If you’re receiving SNAP benefits (food stamps), there’s a real opportunity to lower your phone or internet bill and in some cases, get a free tablet or iPad through the federal Lifeline program. While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended, Lifeline still offers meaningful support to low-income households. Understanding how it works, what to expect, and how to qualify is the first step to getting connected.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a free tablet or discounted service using your EBT card through Lifeline.
The Current Status of Free Tablets for EBT Cardholders
Many people became familiar with the ACP because it provided a $30 monthly discount on broadband services and up to $100 off a connected device. However, that program officially ended on June 1, 2024, due to lack of further funding. If you’re seeing offers that still reference the ACP, it’s likely outdated or worse, misleading.
Now, Lifeline is the only active federal benefit program helping EBT recipients with communication services. While it doesn’t directly offer tablets in the same way ACP did, some service providers participating in Lifeline have their own device offers sometimes including free or low-cost tablets when you enroll.
It’s important to be cautious, though. Scammers have started using “free tablet” offers to target SNAP recipients. Always work directly with approved Lifeline providers and avoid giving out EBT or personal information on unfamiliar websites.
What the Lifeline Program Offers
Lifeline is a long-running federal assistance program that reduces the cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. It provides a monthly discount of:
- Up to $9.25 per month for most households
- Up to $34.25 per month for those living on Tribal lands
Some states also add their own benefits on top of the federal discount. In places like California and Oregon, residents can get additional savings or even free devices through participating providers. But even in other states, you may still qualify for significant cost reductions and basic service that includes talk, text, data or broadband.
Who Is Eligible for Lifeline?
You’re eligible for the Lifeline program if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you participate in one of the following government assistance programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
- Tribal programs such as Tribal TANF or Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
If you’re receiving SNAP and have an EBT card, you’re already halfway there. However, you’ll need to verify eligibility through official channels before enrolling with a Lifeline provider.
Documents You Might Need
Although Lifeline can often verify your benefits through automated systems, there are times when you’ll be asked to submit proof manually. Commonly accepted documents include:
- A benefit award letter from SNAP, Medicaid, or another qualifying program
- A letter of participation in a qualifying program
- A statement of benefits from the previous 12 months
Note: Your EBT card by itself typically isn’t accepted as proof. You may need an official letter from your state’s benefits office confirming your SNAP participation.
If applying based on income, you’ll need recent income documentation, such as:
- Pay stubs
- A tax return
- Social Security statements
- Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation documents
How to Apply for Lifeline (Nationwide Steps)?
Applying for Lifeline is straightforward if you already receive SNAP. Here’s how it usually works:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Visit the official National Verifier portal to confirm that you qualify. Most SNAP recipients will be automatically verified.
Step 2: Apply Online
Go to the Lifeline National Verifier at https://www.lifelinesupport.org and start your application. You’ll need to provide:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal ID
- Current residential address
Once submitted, your application is reviewed immediately, and most people receive a decision within minutes.
Step 3: Choose a Lifeline Provider
Once you’re approved, pick a Lifeline-participating service provider in your area. Some providers offer extra perks like tablets, smartphones, or higher data limits.
After you select a provider, they will finalize your enrollment and apply your Lifeline benefit to your plan.
State-Specific Programs That May Include Free Devices
While Lifeline doesn’t promise a free tablet by default, some states have providers offering device deals tied to your Lifeline plan. These aren’t guaranteed everywhere, but here’s what’s available in some areas:
California
- Free Tablet Wireless, TruConnect and other providers may offer a free Android smartphone, unlimited talk and text, and several GBs of monthly data.
- California also supplements the federal Lifeline benefit, offering up to $19 in additional savings on phone or internet plans.
Oregon
- Free Tablet Gov, Access Wireless by i-Wireless offers a free smartphone, talk, text, and data to eligible users in supported areas.
- Oregon Lifeline offers separate discounts:
- Up to $15.25 off your phone bill
- Up to $19.25 off your internet bill
- Some providers offer bundled plans with both service and a device
New Jersey
- Residents can apply for Lifeline through Free Government Tablets, Assurance Wireless or Safelink Wireless, where offers may include a free phone, monthly service, and texting.
New York
- Providers like Safelink extend device and service offers to participants in SNAP, SSI, HEAP, TANF, and more. You can also apply for a Free Tablet with EBT in Texas.
Keep Your Benefit Active
Once enrolled in Lifeline, you’ll need to use your service at least once every 30 days. A simple phone call, text, or using mobile data is enough to maintain your eligibility. If you don’t use your service for a full month, your provider may notify you before disconnecting your plan.
Also, you must recertify your eligibility every year. The Lifeline program will notify you when it’s time to renew. Failing to do so will result in losing your discount.
What to Know About Free Tablet Offers
Here’s the truth: Lifeline doesn’t officially offer tablets as part of its benefit. But some providers add devices to their promotions to attract new sign-ups. These offers change often, and they depend on the provider’s own stock and regional availability.
If a company claims to give a tablet for free, check that they are a Lifeline-approved provider. Be suspicious of offers that ask for upfront fees without confirming your Lifeline enrollment or that promise devices with no service plan.
In some cases, you may receive a low-cost tablet—typically with a small co-payment of $10 to $50. This is more common when a provider is pairing Lifeline with remaining ACP benefits, state funding, or special promotions.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on SNAP and looking to lower your phone or internet bill or hoping to score a free tablet your best current option is the Lifeline program. While it doesn’t guarantee a device like ACP once did, some providers offer free or low-cost tablets and phones when you enroll.
Use only official sources to apply. Start with the National Verifier, then shop around for a Lifeline provider in your area that offers the best plan and potential device offers.
Getting connected shouldn’t come at a premium when you’re already stretching every dollar. With the right steps, you can access affordable or even free communication tools that help with work, education, and staying in touch.