Would you like to enjoy a good internet connection away from your home? Using a hotspot device should top the list of your priorities. With this device in place, you will be able to connect other devices such as your tablet, computer and laptop to the internet. Therefore, you do not have to purchase extra mobile data for you to connect other devices to the internet. With this internet connection in place, you will be able to learn online, work online, access emergency healthcare services, seek better job opportunities online and so forth. Although some Americans are able to purchase a hotspot device upfront, there is a certain category of Americans that cannot buy this device right away. This ordeal mostly affects individuals from low-income households.
Are you a low-income consumer? The good news is that the Federal government is now offering hotspot devices to you and every other qualified user. You can also qualify for a free government hotspot device if you are a participant in a government assistance program such as Medicaid, SSI, Section 8, SNAP, or WIC. In this article, we will talk more about free government hotspot devices and other related topics.
Does Government Offer Free Hotspot Devices?
Yes. However, you can only get a free smartphone that acts as a hotspot device via the Affordable Connectivity Program. Here, you will be able to obtain a 4G or 5G-enabled smartphone that you can use like a hotspot device. As far as the Lifeline program is concerned, it is imperative to note that you will not be able to get a hotspot device. However, you will be able to get a smartphone that you can use to connect to the internet, be in touch with your loved ones, and so forth.
Therefore, you have to qualify for the ACP facility for you to reap all the benefits of a hotspot device. Depending on the carrier that you choose to apply for the ACP facility, be sure that you will get different Wi-Fi hotspot data amounts. For instance, TruConnect ACP facility allows you to enjoy free 8GB of Wi-Fi hotspot data. As long as you meet the much-needed ACP eligibility requirements, be sure that you will be good to go.
Qualifications To Get A Free Government Smartphone That Acts As A Hotspot Device?
For you to get a free government smartphone that acts as a hotspot device, there is a number of eligibility requirements that you must meet. To start with, you must have a low income that stands at or is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Since different states have different FPGs, there is a need for you to check your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines and then determine if you meet the much-needed threshold or not.
In case you do not qualify via the low-income criteria, you can now qualify if at all you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program. Some of the popular government assistance programs that can make you eligible include:
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance(Section 8 Housing)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program(SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income(SSI)
- You are a beneficiary of the free and reduced-price school breakfast program or the school lunch program.
- You received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start(Only those individuals or households who meet the much-needed income qualifying standard qualify)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Documents That I Should Submit To Get A Free Government Smartphone / Hotspot Device?
Since you already know the various eligibility requirements that you ought to meet, time is ripe for you to know the various documents that you should submit so that you can get a free government hotspot device. Typically, you should submit copies of your personal and eligibility documents so that your application can see the light of day. With these documents in place, you will be in a position to prove your identity and eligibility status.
When it comes to personal documents, you should submit a copy of an official document that bears your name in full, date of birth, proof of address, and so forth. Here are the documents that contain these essential details:
- A copy of your permanent resident card or Green card
- A copy of your birth certificate
- A copy of your valid government-issued, military, state, or Tribal ID
- A copy of your passport
- A copy of your U.S driver’s license
- A copy of your certificate of U.S citizenship or naturalization.
- A copy of your lease or mortgage statement
- A copy of your utility bill
- A copy of your tax or W-2 return(Ensure that you submit the most recent copies)
Besides the identity documents mentioned above, you should submit a document that shows that you earn an income that stands at or is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. To prove that you are a low-income earner, consider submitting any of these documents:
- A copy of your Veterans administration statement of benefits
- A copy of your divorce decree
- A copy of your child support
- A copy of your paycheck stub
- A copy of your current income statement from your employer
- A copy of your Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
If you are a beneficiary of a government assistance program, you should submit during the following examples:
- Medicaid statement of benefits
- SSI approval letter
- SNAP benefit verification letter
- Federal Pell grant benefit award letter
The Process Of Getting A Free Government Smartphone / Hotspot Device
The process of getting a free government smartphone is not difficult per se. Here are the steps that can help you get started:
- First and foremost, ensure that you are eligible for the ACP facility. You can visit your National Verifier and then establish if you meet the eligibility requirements of the ACP facility. If you meet these requirements, proceed to the next step.
- Choose a service provider that offers ACP facility within your state. Thankfully, there are many carriers that offer ACP facility in the United States. Depending on where you live, choose a carrier that offers better ACP deals so that you can get the most out of this program.
