As a writer and a student, I absolutely need a laptop. I rely on it for almost everything I do. I need it to read my online books and articles, attend virtual classrooms, write articles and assignments, do the research, find all the necessary information online, chat with colleagues, and in the evening when I’m done with all my work and studies, I even use it to unwind. Laptops are the perfect device that offers both gaming and streaming entertainment. Without it, I would be lost.
However, purchasing a laptop at full price was almost a mission impossible for me. The average price for a laptop is $500 and for me, even a tenth of that would be a lot. After all, I even participate in the Food Stamps programs to get proper nutrition.
Luckily, a few months ago, a friend mentioned that it’s now possible to get a free laptop with Food Stamps. At first, I didn’t believe him. “No, no, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, also known as the Food Stamps program only offers discounts on food items,” I was certain. However, my friend insisted and I searched the matter online. Thanks to my great searching skills, I found that it’s actually possible. I did the research and in a few weeks, I became the proud owner of my very own free laptop, which I acquired based on the fact that I participate in the Food Stamps program. I was thrilled!
To help you reach your own device goals, I have decided to write and share everything I have learned along the way of acquiring a free laptop with Food Stamps.
How Can It Be Possible to Get a Free Laptop With Food Stamps?
If you are a Food Stamps participant like me, you will know that the Food Stamps program (officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP) only offers discounts on food items in select stores. The benefits don’t even cover other groceries, such as cosmetics, hygiene products, or other basic necessities. So how would it then be possible to offer free laptops?
The answer is quite simple actually – indirectly. See, participating in the Food Stamps program automatically makes you eligible for certain other government assistance programs. One of them is the relatively new government assistance program by the FCC called the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. It helps ensure that low-income households can afford broadband services and devices that they need for work, education, and more. ACP aims to assist individuals with low incomes by providing free wireless services and offering discounted or complimentary laptops (or other internet-connected devices).
To qualify for this government assistance program, certain eligibility criteria must be met. Individuals must either belong to a low-income household or be participants in another government aid program, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program. All Food Stamps participants automatically qualify for ACP and can apply for a free laptop.
In case you are not familiar with SNAP, it is a federal assistance program that provides support for purchasing food to individuals with low incomes. Those with SNAP benefits receive monthly financial aid directly deposited into their household’s EBT card account. EBT cards can be utilized by SNAP participants to pay for food at various establishments, including supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailers, and some farmers’ markets.
Participation in the Food Stamp Program not only assists individuals in accessing food-purchasing aid but also opens the opportunity to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Consequently, this may lead to the potential receipt of a free laptop through the Food Stamp Program.
How Exactly Can I Get a Free Laptop With Food Stamps? A Short Guide
To secure a free laptop with Food Stamps, follow these simple steps (all of which are further explained in the following sections):
- Confirm your ACP eligibility.
- Confirm your eligibility for the Food Stamps program.
- Assemble the necessary documentation validating your SNAP and ACP eligibility.
- Initiate the SNAP application process.
- Upon successful enrollment in the SNAP program, commence the ACP application.
- Lastly, identify an ACP provider offering free laptops with Food Stamps in your state of residence and apply to its program. Refer to the following sections for guidance.
Do I Qualify for ACP?
As participation in the ACP program is vital to receive a free laptop in Food Stamps, it’s of utmost importance to determine if you qualify for the program.
- Are you at least 18 years old or an emancipated minor?
- Do you reside in one of the US states where a provider offers a free laptop?
- Are you the only ACP applicant in your household?
- Do you participate in SNAP or the Food Stamps program?
If your answer to all these questions is ‘yes’, you surely qualify for ACP!
The age and residency requirements are mandatory and the ACP benefit is generally only available for one person per eligible household. However, if you don’t participate in SNAP/Food Stamps, you may still qualify if you meet any of the following criteria:
- Your household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or any of your household members participate in another qualifying federal assistance program, such as Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs.
- You or any of your household members have received a federal Pell Grant award in the current award year.
- You or any of your household members were approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- Moreover, even if you would like to receive a free laptop with Food Stamps and you are not a SNAP participant yet, you may still be able to qualify and apply for it.
Do I Qualify for Food Stamps Program to Receive a Free Laptop With Food Stamps?
