If you are wondering how to get a free laptop from the government, here is a complete article that will guide you through the entire process. Laptops have become essential items when it comes to education, employment, and the overall betterment of lifestyle. However, not many people can afford such expensive devices. But not to worry anymore since the government runs various programs through which you can get free laptop from Government.
Low-income families often find it very difficult to meet their basic requirements, let alone Technology devices like laptops or internet connectivity. To help such people get out of the vicious cycle of poverty and to bridge the digital divide between people who can and cannot access Information and Communication Technology, the government takes various initiatives like the Affordable Connectivity Program, Computers for Learning, and so on.
If you are willing to know about the different ways to get a free laptop from Government for low-income people, then keep reading further.
How to get a free laptop from the government for low-income families?
Yes, it is possible to get Free Government Laptop for Low-Income Families through the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program ACP, which offers up to a $100 discount on the purchase of laptops, tablets, computers, and smartphones. You can also get free monthly internet with it. NGOs like Computer with Causes, Computer for Learning, CTAC, EveryoneOn, etc. also offer free laptops from Government for low-income eligible families.
How to apply for Free laptop from Government
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a popular FCC benefits program that the government introduced to help low-income families and needy people get access to technology, internet services, and smart devices such as smartphones, laptops, and computers.
All eligible households can get free or discounted tablets, laptops, etc., with the help of this program. You can easily get free laptop with ACP program.
Many network service providers, such as Assurance Wireless, QLink Wireless, Cintex Wireless, etc., offer free laptops, Tablets, and more to low-income eligible households. Not just that, but you can also get free or discounted monthly internet services and telephone service plans.
Speaking of the benefits of this program, eligible households can get a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible families can also get a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from ACP participating providers.
All you have to do is apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program ACP, also known by the name Emergency Broadband Benefits Program EBB, either on its official website mentioned below or through any wireless service provider of your choice.
You can get a list of ACP participating service providers on the official website of ACP below.
- Website: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
- Contact: (877) 384-2575.
Eligibility to get free laptop with ACP for low-income people
In order to be eligible for the ACP program and get a free laptop, one must meet any of the below requirements:
- You or any of your family members should be a participant in any of the government assistance programs such as SNAP food stamps, SSI, Medicaid, Pell Grant, WIC, etc.
- Your household income should be below 200% of the Federal poverty guidelines for your location.
Read More: How to get free internet at home without paying?
Non-Profit Organizations that offer Government Free Laptop for low-income families
Given below are some of the Non-Profit Organizations and other places that offer free laptop for low-income families.
Computers for Learning
Computers for Learning is a popular program run by the Federal government to help utilize the excess laptop and computer devices for a good cause.
Through this program, schools and many educational institutions, as well as non-profit organizations, get the opportunity to look at and select various laptop and computer equipment that have been reported as excess by different Federal agencies.
This program is beneficial for various Educational institutes, schools, and NGOs, that are located in the United States, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
A public, as well as a private or parochial School, can participate in this program. You can check out the eligibility criteria and other details about this program on the official website of the government, which has been linked below.
Website: https://computersforlearning.gov/
Computers With Causes
Computers with Cause is a non-profit entity that takes various initiatives to help low-income families get free laptops. This organization is known to help students, disabled people, families of USA Veterans and military, senior citizens, teachers, as well as other NGOs.
They also provide other facilities and services such as building Computer Labs in impoverished schools that cannot afford to do so, Vocational retraining and education, helping similar other charitable organizations from which the needy people of the community can benefit, and so on.
You can apply for this organization to get free government laptop by visiting the website linked below. You will be required to fill out a form and elaborate on your current situation, educational background, and why you are in need of a laptop.
You can expect a response from this organization within 30 days of submitting the application form. You can easily reapply if you do not hear from them within this time frame.
- Website: https://www.computerswithcauses.org
- Contact: (888)-228-7320
Smartriverside
Yet another 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that comes forward to help low-income families with free government laptops, as well as tablets, is the SmartRiverside. This organization was established in the year 2006 and since then has been continuously working to bridge the digital divide in Riverside.
If you cannot get direct assistance from the government for a free laptop, you can apply for this organization since they work in collaboration with the government. Their criteria for eligibility differ from state to state. For California, this organization requires that the household income of the applicant should be less than $45000.
They also work in collaboration with various other non-profit organizations of similar salt so that they can reach out to and help as many individuals as they can. You can fill out the free government laptop form online 2023 on their official website linked below.
- Website: https://www.smartriverside.org
- Contact: 951-782-0849
EveryoneOn
Another popular nonprofit enterprise on our list that helps low-income families get access to technology, free laptop, computer desktops, and low-cost internet is EveryoneOn.
