Could Lifeline Free Laptop Be Available For Low-Income Households?

In addition to general discounts on phone and internet services, some programs aim to help low-income individuals and households access essential devices. Could a Lifeline free laptop be one of these options?  

About 24% of adults with incomes below $30,000 don’t own a smartphone, 41% lack a desktop or laptop, and most don’t have a tablet. If you’re wondering whether Lifeline offers laptops to help with work, school, or daily needs, here’s what you need to know about eligibility and availability.

1. What Is the Lifeline Program? 

The Lifeline program was created to help low-income individuals and families stay connected. It offers discounts on phone or internet services, making it more affordable to access essential communication tools for work, education, healthcare, and daily life. 

• Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for eligible users.  
• If you live on Tribal lands, the discount increases up to $34.25 per month. 

To deliver these benefits, Lifeline works with approved providers across the country. Many of these providers offer free government devices, from cell phones to tablets and even smartwatches. The availability of devices may vary.

Participants must recertify once a year and use the service at least once every 30 days to keep receiving Lifeline benefits. It’s a great option to get affordable access to mobile or internet services.

Another program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), also supported low-income families by providing a monthly discount of up to $30 on broadband services, or up to $75 for those on Tribal lands. It also included a one-time discount of up to $100 on a device such as a tablet, laptop, or desktop, with a small co-payment from the customer between $10 and $50. 

While ACP offered a great chance for eligible users to get an affordable laptop, the program is no longer available due to the end of funding from Congress. 

As of now, all ACP benefits, including free ACP phones and tablets, have been discontinued, and Lifeline is a long-term support available for low-income individuals and households.

>>> Read more: Best ACP Tablet Providers – Top Free ACP Program Tablet Providers

2. Can You Get a Lifeline Free Laptop? 

As mentioned above, the Lifeline program itself mainly provides discounts for phone or internet services, but some Lifeline-approved providers offer discounted or free devices, such as phones, tablets, or laptops, as part of their plans. 

Keep in mind that not every Lifeline provider includes a free device in their offer, and in most cases, Lifeline free laptops are not directly offered.

Instead, customers commonly receive a discount from the provider, and the laptop is often part of a bundle deal, such as one that includes a phone or smartwatch. In some cases, you can select a discounted tablet instead of a laptop.  

These offers may also depend on the provider’s available inventory and current promotions. If you qualify for Lifeline, check with different providers to see what kind of device support they currently offer.

3. How to Qualify for a Lifeline Free Laptop

To be eligible for a Lifeline discounted or free device, you must first qualify for the Lifeline program itself.

There are two main ways to qualify: based on income or through participation in certain government assistance programs.

Based on Income: 

You qualify for Lifeline if your gross household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated every year and vary depending on household size and location. 

The table below shows the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines: 

If you meet this requirement, you could be eligible to receive a discounted or free laptop, depending on the provider. 

Based on Government Assistance Programs: 

If you or someone in your household participates in one or more of the following eligible government programs: 

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/EBT) 
• Medicaid 
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) 
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit 

You are eligible for Lifeline benefits. 

If you live on Tribal lands, you may have more opportunities to qualify through additional programs, such as: 

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance 
• Tribal TANF 
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) 
• Head Start (if income requirements are met) 

4. How to Apply for a Lifeline Free Laptop 

If you want to apply for a discounted or free device, such as a laptop, through the Lifeline program with AirTalk Wireless, follow these steps: 

Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless Website 

Go to the AirTalk Wireless website. Once there, enter your ZIP code.

Step 2: Choose a Plan 

AirTalk offers several Lifeline plans depending on your needs: 

• Lifeline Standard, Plus, Premium, or Unlimited Plans: These include a free or discounted device along with monthly talk, text, and high-speed data. Higher-tier plans may have a small monthly fee but come with more data. 
• Lifeline Data Boost Plan: Best for those who already have a compatible device. This plan focuses on data and doesn’t include a device discount, but offers generous data when you Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). 

