In Illinois, if you are eligible for the Lifeline Program, you can get a free tablet. The government program’s goal is to make broadband internet service more affordable for low-income households. The program offers a $9.32 monthly internet subscription discount and a $32.58 one-time discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet. Through the government website GetInternet.gov or participating internet providers, qualifying households can apply for the Lifeline to get Free Government Tablet Illinois benefits.
Households must meet specified income standards or participate in particular assistance programs to be eligible. For low-income households, the Lifeline is an excellent method to reduce their internet costs. The initiative can help families maintain internet access, which is essential for healthcare, education, and employment. Students are among the several individuals in the US who have profited from the program. You can receive a free tablet for your activities with a $ 32.50 discount.
A tablet is smaller than a laptop with a touch screen, more important than a smartphone, and typically functions similarly to a smartphone. With an internet connection, you can communicate via online platforms. Additionally, just like smartphones, tablets with SIM card slots let you send and receive messages and make calls. Once more, tablets enable you to watch movies and play games for amusement.
How to obtain a free Illinois government tablet
As previously stated, the Illinois Lifeline Program offers free tablets. To receive your free tablet and other services, you can do a few different actions. These consist of the following.
- Verify your eligibility. The government’s website, GetInternet.gov, allows you to determine if you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
- Apply for the Lifeline. The Lifeline can be applied for online, via mail, or by calling the appropriate agencies.
- Select a provider who is a participant. You must select a participating provider after receiving approval for the Lifeline. There are numerous participating providers in Illinois, so you should be able to find one that offers tablets.
- Get your tablet. A tablet will be sent to you by the cooperating provider of your choice. The tablet will be given away for free.
The Illinois Lifeline Program:
The Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program helps qualified consumers purchase communications services. A federal program called Lifeline reduces the monthly cost of internet and phone service.
- Lifeline can only be used for either the internet or the phone, not both.
- IDHS Family and Community Services does not run Lifeline. Any consumer questions concerning the Lifeline program should be sent to www.lifelinesupport.org or your cell phone carrier.
To find out if you are eligible and how to sign up for the Lifeline program, click the link below.
Service Suppliers
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) oversees the administration of the federal program Lifeline for service providers. USAC should be contacted with any questions regarding the Lifeline program from providers.
READ MORE: Free Government Tablet Programs Now That ACP Has Ended
Verification of Eligibility
In Illinois, Lifeline service providers are responsible for verifying applicants’ eligibility for the program. The IDHS created the Lifeline Eligibility Verification System (LEVS) to assist providers in verifying applicants’ enrollment in qualified federal assistance programs (such as Medicaid or SNAP).
To gain access to LEVS, service providers must complete an IDHS LEVS Data Sharing Agreement Template (PDF) and submit it to DHS.LevAdmin@illinois.gov.
A copy of the IDHS-DSA, login credentials, and LEVS usage instructions will be sent by IDHS following execution of the agreement.
Data-sharing contracts need to be updated annually.
Resources for the Lifeline Program to receive a free tablet illinois
A free tablet can be obtained in a few different ways. Here are a few of the more popular methods.
Income eligibility: Your household income must be 135% or less of the federal poverty line to qualify for the LIFELINE Program.
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.
Other government program participation: You may also be eligible for a free tablet through different government programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or Lifeline.
READ MORE: Free Government Tablet with EBT ( Food Stamps or SNAP or CalFresh)
Required documents for a free tablet application
Depending on the supplier, different documentation may be required for a free lifeline tablet application. Nonetheless, the following are some typical documents you could be required to submit.
- A government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, passport, or birth certificate, can serve as proof of identity.
- A tax return, pay stubs, or other records attesting to your household’s income can serve as proof of income.
Evidence of involvement in a government assistance program: You will need to present documentation of participation if you are applying for the Lifeline because you are a part of a government assistance program. That could be a benefits card, a letter from the program, or other paperwork.
Your energy bill, bank statement, or other documents that prove your current address can serve as proof of address.
