Is the free government tablet program still running?

Not the one most people are thinking of. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which supported most free-tablet-with-internet offers from 2022 to mid-2024, ended when funding ran out. What remains: occasional participating-provider tablet offers in select areas, nonprofits like PCs for People and Human-I-T that may distribute low-cost refurbished tablets, and public library lending programs.

Who qualifies for a free tablet in 2026?

Eligibility varies by program. Some programs use Lifeline-style rules such as income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines or participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Section 8, Veterans Pension, WIC, or Tribal programs. Some nonprofits use broader income thresholds. Confirm the current rules with the specific provider or organization before applying.

How do I actually get a tablet in 2026?

Three paths to check: (1) See whether any participating provider in your state currently advertises a tablet offer. (2) Apply to a nonprofit refurbisher like PCs for People or Human-I-T for low-cost refurbished devices. (3) Ask your local public library whether it has a tablet or hotspot lending program.

What kind of tablet will I get?

Most low-income tablet options are entry-level Android tablets — often 8-10 inch screen, 32-64 GB storage, and 2-4 GB RAM. They are basic but can work for email, browsing, video calling, and telehealth. Free iPads are uncommon; some nonprofits may occasionally have donated Apple devices, but availability is limited and inconsistent.

Can I apply for a tablet AND a Lifeline phone?

Yes, but Lifeline only provides one service benefit per household. Typical arrangement: Lifeline phone plan with one provider (Assurance, TruConnect, etc.) + tablet from a nonprofit like PCs for People (separate application). A few Lifeline providers offer tablets with phone plans bundled — ask during signup.

Is there any way to get a free iPad?

Not through any government or Lifeline program. Low-income tablet programs ship Android tablets exclusively. Some nonprofits occasionally have donated iPads available, but supply is limited and inconsistent.

Will Congress bring back the ACP free tablet program?

As of April 2026, no new federal tablet-distribution funding has been enacted. Bills have been introduced but not passed. Lifeline continues as the permanent federal low-income telecom benefit. We update this page if new legislation passes.

Updated April 2026

Free government tablet in 2026 — what's really still available.

The ACP program that funded many free or low-cost tablet offers has ended. In 2026, the safer path is to verify what still exists in your area: occasional provider offers, nonprofit refurbishers like PCs for People, and public library lending programs.

Lifeline is free

You will never pay for the benefit itself. The government pays it directly to your chosen phone provider.

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Questions? Use our contact form or email [email protected]. We reply within one business day.

If you searched “free government phone and tablet,” start here.

Need phone service too?

Start with the free government phone guide to compare Lifeline providers before choosing a tablet path.

Want an iPad or iPhone?

Government-benefit programs rarely provide Apple devices. See the free government iPhone guide for the honest BYOD answer.

Checking eligibility?

Most tablet programs use similar income or benefit rules. Review Lifeline eligibility before applying.

The three paths that still work in 2026.

1 · New tablet + service

Lifeline providers

Some participating providers may advertise basic Android tablet offers in select states or for select plans. Confirm the current device terms, data allowance, taxes, and any one-time costs on the provider's official site before applying.

2 · Refurbished, $0-50

Nonprofit refurbishers

PCs for People and Human-I-T refurbish and ship tablets to low-income households for $0-50 depending on device and program. Apply online with proof of program or income eligibility. Ships in 2-3 weeks.

3 · Borrow free, short-term

Library lending

Some public libraries lend tablets or hotspots to library-card holders for short-term use. Availability, renewal rules, and cellular data access vary by library system.

Specific tablet-program guides.

Deep-dives on each application path.

How to apply

How to Apply for a Free Tablet from the Government (2026)

The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that issued most free government tablets ended June 2024. But several state programs, Lifeline-participating providers, and nonprofits still issue free or low-cost tablets to qualifying households. Here's the 2026 application process.

For low-income households

Free Tablets for Low-Income Households (2026)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended, taking most free-tablet programs with it. But low-income households still have options: a few Lifeline-participating providers still ship tablets with service, and nonprofits like PCs for People and Human-I-T distribute refurbished tablets for $0-50.

With EBT / SNAP

Free Tablet with EBT (SNAP) — What's Actually Available in 2026

SNAP (EBT) automatically qualifies you for the federal Lifeline program. While the ACP-era free-tablet giveaways have ended, SNAP recipients can still get tablets through Lifeline providers like Cintex Wireless and through nonprofits like PCs for People.

Best for 2026

Best Free or Low-Cost Tablets for Low-Income Households (2026)

With ACP gone, the best sources of free or near-free tablets are nonprofits (PCs for People, Human-I-T), a few Lifeline-participating providers (Cintex Wireless, Standup Wireless), and public library lending programs. Here's how they compare.

Free government tablet — FAQ.

Start with what you qualify for.

Check Lifeline eligibility first. If you may qualify, you can use that same proof to compare tablet programs, but each provider, nonprofit, or library sets its own current rules.