This detailed guide explains how, even after the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended, families that use SNAP or EBT can still receive a free or extremely inexpensive tablet in 2025. In California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Illinois, you will discover who is eligible, where to apply, the best tablets that are frequently shipped, and specific state programs.
A tablet is more than a screen. It lets kids finish homework, parents hunt for jobs, and grandparents’ video-call the doctor. SNAP budgets are tight, so buying one can feel impossible. Lucky for us, other help still exists.
The Programs Still Working in 2025
It is not just a screen on a tablet. It enables grandparents to video-call the doctor, parents to look for work, and children to complete their homework. Since SNAP funds are limited, purchasing one may seem unachievable. Fortunately, there is still assistance available.
Government Programs That Continue to Operate in 2025
The federal Lifeline program is the largest lifeline (pun intended) for households receiving SNAP or EBT. In addition to a highly discounted gadget add-on with many carriers, it still gives up to $9.25 off your monthly phone or data cost. The tablet itself typically costs around $10.01 because to FCC regulations requiring a token payment, however the market price may be far higher than $120. On their sign-up pages, carriers like AirTalk Wireless, StandUp Wireless, SafeLink, and TruConnect advertise the offer; search for terms like “Lifeline + tablet combo.” You are automatically eligible if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Veterans Pension; simply upload a photo of your EBT card or most recent benefit letter when completing the online application.
When the supply of new hardware gets low, nonprofit refurbishes fill the void. Organizations such as PCs for People and Human-I-T gather gently used tablets from companies, clean them, and then sell or occasionally even give the devices to families that qualify for financial aid. Shipping is frequently the only out-of-pocket expense, and prices range from free to $50. Weekly supply changes occur because the technology is reconditioned; for example, you may see Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lites one week and then a batch of Amazon Fire HD 10 devices the following. For those who require data on the fly, both companies also offer inexpensive LTE or hotspot services.
More states are increasingly using state- or county-level funding for digital inclusion initiatives to close the gap left by the Affordable Connectivity Program. SNAP members who finish a 30-minute digital skills course receive a $150 online coupon from Florida’s new “Sunshine Digital Voucher,” which allows families to select any Wi-Fi-only tablet from participating businesses. While Chicago’s city-backed Re-Code program exchanges e-waste with totally reset Lenovo Tabs twice a year, Tribal Connect in Illinois covers the full device charge for households living on reservations. Los Angeles County libraries rent out iPads for 90 days, and New York City Housing Authority locations give reconditioned tablets to SNAP participants in public housing towers as part of their ongoing program expansions.
Finally, take use of the school loaner and local library programs. Many public libraries that have cooperated with the Institute of Museum & Library Services now lend tablets (and occasionally hotspot packs) for two to four weeks, even in upstate New York and rural Texas. Even though the gadget needs to be returned, it is a clever approach to finish a course for a remote work or fill out educational assistance forms, for example, without having to pay for it.
In 2025, SNAP/EBT customers will still have viable, lawful routes to a free or extremely inexpensive tablet thanks to the combined efforts of federal, nonprofit, and state agencies, even after ACP funding has dried up. Utilize every program your ZIP code has to offer, pick the path that best suits your schedule and financial constraints, and have your reward documentation close at hand.
Is it truly free?
According to federal regulations, several Lifeline providers are required to charge at least $10.01. Nonprofits could request shipment. It is still significantly less than the retail price.
Are You Eligible?
If any of these apply to you, you are practically guaranteed to be eligible:
Your SNAP/EBT card is currently active.
You currently get benefits from Federal Public Housing, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or Veterans Pension.
Your family makes less than 135% of the Federal Poverty threshold.
Keep one proof: Save a copy of your most recent benefit statement, EBT card photo, or SNAP approval letter.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Free Government Tablet?
Step 1: Pick a path
Choose between a state voucher, a refurbished, or a Lifeline carrier.
Step 2: Verify local carriers
Use the “Companies Near Me” tool provided by the FCC. Look for lines like “tablet available” after entering your ZIP code.
Step 3: Collect documents
You require:
- Photo ID – state ID or license
- Evidence of SNAP – either an EBT card or an award letter
- Proof of address – lease or utility bill
Step 4: Submit an online application
Many carriers provide a brief online form. Nonprofits send you a link via email.
Step 5: Wait for approval
Reviews of carriers may take one to three days. It can take a week for nonprofits.
Step 6: Make the minimal payment
Pay the $10.01 device fee or shipping if prompted.
Step 7: Turn on and have fun
Flip the roles. If the data does not begin, contact customer care.
Note: Take screenshots of every confirmation page. If your package is delayed, they assist.
Top Providers Shipping Tablets in 2025
The carriers and nonprofits listed below are still shipping SNAP/EBT households a tablet for free or $10.01 as of mid-2025. Late last year, Q Link’s clients and merchandise were transferred to StandUp Wireless, therefore we discontinued service.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk keeps things easy: select a tablet from the list that week, upload your EBT card, and pay the $10.01 co-pay required by the federal government. Eight-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite tablets, each with a bumper case and a one-year warranty, have recently been shipped. Plans include unlimited talk and text as well as 5 GB of LTE data per month. Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Michigan, and portions of California have the best coverage. Apply as early as possible in the month because stock does run out quickly.
Quick facts
- After approval, it ships within 3–5 business days.
- Spanish-language phone assistance and optional 3 GB top-up data are available for $10.
StandUp Wireless Now Includes Former Q Link Customers
Former clients of Q Link are now served by StandUp Wireless.
