Household Guidelines for Free Government Tablet Programs
When applying for a free government tablet through Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), understanding how a household is defined is important. These programs use household rules to ensure that only one device or benefit is provided per eligible household.
What Counts as a Household?
A household is defined as a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. This means:
- You can live with others and still qualify if you don’t share income or expenses.
- If each person or family unit within the same residence has separate finances, they may apply individually.
📍 Example: Two roommates who split rent but don’t share income or food expenses are considered separate households.
Only One Benefit Per Household
Under both Lifeline and ACP, each household can only receive:
- One tablet, and
- One monthly service discount (for internet or phone)
Receiving more than one benefit per household is considered a violation and may result in disqualification.
Learn how income and benefits affect your eligibility:
Shared Address? Use the Household Workshee
If multiple people at the same address want to apply, you may be asked to complete a Household Worksheet. This form proves that you are financially independent from others at the same location.
The worksheet is required when:
- More than one application comes from the same address
- The applicant claims they are a separate household
Download the form from the Lifeline National Verifier or submit it during your application process.
Final Tip
Before applying, confirm your household status. Accurately identifying your household can prevent delays and help you access your free tablet without issues.
Need help checking eligibility? Visit our FAQ page for quick answers.