Free Laptops for Families in Need – Many local charities, charitable organizations, and government programs provide free PCs for low-income families. Are you and your family looking for ways to stay connected, do schoolwork, or opportunities necessary for employment?
If this is true, then free government laptops are an option you should consider! For years, government programs, charities, and non-profits have partnered with tech companies to provide free or low-cost devices to low-income families meeting specific financial criteria. One way to get a free laptop is through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an extended federally funded program designed to assist eligible households in accessing free and affordable broadband internet service.
Under the ACP, qualified households can receive up to $30 monthly for their internet service bill. This FCC benefit aims to ensure that low-income families have access to essential online resources such as healthcare and education.
In addition, ACP offers a one-time discount of up to $100 on purchases of tablets, desktop computers, or laptops from participating providers. This program is particularly significant for residents of tribal lands who often face limited connectivity options.
Pairing the Affordable Connectivity Program with the Lifeline Program could eliminate your monthly Internet service. This longer-term program replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
The Infrastructure Investment and Job Creation Act created this program, which helps low-income households afford broadband services and Internet-connected devices. The program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is designed to narrow the digital divide by providing disadvantaged families with affordable Internet services.
How Can Low-Income Families Get A Free Laptop?
You can get a free laptop if your Gross family income is at or below the US Poverty Guidelines or when you or someone in your household benefits from a government program. This automatically makes it eligible to apply through the Connectivity Affordable program if you following programs:
- Medicaid
- Tribal Head Start
- Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Additionally, to qualify, you must do the following,
- Must be a United States Citizen
- You work and are low-income
- Have a valid Photo Identification
- Present a valid address proof
- Must provide proof of income, unemployment, etc.
Free or Discounted Laptops and Computers
These free government laptop programs help low-income families, students, and individuals. You may be eligible for a significant discount if you do not qualify for a free laptop! PC’s for People, Jump on It Program, and Laptops 4 Learning are some organizations that can help with a laptop. Find out more below!
Free Laptops for Students 3 Companies that Help
These laptops can be used for remote working and learning while ensuring everyone can access educational opportunities–regardless of income level. In this blog post, we’ll explore these initiatives and the best ways qualifying low-income families like yours can get their hands on one of these powerful machines today!
Lifeline Discounts for Laptops
Lifeline is a federal program that provides $9.25 per month in benefits to qualifying subscribers. Depending on the purchased device, you can receive a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet and a co-payment from $10 to $50.
Through Lifeline and ACP Programs, many organizations provide free computers or sell low-cost computers. Many cell phone companies now offer free tables when you sign up.
Internet Service Providers often offer discounted options to low-income families, helping the government provide laptops and the Internet.
The Free Laptop Program provides technology for academic and career success, subsidized by colleges, education non-profits, and tech brands. Lifeline also allows qualified families and individuals free cell phones and cell phone services. Find out how to get a free cell phone.
Free Government Laptops for Low-Income Students
You can get a free laptop if you participate in one of the U.S. government poverty programs, like SNAP, WIC, TANF, LIHEAP, SSI, etc. Free government laptops are available to students and individuals living in families with low incomes.
You may qualify for the Connectivity Affordable Program and receive a free laptop when you or someone in your household must benefit from the Lifeline program.
Many non-profits like Alliance for Technology Recovery and Reuse, Kids Computers, Computers for Causes, and Connect All offer free laptops to lower-income families for a considerable discount. The government works alongside these organizations to provide free laptops, computers, and pads.
Organizations that Offer Free and Low-Cost Laptops and Computers
Human-It.org
HumanIt.org refurbishes and sells technical devices and the Internet at discounted prices. You must provide proof of participation in a government relief program, or your gross family income should be at or below the US Poverty Poverty.
Guidelines.
You can apply online at https://www.human-i-t.org/acp/ by filling out the application form and providing all the necessary information and documentation. You can also apply by phone at (562) 372-6925.
Benefits
- Eighty-five hotspots plus free monthly service until the program ends.
- Discounted Chromebook laptop costs between $20 and $50.
- English and Spanish Support
In addition to these ACP providers offering free or low-cost laptops, certain carriers, MVNOs, and other ACP providers also provide free or discounted tablets. These ACP providers include StandUp Wireless (read more about their ACP tablet offer at Human-It.org.
Alliance for Technology Refurbishing & Reuse
The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR) is a community of non-profit tech repair organizations with the shared mission of bringing connectivity to underserved communities. AFTRR is a member of the Alliance for Fixing and Rebuilding Technology (AFTR).
They are a national network of computer repair facilities that promote technology reuse by schools and non-profits in need. They provide free and discounted computers to those who qualify by visiting the organization’s website or using their map locator.
