How to Get a Free Phone and Tablet with Food Stamps (SNAP)

You can get help for a free phone and tablet through government assistance programs if you receive SNAP (Food Stamps). Lifeline Assistance Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) help low-income people stay connected with free or discounted mobile devices and internet service.

The Lifeline Program is about free phone service, while the ACP covers internet access and devices such as tablets. These programs are offered by many of the wireless providers, who will offer qualifying people a free smartphone, a free tablet (for a small co-pay), as well as unlimited data, talk and text.

This guide explains the eligibility requirements and the application process as well as how to select the right provider for you. If eligible, you get a free device to help stay connected with work, school, healthcare, and even emergency services. Read on for the details of how to apply and get your free phone and tablet now!

How the Free Phone and Tablet Program Works

The Free Phone and Tablet Program is intended to help low-income individuals and families remain connected. This program is offered through two existing government programs: Lifeline Assistance and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). With enrollment in both programs, qualified people can get a free smartphone, a free tablet (with a nominal co-pay) and free or reduced-price internet service.

Lifeline Assistance Program – Free Phone Service

The Lifeline Program is a decades-old federal program that provides free or low-cost phone service for eligible individuals. This program connects people to:

• Job opportunities
• Emergency services
• Healthcare providers
• Family and friends

With Lifeline, eligible recipients receive:

• A free smartphone (varies by provider)
• Free monthly talk and text
• A set amount of free mobile data

Lifeline is accessible across all 50 U.S. states, territories, and tribal lands. The program is limited to one benefit per household and must meet income guidelines or assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and others.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – Free Tablet & Internet Discounts

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newer program that provides internet services for low-income families. With ACP, our goal is to grant access to online resources to everyone for education, healthcare, and jobs.

Benefits of the ACP program include:

• A free or discounted tablet (with a co-pay of $10-$50)
• Discounted or free high-speed internet
• Unlimited data with select providers

Some Lifeline providers integrate ACP benefits into their plans, providing bundled packages that offer both phone and internet services at no charge.

How Lifeline + ACP Work Together

When you enroll in both the Lifeline and ACP programs, you can receive:

• A free smartphone (with free talk, text, and data)
• A free tablet (small co-pay required)
• Unlimited monthly data (with select providers)
• Access to 5G networks (if available)
• Free mobile hotspot data

Many Lifeline/ACP providers offer these benefits, including:

• Q Link Wireless
• SafeLink Wireless
• Cintex Wireless
• AirTalk Wireless
• TruConnect

Applying is quick and easy! If you are qualified, today get your free phone and tablet and stay connected without any cost.

Who Qualifies for a Free Phone and Tablet with Food Stamps?

The Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers free phones, free tablets, and free or reduced price internet service for qualified low income individuals and families. The easiest way to qualify is through participation in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), aka Food Stamps.

If you receive SNAP, you’re automatically qualified for both Lifeline and ACP, so you can get a free government phone and a free tablet for a low co-pay.

Eligibility Requirements for Lifeline & ACP

You must be eligible for a free phone and tablet by one of two criteria:

1. Enrollment in a Government Assistance Program

If you are part of any of the programs listed below, though, you can get a free phone, tablet and reduced internet:

• SNAP (Food Stamps)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Program
• Tribal Assistance Programs (BIA, Tribal TANF, FDPIR, etc.)

2. Income-Based Eligibility

You may even qualify based on household income, regardless of whether or not you receive government assistance. You may be eligible if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline, or at or below 200% for ACP.

Here’s an example of income limits for ACP eligibility (amounts may differ based on state and size of household):

If your income is below the thresholds, you can sign up for a free phone and tablet with a Lifeline/ACP provider.

One Benefit Per Household Rule

Each family is only allowed one Lifeline and one ACP benefit. However, if multiple people in your household receive separate government assistance benefits, they may be eligible for multiple services.

How to Apply for a Free Phone and Tablet with Food Stamps

If you are part of SNAP (Food Stamps), getting a free phone and tablet through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is simple. Getting started is simple and can be done in just a few steps:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, verify your eligibility through the FCC’s National Verifier. This system ensures that you meet the requirements for Lifeline and ACP benefits.

• Visit the National Verifier website (https://www.lifelinesupport.org/).
• Enter your personal details (name, address, and date of birth).
• Select SNAP (Food Stamps) or another qualifying program.
• Submit the application and wait for approval.

Once approved, you can move to the next step.

Step 2: Choose a Lifeline/ACP Provider

After verifying your eligibility, select a provider that offers free phones, free tablets, and unlimited service. Some of the top providers include:

• Q Link Wireless – Offers free smartphones and tablets with unlimited data.
• Cintex Wireless – Provides high-quality refurbished phones like iPhones and Samsung devices.
• SafeLink Wireless – A well-known provider offering free talk, text, and data.
• AirTalk Wireless – Offers free devices, including tablets with a small co-pay.
• TruConnect – Provides free phone and tablet bundles for eligible users.

