To bridge the digital divide, many organizations, programs, and nonprofits offer free or low-cost laptops to individuals in need. For many applicants, it can take a little more effort to find the right program and meet the requirements.
Ultimately, it’s worth your time to learn about the various opportunities available because the right resource could provide a free device. So, how can I get a free laptop?
1. Free Government Laptop: How Can I Get a Free Laptop from the Government?
Take a little time to check out. You might be eligible for a free or low-cost device through government programs.
Laptop Offers through Assistance Programs?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) used to provide discounts of up to $100 on devices like laptops and tablets, along with a monthly internet discount. Unfortunately, the ACP has come to an end due to funding issues.
The main program still available is the Lifeline program, which offers up to $9.25 off your monthly phone or internet bill (or up to $34.25 if you’re on Tribal lands).
Some Lifeline providers even throw in free or discounted devices, commonly smartphones or tablets.
Free laptops are pretty rare through Lifeline and are usually only available during special promotions or bundles.
For low-income individuals across the country, Lifeline is currently the best way to lower your monthly connectivity costs and snag a free or low-cost device.
To Qualify for Discounted Devices like a Laptop?
There are two main ways to qualify for Lifeline benefits:
- Based on Income: Your household income must not exceed 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Based on Participation in Government Assistance Programs: You qualify if you or a member of your household takes part in one of these programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA/Section 8, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and specific Tribal programs.
If you qualify for either of these conditions, you can sign up for the program and begin getting discounts on phone or internet service.
To get the most out of the Lifeline program, make sure you apply through a participating provider such as AirTalk Wireless. You’ll have access to a free or low-cost device.
- Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your ZIP code to see which plans are available in your area.
- After selecting your plan, you’ll be shown the free or discounted devices available to you, though options vary based on your location and provider inventory.
- In case laptops or bundles that contain laptops are out of stock, you can also take a look at the list of free phones or tablets.
- Once approved, you’ll receive confirmation, and your free or discounted device will be shipped directly to your home.
If you’re interested, check the full guide on how to get a free device along with free monthly service.
2. Free Laptop for Students and Schools
Many colleges and universities in the U.S offer free laptop programs to their students, often as a way to ensure equitable access to technology.
Programs at Colleges
For example:
At Northwest Missouri State University, all students receive a wireless-ready laptop. The model you get depends on availability and your enrollment status.
The university covers the cost of repairs for hardware or software failures resulting from normal use.
Moravian University provides all full-time, first-year undergraduate and transfer students with an Apple technology package.
This includes a MacBook Pro, iPad, Apple Pencil, and Apple Watch. These devices are yours to keep, and they are intended to support your education and overall well-being.
National Programs for Students
For example:
- Dell Scholars Program provides a $20,000 scholarship, textbook credits, and a Dell laptop to 500 college students each year.
- Laptops 4 Learning is a nonprofit organization that provides affordable laptops to economically disadvantaged students and veterans.
>>> Read more: Free Internet for Students
3. Free Laptop for Low-Income Families
Here are some of the trustworthy programs that get you a free or low-cost device:
Compudopt collects, refurbishes, and donates computers to families in need. You can register for a chance to receive a free computer in the area closest to where you live.
You are not eligible if you already have a working computer at home, but devices provided by a school do not count against your eligibility.
Human-I-T
Human-I-T provides free or low-cost digital resources, including computers and internet access, to individuals facing financial hardship, homelessness, or those impacted by disaster.
To get a discounted device from Human-I-T, you must provide proof of low income. You can qualify in one of two ways:
- Participation in a government assistance program: Accepted programs include SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Lifeline, and the National School Lunch Program, among others.
- Meeting income guidelines: Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Human-I-T’s team reviews each request and prioritizes them based on need and device availability.
The On It Foundation
The On It Foundation empowers youth and their families by offering free desktops and laptops, which are donated and refurbished.
To be eligible for a free computer from The On It Foundation, a K-12 student must receive a free or reduced school lunch, attend a public or home school, and reside within the United States.
PCs for People
PCs for People provides low-cost computers to eligible individuals and families. To be eligible, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Participate in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid or Medical Assistance, SNAP, LIHEAP, Section 8, TANF, SSI, and more.
- Meet income guidelines. Your household income must be less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less than 60% of the area’s median income.
>>> Read more: Free Tablet with Medicaid
4. Online Opportunities: Free or Discounted Laptops
Check out these websites and you’ll find many low-cost laptops and other devices online:
- Walmart: Walmart provides a selection of refurbished and discounted laptops that are restored to a like-new condition at significantly lower prices.
- Amazon Renewed: Amazon sells refurbished products, including laptops. Renewed products have been inspected, cleaned, and repaired to work like new.
- eBay Refurbished: Similar to Amazon, eBay has a dedicated section for refurbished products.
These are excellent options for students, families, and professionals on a budget.
This is the most important rule when shopping online. Carefully inspect the product before you complete the transaction. If an item seems too good for its price, it’s highly likely a scam.
Check the product thoroughly. If it’s a laptop, turn it on and check all the basic functions like the keyboard, screen, ports, and battery.
5. Other Creative Ways to Get a Free Laptop
Here are some additional ways to get a free or low-cost device:
Trade-in Programs
You can trade in your old devices through the Walmart trade-in program, for example. After your device is evaluated, you’ll receive a Walmart eGift Card.
In addition, Apple’s Trade In program allows you to earn credit for your current device to use toward a new one, or recycle it for free if it has no trade-in value. You can trade in a variety of devices, including the iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac.
Companies like Best Buy also offer programs that allow you to trade in your old devices for credit toward a new one.
Local Library/Community Center
Check with your local library or community center. It may offer a laptop lending program, allowing you to borrow a computer at no cost for a certain period.
Recycling Events
Several charitable organizations and nonprofits accept donated computers, which they then refurbish and provide to individuals, families, and schools in need.
>>> Read more: How to Apply for Free Laptops for Senior Citizens?
6. How Can I Get a Free Laptop Successfully?
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Government programs and organizations that provide free laptops have specific eligibility requirements.
For example, to qualify for a free or low-cost device through Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you can receive a free or discounted device from Human-I-T or PCs for People.
If you’re enrolled in a government assistance program, like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA/Section 8, TANF, and others, you may be automatically eligible.
Step 2: Gather Documents
Once you have identified a program and checked its eligibility criteria, you must gather the required documentation to prove your eligibility. Such as:
- Proof of Income
- Proof of Program Enrollment
- Photo Identification
This is an important step. In many cases, your eligibility can be verified automatically.
But if documents are requested, make sure to prepare them carefully. Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents could result in your application being rejected.
Step 3: Apply
The application process is often done online through the program’s website. In any case, always find a reputable provider/organization.
Complete the online application form and follow all instructions carefully.
Step 4: Submit and Follow Up
After submitting your application, be prepared for a waiting period.
If you haven’t heard back within a reasonable amount of time, you may be able to check your application status on the provider’s website or by contacting their support team.
Conclusion
For many people, buying one outright isn’t always an option, especially with the rising costs of technology. Fortunately, there are many programs designed to make devices more accessible to those who need them most.