Free Tablets for Kids: Best Government & Non-Profit Programs
Millions of children from low-income families lack access to digital devices for education, homework, and online learning. Several government programs and non-profits provide students with free or discounted tablets to bridge this gap.
Government Programs That Provide Free Tablets for Kids
Several government programs offer eligible children and students free or heavily discounted tablets.
1. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federally funded initiative that provides discounts on internet services and connected devices like tablets.
What ACP Offers for Kids:
- One-time discount of up to $100 on a tablet purchase
- Monthly internet discount of up to $30 ($75 for Tribal lands)
- Free or heavily discounted data plans
Eligibility Criteria:
- Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL)
- Children enrolled in SNAP (EBT), Medicaid, WIC, or free/reduced school lunch programs
- Students receiving Pell Grants
How to Apply:
- Visit the ACP Website
- Submit proof of income or eligibility documents
- Choose a participating provider for your area
- Receive a discounted tablet and internet plan
| Feature | Details |
| Tablet Discount | Up to $100 off |
| Monthly Internet Discount | $30 ($75 for Tribal lands) |
| Data Plans | Free or heavily discounted |
| Eligibility | Income-based, SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and Pell Grants |
| Application Link | www.affordableconnectivity.gov |
Note: The ACP program has been ended for now. Please check the official website for updates on any future reinstatements.
2. Lifeline Assistance Program
The Lifeline Program is a long-standing federal initiative offering discounts on phone, internet, and device purchases for low-income families.
What Lifeline Offers for Kids:
- Monthly discount of $9.25 on broadband internet service
- Free or low-cost tablets and smartphones through participating providers
Eligibility Criteria:
- Household income at or below 135% of the FPL
- Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Section 8, or Veterans Pension
- Children from low-income families enrolled in public schools
How to Apply:
- Check eligibility at the Lifeline Support Website
- Select a Lifeline-approved provider
- Provide proof of low-income eligibility
- Choose a free or discounted tablet option
| Feature | Details |
| Tablet Discount | Free or discounted |
| Monthly Internet Discount | $9.25 |
| Data Plans | Varies by provider |
| Eligibility | Income-based, SNAP, Medicaid, Section 8 |
| Application Link | www.lifelinesupport.org |
3. E-Rate Program (For Schools & Libraries)
The E-Rate Program helps schools and libraries provide students with tablets and internet access for educational purposes.
What E-Rate Offers for Kids:
- Schools receive funding to provide free tablets and internet to students
- Wi-Fi hotspots and discounted broadband for eligible children
Eligibility Criteria:
- Students must be enrolled in a school participating in E-Rate
- Families must meet low-income criteria (SNAP, Medicaid, or school lunch programs)
How to Apply:
Parents must contact their child’s school to check if they offer E-Rate-funded tablets.
| Feature | Details |
| Tablet Availability | Provided by schools |
| Internet Access | School-issued Wi-Fi |
| Eligibility | Low-income students in participating schools |
| Application Link | Contact the local school district |
Non-Profit Organizations Offering Free Tablets for Kids
Several non-profit organizations provide refurbished or new tablets for students who cannot afford them.
4. T-Mobile Project 10Million
T-Mobile’s Project 10Million helps low-income students get free internet and discounted tablets for education.
What T-Mobile Offers:
- Free Wi-Fi hotspot with 100GB of data per year
- Discounted tablets and laptops for students
Eligibility Criteria:
- Students eligible for free/reduced school lunch
- Families below 200% of the FPL
- Enrolled in SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid
How to Apply:
Parents or school administrators can apply through T-Mobile’s website.
| Feature | Details |
| Tablet Discount | Free or heavily discounted |
| Annual Data Allowance | 100GB |
| Wi-Fi Hotspot | Free |
| Eligibility | School lunch programs, SNAP, Medicaid |
| Application Link | Apply Here |
5. EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn provides discounted or free tablets for low-income families and partners with local schools and non-profits to provide devices.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Households must earn below 200% of FPL
- Participation in government assistance programs
How to Apply:
Visit EveryoneOn’s website and enter your ZIP code to check for local offers.
| Feature | Details |
| Tablet Type | Refurbished models |
| Internet Access | Varies |
| Eligibility | Income-based, school partnership |
| Application Link | everyoneon.org |
Stories of Kids Who Got a Tablet
Hearing from others can help illustrate the positive impact of these programs. Here are a few real-life success stories:
Case Study: Maria from Texas
Maria, a 10-year-old student, struggled with remote learning until her school partnered with the E-Rate program. Her school provided her a Chromebook, enabling her to participate in online classes and complete homework efficiently. Maria’s teachers noticed a significant improvement in her engagement and performance.
Case Study: Jamal from New York
Jamal’s family qualified for the Lifeline Program, which provided them with a free tablet. With unlimited talk and text, Jamal could communicate with his teachers and access educational apps. His parents reported that the tablet was crucial in keeping him connected during the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I don’t qualify for ACP or Lifeline, can I get a free tablet for my child?
Non-profits like EveryoneOn, PCs for People, and T-Mobile Project 10Million offer free or low-cost tablets.
Do these free tablets come with data plans?
Yes, programs like ACP, Lifeline, and T-Mobile Project 10Million offer free or discounted data plans.
Can my child use these tablets for school?
These tablets are designed for online learning, research, and schoolwork.
Are there any hidden fees associated with these programs?
No, all programs listed offer free or discounted devices without hidden fees, although some, depending on the provider, may require a small monthly fee for internet service.
How can I verify that the program I’m applying for is legitimate?
Always apply directly through official websites or trusted organizations. Verify eligibility criteria and consult local school administrators if you have any doubts.
Conclusion
Government and non-profit programs like ACP (currently ended), Lifeline, E-Rate, T-Mobile Project 10Million, and EveryoneOn can provide your child with a free tablet. If your family qualifies, applying through these programs can provide your child with the technology they need for education.
Check your eligibility now and help bridge the digital divide for your child.
