Lifeline Free Tablet: Top 5 Providers, How to Get

Lifeline Free Tablet

I was at my local cafe when an elderly gentleman next to me pulled out a sleek tablet.

My grandson got me this and informed me it was a Free Tablet from Lifeline.

Intrigued, I thought I could get this for my grandfather too.

And so I did.

In this article, I explain how I got the Lifeline Free Tablet for my grandfather and how you can do the same.

What is the Lifeline Free Tablet Offer?

What is the Lifeline Free Tablet Offer?

The Lifeline Free Tablet Offer is a program provided by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under the Lifeline Assistance Program through various service providers to allow eligible participants to receive a free tablet.

Curious about more from Lifeline? Check out my deep dive into the Lifeline Free 5G Phone.

How to Get the Lifeline Free Tablet

How to Get the Lifeline Free Tablet

Follow these steps to get the Lifeline Free Tablet:

How to Apply Through a Provider

Follow these steps to get the Lifeline Free Tablet by applying through a Provider:

  1. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. Being Lifeline eligible also makes you ACP eligible for the free tablet.
  2. Visit the FCC’s official list of ACP providers at.
  3. Look for providers in your state that offer a Lifeline Free Tablet. Providers with an “Offering free devices” indicator provide one-time device discounts.
  4. Collect documents that prove your eligibility, identity, age, and address. You may need them during the application process.
  5. Go to the official website of the selected ACP provider.
  6. Search for the ACP application form on the provider’s website. It should be designed for Lifeline subscribers applying for the free tablet.
  7. Fill out the application form accurately, providing all required personal information and documentation.
  8. Submit the completed application form through the provider’s website.
  9. If your application is approved, you will receive a confirmation email within a few days.
  10. In cases where the service discount, if applicable, will be applied to your next bill. The Lifeline Free Tablet will be sent to you within 7 to 10 days.

Lifeline program also offers phone service. If you are confused about what is the Best Lifeline Phone Service, check out my guide on it.

How to Apply Through Government Programs (Online)

Follow these steps to get the Lifeline Free Tablet by applying through Government programs:

  1. Ensure that you meet the Lifeline eligibility criteria.
  2. Go to the official ACP online application link.
  3. On the application page, provide all required personal information and documentation accurately.
  4. After filling out the form, submit it online.
  5. You will receive a confirmation email if your application is successful.
  6. The service discount will likely be applied to your next bill. The free tablet or device will be dispatched to you within 7 to 10 days.

Do you know being a veteran makes you eligible for a free tablet? Check my post on Free Tablet for Veterans for a detailed guide to get it.

How to Apply Through Mail

Follow these steps to get the Lifeline Free Tablet by applying through mail:

  1. Ensure you meet the Lifeline eligibility criteria.
  2. Print the ACP application form in English.
  3. Print the Household Worksheet form.
  4. Fill out the printed application form and provide all necessary information and documentation.
  5. Include all necessary documentation that proves your eligibility, identity, age, and address.
  6. Put the completed application form and documentation in an envelope and mail it to ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
  7. You will receive a confirmation email if your application is approved.
  8. Once approved, The service discount will be applied to your next bill. The free tablet or device will be sent to you within 7 to 10 days.

Check my post on X Mobile Free Tablet for details on obtaining a free tablet from X Mobile.

Top 5 Lifeline Free Tablet Providers

These are the Top 5 Lifeline Free Tablet Providers:

1. Maxsip Telecom

Maxsip Telecom has collaborated with the Lifeline program to provide complimentary tablets and discounts to eligible customers.

The initiative is active in several states, including Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, and more.

To learn how to get from this provider, check out my guide on Maxsip Free Tablet.

QLink Wireless extends Lifeline advantages to eligible clients. The company offers its services across several states, including Wisconsin, West Virginia, Washington, and more.

Eligible households are entitled to receive a complimentary tablet from Q Link Wireless.

Additionally, they provide free monthly phone service encompassing unlimited data, text, and talk for ACP eligible customers.

Follow my guide on QLink Free Tablet to learn how to get it.

3. Stand up Wireless

StandUP Wireless is another nationwide Lifeline provider, extending discounts on devices and monthly internet services.

The provider offers various benefits when operating across multiple states, such as Wisconsin, West Virginia, Utah, and more.

These include a free tablet, a one-time discount, and a complimentary monthly service providing eligible Lifeline families free talk, text, and data.

4. Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless actively participates in the Lifeline program, aiming to assist customers.

This initiative spans several regions, including Wisconsin, West Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, South Carolina, Rhode Island, and others.

Cintex Wireless provides eligible customers complimentary Lifeline tablets like the Alcatel Joy Tab.

In addition, they also provide Apple phones. Check out my guide on Cintex free iPhone to learn more.

