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California · Free Government iPads

Free Government iPad in Monterey Park, CA: What's Real

No federal or state program in Monterey Park, CA gives away free iPads, and none ever did. The Affordable Connectivity Program offered a one-time $100 discount on a tablet or computer, and that ended in 2024. Below are the legitimate low-cost routes, plus the warning signs of "free iPad" scams.

Last reviewed Sources: FCC, USAC, HHS

federal free-iPad programs today
None
ACP device discount (ended 2024)
$100
CA providers that offered it
87
Lifeline internet discount still available
$9.25

Is there a free government iPad in Monterey Park?

Not from a federal program. No government program has ever given away iPads. The only nationwide device help, the ACP's one-time $100 discount, ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline, which is still running, covers phone and internet service but not iPads. Low-cost and sometimes free iPads are still available through the options below.

What happened to the ACP device discount

From December 31, 2021 until early 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program let eligible households get up to $100 off a laptop, desktop or tablet from participating providers, with a copay of $10 to $50. In California, 87 of the 186 listed ACP providers offered that discount.

ACP enrollment closed on February 7, 2024, and the program ended on June 1, 2024 when Congress did not renew its funding. Any website still advertising an "ACP free iPad" is out of date or misleading. Read what ACP users in Monterey Park should do now.

Legitimate ways to get a free or low-cost iPad in Monterey Park

Refurbished-device nonprofits

PCs for People and Human-I-T sell refurbished computers and tablets at steep discounts to households that receive public benefits or have low incomes, and sometimes give them away.

Public libraries

Many California library systems lend tablets or laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots for free with a library card. Ask your Monterey Park branch what it has available. Libraries also offer free computer use and digital-skills classes.

Schools and colleges

Most K-12 districts issue devices to students, and many community colleges run laptop loan programs for enrolled students. Ask your school's technology or financial-aid office.

Job and disability programs

Workforce training programs at American Job Centers and state vocational rehabilitation agencies can sometimes provide a computer when it's needed for training or a job plan. Find a job center.

Certified refurbished & education pricing

Apple's certified refurbished iPads are tested, cleaned and covered by a one-year warranty, and cost noticeably less than new. Students, parents of students and teachers can also get Apple education pricing.

Local offer finder

EveryoneOn is a nonprofit locator for low-cost internet plans, devices and digital-skills classes by ZIP code. Enter your Monterey Park ZIP code to see current offers.

Getting internet service for your iPad

A iPad is most useful with a connection. Lifeline still takes up to $9.25 a month off home internet or a mobile data plan you can use as a hotspot. 27 companies offer Lifeline in California. See eligibility and how to apply.

Wireless Lifeline carriers in California

Provider Service Phone
Access Wireless Wireless / cell 866-594-3644
Air Voice Wireless Wireless / cell 888-944-2355
Assurance Wireless Wireless / cell 888-898-4888
Boomerang Wireless LLC Wireless / cell 866-488-8719
Im Telecom, LLC Wireless / cell 888-801-0012
Life Wireless Wireless / cell 888-543-3620
Safelink Wireless Wireless / cell 800-723-3546
Safetynet Wireless Wireless / cell 888-224-3213
StandUP Wireless Wireless / cell 800-544-4441
Truconnect Wireless / cell 800-430-0443

Spotting free iPad scams

  • No upfront fees. Lifeline enrollment is free. Never pay to "unlock" or "release" a free iPad.
  • The FCC won't call you. Government agencies don't contact people by text, phone or social media to offer free devices.
  • Protect your Social Security number. Only share it on a carrier's official website or LifelineSupport.org, never with a street vendor you can't verify or in a social media message.
  • Don't sign up twice. Enrolling with two Lifeline carriers at once breaks program rules and can cost you the benefit.

Report suspected fraud to the FCC at consumercomplaints.fcc.gov.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a free government iPad program in Monterey Park?

No federal program currently provides free iPads. The Affordable Connectivity Program offered a one-time discount of up to $100 on a laptop, desktop or tablet, but it ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline, the program still running, covers phone and internet service only, not devices.

Where can I get a low-cost iPad in Monterey Park?

Check refurbished-device nonprofits such as Human-I-T and PCs for People, public libraries that lend tablets and hotspots, school districts, and senior or disability programs. Apple also sells certified refurbished iPads with a one-year warranty, and students and teachers can get education pricing.

Do Lifeline providers give out free iPads?

Lifeline does not fund iPads. Some wireless carriers offer a discounted tablet as a promotion when you sign up for service, but terms vary and usually include a copay. These are almost always basic Android tablets, not iPads.

How can I tell if a free iPad offer is a scam?

Be wary of anyone who asks for a fee to "release" a free government iPad, asks for your Social Security number over text or social media, or claims to be from the FCC. Government agencies don't contact people to offer free devices. Apply only through a provider's official website or LifelineSupport.org.

Can Lifeline help me get internet for my iPad?

Yes. If you qualify, Lifeline takes up to $9.25 a month off home internet or a mobile data plan, which you can use as a hotspot for a iPad. 27 providers participate in California.

Nearby cities in California

Official sources & contacts