.gov. This website is the official government hub for the ACP where you can apply and get verified. You would fill out an application and submit your proof of eligibility.

Step 3: Find a Participating Provider

The government does not give you a tablet directly. Instead, you get the benefit through an approved internet or mobile phone provider that participates in the ACP. Not all providers offer the tablet discount, so you must find one that does.

Many national and local telecommunications companies participate. Some of the well-known providers include:

  • AT&T
  • Verizon
  • Comcast (Xfinity)
  • Charter (Spectrum)
  • Assurance Wireless
  • SafeLink Wireless
  • Q Link Wireless

You can use the FCC’s official search tool on their website to find a list of participating companies in your state.

Step 4: Enroll and Request Your Device

Once your ACP application is approved, you must contact your chosen provider to enroll in their service plan using your ACP benefit. During this enrollment, you should specifically ask about their “connected device offer” or “tablet discount.” The provider will then guide you through their process for selecting a tablet and making your co-payment.

Managing Expectations: What Kind of Tablet Will You Get?

The images used in advertisements are for illustrative purposes. It is very important to have realistic expectations about the device you will receive through the ACP.

  • You Will Not Get a Free High-End Tablet: You will not receive the latest iPad Pro or a high-end Samsung Galaxy Tab for free. The program offers a discount of up to $100, and you are required to pay a co-payment between \(10.01 and \)49.99.
  • Functional, Not Fancy: The tablets offered are typically new or refurbished entry-level Android devices. They are designed to be functional for everyday tasks like browsing the internet, checking email, attending video calls, and using educational apps.
  • Brands Vary by Provider: The specific brand and model depend entirely on the provider’s available stock. Common brands offered through these programs include Samsung (like the Galaxy Tab A series), Lenovo, TCL, or Sky Devices. The device will come with Wi-Fi capabilities and sometimes cellular connectivity.

The goal of the program is to provide essential digital access, and the devices offered are chosen to meet that need affordably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a tablet completely for free? No. The ACP requires a co-payment from the consumer of at least \(10.01 and no more than \)49.99 for any tablet or laptop obtained through the program.

Can I choose the tablet I want, like an iPad? Generally, no. Participating providers have a limited selection of pre-approved devices that meet the program’s requirements. These are almost always functional Android tablets, not Apple iPads.

Does the government mail me a tablet? No. The tablet comes from the internet or phone service provider you sign up with, not directly from the FCC or any other government agency.

Can I get more than one discounted tablet? No, the device discount is strictly limited to one per eligible household for the lifetime of the program.