
Who Qualifies for Free Government Tablets in California?
To qualify for a free government tablet, you must meet one or more of the following requirements:1. Income-Based Eligibility
Your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines:Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
1 Person | $29,160 |
2 people | $39,440 |
4 people | $60,000 |
2. Participation in Government Assistance Programs
You automatically qualify if you are enrolled in any of these government assistance programs:- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/CalFresh)
- Medicaid (Medi-Cal)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Federal Pell Grant (current award year)
3. Special Categories Eligible
- Students enrolled in a California community college or vocational program
- Residents of underserved areas with limited internet access
- Low-income individuals receiving aid from California-based non-profits
Federal Programs Offering Free Tablets
1. Lifeline Assistance Program
It provides discounted phone and internet services, and some providers include free tablets.Who Qualifies?- California Lifeline income guidelines
- Participants in Medi-Cal, SNAP, or Section 8
- Visit californialifeline.com
- Select a provider and submit your application
State-Based Programs Offering Free Tablets
3. California Connects
Provides affordable tablets with internet access for students and job seekers.Who Qualifies?- Students enrolled in a community college or vocational program
- Individuals demonstrating financial need
- Students needing a device for online learning
- Low-cost tablets with preloaded educational software
- Discounted high-speed internet
- Visit caconnects.org
- Submit proof of enrollment
4. California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF)
Objective: Provide low-cost tablets and internet access to underserved communities.Who Qualifies?- Low-income residents in California
- Participants in SNAP, Medi-Cal, or SSI
- Residents in underserved areas
- Affordable internet plans
- Partnerships with local non-profits
- Discounts on digital education programs
- Visit cetfund.org
- Find local partners offering free tablets

Non-Profit Organizations Offering Free Tablets
5. Human-I-T
Objective: Refurbishes and distributes free or discounted tablets to low-income individuals.Who Qualifies?- California residents with proof of financial hardship
- Participants in Medi-Cal, SNAP, or SSI
- Seniors, disabled individuals, and students
- Refurbished tablets at little to no cost
- Affordable Internet access options
- Tech support & digital literacy training
- Visit human-i-t.org
- Upload proof of participation in eligible government programs
Provider | Tablet Models | Additional Services | Contact Number |
TruConnect | Sky Devices Elite T8 | Free phone, unlimited talk & text | 1-800-430-0443 |
Q Link Wireless | Scepter 8 Tablet | Nationwide 4G/5G coverage | 1-855-754-6543 |
StandUp Wireless | Sky Pad 8 | Hotspot-enabled service | 1-800-544-4441 |
AirTalk Wireless | NUU Tab 8 | Free unlimited data plan | 1-855-924-7825 |
Access Wireless | Sky Devices Government Tablet | Discounted internet service | 1-866-594-3644 |
T-Mobile Project 10Million | Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 | 100GB/year of free data for students | 1-877-453-1304 |