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Free iPad with EBT Card: Current Options in 2025

Are you interested in getting a Free iPad with an EBT Card or Food Stamps? Let me share my personal experience on how I managed to get a free government iPad to find a job and earn enough money to support my family. I recently shared how you can apply and get a Free Tablet With Medicaid.

Important Update: Changes to Free iPad Programs for SNAP Recipients

If you receive SNAP benefits (food stamps), you may have heard that you could qualify for discounted internet and phone services and even a free iPad. There’s a lot of misinformation online about available offers because the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which used to offer government benefits recipients a free phone or iPad with certain plans, is no longer active as of June 1, 2024.

Lifeline is currently the only federal program that helps EBT households with their monthly phone and internet bills. Not all internet companies offer discounted plans through Lifeline, and only some offer a free iPad or device when you sign up. Be vigilant of scams that claim to give free iPads for SNAP participants to access your EBT information and steal your benefits.

Here’s what you need to know about discounted internet and phone services if you’re a SNAP participant or receive some other type of benefit, like Medicaid.

What Happened to the Free iPad Program for EBT Cardholders?

The ACP was a federal benefit program that offered households receiving SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and other qualifying low-income households discounted home and mobile internet services. ACP benefits ended June 1, 2024, and the program didn’t receive additional funding from Congress.

The standard ACP benefit included up to $30 off your monthly internet bill and a one-time $100 discount on a laptop, desktop computer, or iPad purchased through your internet service provider.

Many ACP households turned to Lifeline for an alternative low-cost internet plan. Lifeline doesn’t generally pay for your mobile device, but some providers might give you a free iPad through a special offer when you sign up.

What is the Lifeline Program?

Lifeline helps eligible low-income households save on phone and internet service. In most states, qualifying households get up to $9.25 off their monthly bill (with extra savings of up to $34.25 per month for people living on Tribal lands).

Some states supplement the federal benefit with state funds to increase the benefit amount or the types of discounted packages offered. California’s Lifeline program, for example, offers up to $19 off your monthly phone or internet bill. In Oregon, eligible households can choose from these Lifeline benefits:

  • Up to $15.25 off your monthly phone bill
  • Up to $19.25 off your monthly high-speed internet bill
  • A free cell phone and data service

Here’s how Lifeline works:

  • The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a nonprofit organization started by the federal government, verifies eligibility for participating households
  • After you qualify through USAC, you sign up with a participating service provider (a phone or internet company)
  • The phone or internet company applies the Lifeline benefit to your service and manages your plan

Only one discounted Lifeline plan is allowed per household. Anyone you live with and share money with counts as part of your household, even if you’re not related. There are certain relationships that count under a single household, including married couples and parents with dependents living together.

How to Qualify for Lifeline

You automatically qualify for Lifeline if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance. If you don’t participate in one of these benefit programs, you can also qualify if your household income is under 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. When you first apply for Lifeline (and every year after), you have to show proof that you are enrolled in a qualifying government program or that you meet the income requirements in your state.

Most states can verify your enrollment status in SNAP, Medicaid, and other programs so you don’t need to bring proof. If you’re asked to confirm your status, however, an EBT card doesn’t qualify as proof on its own—you typically need to show what’s called a benefit award letter. Ask your SNAP office if you don’t know where to find one.

If you don’t recertify your eligibility within 60 days of receiving an email or notice in the mail, you’ll lose the Lifeline benefit.

If your internet service is free through Lifeline, you’re required to use it at least once every 30 days to keep your benefit active. That means you need to make a call, send a text, or use data at least once a month to stay enrolled in Lifeline.

How to Apply for Lifeline

Signing up for Lifeline if you’re already enrolled in SNAP or some other benefit program is easy—you won’t have to prove your income or go through a complicated verification process since Lifeline can check your SNAP enrollment status. And your local SNAP office may be able to help you sign up for Lifeline on the spot.

To sign up for Lifeline online in under 10 minutes:

  1. Create a Lifeline account
  2. Provide your full name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal identification number, and home address

Contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473 if you need help with your application.

If you live in California, Oregon, or Texas, you can only apply for Lifeline through your phone or internet company.

To sign up for California Lifeline:

  1. Find a participating internet or phone service provider.
  2. Tell them that you qualify for Lifeline because you currently participate in one of these public assistance programs or because your monthly household income is under the California Lifeline income limits.
  3. Your service provider will send you the necessary forms to complete your application—make sure you send it in before the due date so you aren’t charged the full-price rate.
  4. You’ll receive a notice to renew your application 105 days (around 3.5 months) before your benefit expires.

