You may have heard that you can get a free tablet or inexpensive phone and internet services if you receive SNAP benefits (food stamps). Because the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which once provided government benefits applicants with a free phone or tablet with specific plans, is no longer in operation, there is a lot of false material online on current deals and discounts.
As of right now, the only government program that assists EBT households with their monthly internet and phone expenses is Lifeline. Only few internet providers provide a free tablet or device upon signup, and not all provide Lifeline-based discounted pricing. Watch out for scammers that promise to give SNAP recipients free tablets so they can access your EBT details and embezzle your benefits.
If you receive Medicaid or any other kind of benefit, such as SNAP, here are some things you should know about subsidized phone and internet services.
What became of the EBT cardholders’ free tablet program?
Households receiving SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other eligible low-income households were eligible to receive cheap home and mobile internet services under the ACP, a federal benefit program. Benefits under the ACP terminated on June 1, 2024, and Congress did not provide any more funds for the program.
The typical ACP benefit was a one-time $100 discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet that you bought through your internet service provider, as well as up to $30 off your monthly internet cost.
For another affordable internet plan, many ACP households resorted to Lifeline. Although Lifeline typically does not cover the cost of your mobile device, some providers may offer you a free one as part of a special sign-up promotion.
What is the program called Lifeline?
Eligible low-income households can save money on internet and phone service by using Lifeline. Qualifying households can save up to $9.25 on their monthly bill in most states (those who live on tribal grounds can save up to $34.25 per month).
To boost the benefit amount or the kinds of discounted packages available, several states add state monies to the federal benefit.
For instance, you can receive up to $19 off your monthly phone or internet payment under California’s Lifeline program. The following Lifeline benefits are available to qualified households in Oregon:
Get up to $15.25 off your phone bill each month.
Your monthly high-speed internet payment can be reduced by up to $19.25.
A complimentary mobile phone and internet service
This is how Lifeline operates:
Participating households’ eligibility is confirmed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a nonprofit established by the federal government:
You enrol with a participating service provider (a phone or internet company) after meeting USAC’s eligibility requirements.
The internet or phone provider administers your plan and adds the Lifeline benefit to your account.
Each family is only permitted to have one reduced Lifeline plan. Even if you are not related, everyone you live with and share money with is considered a member of your household.
Married couples and parents with dependents living together are examples of relationships that qualify as a single household.
How can I be eligible for Lifeline?
If you receive Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, SSI, or SNAP, you are immediately eligible for Lifeline. If your household income is less than 135% of the federal poverty threshold, you may also be eligible even if you do not take part in one of these benefit programs.
You must provide evidence that you are enrolled in a qualifying government program or that you fulfil your state’s income standards when you apply for Lifeline for the first time (and each year after that).
You do not need to bring proof because most states can confirm your enrolment status in Medicaid, SNAP, and other programs. However, an EBT card by itself does not prove your status if you are required to do so; instead, you usually need to present what is known as a benefit award letter. If you are unsure of where to locate a SNAP office, ask them.
You will no longer be eligible for Lifeline if you do not recertify your eligibility within 60 days of getting an email or notice in the mail.
You must utilize your Lifeline-provided free internet service at least once every 30 days to maintain your benefit. This implies that to remain registered in Lifeline, you must utilize data, send a text, or make a call at least once every month.
How to apply for Lifeline?
If you are currently registered in SNAP or another benefit program, it is simple to sign up for Lifeline. Lifeline can verify your SNAP enrolment status, so you will not need to provide proof of income or go through a laborious verification procedure. Additionally, you might be able to get immediate assistance from your local SNAP office to enrol in Lifeline.
In less than ten minutes, register online for Lifeline:
Make an account on Lifeline.
Give your entire name, birthdate, home address, and the final four digits of your Tribal identity number or Social Security number.
Please call (800) 234-9473 to reach the Lifeline Support Centre if you require assistance with your application.
You can only apply for Lifeline through your phone or internet provider if you reside in California, Oregon, or Texas.
To sign up for California Lifeline:
Locate a phone or internet service provider that is participating.
Inform them that you are eligible for Lifeline because your monthly household income falls below the California Lifeline income restrictions or because you are currently enrolled in one of these public assistance programs.
The forms you need to finish your application will be sent by your service provider; be sure to submit them by the deadline to avoid being charged the full sum.
A notice to renew your application will be sent to you 105 days (about 3.5 months) before to the expiration of your benefit.
To sign up for Oregon Lifeline:
To enrol in a free Lifeline plan, get in touch with the provider directly if Access Wireless by I-wireless is offered in your area. If not, you can apply for a subsidized plan online using the basic Oregon Lifeline application.
After confirming your eligibility, Oregon Lifeline will issue you a letter informing you of the application’s progress.
You might not see the savings on your phone or internet bill for up to 60 days after your application is accepted.
To sign up for Texas Lifeline:
Fill out the Texas Lifeline application by mail, email, or online.
Include a copy of your most recent phone or internet bill, proof of your enrolment status for qualifying benefits (such as a copy of your SNAP award letter), and your total family income.
As soon as your application is assessed, you will receive an email with its status.
Since applications are processed during the final week of each month, the month after your application should see the discount appear on your phone or internet bill.
An application to reapply will be sent to you two months before to the expiration of your benefit, and you must do so at least every seven months.
States that offer free devices through Lifeline
With their Lifeline plans, several states provide free devices. For additional information, speak with your provider.
California
For qualified clients in California, TruConnect is giving away a free smartphone with a Lifeline plan that includes 6 GB of internet and unlimited call and text.
Oregon
A free smartphone with a Lifeline plan that offers unlimited free call minutes, unlimited text, and 5 GB of internet is available in areas where Access Wireless by i-wireless is offered.
New Jersey
A free smartphone and free cellular phone service with unlimited texting, monthly minutes, and free data are available to qualifying households in New Jersey. Apply online at Safelink Wireless and Assurance Wireless.
New York
Safelink Wireless’ free phone program is automatically available to New York households that are enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Section 8, HEAP, TANF, or other NYS assistance programs.
Conclusion
If you require inexpensive internet connectivity for business, education, healthcare, or maintaining family ties, receiving a free tablet with EBT through the Lifeline program can make a significant impact. Verifying your eligibility, applying through an authorized provider, and sending in the necessary paperwork are the crucial stages. Many providers provide tablets at a considerable discount in addition to free or inexpensive service options, though not all of them give them out for free. You probably qualify if you currently get Medicaid or SNAP benefits. Although it requires some work, applying might lead to further opportunities and necessary internet connection.