A free tablet from the government can help you with education, entertainment, and digital access in general. Both government agencies and other partners can help you get this in 2025.
Ways to Get A Free Government Tablet
Depending on where you live, you have a few ways to get a free government tablet. There are two categories.
Lifeline program
Lifeline Support, simply called the Lifeline program, is an effective way to get a free tablet/smartphone. You might also get a better tablet at a discounted rate. However, note that the Lifeline program does not provide you with a tablet/smartphone on its own.
Instead, you can use your eligibility for the program to interact with one of the program partners in your area. In this way, you’d get a tablet alongside an internet connection.
State-specific Programs
Many governmental and non-governmental organizations work towards bridging the digital divide. So, you should also look for state-specific programs that can offer a free/discounted tablet. The eligibility criteria may vary based on the state, but you may have better options for co-pay and refurbished devices.
Eligibility Criteria for the Lifeline Program
Qualifying for the Lifeline program is straightforward, and you can do it three ways:
- Income-based Eligibility: If your overall household income falls below the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can qualify for Lifeline. In most states, the cap for a 3-person household is $34,857.
- Federal/Tribal Assistance Programs: If you are already enrolled in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, FPHA, or Tribal TANF, you become eligible for the Lifeline program automatically.
- Survivors: If you are a survivor of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or related crimes, you can make use of the Lifeline program for free/discounted tablet and internet connectivity.
If you have any of these, you can proceed with the application for the Lifeline program.
How to Apply for the Lifeline Program
You can apply for the Lifeline program using three methods. One, you can use the official website to sign up. Two, you can find a partnering service provider in your area and apply through them. Three, you can fill in a printed application form and send it to the Lifeline program.
The official website is the easiest option, though. The steps are:
- Before you begin the application, ensure you have all the necessary documents, such as income proof and ID proof. If you use Medicaid or SNAP for eligibility, you may need the benefit letter for those programs.
- Create an account on the official website of the Lifeline program and proceed with the application. It will take less than 10 minutes.
- Provide all the documents and wait for the verification process. You can expect a response from Lifeline in a day or two.
Make sure you keep track of all the documentation when you get a response from Lifeline.
Lifeline Partners Offering Free Tablet
Now that you have qualified for the Lifeline program, you should start looking for Lifeline partners offering a free tablet for eligible customers. Here’s what you can do to find the best option:
You can use the Companies Near Me page from the Lifeline program to find a genuine Lifeline partner in your area. We recommend checking the provider’s website for potential offers. You would also see an option to apply for the program directly.
FAQs
Which tablets can I get for free in 2025?
While the exact model may vary, you can get tablets from makers like Apple, Samsung, KonnectOne, and Moxee. At times, you may have to go for the co-pay option, which means you have to pay a fraction of the device’s cost.
Can I get free internet with the tablet?
You may not get free internet, but the Lifeline program makes you eligible for internet plans at discounted rates. You’d easily find plans for as low as $10 a month from available partners.
Are there restrictions on the free government tablet?
There may not be any usage restrictions. But you should continuously use the tablet, and you cannot sell it. Doing so may void your eligibility for future programs.
Conclusion
Getting verified for the Lifeline program can help you with affordable internet connectivity as well. So, make sure you make the best out of both when you get that free government tablet.