Jump on It Program
The Jump On It! Free Laptop Program offers free desktop computers, laptop computers, and computer training to children in K-12 grades attending public schools in the US with low-income households at most, and you earn less than $32,048 annually. You can purchase refurbished computers at discounted rates. http://www.jumponitprogram.com
The On It Foundation c/o Jump On It Program
18520 NW 67th Avenue,
Suite 186, Miami, FL 33015
Info@TheOnItFoundation.org
InterConnection
This organization collects laptops and cell phones from our stores and transports them to its state-of-the-art computer refurbishing plant in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. The computers are then refurbished and distributed at very reasonable prices to low-income neighbors and non-profit groups.
While many groups are located here in Puget Sound, InterConnection.org also distributes refurbished computer equipment worldwide that someone can use for work or playing games, such as Overwatch, with the help of sites like
Overwatchboostpros.com.
InterConnection Retail Store
3415 Stone Way
North Seattle, WA 98103
PCs for People
Pcs for People is a renowned online store that caters to people’s computing needs. They offer an extensive range of computers, laptops, and accessories. Eligible applicants must submit photo identification and necessary proof documents like recent bills or evidence of low-income status for the application.
This can include new or refurbished technology such as tablets, notebooks, laptops, or desktop computers when looking for a PC. Refurbishers distribute notebooks and computers to eligible recipients who otherwise cannot afford one.
The application process usually involves providing photo identity and eligibility proof documents, such as copies of bills or proof of low-income status.
3126 St Clair Ave NE,
Cleveland, OH 44114
(216) 930-5741
The Salvation Army
This organization has thrift stores throughout the United States. Some locations have a computer and technology section where you can purchase low-cost used computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, hard drives, and other computer accessories. Do a web search to find a Salvation Army thrift store near you.
Computers with Causes
This non-profit organization takes donated computers and laptops and fixes them to give to disadvantaged families who can not afford them. With Computer with Causes, their main goal is to put relevant technology in the hands of needy families.
By providing a free laptop or desktop, many nonprofits are helping individuals access more resources to help with digital inclusion. They refurbish desktops, laptops, tablets, servers, and other technical equipment. Apply at their website.
Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)
You can get a laptop from Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC) for only $120. So, you are not getting a computer for free. However, you are getting a considerable discount. CTAC works with tech-based companies like Microsoft and government agencies, helping needy individuals and lower-income families get the cash to bring laptops.
When You Receive Public Assistance
Additionally, if you already receive public benefits such as TANF, EBT, disability, WIC, reduced-price school lunch, and food stamps, you are a candidate for a computer or laptop through the Computer Technology Assistance Corps.
A laptop from the Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC) costs only $120. So, the computer is not free; you are getting it at a considerable discount.
Once you apply and qualify within a given time frame, you can get your laptop, PC, or tablet through a program called Free Laptops for College Students and Low-Income Groups, using government grants. Their mission is to provide computers to the community and support other non-profits and underserved communities. We offer our community computers, repairs, and maintenance at a discounted rate.
(206) 222-2060
Computers for People with Disabilities
Adaptive.org
Located in the central Sierra Nevada, Central California Adaptive Sports Center (CCASC) provides individuals with disabilities access to outdoor adventure programs. For the organization, that means sustained economic success and growth, positively impacting people’s lives and the community. 1-800-763-3097
Computers for Military & Students
Laptops 4 Learning
Laptops 4 Learning equips students and the military with computer access to learning and promoting a career. To obtain an accessible computer, register for an account on L4L’s website. From there, students should contact networks and their communities for donations to cover costs. Once the student receives funding, they receive, students receive their free laptops.
Laptops 4 Learning
2320 E Baseline Rd,
Phoenix, AZ 85042
(602) 358-6649
PCs for People
Recycled Computers for Businesses, Education, and Government PCs for People provide free electronics donated and recycled for businesses, education, and government organizations. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, each PCs for People project is focused on getting affordable, low-cost computers and broadband Internet to the homes of low-income individuals. This organization also provides affordable Internet service through Mobile Hotspots, starting from $11.25/month. They have locations in the following states.
Reburburish Store Locations
Atlanta, Georgia
1801 Linwood Blvd,
InterConnection works with Mobile Citizen to deliver this low-cost internet program, with support from partners. They believe that when every household has access to high-speed internet, devices, and digital citizenship resources, families are empowered to benefit from access to education, healthcare, and career advancement.
Montgomery Connects
The Montgomery County, MD County’s program gives access to computers to all who need them. The reach includes residents and businesses working together to bridge the digital divide. Therefore they give free computer devices, public WiFi access, affordable broadband, training technology training, affordable home broadband services, and public WiFi access points. If you want a laptop or desktop, call 311 or go here for a laptop or computer.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, free government laptops and computers are essential in today’s digital world. Sadly, many people feel helpless because of their circumstances and can not afford a new device.
But the good news is that various organizations provide free laptops for those in need. Governments, charities, and non-profits are all lending a hand to help low-income students and families get free laptops so they can stay connected!
These programs provide tools for those otherwise left out because of the digital divide. If you could use a helping hand when getting a computer or laptop, contact the organization mentioned in this post to see if you qualify for a free laptop. Don’t let finances be an obstacle that keeps you from achieving your goals!