Living on a low budget makes it challenging to purchase a tablet. So, can you get a CalFresh free tablet?
Fortunately, help is available to CalFresh participants in California. Eligible individuals can receive devices for free or at a low cost through the Lifeline Program.
This guide will show you how to check your eligibility, apply easily, and stay connected to necessary services without additional financial burden.
What Is A CalFresh Program?
Firstly, it is worth understanding “What is CalFresh?” The CalFresh Program is a version of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in California, originally known as Food Stamps.
It promotes nutrition in low-income households by improving their purchasing power, allowing them to buy enough food to satisfy their family’s needs.
CalFresh is the largest food program in California, providing a crucial hunger safety net. Furthermore, it is state-supervised and county-run in California.
What Are CalFresh Benefits?
If qualified for CalFresh benefits, you will be given an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) debit card.
You can use EBT benefits to buy food at eligible grocery stores, order groceries online for pickup or delivery at selected grocery stores, and shop at certain farmers’ markets.
Notably, CalFresh benefits can be applied to various foods, such as vegetables and fresh fruits, dairy products, meats, fish, cereals, poultry, bread, and grains.
Nevertheless, these benefits cannot be used to purchase tobacco, alcohol, hot prepared meals (unless through specified programs like the Restaurant Meals Program), or non-food goods such as pet food or cleaning supplies.
The amount of money a household receives from CalFresh is determined by its gross monthly income (before taxes), monthly expenses like housing, utilities, and childcare bills, and household size.
For instance, households with more expenses and lower incomes are more likely to obtain assistance to achieve their nutritional requirements.
Can You Get A Calfresh Free Tablet In California?
After understanding the CalFresh program, you may wonder, “Can you get a phone or a tablet for free through CalFresh?”
The answer is that this program does not directly offer free tablets. CalFresh’s main objective is to give financial help to low-income people and households who use the EBT card to buy necessary foods.
However, you can use proof of CalFresh participation to qualify for Lifeline, another federal assistance program. The Lifeline program initiative facilitates low-income individuals’ access to telecommunications services.
When you apply for the program through some service providers like AirTalk Wireless, you may receive cost-effective or even free tablets.
Although they do not offer free tablets, you can still save a lot of money. For example, you can purchase a Samsung Galaxy Tab E at only $29.99.
AirTalk Wireless is a reputable telecommunications service provider that participates in the Lifeline program.
Besides free telecommunications services, eligible individuals can also receive free phones or purchase devices such as tablets for a very affordable cost.
>>> Read more: How To Claim A Free Phone EBT California? Easy Guide
How To Maximize CalFresh Benefits with AirTalk Wireless?
In this part, let’s discover the eligibility criteria and application processes for maximizing CalFresh benefits with AirTalk Wireless.
Check your eligibility
If you have already participated in the CalFresh program, you are automatically eligible for the Lifeline program. Otherwise, you must satisfy the requirements listed below to receive a CalFresh free tablet:
- You or someone in your home participates in the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps/Food Assistance)
- Medicaid / Medi-Cal
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
2. Your family income is equal to or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are also qualified. The 2025 Guideline is adjusted for household size.
Look at this table for reference:
| Household Size | 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines |
| 1 | $15,650 |
| 2 | $21,150 |
| 3 | $26,650 |
| … | … |
| 8 | $54,150 |
| Each additional persons | $5,500 |
Steps to apply
As a CalFresh recipient, your Lifeline eligibility is immediately validated. As a result, the application process is faster and easier.
Adhere to the following steps to applying for Lifeline with AirTalk Wireless:
- Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and check availability
Visit AirTalk Wireless at https://airtalkwireless.com.
If you live in California, enter a ZIP code between 90001 and 96162 to check the program’s availability. Click the “Apply Now” button to start your application if available.
- Step 2: Select your service plan
AirTalk Wireless provides several free service plans, including calling, texting, and mobile data.
If you wish to continue using your current phone, choose the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) option to keep your phone and number while enjoying their services.
- Step 3: Pick your suitable tablet
Browse through various discounted tablets offered by AirTalk Wireless from trusted brands. Some models may require a small co-payment, but the price will still be much lower than standard retail costs.
Don’t worry; these tablets can meet your requirements for work, learning, or entertainment.
Not to mention, there are also many CalFresh free phones for you to choose from, such as the Motorola One 5G ACE, Samsung Galaxy S9, Apple iPhone 7, etc.
- Step 4: Complete the application and upload the required documents
Provide your personal information and shipping address. Make sure to upload the necessary documents to prove your eligibility for the program.
- Step 5: Wait for approval and device delivery
AirTalk Wireless will process your application within a few business days. Once approved, your free or discounted tablet will be shipped to your address, typically within 7 to 10 business days.
>>> Also read: Top Free Tablet California & How To Apply (Latest Guide)
Best CalFresh Tablets in California
The following is a list of popular tablets offered at AirTalk Wireless. They are all of good quality and have excellent performances:
| Tablet Models | Retail Price | AirTalk Price |
| Apple iPad Air | $140.00 | FREE |
| Alcatel JOY TAB 2 | $49.00 | FREE |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab E | $130.00 | $29.99 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 | $180.00 | $120.00 |
| Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 | $200.00 | $140.00 |
Conclusion
Getting a CalFresh free tablet is not impossible. If you qualify for CalFresh benefits, you may be eligible for a free or low-cost device through the Lifeline program.
Luckily, AirTalk Wireless makes the process simple and economical, allowing you to stay connected with school, work, and family. Apply today with AirTalk Wireless and get the device you need at a reasonable cost!
