Purchasing a high-end gadget, such as an iPhone or iPad, is too expensive for those with limited incomes. Therefore, regardless of income, the U.S. government is committed to making sure every household has access to the necessities of communication.
If qualified, low-income people can receive a free government iPhone and tablet through the digital equality initiative. These devices are available to you if you are eligible and are based on programs run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
You must ensure that you meet the program’s eligibility conditions to receive free smartphones and tablets from Lifeline or ACP for eligible households. Participation in government-sponsored programs, such as Social Security Income (SSI), or reaching a low-income status according to the Federal Poverty Level, are prerequisites for qualification.
Most significantly, those who sign up for the government’s free iPhone and Tablet must present personal and eligibility verification documentation as evidence that they fit the requirements. Typically, your application is considered complete only after these documents are attached. Through participating wireless providers in the ACP and Lifeline programs, the government provides free iPhones and tablets to qualified consumers.
Be eligible for government’s free iPhone and tablet program.
Low-income families can receive free iPhones and tablets through just two government programs. They are ACP and Lifeline. The following details their eligibility:
Qualifications for the Lifeline aid program:
If you fulfil the following requirements, you are eligible for a free government iPhone and Tablet:
A household income that, by the Federal Poverty Guidelines, is 135% or less per year.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,041 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
| 8 | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive months of pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
You are also eligible for a free iPhone and Tablet if you take part in these government-sponsored initiatives.
- Program for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)
- Security Income Supplement (SSI)
- Assistance for Federal Public Housing (FPHA)
- Medicaid Survivors Benefit and Veterans Pension
Qualifications for Free iPhone and Tablet through ACP
To be eligible for a free government iPhone or Tablet, you must fulfil the following ACP qualifying requirements. The following is a list of qualifying requirements:
You should make no more than 200% of the federal poverty level each year.
If you have been awarded a federal Pell Grant during the current year,
If you are included in any federally funded programs, such as the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8/Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), which includes public housing, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the complimentary or reduced-priced school breakfast or lunch program.
If you take part in any of these programs and reside on tribal lands:
- General Assistance Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Bureau of Indian Affairs
- Head Start (depending on income)
- TANF Tribal
Note: Now ACP IS CLOSED, BUT YOU CAN TRY WITH an alternative.
READ MORE: Free Government Tablet Programs Now That ACP Has Ended
Apply for Free Government Tablets and iPhones
Through a service provider’s website or the official ACP and Lifeline Assistance website, you can apply for a free government iPhone and Tablet. First, let’s examine the service provider application for the free government iPhone and tablet initiative. To initiate the procedure, visit the business’s official website and enter your zip code.
After that, complete the form with your data by following the directions. Then, as proof of eligibility for the free government iPhone and Tablet, you will attach verification documentation.
You can also apply through the national verifier as an option. To receive a free government smartphone or tablet, please carefully complete the enrollment form and submit the necessary paperwork as confirmation of your eligibility. Next, press the “Submit” button. By downloading and printing the application, you can also mail the verification and application forms.
Documents Needed to Receive a Free iPhone or Tablet From Government
You must submit documents proving your eligibility for the government to process your application for a free iPhone and tablet. Below is a list of these documents:
General aid participation tribal/federal notice letter, child support award/divorce decree, pay stub, current income statement from your employment, and a Veterans Administration statement of benefits are among the income-based eligibility documentation required for a free government iPhone and tablet.
You must present one of the following documents as evidence of your involvement in a government-assisted program to be eligible for a free government tablet: a Benefits statement, paperwork from the school, a verification letter, an award letter, or an approval letter.
Additionally, you will need to present evidence of identity and proof of address. These documents include a valid driver’s license, a U.S. naturalization or citizenship certificate, a passport, a mortgage or lease statement, a utility bill, and a birth certificate.
READ MORE: Free Government Tablet with EBT ( Food Stamps or SNAP or CalFresh)
Government Programs Offering Free iPhones and Tablets
Through service providers, the government provides low-income households with free iPhones and tablets as part of the Lifeline and ACP programs.
The Federal Communications Commission funds these programs. These initiatives are the ACP and the Lifeline assistance program. You must fulfil each program’s income-based and participation-based conditions to get these benefits.
Cellular Companies Giving Away Free iPhones and Tablets
Numerous service providers are giving away free government tablets and iPhones. The top service providers with free government iPhones and tablets are listed below.
- Qlink Wireless
- TruConnect
- Safelink Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Wireless SFone
Which Device Types Are Available?
The following gadgets are available for free from the government: iPhones and tablets
Government iPhone for free:
- Apple’s iPhone 7 Plus and iPhone 6
- Apple iPhone 6s and iPhone 7
- iPhone 8 by Apple iPhone SE.
Government tablet for free:
- Alcatel Joy Tab
- Tablet Vortex
- Space Grey 12.9-inch Apple iPad Pro 2021
- The Samsung Galaxy Tab S7
- Lenovo Tablet, Tab M10 Plus
- Chromebook by Google
- The 2020 Samsung Galaxy Tab Active 2 8, The eighth-generation Space Grey Apple iPad
- Fresh 4GB LTE Microsoft Surface Go 2 LG G Pad 5 Tablet Unlocked
- Amazon Standing Case + Lenovo Tab 5 Fire HD 10 Tablet (Sandstone White)
FAQs About Getting a Free Government iPhone and Tablet
1. How can I get a free government iPhone and tablet in 2025?
You can get a free iPhone and tablet through federal programs like Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You must meet income limits or participate in qualifying programs like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI.
2. What government programs offer free iPhones and tablets?
The Lifeline and ACP programs help low-income individuals access free or discounted phones, including iPhones, and tablets with free data plans.
3. Which providers offer free government iPhones and tablets?
Top providers include AirTalk Wireless, Cintex Wireless, NewPhone Wireless, and SFone Wireless. Availability depends on your state and eligibility.
4. Do I have to pay anything for the free government iPhone or tablet?
Most providers offer the devices completely free, but some may charge a small co-pay for the tablet (usually between $10–$30). Phones are typically 100% free with eligibility.
5. Who is eligible for a free government iPhone and tablet?
You qualify if your income is 135% or less of the federal poverty level, or if you receive benefits from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Section 8, or free/reduced lunch programs.
6. Can I get both a phone and tablet for free?
Yes, some providers offer both a free smartphone (like an iPhone) and a tablet combo under Lifeline + ACP benefits. You must qualify for both programs to receive both devices.
7. How long does it take to receive the devices after applying?
Approval usually takes 3–7 business days. Once approved, most providers ship your free iPhone and tablet within 7–14 days.
8. Can I choose which iPhone or tablet model I get?
Device models depend on availability. Most providers offer refurbished iPhones like the iPhone 7, 8, or SE, and tablets like Samsung Galaxy Tab A or other Android devices.
9. What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll need proof of identity (ID, driver’s license), proof of address, and proof of eligibility (such as a Medicaid card, SNAP letter, or tax return).
10. How do I apply for a free government iPhone and tablet?
Visit the provider’s website, check your eligibility, fill out the application form, and upload the necessary documents. You can also apply via getinternet.gov for ACP support.
Bottom line
By signing up for government-aided programs that provide free equipment, low-income households can receive a government iPhone and Tablet.
These initiatives are the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline Assistance. You must, however, fulfil the requirements for eligibility and possess documentation proving your income-based or program-participatory status.