The objective of the organization is to provide an equitable opportunity to all low-income families from underserved communities to get access to affordable internet services and technological devices such as laptops and computers. They are also known to provide digital skills training to needy individuals.
They have connected more than 784,000 people with their services and have a network of 650 + partner organizations. You can visit their official website to see if you are eligible for their program and then apply accordingly. They also have a locator tool using which you can find out about any new opportunities around you. All you have to do for this is enter your zip code and answer your basic questions regarding your household.
- Website: https://www.everyoneon.org/
- Contact: 877-789-9889
The National Cristina Foundation
The National Christina Foundation is a well-known private non-profit organization that was established with the objective of eliminating the digital divide between people who can and cannot access Technology Services.
They also help schools, other not-for-profit organizations, and disabled people to continue with their education through internet service and Technology devices and enhance their future goals.
This foundation works in collaboration mainly with its partner non-profit entity – DigitUnity. Digit Unity further strives to bring significant social change by means of Technology reuse and helping those in need.
- Website: https://www.cristina.org/
Microsoft Registered Refurbishers
Microsoft has a dedicated refurbisher program through which they conduct their social responsibility activities. A lot of participants, including non-profit organizations such as Human-I-T and PCs for People, become certified Microsoft refurbishers to provide refurbished computers to low-income families.
You can go to the official website of Microsoft and see how you can get a free laptop from Microsoft refurbished for low-income eligible households.
Computer Technology Assistance Corps CTAC
CTAC or Computer Technology Assistance Corps is a well-known non-profit organization that receives donations of old or used computers from individuals as well as corporations. Many businesses and generous people donate their old laptops and computers to this organization, and these are further allocated to people who are in need of it.
You can get a laptop or computer desktop system that includes a flat LCD screen monitor, mouse, and keyboard at just $75. The cost of a laptop could range up to $120. You also get a hardware guarantee for a year. You can visit their official website mentioned below to apply for free government laptops for low-income families.
- Website: https://ctac-nh.org/node/12
- Contact: 603-218-3078
World Computer Exchange
The World computer exchange, since its establishment, has connected over 5 million young people all across the world to get access to digital resources, thus empowering them to improve their life.
Since the year 2000, they have helped many young people in over 53 developing countries in achieving digital literacy.
They mostly provide computers and laptops to Educational Institute and other non-profit organizations with the objective of empowering schools in leveraging technology to shape young minds and their future.
You can easily apply to get help from this organization to get a free laptop or computer by filling out a form on their official website. Just note that the minimum amount of computers they ship is 350. This organization does not ship individual computers anywhere in the US.
Website: https://worldcomputerexchange.org/
The On it Foundation
As can be seen from its tagline/ full form itself, ‘Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology,’ the On it Foundation understands the importance of Technology in shaping one’s life.
They are aware that less privileged people keep entangled in the vicious cycle of poverty due to the digital divide. Hence this organization makes donations of computers and laptops to bridge this digital divide and help low-income families live a self-sufficient life.
This organization was actually founded by a person who could not afford a computer for her daughter. Today after over 2 decades, this organization donates refurbished laptops and computers to low-income families.
They collaborate with various computer access centres, businesses in the local area, Educational Institutes and other such organizations to empower the community with technological advancement and help less-advantaged people get access to technology, particularly families with school children from grades K-12.
- Website: https://theonitfoundation.org/
- Contact: +1305.244.6454
PCs for People
Yet another well-known nonprofit entity that offers free Laptop for low-income families and needy people is PCS for people. This organization basically provides refurbished computers to eligible households at very low prices or for free.
They receive generous donations from individuals as well as corporates in the form of electronic items and then refurbish these items to use them for a better purpose.
For businesses, they provide e-waste recycling. They also offer low-cost internet solutions and have helpful Digital Learning centres. You can get services like Certified Data Destruction from them as well.
In order to be eligible for their programs, the household with one family member must not have income exceeding $27,180; for a family with 2 members, it should not exceed $36,220; for 3 member family, income should not exceed $46,060, and so on.
Along with this, they also provide computers, internet service, digital skill training programs, and even Technical Support for the needy so as to ensure that everyone gets an equal opportunity to leverage digital technology and improve their lifestyle.
- Website: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/
With Causes
Do not confuse this one with ‘Computer with Causes’. Both of these are different entities, but their objective is quite the same – to help low-income families and needy people get access to Information and Communication Technology.
This organization helps Less fortunate people who are in need of a laptop but cannot afford to buy one. They do so by receiving donations from generous individuals and corporate businesses and then refurbishing them to use for charitable needs.
You can visit their official website to get more information about how to get free laptop or computer from them. You can also check out the other donations they received, such as real estate donations, boat and vehicle donations, and so on.