Some providers may require you to submit a copy of your Social Security card or other documents in addition to these. To determine the necessary documents, please verify with the provider to whom you are applying.
How to apply in Illinois for a free tablet
The Lifeline Program can be applied for in three different ways. These consist of the following.
Online: Online applications are available at GetInternet.gov.
By mail: An application form can be downloaded from the Lifeline website and sent to the address provided.
By phone: To apply over the phone, contact the Lifeline offices.
Basic details, including your name, residence, and household income, are required when applying for the Lifeline. Proof of your income or enrollment in a government assistance program may also be required. You will be notified within a few weeks after submitting your application regarding your eligibility. You will begin receiving the Lifeline benefits immediately if you are accepted.
Illinois service companies are giving away free tablets.
If you’re looking for a free tablet in Illinois, you can rely on several service providers. These consist of the following.
Assurance Wireless
When qualifying households enroll in Assurance Wireless’ Lifeline plan, they will receive a complimentary tablet. A free data plan with 10 GB of data per month is available for the Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 tablet.
Unity Wireless
Lifeline customers can get a tablet for free from Unity Wireless. The ZTE Zpad 8 comes with a complimentary data plan.
Moolah Wireless
A complimentary Samsung Galaxy Tab A 7.0 with a 5 GB monthly data plan is available from Moolah Wireless.
How many tablets are given away for free?
Each family is limited to one table under the Affordable Connectivity Program. If you qualify for the Lifeline, you are eligible to receive only one free tablet per household. This cap was established by the FCC, which oversees the Lifeline program, to ensure that the program is equitable and that everyone has an equal opportunity to benefit from it.
Additionally, the limit keeps users from abusing the system to obtain numerous free tablets. You cannot receive another free tablet from the Lifeline if you already have one. If you are still eligible for the Lifeline, however, you may be able to receive a discount on a new tablet.
FAQs About Free Government Tablet Illinois
1. Can I get a free government tablet in Illinois?
Yes. Eligible low-income residents in Illinois can receive a free or discounted tablet through government-supported programs like Lifeline or ACP replacement initiatives offered by approved providers.
2. What are the eligibility requirements?
You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you participate in government aid programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance.
3. Which companies offer free tablets in Illinois?
Some popular providers that offer free or low-cost government tablets in Illinois include AirTalk Wireless, Q Link Wireless, StandUp Wireless, and Cintex Wireless. Availability may vary by ZIP code.
4. What documents do I need to apply?
You’ll typically need proof of identity (like a driver’s license or state ID), proof of address, and proof of eligibility — such as a benefits letter or income statement.
5. How can I apply for a free government tablet in Illinois?
You can apply online through the official website of a participating provider. After filling out the form and submitting your documents, you’ll receive a confirmation once your eligibility is verified.
6. Are the tablets completely free?
Some providers offer fully free tablets, while others may charge a small one-time copay (usually between $10 to $20) as required by federal program rules.
7. What kind of tablets can I get?
Tablet models vary by provider and availability, but many recipients receive reputable brands such as Samsung, Lenovo, or Sky Devices with features suitable for online learning, browsing, and video calls.
8. What if the ACP program ended?
While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended, several providers in Illinois continue to offer Lifeline-based or internal subsidy tablet programs to support low-income users.
9. Can I get both a free tablet and phone?
Yes. Some providers offer combo plans that include both a free government phone and tablet for qualifying Illinois residents under their benefit programs.
10. How long does it take to receive the tablet?
Once approved, it usually
Bottom line
To be eligible for a free tablet under Illinois’ Lifeline program, you must confirm your eligibility online at GetInternet.gov. If you qualify, you can get in touch with one of Illinois’s partner providers to enroll in their lifeline plan. The company will give you a free tablet if you sign up for a plan. You must provide the required paperwork, including your residence, SSN, identity card, and other documentation, to demonstrate your eligibility. Each household is limited to submitting one application per year.