Why Do People Want a Free Laptop
While two or three decades ago having a laptop, or any kind of computer for that matter, was considered a luxury, nowadays, a computer is a basic necessity. In fact, according to some estimates, approximately 94% of American households have at least one computer.
In the past only the richest families had computers, but now, as computers have become much more affordable, even people who don’t have lots of money can get one. Nevertheless, the poorest families and individuals are still left behind. Luckily, there are certain government programs, charities, and non-profit organizations that offer laptops for low-income people in need at low prices or even completely free of charge.
Now, why is it so important for people to have a laptop anyway? Well, there are lots of reasons why people want and need a laptop. For instance:
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to stay in touch with loved ones
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to search for information
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to access virtual classrooms and get an education
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to stay in touch with work
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to seek out new job opportunities
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to pay the bills
- Getting a free laptop enables low-income people to watch videos, movies, listen to music, play games, and get all other kinds of entertainment
Ways to Get Free Laptops for Low-Income Families
Now that we have established why getting a free laptop is of utmost importance for people in need, let’s review all the ways to get a free laptop for low-income families.
Free Laptops From The Government
One way to get a free laptop for low-income people is from the government. Indeed, the government offers certain assistance programs for low-income people that are designed to help people in need get laptops and other electronic devices and services either at a very low price or completely free of charge.
There are strict rules to obtain a free laptop or another free electronic device. However, low-income people are usually able to get a free device easily.
The government usually provides free laptops through their Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program and other government assistance programs.
The EBB is a government assistance program by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to ensure discounted or free broadband internet services and free laptops for low-income people and people struggling to afford broadband services during the COVID-19 health emergency.
While all EBB providers offer free internet broadband services, only a few of them offer free laptops. The EBB providers that offer free government laptops for low-income people include:
- PCs for People
- Human I-T
Free Laptops From Non-profit Organizations and Charities
In addition to EBB providers that offer free government laptops, there are also some non-profit organizations and charities that offer free laptops for low-income people and households.
Some of the non-profit organizations and charities that offer free laptops for low-income people include:
- Adaptive.org
- Computers With Causes
- Everyone On
- Freecycle
- Komputers for Kids
- Microsoft Registered Refurbishers
- National Cristina Foundation
- Smartriverside
- The On It Foundation
- With Causes
- World Computer Exchange
How to Qualify for Government Free Laptop for Low Income
Low-income people can get a free laptop from the government by applying for the Emergency Broadband Benefit through an EBB provider that offers free laptops for low-income people, such as PCs for People.
To get a free laptop from an EBB provider, you must be EBB-eligible. EBB eligibility criteria are universal and set by the FCC. Generally, the FCC requires people to apply for EBB directly through the federal government, however, PCs for People has been approved to use its existing eligibility verification process to qualify people for the EBB.
Each provider either follows the general EBB eligibility criteria set by the FCC or their own slightly altered version. As such, to qualify for a government free laptop for low-income people, you must meet the provider’s eligibility criteria. You can see the general government eligibility criteria in the following section.
In case you also need information Free Government Phone And Table
What Are The Basic Qualifications for Free Laptops From The Government?
Here you can see the general EBB eligibility criteria set by the FCC. All EBB providers are required to follow these criteria.
Income-based eligibility
You may qualify for the EBB program and receive a government free laptop for low-income people if:
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a single filer, the yearly income must be under $99,000 and for joint filers, it must be less than $198,000 in the year 2020.
- You or any of your household members have lost a job or got a termination letter or was furloughed since February 29 of 2020.
Program-based eligibility
You may qualify for the EBB program and receive a government free laptop for low-income people if you participate in certain government assistance programs, such as:
- Lifeline
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance Program
- Veterans Survivor and Pensions benefit program
You may also qualify, if you participate in a Tribal benefit program, such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance program
- Tribal Head Start (only those households can meet income-qualifying standards)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Lunch program-based eligibility
You may qualify for the EBB program and receive a government free laptop for low-income people if you or any of your household members have received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year.
Pell Grant-based eligibility
You may qualify for the EBB program and receive a government free laptop for low-income people if you or any of your household members have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
Certain EBB providers, such as PCs for People have slightly unique, yet almost the same eligibility criteria. To see the PCs for People EBB eligibility criteria, visit pcsforpeople.org/eligibility.
Read one of our past articles How To Get Free Government iPhone
What Documents Are Required for a Free Laptop?
While applying for an EBB program, you will be required to provide certain information. The provider will try to verify the provided information automatically. However, if they are unable to do so, you will be required to provide certain documents to verify your identity and prove your eligibility. The documents you may need to provide depend on your eligibility criteria.