5. AirTalk Wireless

AirTALK Wireless is a renowned wireless provider offering Lifeline services and associated benefits.

Their coverage spans numerous states, including Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, New York, Ohio, California, Mississippi, Michigan, and Oklahoma.

Eligible customers can obtain a complimentary Lifeline tablet from AirTALK Wireless.

Their tablet options include Samsung Galaxy Tab A SM, KonnectONE Moxee Tablet, Apple iPad Mini 2, Apple iPad Air, and Alcatel Joy Tab.

Eligibility Criteria

These are the Eligibility Criteria to get a Lifeline Free Tablet:

  1. Your annual household income must not exceed 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
  2. You or any household member must have participated in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
  3. Any household member must have participated in a Lifeline-Qualifying assistance program, which includes various government assistance programs like Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Head Start, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, SNAP (Food Stamps).
  4. Your household must have received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
  5. Your household must have participated in U.S. Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, or School Breakfast Program.

Gen Mobile is another provider of free tablets. Check out my post on Gen Mobile Free Tablet for details about their offer.

Documents Required

These are the Documents Required to get Lifeline Free Tablet:

  1. Proof of Identity:
    • Government issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport)
    • State issued identification card
    • Military ID
  2. Proof of Address:
    • Utility bill (electricity, water, gas)
    • Lease agreement or rental contract
    • Mortgage statement
    • Recent bank statement with address
  3. Proof of Income:
    • Recent pay stubs
    • Tax returns (previous year)
    • Unemployment benefits statements
    • Social Security benefits statements
  4. Proof of Participation in Assistance Programs:
    • Medicaid enrollment letter or card
    • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) enrollment letter or card
    • SSI (Supplemental Security Income) award letter or benefits statement
    • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) documentation
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) documentation
  5. Proof of Federal Pell Grant:
    • Federal Pell Grant award letter
  6. Proof of Participation in School Meal Programs:
    • Confirmation from school or program of participation in free or reduced-price school lunch program
    • Document from school or program indicating participation in School Breakfast Program
  7. Proof of WIC Participation:
    • WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children) enrollment letter or benefits statement
  8. Other Documents:
    • Proof of citizenship or legal residency
    • Social Security cards for household members
    • Birth certificates for household members
    • Marriage or divorce certificates

And if you’re wondering how in the world you can score a Free Tablet along with a Phone, check my post on Free Tablet with Phone to discover how to go about it.

Tablet Models Offered for Free Through Lifeline

These are the Tablet Models Offered for Free through Lifeline:

  1. Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8″ Ruggedized Tablet, Black
  2. Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
  3. Vortex tablet
  4. Sunshine T1
  5. Alcatel Joy Tab
  6. Lenovo Tab 5
  7. Google Chromebook
  8. 2020 Apple iPad: Space Gray (8th generation)
  9. Apple 12.9 inch iPad Pro 2021: Space Gray
  10. Fire HD 10 Tablet + Amazon Standing Case
  11. Lenovo Tab M10 Plus Tablet
  12. LG G Pad 5, 4GB LTE Unlocked Tablet
  13. New Microsoft Surface Go 2, Platinum.

If you are a senior and need a tablet, you can get one from T Mobile. Check out my post on T Mobile Free Tablet for Seniors for a step-by-step guide on how to go about it.

Lifeline Free Tablet Model Comparison Table

This table compares the Lifeline Free Tablet Models:

Tablet ModelOperating SystemScreen SizeProcessorStorageCameraConnectivityBattery CapacitySpecial Features
Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8″Android8 inchesOcta core16GB8MP rear4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth4,450 mAhRuggedized design, S Pen compatibility
Samsung Galaxy Tab S7Android11 inchesOcta core128GB / 256GB13MP + 5MP5G, WiFi, Bluetooth8,000 mAhS Pen compatibility, DeX mode
Vortex tabletAndroid7 inchesQuad core8GB5MP rear4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth2,500 mAhCompact size
Sunshine T1Android7 inchesQuad core8GB2MP rear4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth2,700 mAhCompact design
Alcatel Joy TabAndroid8 inchesQuad core16GB5MP rear4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth4,000 mAhCellular connectivity
Lenovo Tab 5Android10.1 inchesQuad core16GB / 32GB5MP rearWiFi, Bluetooth4,850 mAhFamily friendly mode, Dolby Atmos audio
Google ChromebookChrome OS12.3 inchesIntel Celeron32GB / 64GBFront cameraWiFi, Bluetooth Laptop tablet hybrid, Chrome OS
2020 Apple iPad; Space Gray (8th gen.)iOS10.2 inchesA12 Bionic chip32GB / 128GB8MP rearFront Camera8,827 mAhApple Pencil compatibility, iOS ecosystem
Apple 12.9 inch iPad Pro 2021   Space GrayiOS12.9 inchesM1 chip128GB / 256GB12MP + 10MP5G, Wi Fi, Bluetooth ProMotion display, Apple Pencil support
Fire HD 10 Tablet + Amazon Standing CaseFire OS10.1 inchesOcta core32GB / 64GB2MP frontWiFi, Bluetooth6,150 mAhAmazon ecosystem, hands free Alexa
Lenovo Tab M10 Plus TabletAndroid10.3 inchesOcta core32GB / 64GB8MP rearWiFi, Bluetooth5,000 mAhModern design, dual speakers
LG G Pad 5   4GB LTE Unlocked TabletAndroid10.1 inchesOcta core32GB5MP rear4G LTE, WiFi, Bluetooth8,200 mAhLTE connectivity, multitasking support
New Microsoft Surface Go 2; PlatinumWindows 1010.5 inchesIntel Pentium Gold64GB / 128GB5MP frontWiFi, Bluetooth8,000 mAhWindows compatibility, Surface Pen

