Free Laptops for Low Income Families
A laptop computer may completely transform your life by allowing you to work from home, engage in school activities with your kids from home, and assist parents find employment.
Sadly, laptop prices are so high. These following services provide free laptops for low-income families as well as discounted or complimentary laptops:
1.) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) oversees the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative that assists low-income households in paying for internet access and internet-enabled devices like laptops and tablets.
The ACP includes A discount of up to $30 per month on internet access ($75 per month for households residing on eligible tribal territories), and a discount of up to $100 once for a desktop, laptop, or tablet (with such a co-pay of more than $10 but under $50).
What requirements must one meet in order to be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program’s help with a laptop or tablet?
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers laptop support in a number of different ways:
- Household income that is less than 200% of the federal poverty line, which is $23,030 for a family of three right now.
- You or a member of your household is eligible for a government benefit like free or reduced-cost meals, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, SNAP, or Pell Grant.
How can I submit a request for help with a laptop, tablet, and internet under the Affordable Connectivity Program? And how to find it in your state?
You can submit an application by mail, through your current internet provider, or via the Affordable Connectivity website.
If you are currently a member of the Lifeline Program, which gives eligible families a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service, you don’t need to apply anymore.
The FCC website has a list of ACP providers arranged by state.
2.) Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR)
The goal of the Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse, a coalition of nonprofit organizations, is to encourage technology donation as well as recycling across the nation.
For low-income households, their NGOs offer cheap and free computers.
What criteria does the Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse have for a free laptop?
AFTRR offers an interactive map of its own nonprofit partners, all of which give eligible individuals and organizations access to subsidized or free computers.
In order to locate the nearest source of a free or discounted laptop, enter your address into the map’s search field.
How to submit an application to the Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse for a free laptop
The procedures and requirements for acquiring a free or heavily reduced PC or laptop vary depending on the specific organization and AFTRR.
To apply for a free laptop in your region or to make a purchase, go to the specific website of your closest supplier.
3.) Amazon
Most likely, if you plan to purchase online for the holidays, you’ll go to Amazon.com. Consequently, how may one obtain a free laptop from Amazon?
Laptops are 75%-99% Discount at Amazon.com
Although they don’t provide any free choices, a wide range of cheap laptops are available on Amazon with discounts ranging from 75 to 99% off the list price.
To determine which laptop offers the best value, look through user evaluations as the majority of these models have been retired or reconditioned.
Select purchases from Amazon can be delivered for free to Prime members, and the monthly fee for EBT cards and some other beneficiaries of government assistance is only $5.99.
You can sign up for this subscription at a discount on amazon’s website, giving you access to all of Amazon Prime’s benefits.
4.) Everyone On
Everyone On offers inexpensive computers and internet access to families in underprivileged areas, as well as training in digital skills.
What requirements must you meet to receive a free computer from Everyone On?
Everyone On offers a search option for cheap computers and subsidized internet access available all throughout the United States.
How to apply to Everyone On for a laptop
Enter your zip code to view the available devices as well as internet bundles in your region, then select one of the deals that appears.
5.) Computer Technology Assistance Corps (CTAC)
Computer Technology Assistance Corps gives recently decommissioned computers on a sliding rate to qualified candidates after accepting donations from companies and individuals.
The starting price for a desktop computer system with a tower, LCD flat screen monitor, keyboard, and mouse is $75.
It also comes with a one-year hardware guarantee. Laptops offer a 90-day hardware guarantee and start at $120.
What requirements must you meet to receive a complimentary laptop through the Computer Technology Assistance Corps? And how to apply it?
A spokesman for CTAC, Penny Close, claims that since the COVID-19 outbreak began, CTAC has relaxed its application procedure.
However, throughout the past, a candidate had to be ineligible for some type of federal or state aid, such as food stamps, reduced-price school meals, WIC, EBT, disability, TANF, etc., in order to be considered for these inexpensive laptops.
Presently, laptops and PCs may be purchased through the company’s eBay account or website.
6.) Comp-U-Dopt
“Eliminate limited accessibility to computers, enable development in digital and technical literacy skills, and assist the future of kids and their communities,” are the three main objectives of the nonprofit organization Comp-U-Dopt.
In other words, they provide low-income people with free computers, technical and employment training, and other assistance so they may access the tools and knowledge they need to compete in the modern economy.
What requirements must you meet to obtain a free laptop at Comp-U-Dopt?
You mustn’t have access to a functioning computer at home and possess a child in pre-K to 12 in order to be eligible for a free pc (up to age 20).
Since they aren’t owned by the family, devices that are supplied by the school really aren’t eligible for this qualification.
As a result, you can still be eligible to receive a free laptop at Comp-U-Dopt even if your child uses a school Chromebook.
How to submit an application to Comp-U-Dopt for a laptop
Throughout the country, Comp-U-Dopt runs lotteries for no-cost computers. Three days before the distribution dates, applicants may register at the place closest to them.
Three days later, names will be selected at random from the inventory that is on hand.
Because selected receivers will be instructed to start picking up their free laptop from the drive-thru distribution station they have picked, it is crucial to pick a place that is convenient for them.
7.) Computers for Kids
A nonprofit company called Computers for Kids, Inc. refurbishes donated computers before donating them to educational institutions, charities, and junior college and high school students.
They want to narrow the “digital divide,” which exists for individuals who don’t have easy access to technology, and equalize educational possibilities for kids.
What requirements must you meet to receive a free laptop from Computers for Kids?
Any student may apply for a free computer through Computers for Kids because eligibility is not determined by household income.
Currently, only residents of Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Utah may purchase laptops.
How to apply?
On the website of Computers for Kids, both parents and students can complete a student application.
Every chosen child will get a free laptop or desktop computer with Microsoft Office 2010 and Windows 10 Pro, along with a year of free technical assistance, from the charity.
8.) Human-i-t
A group called human-i-t offers low-cost gadgets, internet connection, training in digital literacy, and tech assistance to individuals who don’t have access to technology.
The company collaborates with companies to rehabilitate outdated technology.
What requirements are needed for a cheap laptop from human-it?
Human-i-t will provide a cheap laptop or other gadget to participants in the various government assistance programs.
Here’s the accepted Government Assistance Program’s proof for the requirements:
- Lifeline
- Head Start
- SNAP or EBT
- Medi-Cal or Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Social Security Disability (SSDI)
- National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 voucher
- Cal Grant Financial Aid
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The list below also can apply:
In need of veterans
- Individuals with disabilities
- Elderly adults
- Families who earn 250% of the federal poverty line
Schools and charitable groups can also submit an application for a free device and support from human-it.
If none of these apply to you, there are still affordable gadgets available through human-i-eBay t’s site.
How to Apply?
You can provide evidence of eligibility online, through text or email, or in person at one of human-i-t’s stores at the time of your purchase to qualify for a low-cost laptop from the company.
The following papers are acceptable as evidence of income or participation in government programs:
- The federal, state, or tribal tax refunds from the previous year.
- Social Security Benefits Statement.
- Notice for involvement in General Assistance from the federal or tribal government.
- Statement of benefits from the Veterans Administration.
- Social Security benefits; retirement/pension benefit statements.
Order online at hitconnect.org if you’re eligible for a cheap laptop from human-i-t.
Before making a purchase, you must register for an account then upload or provide evidence of eligibility.
Prices for laptops start at about $120.