Generally, an EBB provider may ask you to provide one or more of the documents listed below:
- An official document verifying your identity and/or showing your address. For example, your passport, state ID, Tribal ID, or another government-issued ID, U.S. Driver’s License, U.S. Military ID, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, Tribal Identification Number, or Social Security Number.
- An official document proving your qualifying assistance program participation. For example, an approval letter, benefit award letter, statement of benefits, benefit verification letter.
- An official document proving your household income. For example, prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income, a retirement/pension statement of benefits.
- An official document proving your substantial loss of income. For example, a layoff/furlough notice, unemployment application, approval letter, or benefit statement, evidence of bankruptcy or business closure, 2020 state, federal, or Tribal tax return, Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, retirement or pension statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income.
- An official document proving that you (or any of your household members) have received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- An official documents proving that you (or any of your household members) have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
The only people who can participate in the EBB program are adults who are 18 or more years old and emancipated minors. Therefore, in case you are an emancipated minor, you must also provide an official document proving it, such as a court document, or a certificate.
Note: Make sure to only provide copies of the documents instead of original ones.
If you apply for the PCs for People EBB program, for example, you may be required to provide a form of a photo identification document (such as a passport, a formal ID card, or a Driver’s license), a document that proves your participation in a qualifying income-based assistance program, or a document that shows your household’s annual income.
You can find out more about PCs for People’s slightly unique eligibility criteria and a list of acceptable documents at pcsforpeople.org/eligibility.
You can read one of our past Government Free Phone
How to Apply for a Free Laptop From The Government
Applying for a free laptop from the government through an EBB program is simple. All you have to do is to follow some easy steps:
- Step 1: Make sure that you are EBB-eligible. You can check it by reviewing the EBB eligibility criteria above. To make sure you indeed qualify, you can also visit usac.org/about/emergency-broadband-benefit-program/system-resources/national-verifier and check your eligibility through the National Verifier.
- Step 2: Find an EBB provider that offers free laptops in your area and state of residence. You can search for participating broadband providers near you at GetEmergencyBroadband.org or online. When you find a provider, contact them to make sure they offer government free laptops for low-income people in your state of residence.
- Step 3: Ask your provider how you can apply for a free laptop for low-income people. The provider probably has an online application. If so, you will be able to visit the online application website and fill out the application form. During the application process, you will be required to provide some personal information and you may also be asked to provide certain documents proving your eligibility. The information you provide will go through a federal database that checks to see if you are already receiving the EBB benefit with another provider. In case you are in fact already receiving the EBB benefit with another provider, you won’t be able to get another benefit, as only one EBB benefit is available per eligible household.
- Step 4: Get your free laptop for low-income people. Once you have applied for a government free laptop and if your application gets approved, your provider will notify you about what to do next and when you can expect to receive a free laptop for low-income customers.
What Are The Reasons for Not Accepting The Qualification
In case your application doesn’t get approved and accepted, chances are that the reason for it is any of the following:
- You do not qualify for the EBB program as you do not meet the government’s EBB eligibility criteria. In case your annual household income is not at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, do not participate in any of the qualifying government assistance programs, have not been approved for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, and have not received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, you won’t be able to get a government free laptop for low-income people.
- You are not a resident of any of the states where the provider offers its services.
- You are not a United States citizen.
- You are not 18 years old or an emancipated minor.
- You did not provide valid ID proof.
- You did not provide valid address proof.
- You did not provide an official document that proves your program eligibility.
Free Laptop for Low Income Providers Under The EBB Program
PCs for People
PCs for People is an organization that is doing its best to provide low-income families and households with basic wireless services and devices. It is an EBB provider that offers quality refurbished desktop computers and laptops, as well as internet and other accessories to eligible low-income people.
Requirements
To participate in the PCs for People EBB program, you must be EBB eligible. See the EBB eligibility criteria in the ‘What Are the Basic Qualifications for Free Laptops From the Government?’ section.
How to Apply
You can apply for the PCs for People EBB program online at ebb.pcsrefurbished.com/ebb. To do so, you must simply fill out the online application form, which will require you to accept their terms and conditions, create an account, and provide the necessary information and documentation.
Benefits
- A $50 discount on hotspot/modem and subscription for new subscribers – the total cost will be discounted from $75-95 to $25-45.
- In case you decide to renew your one-month internet service, you will get a full discount – you will have to pay $0 when the benefit is applied.
- A $100 discount on either a desktop computer or a laptop. To get this benefit, you must purchase it at the same time as a new or renewed internet subscription.
Human I-T
Human-I-T is a non-profit organization established to help bridge the digital divide and make sure everybody has access to basic electronic devices and broadband internet. The organization participates in the government EBB program by providing a discount on high-speed internet and laptops.
