Free Guide to Government Tablet Programs and Assistance

Overview of Government Tablet Programs and What This Guide Covers

Several government agencies and programs offer tablets or tablet-based services to people who meet certain criteria. These programs aim to bridge the digital divide and provide technology access to underserved populations. This guide provides information about what these programs are, how they work, and where you can learn more.

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Different government tablet programs serve different populations. Some target senior citizens, others focus on low-income households, and some serve students in specific regions. The programs vary by state and federal funding. Understanding the landscape of available programs is the first step toward learning about options that may suit your situation.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has supported broadband and device programs. The Department of Education has funded device distribution in schools. State governments and local agencies also run their own technology distribution initiatives. Each program has different rules, coverage areas, and ways to participate.

This guide explains the major government tablet programs currently operating, what information you'll need to gather, and how to research whether a program serves your area. The guide does not determine whether you meet any program's criteria—it simply provides information so you can research further through official sources.

Takeaway: Multiple government pathways exist for obtaining tablets. Start by identifying which programs operate in your state and serve your age group or circumstances.

Federal Programs That Provide or Support Tablet Distribution

The Lifeline program, run by the FCC, helps low-income individuals and families obtain broadband service. While Lifeline traditionally focused on phone service, it has evolved to include broadband options. Some Lifeline-supported providers offer discounted or included devices as part of their service packages. Lifeline participants can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on broadband service, and some participating companies bundle affordable devices with these plans.

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The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and school-based technology initiatives have distributed devices to students, particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Many school districts received federal funding to purchase tablets and laptops for remote learning. These devices sometimes remain available to students, particularly those experiencing financial hardship. Contact your local school district's technology or student services department to learn whether devices are available.

The USDA's Community Connect Grant Program has supported broadband infrastructure in rural areas. While it focuses primarily on broadband access, some funded projects include device components or discounted technology offers. Rural communities may have access to resources through this program that urban areas do not.

The Department of Education's Emergency Connectivity Fund allocated money to schools and school districts specifically for purchasing broadband and devices. Remaining funds may still be available through school districts. This program prioritized K-12 students and continued into recent years.

Veterans Affairs offers tablet and technology support through various veteran service programs. The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) provides tablets to some veterans for telehealth purposes. Veterans should contact their local VA medical center to learn about available resources.

Takeaway: Federal programs work through specific agencies and eligibility pathways. Contact the relevant agency directly—the FCC, your school district, USDA, or VA—to learn what current offerings exist.

State and Local Government Tablet Programs

State governments have created their own technology distribution initiatives, often targeting specific populations. As of recent surveys, more than 30 states operate or have operated tablet distribution programs. These programs often focus on seniors, people with disabilities, or low-income residents. The scope and current status of state programs change regularly as funding shifts.

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Many state aging offices and departments of elder affairs have distributed tablets to seniors. These programs often pair tablet distribution with digital literacy training. Programs in states like New York, California, and Florida have provided thousands of devices to older adults over the past several years. Some programs specifically support seniors aging in place by providing tablets for telehealth, communication with family, and access to online services.

State departments of social services sometimes distribute tablets through benefits programs. In some cases, people receiving SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits may receive information about tablet programs through their case workers. The connection varies by state. Contact your state's department of social services or visit your state's benefits website to learn what technology resources may be mentioned.

Local community action agencies, libraries, and nonprofits often receive government funding to distribute technology. Many library systems now loan tablets in addition to books. Community action agencies, funded through the Community Services Block Grant program, have distributed devices in low-income neighborhoods. These local resources may have tablets available at no cost or very low cost.

County health departments have sometimes distributed tablets to support public health initiatives. During the pandemic, some counties distributed devices to help people access vaccination information, testing, and telehealth services. Contact your county health department to ask whether any device programs currently operate.

Takeaway: State and local programs vary widely. Start by contacting your state's social services department, local library system, and county aging office to learn what programs serve your area.

Information You'll Need to Gather Before Researching Programs

Before researching tablet programs, gather basic information about your situation. Programs ask about age, income level, household size, and location. Having this information ready will help you determine which programs may align with your circumstances. You don't need to provide this information to anyone yet—simply knowing it allows you to understand program descriptions.

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Document your age or birth date. Many programs target people age 55 or 60 and older, while others serve all age groups. Some programs specifically serve school-age children or young adults. Your age determines which programs even offer information to you.

Know your household income and household size. Many programs use income thresholds based on federal poverty guidelines. The 2024 poverty guidelines state that for a single person, annual income below $14,580 qualifies as low-income for many programs; for a family of four, the threshold is $29,960. Different programs use different percentages of the poverty line—some accept households at 130% of the poverty line, others at 200% or higher. Having your household income and size documented helps you understand which programs to research further.

Gather information about your location. Know your state, county, and city or town. Many programs operate statewide, while others focus on specific regions. Some programs serve rural areas exclusively or emphasize urban neighborhoods. Your location determines program availability.

Identify whether you have any characteristics that programs might focus on. Are you a senior? A student? A person with a disability? A veteran? A caregiver? Many programs prioritize specific groups. Understanding your circumstances helps you find the most relevant programs.

Note whether you currently have broadband internet service at home. Some programs provide devices only; others support broadband connections too. If you have broadband, certain programs may focus on other populations. If you lack broadband, some programs specifically target households without service.

Takeaway: Gather these basic facts about yourself before starting research: age, household income and size, location, and any special circumstances (senior, student, veteran, disability, caregiver). This information helps you understand program focus areas.

How to Research and Find Programs Operating in Your Area

Begin by contacting your state's social services agency directly. Most states have a central benefits office or website where programs are listed. Search "[Your State Name] benefits" or "[Your State Name] social services" online. These official websites describe available programs and provide contact information. Staff can direct you to technology-specific programs or tell you whether any exist in your state.

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Visit Benefits.gov, a federal website operated by the Department of Health and Human Services. This site maintains a searchable database of federal and state benefit programs. You can enter your state and see which programs operate there. While Benefits.gov's search function doesn't filter specifically for "tablet programs," it lists many programs through which technology may be available.

Contact your local library system. Libraries increasingly partner with government agencies on technology distribution. Call your nearest branch or visit your city or county library website and ask directly: "Does your library distribute tablets or have a device lending program?" Many library systems do, particularly those in areas with public funding for digital inclusion.

Call your state's aging office if you are 55 or older, or contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Find your regional agency through the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov. Staff at these agencies know about senior-focused technology programs. The Eldercare Locator connects you to local aging services offices that can describe available resources.