SNAP, also known as the Food Stamps Program, operates as a means-tested initiative, necessitating recipients to fulfill specific eligibility criteria to qualify for assistance.
- Income Requirements: Individuals and households become eligible for SNAP if their gross monthly income is 130% or less of the federal poverty level.
- Work Requirements: Eligibility includes individuals working 30-80 hours per week. Exceptions apply for students, caregivers of children under 6, incapacitated individuals, disabled persons, and those in drug rehabilitation, each having distinct work hour requirements.
- Resource Requirements: Households can possess up to $2,250 in countable sources, with a higher limit of $3,500 if at least one person is aged 60 or older and/or has disabilities, though these limits can vary by state.
- Housing Expenditure: Generally, housing is considered affordable if it consumes 30% or less of the total household income.
- Immigrant Status Eligibility: Legal immigrants residing in the U.S. for five years or more, receiving disability-related assistance or benefits, or having children under 18 may be eligible for SNAP.
- Student Eligibility: Low-income students may also qualify for SNAP.
Documents Needed for Applying for a Free Laptop With Food Stamps
To request a complimentary laptop through the Food Stamps program, you must substantiate your eligibility by presenting specific documents that validate your adherence to SNAP requirements.
- Initial verification involves proving your identity through documents like a birth certificate, driver’s license, state photo ID, or social security card.
- Confirmation of shelter expenses necessitates providing utility bills (electric, gas, or water), rental agreement (lease), or mortgage statement displaying your address. Additionally, you can submit the most recent property taxes, insurance statement (homeowner’s or renter’s), or a shelter verification form.
- If you are over 60 years old or classified as disabled, proof of medical expenses is required. This may include Medicare Part B&D Premiums, billing statements/unpaid medical bills, or an itemized pharmacy printout for the past 90 days.
- For earned income validation, present paystubs from the last 30 days, an employer statement reflecting gross wages, income tax forms, or a self-employment worksheet.
- To demonstrate unearned income, furnish bank statements indicating direct deposit or agency letters reflecting money received (Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, child support, alimony, unemployment, and retirement).
To apply for ACP with Food Stamps, you will need:
- Proof of identity, age, and address (e.g. a valid ID).
- Proof of your Food Stamps participation (e.g. a copy of the SNAP approval letter, benefit award letter, benefit verification letter, or statement of benefits).
How To Apply for the Food Stamps Program?
To apply for the Food Stamps (SNAP) program, follow these straightforward instructions:
- Visit https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps.
- Scroll down and choose your preferred application method (online, by mail, by fax, in person, or by phone).
- For online applications, use https://dtaconnect.eohhs.mass.gov/. Select ‘Apply SNAP,’ ‘Get Started,’ and complete the online SNAP application form. Upon submission, receive email notifications about your application status.
- If applying by mail, download the SNAP benefits application form at https://www.mass.gov/lists/dta-documentsforms. Seniors aged 60 or above can use the application for seniors found at https://www.mass.gov/doc/english-snap-application-for-seniors-snap-app-seniors-0/download. Download the DTA cover sheet at https://www.mass.gov/doc/dta-mailfax-cover-sheet/download. Mail the completed forms to the DTA Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 4406, Taunton, MA 02780.
- Applying by fax follows the same process as mail. Fax the completed forms to the DTA Document Processing Center at (617) 887-8765.
- For in-person applications, visit a local DTA office (locations at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance/locations?_page=1) or a community kiosk (find one at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance/locations?_page=1).
- Apply by phone by calling the DTA Assistance Line at (877) 382-2363, pressing 7 for SNAP application. The DTA Assistance Line operates from 8:15 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. Monday – Friday.
How To Apply for ACP?
To apply for an ACP program begin by applying through the National Verifier. To do so:
- Visit https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=acp&awsl=link-from-how-to-apply.
- Log in or create an account if required.
- Fill out the application form by providing all the required information and documentation copies.
- Submit the application.
- The National Verifier will review it and either approve or reject it (depending on whether or not you qualify). You will be informed.
- Save your application information as you may need it when applying with a company.
Alternatively, you can apply via mail, however, this is not recommended. To do so, follow the instructions at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/ under ‘Mail’.