Requirements
To participate in the Human-I-T EBB program, you must be EBB eligible. See the EBB eligibility criteria in the ‘What Are the Basic Qualifications for Free Laptops From the Government?’ section.
How to Apply
You can apply online at human-i-t.org/ebb 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
- 85 hotspots plus free monthly service until the program ends.
- A discounted Chromebook laptop with a total cost between $20 and $50.
- Assistance in both English and Spanish.
In addition to these EBB providers who offer free or discounted laptops, there are also certain carriers, MVNOs, and other EBB providers that offer free or discounted tablets. These EBB providers include StandUp Wireless (read more about their EBB tablet offer at standupwireless.com/ebb/tablets) and Q Link Wireless (read more about their EBB program at qlinkwireless.com/lifeline/about-covid.aspx).
Note: All of these EBB programs are temporary and will only last until the government’s EBB program lasts. The EBB program will end when the funds run out or until the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, whichever comes first.
How to Get a Free Laptop for Low-Income People From a Non-profit Organization or Charity
In addition to EBB providers, there are several non-profit organizations and charities that offer free laptops for low-income people. You can see the list of these organizations and charities, as well as their requirements below.
PCs for People
PCs for People not only offers free laptops for low-income people through their EBB program, but they also do so on their own. In addition to free or discounted (depending on your income) laptops, the organization also offers low-cost high-speed internet, which enables their customers to stay in touch with their loved ones, work, school, emergency services, and more.
Requirements
To get a free laptop for low-income people from PCs for People, you must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Your annual household income must be under 200% of the federal poverty level (relative to household size)
- You must participate in an income-based government assistance program, such as
- Head Start
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid (or Medical Assistance)
- National School Lunch Free/Reduced Program
- Pell Grant
- Section 8
- SNAP
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- TANF or GA Financial Assistance (a dated letter is required)
- Unemployment Benefits
- Veteran benefits
How to Apply
You can apply for a free laptop for low-income people at pcsforpeople.org/eligibility. To apply, you will be required to provide recent documents showing your eligibility.
Human-I-T
Like PCs for People, Human-I-T is another organization that offers discounted or even free laptops for low-income customers not only through their EBB program but also on their own. The organization also offers desktop computers, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots through its low-cost online stores
Requirements
To get a free laptop for low-income people from Human-I-T, you must meet one of the following eligibility criteria:
- Your annual household income must be under 250% of the federal poverty level (relative to household size)
- You must participate in an income-based government assistance program, such as
- Cal Grant Financial Aid
- California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
- Head Start
- Lifeline
- Medi-Cal / Medicaid
- NSLP (National School Lunch Program)
- Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 voucher
- SNAP / EBT (CalFresh)
- SSDI (Social Security Disability)
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
In addition, you must fall into one of the following groups: low-income families, non-profit organizations, people with disabilities, schools, seniors, or veterans in need.
How to Apply
In case you are eligible, you can shop for a discounted device at hitconnect.org. There, you will be able to create an account, provide information and documents that verify your eligibility, and find a device that fits your needs. To find out more, visit human-i-t.org/affordable-devices.
Adaptive.org
Adaptive.org is an organization that focuses on providing computers to low-income children. Children from age 5 to college age that come from low-income families may qualify for a free PC or laptop from this organization. They also provide computers to seniors and people with disabilities.
Requirements
To get a free laptop from Adaptive.org, you must come from a low-income household and be either a child, a senior citizen, or a person with disabilities.
How to Apply
To apply for a free laptop from this organization, visit http://adaptive.org/ and contact them either by phone at 1-800-763-3097 or via email.
Computers With Causes
This is a national non-profit charitable organization run by the Giving Center. Their mission is to teach people about the power of giving and charity. They accept working computers from people who are well-off and donate them to low-income people.
Requirements
This organization only donates free computers to people in need. Primarily, they focus on students, teachers, parents, the elderly, people in shelters, and foster homes, disabled U.S. veterans, and non-profit organizations. They do not have a set list of requirements, they simply give out computers to people who really need them, which they can determine after reviewing your application and doing a background check on you.
How to Apply
You can apply for a free laptop for low-income people from Computers With Causes online at computerswithcauses.org/application. To do so, simply fill out their online application form and provide all the necessary information. In case your application gets approved, they will contact you.
Everyone On
Everyone On is an organization with a very special goal – to connect people in need with affordable internet service and device providers. By working with such providers, the organization offers low-cost or free computers to low-income people. They also make sure low-income people get access to an affordable internet service provider. With the help of the organization’s unique ‘locator tool’, customers can locate internet offers, device offers, and digital literacy training providers near them.
Requirements
As this organization enables customers to get discounted or free devices and services directly from other providers, you must meet each provider’s individual eligibility criteria. Most providers have eligibility based on income, unemployment, and participation in assistance programs.