Following a merger in late 2024, mostly Q Link users were absorbed by StandUp, which now covers 31 states. The carrier gives preference to job searchers and households with children enrolled in online schools. An 8- to 10-inch Android tablet with parental control capabilities pre-installed is given to qualified candidates for a one-time payment of $10.01. Standard plans include 6 GB of data and unlimited talk/text; heavier users can still purchase additional data packs. Migration issues continue to occur, according to Reddit and Facebook groups, but a committed “Welcome Team” is resolving backlogs in less than a week.
Why pick StandUp?
- Greater coverage area compared to several tiny Lifeline providers
- Upgrade your SIM card for free if you relocate to a 5G-only location.
- Transfer your previous Q Link number for free.
SafeLink Wireless (TracFone/Verizon)
Because SafeLink uses Verizon towers, the signal is strong even in remote areas. Every Tuesday, the company switches up its tablet inventory; the Lenovo Tab M8 might be available one week, followed by the Alcatel Joy Tab 2 the next. In addition to the usual $10.01 device price, you can anticipate unlimited talk and 5 GB of high-speed data. Customers in Florida, California, New York, and Illinois report the quickest shipping times, which are typically two business days when the tablets are in stock.
Assurance Wireless – T-Mobile Subsidiary
Accessible in nearly every state, Assurance prioritizes phone service before discreetly providing tablets when permitted by state Lifeline regulations. Thanks to additional state funding, California is at the top of the list, while limited pilots were launched this spring in Arkansas, Nevada, and New Jersey. Tablets come locked to Assurance’s SIM card, but you get 4.5 GB of data per month and unlimited call and text—enough for telemedicine or study. Approval times may take up to a week due to restricted supplies.
enTouch Wireless
enTouch serves local communities that larger businesses overlook, such as rural Oregon, West Texas, and Mississippi Delta counties. The enTouch plan’s unique feature is a 30-day “any-reason” replacement on the tablet us first shipment, which is helpful if the screen is scratched. The Lifeline plan is comparable to others (talk/text + 4–6 GB internet). The entire application process is done online; select “Tablet Bundle,” upload your SNAP proof, and pay the co-pay at the register.
Pcs For People – A Nonprofit That Refurbishes Computers
PCs for People is the best deal if you can handle a gently used gadget. You can get a refurbished Lenovo, Dell, or even an older iPad for $25 or less (plus shipping). To qualify, simply demonstrate that you are a SNAP participant or that your household income is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty threshold. Pop-up pickup activities are held in several states; this summer, Minnesota, Colorado, Ohio, Missouri, and Georgia are the most popular states.
Every Friday morning, new batches of tablets are released from Human-I-T’s online store. Depending on condition, prices range from free (plus $20 shipping) to $45. Hotspot plans are significantly discounted with every purchase; the most recent spring promotion is two extra months of LTE free when you buy a hotspot. Repair vouchers, digital skills tutorials, and Spanish-language chat complete the bundle.
TruConnect
In California, Nevada, and Kentucky, TruConnect occasionally sells 8-inch tablets, although its primary concentration is on phones. Its strategy keeps speeds viable after the 10 GB high-speed data cap. On TruConnect’s Lifeline page, look for the promotion banner. If it says, “tablet bundle,” act quickly because batches typically sell out by the weekend.
Top Tablet Models You Could Get
Although most programs switch up their stock, these frequently show up:
- The 8.7-inch, robust Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite has a kids’ mode.
- The Amazon Fire HD 10 (2023) has a large screen and integrated Alexa.
- The Lenovo Tab M8 (4th Gen) has a 2-day battery and is lightweight.
- Alcatel Joy Tab 2: Low-cost 4G LTE with an easy-to-use interface.
- Apple iPad 9th Gen (refurb): Excellent for schooling; occasionally from PCs for People.
Stock is determined by what each carrier purchases in bulk or what is given to refurbishes.
California: Golden State Lifeline Extras
Unlimited talk/text and a 10-inch tablet are included in some California Lifeline plans. Shipping is fastest in metro areas like San Diego and Los Angeles. For practical assistance, residents can also go to nearby “Digital Navigators.”
Texas: Lone Star Low-Cost Tech
AirTalk or StandUp Wireless are frequently used by Texas SNAP families. Every three months, Houston libraries host free device pick-up days. For the upcoming date, see the Harris County postings.
Florida: Sunshine Digital Voucher Pilot
Started in May 2025. offers a $150 discount at partner stores on any Wi-Fi tablet. Attending a 30-minute digital skills course and having SNAP are requirements.
New York: City & State Grants
NYC’s “Big Apple Connect” puts refurbished iPads in public-housing computer labs and loans extras to SNAP households. Upstate users lean on PCs for People’s Rochester hub.
Illinois: Tribal Connect & Chicago Re-Code
Illinois collaborates with tribal councils and Lifeline carriers. A Lenovo Tab is given away for free to qualified families staying on reservations close to Rock Island. Twice a year, Chicago’s Re-Code project replaces e-waste with tablets.
Keep Costs Low & Stay Safe
Update Wi-Fi-only plans: Use free public hotspots or your home Wi-Fi to run tablets if cellular data is expensive.
Make use of free learning applications: DuoLingo, Libby, and Khan Academy Kids are offline and cost nothing.
Avoid scams: No legitimate program ever requests your EBT PIN online. If a website does, immediately leave.
Note the dates of renewal: Lifeline requires a recertification every year. Put a reminder on the calendar.