- Website: www.withcauses.org/
- Contact: 888-228-7320
St. Vincent De Paul
The society of St. Vincent De Paul aims to create a network of friends that come forward to serve people in need. This benevolent organization is known to have helped many people all across the globe in many ways possible.
They are quite spread across the US, and you will easily find a nearby Saint Vincent Society near you. It is a popular non-profit organization in the US that offers a number of programs to help less fortunate people.
Their popular Back2Work program offers continued education, customized training, connectivity, community resources, and much more to low-income unemployed people so that they can become self-sufficient.
They even have Disaster Services Corporation, Food Pantries, The IMMERSION program to help incarcerated individuals return to society with the required resources and skills, and of course, their thrift stores where you can find a lot of items at a very low price.
You can check their official website below to get more information about how to get a free laptop from St. Vincent De Paul.
Website: https://ssvpusa.org/
Interconnection
Interconnection is a certified Microsoft refurbisher that collects electronics and refurbishes them to use for charitable purposes. The objective of this enterprise is to make the internet and Technology accessible to everyone, especially the less privileged and less fortunate sections of society.
They accept donations from individuals as corporate businesses and refurbish the received electronic items to offer high-quality refurbished electronics to low-income families and needy individuals at huge discounts and even for free of cost. You can visit their official website link below and get more information about their programs.
Website: https://interconnection.org/
The Salvation Army
One of the leading humanitarian organizations in the world that are dedicated to helping low-income families and needy people with any and everything possible is the Salvation Army. They are known to help underdeveloped communities and needy people all across the globe.
This Organization is known to help people with the basic needs of life, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, and so on. They can also help you in getting a free laptop or Tablet at a low cost.
You can visit the official website of this NGO or their nearby office to get more information about how they can help you get a free laptop for low-income families.
Website: https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/
Human-I-T
Human-I-T is one of the most well know non-profit and social organizations that strives to provide opportunities to low-income families and less privileged people it keeping their access to the internet, digital skills, training, devices such as laptops and computers, and essential tech support.
The objective of this enterprise is to bridge the digital divide gap and help less fortunate people in enhancing their lifestyles. In doing this good deed, the organization also diverts e-waste from landfills and helps in environmental protection.
Up until now, this humanitarian organization has distributed over 229k technology items, including laptops, tablets, and even computers, to less fortunate people and helped over 97000 households with internet assistance.
They claim to have diverted 12 million pounds of e-waste from landfills. Their Human-I-T store offers low-cost quality laptops as well as notebooks for low-income individuals.
They also partner with the Affordable Connectivity Program, and you can search for ACP-eligible laptops to buy one at a low price and get free monthly high-speed internet with it as well.
Website: https://www.human-i-t.org/
How to get Free Laptops For Disabled People
Life can be difficult for differently abled people in more ways than we realize. Thanks to many benevolent organizations like the Beaumont Foundation of America that take into consideration the special needs of special people.
To help differently abled people become self-sufficient and get access to opportunities that a normal person would have, organizations like the ones mentioned below offer free laptops and other assistance to people in need.
Disability.gov
The Office of disability employment policy by the US Department of Labor conducts various initiatives such as ASPIRE, Employment First, Disability Employment Initiative, and so on.
This particular organization is working to increase the hiring and career advancement of disabled people by giving them access to development through Technology. This organization can help people with disabilities get free laptops for their work and other needs.
The Beaumont Foundation of America
The Beaumont Foundation of America was established with the objective of enriching the lives of less fortunate people and helping them shape their future by focusing on improving their education Healthcare and social services.
Time and again, this organization has provided free computer equipment and software to underprivileged students and disabled people. You can check their official website to get more information about their donations and how you can get help from them.
Read More: How to Get Free Tablet from Government
Free Laptop for College Students from Government
Laptops are essential items for college students since they are quite helpful in attending classes, completing assignments, and so on. A lot of colleges in universities have adopted online methods as a part of their curriculum, for which students would need to have a laptop.
But it is quite obvious that not everyone would be able to afford such an expensive gadget. And so, some of the universities have come forward to help such needy people by offering them free laptops. Given below are some of the Universities that offer free laptops for low-income students.
-
Seton Hill University
Seton Hill University runs a unique program by the name Mobile Learning @The Hill Program. Through this program, this university offers Macbooks to all traditional full-time undergraduates. This is the reason why Seton Hill University is known to be an Apple-distinguished School. Not just that, but they also offer on-campus Apple care support that also includes loaner laptops.
-
Northwest Missouri State University
Yet another University that offers free laptops to full-time undergraduate and graduate students is Northwest Mussoorie State University. They basically include the price of the laptop in the tuition fee of the student. Their laptop and textbook rental program saves around $7,300 for students over 4 years of their education. They also provide technical support for the laptop of students.
-
Bethel University
Bethel University provides free laptops to all incoming full-time students. The students of this university are required by their rules to pick up their laptops during the first semester.
-
Wentworth Institute of Technology
This Institute runs the laptop program for full-time matriculating undergraduate students and also for the masters of architecture students. They provide free laptops that can meet the need of each of the majors. The option to select the laptop for these programs is given to the faculty depending on the need of the students for that particular program.
-
Widener University
Widener University is known to reward eligible engineering students with brand new laptops provided that they are eligible for them. The university conducts a school’s laptop scholarship for full-time engineering students who meet certain academic criteria like – a combined SAT score of 1310 or higher, a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher, or an ACT score of 28 or higher.
-
St. John’s University
St. John’s University offers free laptops for eligible students who participate in the Academic Computing Initiative Program. Through this program, Eligible students can get a portable laptop or Tablet to help in their studies.
Just note that the cost of using the laptop is included in the tuition fee of the student for each semester. The students can keep the laptop with them for the time they have been enrolled as full-time students at this university.
How to get Free Laptop from Government Online for low-income people?
The internet, indeed, is a doorway to a plethora of opportunities, one of which is also getting a free laptop for low-income people online. There are many ways using which you can get a laptop online at low cost or for free.
Given below are some of the tried and tested ways using which you can get a laptop at a cheap price. Just note that the availability of laptops in the below cases depends on your location, and you may have to keep checking for updates on these websites.
Freecycle
Freecycle is one of the best platforms if you are looking to get something for free or at a low cost than the usual market prices. This website allows people to sell and buy old items at much lesser prices.
Many people wish to get rid of their old used items that are still in pretty good condition to throw away. Through Freecycle, such people can sell old items at low prices, and those who are in need of it can buy the same for a very lower price.
Certainly, many people might also sell laptops, tablets, or computers at a low cost on this platform. You can search for the same on the website and set a location filter to find free or low-cost laptops near you.
- Website: https://www.freecycle.org/
Craigslist
Craigslist is yet another platform similar to Freecycle that allows people to sell their old items for free or at a low price.
All you need to do is create an account on Craigslist and enter your details like name, location, and requirements. You can search for free or cheap laptops near me on this website by logging into it.
They will show all the relevant results right away. Just make sure to keep checking the website for the latest updates since many items that are listed will be sold out in just a few minutes after launch.
You can enquire about a particular product or item on the website and finalize the time and location for pickup and final purchase.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook is no more limited to just adding friends and chatting with them. You can not only post your favorite moments here but also find a lot of items for sale on your timeline.
With the new feature, Facebook Marketplace has given Facebook users a chance to buy and sell items on the same app at a much lower price.
On your Facebook timeline, you will see a complete section devoted to the marketplace, where you can find nearby listings that may include used items from people living around you.
You can too post your requirements about a laptop, including certain specifications that you are looking for.
People who are willing to sell their old laptops will reply to you, and you can then finalize the deal along with the time and location of pickup and payment.
Give it a try!
eBay
Who of us has not used eBay at least once? eBay is one of the most popular websites out there that allow people to sell and buy old used items at a lower price.
Many people list items they no longer wish to keep on this website, and you can easily buy any of them at low prices.
If you are looking to get a free laptop or computer desktop, chances are that you may find them easily, at least at a lower price here.
So what are you waiting for? Log into the website and get going!
Read More: How can i Get a Free iPhone from the Government
Final Thoughts
That was all about how to get free laptop and needy people. The government, many non-profit organizations, and even educational Institutes understand the need and importance of laptops for education and other purposes.
With the laptop, one can access the internet and get a plethora of opportunities ahead of them, such as education, employment, healthcare, and so on. We hope that the above article helped you understand how you can get a free laptop from the government and other institutions.
The affordable connectivity program can help you get a Huge discount while buying a laptop. And NGOs like the Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul, Human-I-T, With Causes, The On it Foundation, PCs for People, etc., provide free laptops for needy people. You can buy refurbished laptops for a cheap price or even free laptops from websites like Freecycle, eBay, and Craigslist.
In case you have any queries, feel free to ask us in the comment section below. Also, if you have anything relevant to share, you are more than welcome.
Revisit a section
I am trying to get a free laptop 💻 can sent 📤 me information ℹ️ to my ✉️📨 email.
Hello Toni,
We wrote an article about how to get free laptops.
Our article will be sent to you via email if there is any trouble reading it on the website.
Please share your E-mail Id
Thank you
How can I get a free laptop
Hello Nicole
I hope you read our well-detailed article on a free laptops.
Here are all our articles to help you get a free laptop