How to Apply
To apply for a discounted or free laptop for low-income people through Everyone On, visit everyoneon.org/lowcost-offers, choose a provider that is suitable for you (depending on their eligibility criteria, terms, and state), and apply by clicking one of the provider’s application form links.
Freecycle
While certain low-income citizens are struggling to afford laptops, some households often buy new computers while their old devices are still in perfect working condition. When they do so, they usually have their old device laying around the house without any use or purpose. Freecycle is an organization that has decided to collect such used computers and laptops and recycle them by donating them to people in need.
Requirements
There are no requirements.
How to Apply
How it works, is that you simply browse Freecycle’s boars and find a board in your area. Ask if there are any people in your area who have a computer they want to get rid of or review the existing offers. You can find used computers in working condition in your area at freecycle.org/browse/US.
Komputers for Kids
Komputers for Kids is a Southern California-based organization that offers used and refurbished computers to low-income children. They work with volunteers who seek out used computers and refurbish them.
Requirements
The organization’s application requires you to prove your low-income status and show that you really need a computer but can’t afford one.
How to Apply
To apply, go to komputers4rkids.com and follow the on-screen prompts.
Microsoft Registered Refurbishers
In addition to creating computer software, Microsoft also works with individuals and organizations to gather used computers, refurbish them and donate them to people in need.
Requirements
You simply need to show that you are a person in need who is struggling to afford a new computer.
How to Apply
You can read more about their program and apply at devicepartner.microsoft.com/en-us/communications/comm-microsoft-refurbisher-programs.
National Cristina Foundation
This is a national foundation that works with organizations throughout the United States. They help out non-profit organizations whose goals are similar to theirs. Their mission is to get electronic devices into the hands of people in need. They gather large donations and redistribute devices to organizations that can refurbish or use the donations and donate them to local low-income people.
Requirements
There are no requirements, as they do not provide computers to individuals.
How to Apply
They do not provide computers to individuals but other non-profit organizations. To learn more, visit cristina.org/what-we-do.
Smartriverside
This is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing low-income people with free computers and advancing computer learning for people who need them.
Requirements
Their eligibility requirements depend on government eligibility for free laptops for people in need. As such, the requirements vary by state.
How to Apply
To apply, contact them by email at [email protected] or visit their website at smartriverside.org.
The On It Foundation
This is a foundation with a simple mission – to provide computers to low-income children from grades K to 12.
Requirements
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Low-income status
- Child or children in grades K to 12
- Children must attend a public school in the U.S.
- Participate in a free or reduced lunch program
How to Apply
To apply, write a letter to the following address: The On It Foundation, ATTN: Free Computer Application. 18520 NW 67th Avenue Ste. 186, Miami FL 33015. The application must include the student’s name, age, and grade, the school’s name, address, and phone number, and the parent/guardian’s name, address, and phone number. The letter must be signed by the parent or guardian. It’s also necessary to send a letter from the school which explicitly states the child’s eligibility for the free or reduced lunch program.
With Causes
With Causes is a national organization that works with partners all over the country. They cooperate with computer companies to get the equipment that they can redistribute to people in need. They offer free laptops, assistance programs for people in need, and some other programs.
Requirements
They offer free laptops and other services to people who prove that they are in need in one way or another.
How to Apply
To ask for help, simply fill out their online form at withcauses.org/askforhelp.htm. Provide all the necessary information and explain your needs and situation the best you can. If you qualify, you will be notified.
World Computer Exchange
This is an organization that cooperates with several partners, including NGOs, schools, libraries, and the government to gather and redistribute computers and technology to people in need.
Requirements
As this is a need-based program, you will be required to prove your low-income status.
How to Apply
You can apply for a free laptop for low-income people by filling out the online application at worldcomputerexchange.org/get-involved/get-computers. If you qualify, the organization will notify you.
Is There Any Other Way to Get a Free Laptop for Low Income?
In addition to the government providers, non-profit organizations, and charities listed above, there are also some other ways to get a free laptop for low-income households.
What Other Companies Offer Free Laptops for Low Income
There are some other companies and organizations that offer free laptops for low-income people, including:
- United Way
- St Vincent De Paul
- The One Laptop Per Child Foundation
- The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing And Reuse
- Get Causes
- The Open Education Database
- The Goodwill organization
- Ctac-Computer Technology Assistance Corps
- SAM.gov Assistance Listings
- Interconnection
- Craigslist
Other Ways to Get a Free Laptop for Low-Income People
To get a free laptop for low-income people, you can also check with some local organizations and establishments to see if they offer any used devices in working condition. The establishments that sometimes offer used computers include:
- Schools
- Colleges
- Libraries
- Churches
- Local charities