- Once you choose your preferred carrier, visit its site and then key in your ZIP code. After that, tap on the ‘Get Started’ or ‘Apply Now’ button.
- By clicking on either of the buttons mentioned above, you will be redirected to a page where you will start the actual application process.
- Here, you will be required to key in your personal details. Some of the important details that you should enter here include: your name in full, your address, your date of birth, your Social Security Number, among other details.
- Ensure that you enter the correct details and then attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents to the application form. Ideally, you should submit soft copies of these documents so that your application can be approved.
- Confirm that everything is correct and then tap on the ‘Submit’ button.
- Wait for your carrier’s team to review the application and respond to you.
- After a few days, you should be able to know the fate of your application form. In case you met the eligibility requirements of your carrier’s ACP facility, you will be able to get a free government hotspot device via mail. This comes alongside other ACP benefits such as unlimited talk and text. Additionally, you may enjoy discounts of up to $30 if you live on non-tribal lands. However, if you reside on Tribal lands, be certain that you will enjoy discounts of up to $75 on a monthly basis. These discounts will apply on your next billing cycle.
Besides the method that we have discussed above, you can also apply for a free government hotspot device via mail. Here, you need to visit affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/ACP-Application-Form-English.pdf and then download the ACP application form. Thereafter, print the form.
Since you are applying for a free government hotspot device via ACP, ensure that you include a Household worksheet. After all, USAC recommends that you include this worksheet in your application form. To download this worksheet, visit affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/images/ACP-Household-Worksheet-English.pdf
Once you have these two forms, start the actual application process. Here, you will be needed to key in your personal details and then attach copies of your personal and eligibility documents to the application form. Confirm that everything is right and then send your package to ACP Support center for review.
As you send your package, ensure that you use the following address: PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742. If your application meets the eligibility requirements, you will be able to receive a free government hotspot device via mail. Additionally, you will get other ACP benefits, which will be effective from your next month’s billing cycle.
What Other Benefits Do I Get If I Qualify For A Government Smartphone / Hotspot Device?
Once you qualify to get a government hotspot device, be sure that you will enjoy a number of benefits. Some of these benefits include:
- You will be able to keep in touch with those whom you love.
- The device allows you to work online
- With a free government hotspot device in place, you will be able to lower your overall mobile data usage. This is because you do not have to purchase mobile data for every device that you want to connect to the internet. In fact, once hotspot device is able to tether more than 5 devices at ago.
- You will be able to do business online
- It allows you to seek better job opportunities online
- It enables you to learn online.
- It gives you an opportunity to get entertained as you can stream your favorite videos, movies, play online games and so much more.
How Do I Use A Smartphone As A Hotspot Device?
By now, you are aware that a smartphone can work as a hotspot device. All you need to do is to go to the ‘Settings’ icon and then tap on the ‘Mobile Hotspot & Tethering’ option. Thereafter, click on the ‘Mobile Hotspot’ and then switch it on. Ensure that you set name of your Wi-Fi network and password too. After that, switch any of your device’s Wi-Fi features and then choose the Wi-Fi network that you just set a few minutes ago.
Ideally, your hotspot device should be close to the devices that you want to tether it to so that you can enjoy a good internet connection. Once you create a Wi-Fi network, you will be able to connect your laptop, tablet, extra smartphone, computer and so forth to the internet on the go.
Best Service Providers That Offer Free Government Smartphone / Hotspot Device
As we speak, we have a myriad of service providers that offer free government hotspot devices/smartphones as part of the ACP program. Some of these service providers include:
- TruConnect
- Boost Mobile
- Life Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- AirTalk Wireless
- C Spire Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
Reasons Why I Did Not Qualify For A Free Government Smartphone / Hotspot Device
If you applied for a free government hotspot device and failed to get one, here are some of the reasons that led to your disqualification:
- You are below the age of 18 years.
- You failed to submit proof of your identity
- You are not a resident of the United States
- You did not submit valid proof of your address
- You failed to submit a copy of an official document that shows that you benefit from government assistance programs such as SSI, WIC, Medicaid, SNAP and so forth.
- You are not a resident of any of the states where your preferred carrier offers its services
- Your income is above 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You did not receive a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
You are not a beneficiary of the free and reduced school lunch program or school breakfast program.