To sign up for Oregon Lifeline:

  1. If Access Wireless by i-wireless is available in your area, contact the provider directly to sign up for a free Lifeline plan. Otherwise, apply through the general Oregon Lifeline online application for a discounted plan.
  2. Oregon Lifeline will verify your eligibility and send you a letter in the mail confirming the status of your application.
  3. Once your application is approved, it may take up to 60 days from the time you applied to see the discount on your phone or internet bill.

To sign up for Texas Lifeline:

  1. Complete the Texas Lifeline application online, by email, or by mail.
  2. Attach proof of your enrollment status for eligible benefits (like a copy of a SNAP award letter) or total household income and a copy of your latest internet or phone bill.
  3. You’ll receive an email with the status of your application as soon as it’s reviewed.
  4. Applications are processed the last week of each month, so you should see the discount on your internet or phone bill the month after you apply.
  5. You must re-apply at least every seven months—you’ll receive an application to re-apply two months before your benefit expires.

States Offering Free iPads Through Lifeline

These are some states that offer free devices with their Lifeline plans. While iPads are less common than smartphones, some providers may offer iPads as part of special promotions. Contact your provider for more information.

California

TruConnect offers free devices with a Lifeline plan for qualifying customers in California that includes 6 GB of data and unlimited talk and text. While smartphones are more common, special promotions may occasionally include iPads.

Oregon

Areas where Access Wireless by i-wireless is available are eligible for free devices with a Lifeline plan that includes unlimited free voice minutes, unlimited text, and 5 GB of data.

New Jersey

Qualifying households in New Jersey can receive free devices and free wireless phone service with free data, monthly minutes, and unlimited texting. Apply online through Assurance Wireless and Safelink Wireless.

New York

New York households participating in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Section 8, HEAP, TANF or other NYS assistance programs automatically qualify for Safelink Wireless’s free phone program.

No Direct Government Program for Free iPads

While there is no direct government program offering free iPads to SNAP or EBT recipients, there are other avenues to explore. The Lifeline program can provide discounts on technology services. Additionally, non-governmental organizations and certain wireless companies offer free or low-cost technology to low-income families or individuals.

Support from Organizations and Wireless Providers

Organizations like The On It Foundation, PCs for People, and EveryoneOn offer significant support by providing discounted or free digital devices to those who meet specific criteria. Wireless providers such as AirTalk Wireless and Cintex Wireless also offer deals for those qualifying for Lifeline.

What is EBT?

EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a system that allows people receiving government aid, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), to buy groceries using a special debit card. This card gets filled with your benefits each month and can be used at stores that accept it.

Free iPad with EBT & Food Stamps Program

The initiative to provide free iPads to those receiving SNAP benefits aims to close the digital access gap for low-income families. By collaborating with various government and non-profit groups, the goal is to boost digital skills and access for those on SNAP.

How to Get a Free iPad with an EBT Card

Here are the ways you may be able to get a free or discounted iPad with an EBT Card:

  1. Lifeline Program:

    • Helps low-income families get communication services.
    • Qualification: Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.
    • Application: Sign up online or call 1-800-234-9473.
    • Note: While Lifeline itself doesn’t provide free iPads, some providers may offer free or discounted devices as a promotion.

  2. Non-Profit Organizations:

    • Organizations like PCs for People, Human-I-T, and EveryoneOn may offer refurbished iPads at significantly reduced prices.
    • Qualification: Proof of enrollment in government assistance programs like SNAP.
    • Application: Contact the organizations directly through their websites.

Top Free iPad Models Available Through Programs

When free or discounted iPads are available, these are typically the models you might find:

  1. iPad (older generations): Most programs offer older iPad models that are refurbished.
  2. iPad mini (older generations): Compact and portable for basic tasks.
  3. Refurbished iPad Air: Sometimes available through non-profit refurbishment programs.

Note that the newest iPad models are rarely available through assistance programs.

Non-Profits Offering Free or Discounted iPads

  1. Human-I-T: Refurbishes tech for low-income families.
  2. EveryoneOn: Provides affordable internet and technology.
  3. The On It Foundation: Offers technology and internet services.
  4. Goodwill: Check local stores for affordable refurbished tech.
  5. PCs for People: Provides discounted or free refurbished devices.

Beware of Scams

Be cautious of online scams claiming to offer free iPads to EBT cardholders. Legitimate programs will:

  • Never ask for your EBT card PIN
  • Not require payment to receive a “free” device
  • Have verifiable contact information and physical addresses
  • Be associated with known government programs or established non-profits

Conclusion

Getting a free iPad with EBT isn’t guaranteed, especially after the end of the ACP program. However, the Lifeline program can help reduce your internet costs, and some providers may occasionally offer device promotions. Non-profit organizations remain your best option for obtaining free or significantly discounted iPads. Always verify the legitimacy of any program before providing personal information or EBT details.