Which Companies Offer a Free Laptop With Food Stamps?
To get a list of all ACP providers that offer connected devices in your state of residence, including free laptops with Food Stamps, visit https://cnm.universalservice.org/. Enter your location, select the ACP program, and tick the ‘Discounted Devices’ option. This way, you will get a list of all the tablet, laptop, and desktop providers in your area. However, as most of them offer tablets, instead of laptops, you may need to contact each and ask if you can receive a free laptop with Food Stamps. Here are some reputable organizations and ACP providers offering free laptops with Food Stamps:
- PCs for People:
- Offers $100 discounts on refurbished desktops/laptops and $10 to $30 internet service reimbursements.
- Apply at acp.pcsrefurbished.com/acp.
- Human I-T:
- Provides ACP-eligible customers with $85 hotspots, free monthly service, and discounted Chromebooks.
- Apply at human-i-t.org/acp.
- Computers with Causes:
- Offers free computers to various groups in need.
- Apply at computerswithcauses.org/application, specifying Food Stamps participation.
- The On It Foundation:
- Provides free computers and internet to eligible low-income families.
- Apply by mailing info to The On It Foundation, 18520 NW 67th Avenue, Suite 186, Miami, FL 33015, and emailing [email protected]. Details at theonitfoundation.org/faqs.
- EveryoneOn:
- Connects people in need with low-cost internet and computers.
- Apply at everyoneon.org/lowcost-offers after selecting a provider.
- Alliance for Technology:
- Works with refurbishment partners to provide free devices.
- Inquire at aftrr.org about eligibility based on your situation and location.
- Microsoft Registered Refurbished:
- Allows refurbishers to donate refurbished computers.
- Apply at https://devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/communications/comm-microsoft-refurbisher-programs.
- Smartriverside:
- Offers free laptops and computer courses to low-income families.
- Eligibility varies by state. Visit http://www.smartriverside.org/ or contact [email protected].
- Technology for the Future:
- Partners with organizations to provide resources, including computers, to those in need.
- Inquire at [email protected]. Details at https://technologyforthefuture.org/contact-us/.
- World Computer Exchange:
- Collaborates with partners to donate electronic devices.
- Apply at https://worldcomputerexchange.org/get-involved/get-computers/.
Review the eligibility criteria for each and apply accordingly to access free laptops through Food Stamps and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
What Kind of a Free Laptop With Food Stamps Can I Get?
Most ACP laptop providers do not reveal which laptop models they offer in advance, as their offer depends on availability and location. However, you shouldn’t expect to receive one of the latest and most powerful laptops with the most advanced features, as ACP providers simply don’t have enough funds to provide customers with the priciest devices.
According to customer reviews, you can expect to receive one of the following laptop brands:
- Google Chromebook
- Dell computer
- Lenovo computer
Does Any Wireless Provider Offer Free Laptops With Food Stamps?
Many of the government’s Affordable Connectivity Program participants are wireless companies. They all offer customers discounts on monthly internet services or monthly data. However, only a few of them also offer discounts on internet-connected devices (laptops, tablets, or desktop computers).
Currently, there are no ACP wireless providers that would offer discounts on laptops, however, some of them do offer discounts on tablets instead. The ACP-participating wireless companies that offer free ACP tablets include:
- AirTalk Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- Excess Telecom
- Go Technology Management
- Maxsip Telecom
- NewPhone Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- TruConnect
What Other Benefits Can I Get in Addition to a Free Laptop With Food Stamps?
In addition to providing free laptops, tablets, or desktop computers, the majority of Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) providers extend complimentary internet services to qualifying customers. Interestingly, a greater number of ACP providers offer discounts (up to $30 on non-Tribal lands and up to $75 on Tribal lands) on monthly internet services compared to those providing one-time discounts (up to $100) on internet-connected devices such as laptops, tablets, or desktops. As a SNAP subscriber and thus ACP-eligible, you can effortlessly apply for complimentary monthly ACP broadband services while applying for the device.
The Benefits of Receiving a Free Laptop With Food Stamps
Laptop benefits:
- Educational access: Facilitates online learning and academic research.
- Employment opportunities: Enables job searches, applications, and remote work.
