What Are the Two Ways to Qualify for a Free Government Tablet?
1. Program-based
You or someone in your household takes part in a qualifying federal program. You don't need to show income.
2. Income-based
Your total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Which Programs Qualify You for a Free Government Tablet?
| Qualifying program | Common name / card | Proof you can use |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Food stamps, EBT card | SNAP approval or benefit letter |
| Medicaid | Medicaid card, Medi-Cal, state plan name | Medicaid card or eligibility letter |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSI from Social Security | SSI award letter or benefit statement |
| Federal Public Housing Assistance | Section 8 voucher, public housing | Housing authority letter or lease |
| Veterans Pension / Survivors Benefit | VA pension | VA benefit letter |
| Tribal programs (Tribal lands) | BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, FDPIR, Tribal Head Start | Program approval letter |
| Income at or below 135% of poverty | No program needed | Tax return, 3 pay stubs, or benefit statements |
Program guides: SNAP/EBT · Medicaid · SSI · Housing · Veterans Pension · all programs
Programs That Do NOT Qualify for Federal Lifeline
- Medicare
- WIC (except for California LifeLine)
- TANF cash assistance (except Tribal TANF)
- Unemployment benefits on their own (but they count toward income)
- Social Security retirement or SSDI on their own (but they count toward income)
Free Government Tablet Income Limits by Household Size
| Household size | 48 states + DC (135%) | Alaska (135%) | Hawaii (135%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,392 | $24,286 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,680 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,968 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,402 | $54,256 | $49,923 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $72,832 | $67,014 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $82,120 | $75,560 |
| 8 | $73,102 | $91,408 | $84,105 |
| Each extra person | +$7,425 | +$9,288 | +$8,546 |
Source: HHS 2025 Poverty Guidelines × 135%, the Lifeline threshold
Show data table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,402 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
What counts as income: wages, self-employment income, Social Security, SSDI, pensions, unemployment, child support, alimony and other regular income, before taxes.
What Counts as a Household for Lifeline?
| Situation | Same household? |
|---|---|
| Spouses or partners who share bills | Yes, one household |
| Parents and minor children | Yes, one household |
| Roommates who pay their own expenses | No, separate households |
| Adult child who lives at home and shares costs | Yes, one household |
| Adult child who pays their own way | Can be a separate household |
| Several families in one shelter | Each can be separate |
If more than one household lives at your address, you'll fill out a household worksheet during the application.
Other Requirements for a Free Government Tablet
- Be 18 or older, or an emancipated minor
- Live in the United States or a U.S. territory
- Provide identity information (last 4 digits of your SSN, or a Tribal ID)
- Not already have Lifeline in your household
Proof Documents for Eligibility
| Qualifying by | Acceptable proof |
|---|---|
| SNAP | SNAP approval or benefit letter from the last 12 months |
| Medicaid | Medicaid card plus eligibility letter |
| SSI | SSI award or benefit letter |
| Housing | Housing authority letter, lease or voucher |
| Veterans Pension | VA benefit letter |
| Income | Prior year tax return, 3 consecutive months of pay stubs, Social Security statement, divorce decree, unemployment letter |
Quick Self-Check: Do You Qualify?
- Does anyone in your household get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing aid or a VA Pension? Yes → you likely qualify.
- If not, is your household's yearly income at or below the limit in the table above? Yes → you likely qualify.
- Does anyone in your household already have Lifeline? Yes → you can't get a second benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a free government tablet?
Households where someone gets SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, a Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, or certain Tribal programs. Households with income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are also eligible.
What counts as a household?
A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses. Roommates who keep their money separate can be separate households, even at the same address.
Can a child's benefits qualify the household?
Yes. If a child or dependent in your household is on Medicaid or SNAP, the household qualifies through them.
Do I need a Social Security number?
You'll usually give the last 4 digits of your SSN. If you don't have one, you can use a Tribal ID or other documents.
Can I qualify without an address?
Yes. People experiencing homelessness can describe where they live and use a mailing address, such as a shelter.
Is there an age limit?
You must be at least 18, or an emancipated minor, to apply. There's no upper age limit.
Sources and Last Update
This page was last reviewed and updated on . Program rules and figures come from these official and research sources: