How to Get Free Government Hotspot Device

The US government has many assistance programs in place to enable financially weak people to access the Internet. The Federal Communications Commission oversees these programs.

Under these programs, the government provides free hotspots in the form of discounted mobile hotspots, smartphones or tablets through participating wireless service providers.

This article covers a detailed guide on free government hotspot devices, how to qualify for them, the application process, and more.

So, without further ado, let’s get started –

Top 3 Government Programs for Free Hotspot Devices

Here are the top 3 government programs that can help you get free hotspot devices and monthly hotspot data.

Lifeline Support Program

Lifeline Assistance is a former federal government program started in 1985. Under this program, low-income customers can receive up to $9.25 off monthly Internet services. This discount is higher on tribal lands, up to $34.95.

There are many service providers under this program; you can get your free hotspot device through any of them.

Affordable Connectivity Program

ACP Affordable Connectivity Program is the federal government’s latest program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefits Program.

This program offers a monthly discount of $30 and $75 (qualified tribal lands) on monthly Internet services. Additionally, service providers under this program also offer a discount of up to $100 for the purchase of internet-connected devices such as tablets, laptops, and desktops.

Some providers also offer a free smartphone under this program to use as a free government hotspot device.

3. Connect America Fund

Connect America Fund CAF is another federal government program like Lifeline and ACP. However, this program provides funds directly to broadband companies to provide Internet access to low-income people in rural and urban areas.

Some companies may also offer devices to low-income people to bridge the digital divide.

How to Get a Free Government Hotspot Device via Lifeline Support

Here are the steps you need to follow to request Lifeline support and get a free government hotspot device.

• Open your browser and visit “https://www.lifelinesupport.org/”

• Click “Apply Now” and you will be redirected to the national verifier.
• Choose your state and click Get Started

• Now carefully fill out an application form.

• Attach the necessary documents.
• Finally, submit the application.
• Once approved, find a participating Lifeline service provider offering a free government hotspot by visiting “https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/”.
• Once you find a provider, contact them and sign up for their services.
• Wait for the supplier’s response.

If your application is approved, you will be notified by email to complete the further procedure to obtain a free government hotspot device. If your application form is rejected, you can reapply using a similar application procedure.

How to get a free government hotspot through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Getting a free government hotspot device through the Affordable Connectivity Program involves the steps outlined above for the Lifeline Assistance Program, as both require you to apply through National Verifier.

Eligibility requirements to apply for a free government hotspot device

Although each government program has different requirements to qualify, we will provide you with the eligibility criteria for two main programs, Lifeline and ACP.

Income requirement

• To be eligible for Lifeline, your annual income must be less than 135% of federal poverty guidelines.
• For ACPs, your annual income must be less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.

Program participation

You don’t have to worry if you don’t qualify based on your income for a free government hotspot device because you can also qualify if any of your family members participate in one of the programs mentioned below.

• Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Medical help
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Free and Reduced School Lunch
• Special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children.
• Federal Pell Grant for current award year
• Received a Federal Pell Grant for the current award year
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits

If you are staying on tribal lands, you can check your participation in the following programs.

Document required for free government mobile hotspot

The documents you need to submit depend entirely on your eligibility.

Let’s see which documents are accepted based on your eligibility.

Income documents

If you qualify for a free government hotspot device based on your income, you must submit a document specifying your full name, tax return, etc.

• Current tax return from your employer
• Divorce decree
• Pay stub
• Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
• Child support
• Federal or Tribal General Assistance Participation Letter

If you are eligible based on your participation in the program, you must submit a document specifying your full name, name of the program, date of issue, name of the authority issuing the document, etc.

Program participation documents

• Government Approval Letter
• Benefits Grant Letter
• Statement of Rights
• Benefit Verification Letter

General documents

You may be required to submit general documents verifying your age, location (address), identity, etc.

• Passport
• Birth certificate
• Green Card or Permanent Resident Card
• American driver’s license
• Government-issued military, national, or tribal identification card
• Certificate of American citizenship or naturalization
• Utility bill
• Mortgage or rental statement
• W-2 or tax return

Best Free Hotspot Device Provider Under Government Scheme

Top Free Hotspot Providers Under Government Program: From Life Wireless, SafeLink, and Access Wireless to giants like T-Mobile and Verizon, learn about the leading carriers ensuring seamless connectivity for everyone. Dive into the options of StandUp, Boost, Insurance and more, each offering unique benefits under government initiatives.

• Wireless life: A leading name ensuring everyone stays connected.
• Wireless SafeLink: Bridging the digital divide with reliable hotspot services.
• Wireless access: Your gateway to seamless, government-sponsored connectivity.
• Mark mobile: Providing users with leading hotspot devices.
• American wireless: Pioneering and free access to hotspots for everyone.

Are you looking for the best deals? Check out free government phone booths near me for affordable and reliable mobile solutions tailored to your needs.

Types of Free Government Hotspot Devices

Government assistance programs offer three types of free hotspot devices: mobile hotspots, smartphones and tablets.

Mobile hotspot

Most Lifeline and ACP service providers offer free smartphones and tablets. However, you can get these devices for free from the following companies.

Smartphones

You can get a smartphone if you are unable to get a mobile hotspot.

Some of the providers that offer smartphones that you can use as a hotspot are: Please check your preferred service provider to get a free endorsement for your smartphone above.

Tablets

Some vendors offer tablets as a free government hotspot device under the ACP program. However, these tablets are not completely free. By participating, ACP suppliers offer a one-time discount of $100 to buy tablets.

If you benefit from the discount, you must pay between $10 to $50 towards the purchase price of the tablets to purchase the tablets.

The main suppliers offering discounted tablets are: Please consult your preferred service provider to get a free tablet from the government.

Conclusion

Through the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity program, the U.S. government plays a crucial role in connecting poor Americans with the rest of the world through free Internet or discounted Internet-using devices like smartphones, tablets, computers laptops, etc.

In the article, we have tried to cover all the information about free government hotspot devices, application process, eligibility criteria, etc.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a free government hotspot device?

You can get a free hotspot device by participating in Lifeline Assistance or the ACP program. You can get it through mobile hotspots, smartphones and tablets at a discounted price.

Is an age limit required to qualify for the government assistance program?

You must be 18 years old to qualify for any government assistance program.

Which companies provide free unlimited hotspot data?

Unfortunately, no company offers free unlimited hotspot data. At most, you can get up to 4.5 GB of data on a mobile hotspot from most wireless carriers.

How long does 100GB of hotspot data last?

100GB of hotspot data can last for a month no matter how you use it. However, if you have many devices connected, the data will be consumed soon.