- Communication: Connects individuals with family, friends, and support networks.
- Skill development: Provides a platform for developing digital skills and staying technologically proficient.
- Access to information: Offers information and resources for personal and professional growth.
Internet plan benefits:
- Educational resources: Access to online educational materials and courses.
- Communication tools: Facilitates seamless communication through email, messaging, and video calls.
- Work opportunities: Enables remote work and online job applications.
- Information retrieval: Quick access to news, research, and general information.
- Social connectivity: Connects individuals to social platforms, reducing isolation.
Food Stamps participation benefits:
- Nutritional support: Assists in purchasing essential food items for individuals and families.
- Financial relief: Alleviates the financial burden of food expenses for low-income households.
- Health improvement: Enhances overall well-being by ensuring access to nutritious meals.
- Educational assistance: Helps families allocate resources to educational needs.
- Community support: Strengthens community ties by promoting shared resources and assistance.
Are There Any Alternative Ways to Get a Free Laptop?
Apart from obtaining a complimentary laptop through an ACP provider using Food Stamps, there are alternative avenues for low-income individuals to acquire free laptops. Options include:
- Receiving a free laptop from charitable or non-profit organizations like Adaptive.org, Freecycle, Komputers for Kids, Microsoft Registered Refurbishers, National Cristina Foundation, Smartriverside, With Causes, World Computer Exchange, and others.
- Obtaining a free laptop from various companies like United Way, St Vincent De Paul, The Open Education Database, SAM.gov Assistance Listings, Interconnection, Craigslist, and more.
- Securing a free laptop through educational institutions such as schools or colleges.
- Accessing a free laptop from local libraries.
- Receiving a free laptop from churches.
- Availing a free laptop from local charitable organizations.
These diverse options offer additional channels for those with limited financial means to access a laptop without using Food Stamps through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Free Laptop Related FAQs
What Is an EBT Card?
EBT stands for Electronic benefit transfer, which is an electronic system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card. The Food Stamps financial aid is deposited directly into the user’s EBT card and the card can be used to pay for food at supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailers, and even some farmers’ markets.
Can I Get a Free Tablet With the Food Stamp Program?
Yes. ACP providers also offer free tablets with Food Stamps. Some of the best ACP providers that offer free government tablets include Q Link Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, and TruConnect.
Is Food Stamps and EBT the Same?
Food Stamps and EBT are not the same thing, but they are related. Food Stamps or SNAP is a federal assistance program that offers food-purchasing assistance for low-income people. EBT, on the other hand, is an electronic system that allows a SNAP participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits.
Can I Get an EBT Free Phone?
Yes. Participating in the Food Stamps Program or SNAP may be enough to qualify for the Lifeline program and thus receive a free government phone.
Can I Get a Free Laptop and Internet From the Government?
Yes. Some ACP providers only offer free internet services, however, many of them (including the ones mentioned in this article) offer both a free laptop and internet from the government.
Who Needs a Free Laptop?
Nowadays, all people from the first grade need a laptop for work, education purposes, communication, entertainment, and more. While some can afford to buy a laptop, low-income people, people with disabilities, students, seniors, etc. need a free device.
Do I Need to Pay Any Application Fees for Getting a Free Laptop?
It depends on the provider. Nonetheless, ACP providers do not require customers to pay any application fees.
Why Do Most Organizations Want the Applicant to be a Participant in Food Stamps?
It’s not that most organizations or ACP providers want the applicant to participate in Food Stamps. Instead, according to the government rules, the companies must make sure that the applicant who actually receives a free laptop comes from a low-income family or participates in any government assistance program. The point is to prove that the customer needs a laptop but is unable to afford it.
Can I Get a Free Computer With Low Income?
Yes, only low-income applicants can receive a free laptop. For example, to be ACP-eligible, your annual household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Can I Get a Free Laptop From Amazon?
No, Amazon does usually not provide free laptops, however, you may be able to find a highly discounted one that may be used or refurbished.
Are Free Laptops Really Free?
It depends on the provider. If the company offers free laptops through the FCC’s ACP program then the answer is no. According to the government rules, a customer must pay a mandatory co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50 to receive a one-time discount on connected devices of up to $100.