Visit the provider’s website to apply and select a free phone and tablet based on availability.

Step 3: Submit Required Documents

To complete your application, you must provide documents to prove your eligibility.

• Proof of SNAP (Food Stamps) – A copy of your SNAP EBT card or award letter.
• Government ID – A valid driver’s license, passport, or state-issued ID.
• Proof of Income (if applying based on income) – Recent pay stubs, tax return, or
• Social Security statement.

Upload these documents on your chosen provider’s website or submit them via email.

Step 4: Receive and Activate Your Free Phone & Tablet

Once your application is approved:

• Receive Your Device – Your free phone and tablet will be shipped to your address.
• Activate the Phone – Follow the instructions provided by your service provider.
• Enjoy Free Unlimited Service – Make calls, send texts, and use data for free!

Applying for a free phone and tablet with SNAP benefits is simple and quick. Just check your eligibility, choose a provider, submit your documents, and receive your free device.

Best Free Phones and Tablets Available

Participating providers will give you a free phone and a discounted tablet if you qualify for the Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The providers you choose may have specific models in stock. Here it is, a list of some of the best free phones and tablets.

Free Phones (Depending on Provider)

However, a large number of Lifeline/ACP providers provide excellent quality smartphones, including older models of the most popular brands like Apple, Samsung, Motorola, and Google.

Note: Phone models may vary based on stock availability and provider selection.

Free Tablets (ACP-Eligible Tablets – Small Co-Payment May Apply)

Through the ACP program, you can also receive a discounted tablet. Some providers offer a free or heavily discounted tablet with a small co-pay (usually $10-$50).

Note: The ACP program does require a one-time co-pay for the tablets, typically between $10-$50, at the discretion of the provider.

How to Get a Free Phone and Tablet

In an era when staying connected is increasingly critical, government programs such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) assist qualifying people obtain free or discounted phones and tablets. If you are on Government Assistance, like SNAP (Food Stamps), you might get these benefits. Here’s how to apply, step by step.

1. Check Your Eligibility

You’ll first need to ensure you qualify for Lifeline and ACP programs. You qualify if:

• You are enrolled in a government assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, or Federal Public Housing.
• You live at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline; or 200% for ACP.

You will be able to check your eligibility using the National Verifier (FCC website), which will decide if you qualify for these programs.

2. Choose a Provider

The majority of wireless providers provide free government phones as well as ACP tablets. The following are some of the most popular providers:

• Q Link Wireless
• SafeLink Wireless
• AirTalk Wireless
• Cintex Wireless
• TruConnect

All providers have various phone models, including tablets. Tablets may have a small co-payment, but the phone tends to be free.

3. Submit Required Documents

You’ll have to provide proof of eligibility to finish your application. Common documents include:

• SNAP EBT card or proof of participation in a government assistance program.
• Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns, or Social Security benefits letter).
• Government-issued ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID).

Applications can be completed online through the provider’s website.

4. Receive and Activate Your Free Phone and Tablet

After approval, you’ll get your free phone (and discounted tablet) in the mail. Follow your provider’s activation instructions to activate your device.

Free Phone and Tablet Plans for SNAP Recipients

For those who receive SNAP (Food Stamps), you may be eligible for a free phone and tablet plan under the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs connect you (and your family) to free talk, text, data, and access to the internet to stay in touch with family, work, school, and healthcare.

What’s Included in Free Government Phone and Tablet Plans?

Each provider offers different plans, but most include:

• Unlimited talk & text – Stay in touch with loved ones and essential services.
• High-speed data – Access the internet, browse, stream, and use social media.
• 5G network access – Enjoy faster speeds if your provider supports 5G.
• Mobile hotspot data – Share internet with other devices (available in select plans).

Below is a comparison of free phone and tablet plans from top Lifeline/ACP providers:

Free Phone and Tablet Plans Comparison

How to Choose the Best Plan

• Need more data? Opt for a provider with larger high-speed data caps.
• Want a tablet? Make sure your provider provides an ACP tablet (small co-pay may apply)
• Need hotspot data? Choose a plan that has mobile hotspot access.

Conclusion

As SNAP (Food Stamps) beneficiaries, the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provide free phone and tablet. It really could not be easier — just determine if you qualify and how to do so, find a provider, send in the requested documents, and, if you qualify, you will be sent your free device and service.

These are programs that provide free unlimited talk, text, and data to low-income individuals. Some of such unlimited plans are given some of the providers such as Q Link Wireless, SafeLink, AirTalk, Cintex, and TruConnect with high-speed data, 5G, and mobile hotspot.

Will you qualify don’t skip out! A free phone and tablet will help you stay connected to family, job opportunities, healthcare and education. Apply today and make the most use of these lifeline programs designed to help support you. Data: This is your free service, helped by all of you.