Step 3: Select a Free Device 

Free or discounted device availability depends on your location.  

In case laptop or bundle options on AirTalk Wireless have run out, you can take a look at other devices that will also significantly elevate your life. For example: 

• iPhone 8
• Samsung Galaxy S8
• iPad 2
• Galaxy Tab A 2020
• Smartwatch

Step 4: Upload Required Documents (If Needed) 

Depending on your state and whether your eligibility can be verified automatically, you may be asked to upload documents such as: 

• A government-issued photo ID 
• A benefit award letter, income statement, or tax return 
• Proof of address 

Double-check the requirements based on your state and plan. 

Step 5: Wait for Approval 

Once your application and documents are submitted, AirTalk Wireless will review your information. If you’re approved, you’ll receive a confirmation email.  

Then, any eligible device you selected will be shipped directly to your address.

NOTE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.

5. Other Ways to Get a Free or Low-Cost Laptop 

What if you don’t have a laptop and want more options? There are other ways to find a free or affordable device. Here are some programs and resources to consider: 

Local Nonprofits and Charity Programs:

EveryoneOn works with internet service providers and computer refurbishers to highlight low-cost options through their tool, making it easier for people to find the right plan or device in their area. 

Some local United Way branches provide technology access or partner with community programs that give out refurbished devices. You can check with your nearest United Way chapter on the website to see what’s available. 

Refurbished Tech Programs:

If you or someone you know needs a computer, laptop, or tablet and cannot afford one, Computers With Causes may be able to help. The program provides free, working computers to individuals and families in need across the country. And if you have a computer you no longer use, you can donate it to support others. 

Besides, The On It Foundation provides free laptops to low-income families with students in grades K-12 who qualify for free or reduced-price school lunches, attend public or home schools, and live in the U.S. 

Public Libraries and Community Centers:

Some public libraries loan out laptops, tablets, or hotspots to cardholders. This is usually part of a digital inclusion initiative. Others may run workshops or partner with groups offering free devices. 

Check with local community centers or housing authorities, as they may offer tech support or referrals to organizations that provide refurbished laptops for free or at a discount.

FAQs 

Does ACP give you a laptop? 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) used to offer a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a device like a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer through participating providers. To receive the device, you had to pay a small co-payment, usually between $10 and $50, depending on the provider and the type of device. 

ACP helped reduce the cost so eligible households could buy one at a more affordable price. Unfortunately, the ACP program is no longer active due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. As a result, all ACP benefits, including discounts for laptops or tablets, have ended for now. 

If you’re still looking for a low-cost or free laptop, consider the Lifeline program, nonprofits, or local digital inclusion efforts that are still operating. 

How to get a new laptop for free? 

Most government and nonprofit programs generally provide refurbished devices that are in good working condition. To get one, you can apply through programs like Lifeline.

How to win a laptop for free? 

Some organizations and brands host contests online. You can win a free laptop through online giveaways, which mostly depend on luck.  

If you apply through government programs like Lifeline, you may get a free tablet from providers like AirTalk Wireless if you’re eligible. These offers depend on the provider’s inventory and the time you apply. 

How do I get a laptop for free of the government? 

Apply for the Lifeline program through approved providers. While Lifeline mainly offers discounts on phone or internet services, some providers may include a discounted laptop in a bundle. Check provider offers and eligibility before applying. 

Can Medicaid help me get a free laptop? 

Medicaid is a government healthcare program and doesn’t directly provide free laptops to participants. However, if you’re on Medicaid, you may qualify for Lifeline, which helps you receive a discounted or free device like a cell phone, tablet, or even a laptop bundle from approved providers. 

Conclusion 

Access to a Lifeline free laptop can provide low-income individuals and households with valuable tools to improve their daily lives. Having a reliable device opens doors to education, work, and connection. Explore Lifeline and similar programs to take advantage of these opportunities.