How to Choose the Best Free Lifeline Tablet

Follow these steps to choose the best free Lifeline tablet:

  1. Decide between Android, iOS, or other options like Chrome OS or Fire OS based on your familiarity and app preferences.
  2. Consider your usage; larger screens are better for multitasking and media consumption, while smaller screens offer portability.
  3. Look for tablets with at least a quad core processor for smooth performance in daily tasks and apps.
  4. Choose a tablet with adequate storage (32GB or more) if you plan to store media and apps locally.
  5. Opt for tablets with 4G or 5G capabilities if you need cellular connectivity. Otherwise, WiFi only tablets are suitable.
  6. Check the camera quality if you plan to use it for video calls or photography.
  7. Consider tablets with longer battery life, especially if you use them extensively throughout the day.
  8. Check for special features like stylus support (Apple Pencil or others), laptop tablet hybrids, or compatibility with specific ecosystems (Apple, Amazon, etc.).
  9. Consider the brand reputation.
  10. Read user and expert reviews to gather insights into real world performance and user satisfaction.
  11. Consider how you’ll use the tablet; for work, entertainment, education, or a mix. This will guide your choice in terms of specifications.
  12. Look for tablets with recent hardware and software to ensure they remain relevant for longer.
  13. Check if the tablet is available in your area and under the Lifeline program.
  14. Consider tablets that come with accessories like cases, stands, or keyboards.
  15. While the tablets are free, consider any additional costs, like cellular plans or accessories.
  16. Research the tablet manufacturer’s customer support reputation to ensure prompt assistance if you encounter any issues.

Check out our guide on Free Lifeline Phone Service Providers to explore other amazing offerings.

Benefits of Getting a Free Tablet from Lifeline

These are the benefits of getting a Free Tablet from Lifeline:

  1. Tablets help you learn new things and have fun online.
  2. You can talk to your family and friends using messages and video calls.
  3. A tablet helps you search and apply online if you’re looking for a job.
  4. You can watch movies, listen to music, and play games on a tablet.
  5. You can use a tablet for reading and studying if you’re in school.
  6. You can use the tablet for banking and paying bills.
  7. If there’s an emergency, a tablet gives you updates and helps you call for help.
  8. Tablets are easy to use, even if you’re older or have trouble with technology.
  9. You can learn new languages with apps on a tablet.
  10. Tablets are portable and be carried about easily.

FAQs on Lifeline Free Tablet

These are the Frequently Asked Questions about Lifeline Free Tablet:

Can I keep the tablet permanently, or is it a loan or rental?

You can keep the tablet permanently. It’s not a loan or rental

Are there any hidden costs associated with receiving a free tablet?

There are no hidden costs. The tablet is provided to eligible applicants for free, and there are no hidden fees.

Can I get a tablet if I already receive Lifeline assistance for phone services?

If you already receive Lifeline assistance for phone services, you are also eligible to receive a free tablet.

Is the Lifeline Free Tablet offer available nationwide?

The Lifeline Free Tablet offer is available in most states across the country.

Can I choose the type of tablet I receive through the Lifeline program?

You can choose the type of tablet from the available models offered by the provider you are applying through.

Conclusion

Lifeline Free Tablet program offers an excellent opportunity for eligible individuals and households to access free tablets with various models and features.

With the goal of bridging the digital divide, this program provides essential tools for communication, education, work, and entertainment. The Lifeline program ensures that qualifying individuals can enjoy the benefits of connectivity without the burden of high costs.

Author

  • Matt Dalrick

    I'm Matt, your reliable guide to discovering free phones, tablets, laptops, phone services, grants, as well as deals and offers from service providers. My insights are drawn from active involvement in tech communities and a history of exploring cost-effective tech solutions. Through this blog, I am committed to helping you understand and access all the free help available.