The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in the loss of life, livelihoods, lockdown, and a challenging economic crisis. People had to explore the online space to communicate with their relatives and remain productive.
However, needy families could not afford a tablet and the internet to enable them to surf all day long. The Ebb free tablet program came as a life savior as the less fortunate could get the device and data at discounted rates.
Though you must meet certain requirements to qualify. With this, people can further their education, do online coaching, offer digital services like transcription and graphic design, and access healthcare services.
How Does the Ebb Free Tablet Program Work?
It works by offering qualifying families a discount of $50 on their monthly data package. Besides, people on qualifying tribal lands can get a monthly price reduction of $75 on broadband services. On top of that, eligible families get a one-time cut-price of $100 to buy devices with good internet connectivity, like laptops and computers, from providers.
The providers must be ready to commit less than $50 of the buying price. The major drawback of ebb is that people can only receive one gadget discount per home and get a price reduction in monthly services once.
Who Qualifies for the Ebb Free Tablet Program?
The government looks at several factors to ascertain whether you qualify for the program. Some of them are:
Income – your earnings should be at most 135% of the poverty guidelines. It is important to note that the guidelines apply to all states. Therefore, you need to keep tabs on your state’s latest poverty guidelines to know whether you are within the range.
Federal Assistance programs – various government aid programs assist the less fortunate in the U.S. They are Supplemental Security Income Program, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Public Housing Programs, Low-income Home Energy Program, and TANF. You qualify if you have a document showing you’re a beneficiary of these programs. Alternatively, you can attach your salary as evidence that you qualify.
Federal Pell Grant – if you are a grant beneficiary, you can get the tablet. However, it is ideal for students who are yet to graduate.
Service providers – the different service providers have varying set standards to qualify for the program. You should be on the lookout for the terms of each service provider on their site.
Loss of income – people who lost their source of livelihood resulting in loss of revenue at the end of February 2020, can get the tablet. You also qualify if your household revenue is less than $990000 for the unmarried and $198000 for the married.
See here: How to get SafeLink Free Tablets
Which Areas Does the Ebb Program Cover?
The program covers 99% of all the areas in the U.S. However, it is good to ascertain whether your location is catered for before joining the program. You can do this by visiting their site and seeing the broadband providers in your region. You will likely get several internet providers within your location to whom you can send your applications and be all set to go.
Explain the Ebb Program Application Process
Thanks to the government for making the application process fast, seamless, and convenient. Ensure that you follow these procedures when applying:
1# Select your service provider
Since most broadband providers are in the ebb program, you must select your ideal provider and apply through it. Try to talk to your provider to ensure that they provide tablets at reduced prices from the government. You are ready to go if the provider affirms that they offer tablets at no cost.
2# Check if you qualify.
You should reach out to your provider to learn about your requirements. Remember that the various providers have diverse eligibility criteria, including your location. It is best for the provider to ascertain that you have met the threshold and can be a beneficiary of the program.
3# How to Apply for EBB
The virtual application is fast and seamless. First, you must visit the EBB official site. There will be an application form where you have to input your details like full name, Tribal or Government ID, social security number, date of birth, and your driver’s license. Remember to attach copies of these documents for verification purposes. Enter your zip code and ensure that you have provided the correct information, then click on the submit button.
4# Approval process
After submitting, patiently wait for it to go through the approval process. This may take a few business days. Upon approval, you will get an alert message.
5# Get your tablet
This is the most exciting part for most people as they know it is time to get what they have been waiting for. The shipping process commences immediately, and you will receive your tablet in a couple of days. On the flip side, if your application had a few errors, you can correct them and resubmit it again. The service provider will inform you whether it will be accepted or declined.
Which Tablets Are Available on the Ebb Program?
It is important to note that ebb doesn’t have its own specific tablets. The tablets provided by ebb are dependent upon their providers. The most amazing thing about the tablets is that they are in perfect shape; some are new, and others are refurbished. You can chat with your provider to know the ones that are available at the moment. The common ones are Lenovo Tab E10, Huawei media Tab T5, Apple iPad 10.2, Lenovo Smart Tab M10, and Amazon Fire 7.
See here: How To Get Your Free Sky Devices Government Tablet
What Is the Procedure for Transferring My EBT Benefits?
Are you a subscriber of the ebb program, and would you wish to shift to a different provider? You can communicate with your new provider and request her to swap your accrued monthly benefits to their service. Remember that you should not terminate the benefits with your current provider before asking for a transfer.
Some of the Ebb Participating Providers
Straight Talk
The following are their conditions for eligibility:
– One must be a U.S. resident.
– Your home earning should be lower than 135% of the poverty guidelines.
– Your family members should be beneficiaries of the aid programs.
Benefits of Straight Talk
*You receive unrestricted free data bundles to browse all day long.
*You get free calls and promotional sms.
* You get free mobile hotspot internet bundles.
* Additional benefits like healthcare services, access to more job opportunities, and educational benefits.
T-Mobile
The requirements that one must adhere to include the following:
*One must be a beneficiary of the discounted school lunch program.
* The household salary should not exceed 135% of the poverty guidelines.
*One needs a social security number.
*Comply with financial requirements.
Benefits of T-MobileÂ
– You can keep in touch with your folks and loved ones.
– You can use your device to study, offer services online, and have virtual meetings via zoom.
– You can schedule your appointments virtually, such as health checkups.
– You have the privilege of accessing emergency services and applying for them in case of a crisis.
Verizon
The following are their eligibility terms:
-One must be residing in the US.
-One must be facing a financial crisis due to unemployment.
– The kids should join a school lunch program.
– The household salary should not exceed 135% of the poverty guidelines.
-You must get a pell grant.
Benefits of the Verizon
*Besides getting the free tablet, you can surf the net.
*You are open to more employment opportunities and can send applications.
*You can use the gadget to further your education, do freelance gigs, and do online coaching if you are good at a particular subject.
See here: How to apply for NewPhone wireless free tablet
Frequently Asked Questions.Â
How Long Will the Ebb Program Last?
The duration in which the program will be here with us is still being determined. However, it may be temporary as it was created in response to the pandemic’s effects. It will end when the financial resources have been depleted or six months after the health department announces that we are out of the woods.
The providers should give subscribers one month’s notice before termination to enable them to plan on their next course of action.
How Can I Receive a Laptop via the Ebb Program?
The process of acquiring a laptop via this program is easy and simple. You must answer all the necessary information in the application form and attach the documents as evidence.
Once you’re done, press the submit button. Give it some time to approve the document. Upon approval, you will receive a laptop at a reduced price from the provider.
Are Lifeline and EBB Programs the Same?
No, there are two different programs. The advantage of EBB is that it offers numerous benefits compared to the lifeline.
Conclusion
After reading the entire article, you have understood why the government had to establish the Ebb free tablet program during the pandemic. This is among the best program as it provides monetary aid to the less privileged to enable them to access tech devices and data to improve their lifestyle.
But one must make an application and meet their terms and conditions to access the tablet. The program allows you to get a reduction in your telephone charges, thereby minimizing your overall communication costs. I encourage people to apply and enjoy the benefits while they last.
