We Find Free Computers for Low Income Families! The Low Income Computer Assistance Program can provide desktops, laptops and even tablets to families who cannot afford them. I spend a lot of time finding free stuff for low income families and these items are definitely my favorites.
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3 things you need to know
Before I show you how to get a free computer for low-income families, there are three things you need to know.
- Don't forget you may also be eligible for$5 per month Internet,besides!
- What you need to know if you have food stampsHow Free Computers Affect Your Benefits。
- Each plan has its own rules and requirements. If you don't qualify for one low-income computer assistance program, try another. It is usually easiest to obtain free computer programs from local agencies rather than national agencies. Don't miss the list of local resources at the end of this article!
Free Low Income Computer Programs
We found several programs that offer low-income computer assistance programs. Not all programs offer the same services, so be sure to review them all before applying!
computer for a reason
Computer with Causes is an incredible 501(c)(3) organization that helps distribute free computers to low-income families and even schools that cannot afford the technology.
In order to get a free computer from Computers with Causes, you need to apply on their website. Once you apply, they will conduct a thorough needs assessment as well as background and background checks to ensure their computers are sent to where they are most needed.
Their application form is very basic. It includes the ability to upload files or enter text describing your needs. Since you have the option to upload a file, I recommend creating a document similar to what we suggest enteringThe key to progressing vehicle giveaways. You're more likely to be selected if you include pictures and make a convincing case.
Application documents are kept for 30 days. If you are not contacted within that time, you can reapply.
you canClick here to request a free computer from Computers with Causes.
personal computer
personal computeris a low-income computer assistance program for people earning less than 200%federal poverty lineOr get help with income-based government assistance programs like food stamps or Medicaid.
To prove your eligibility, you will need to provide photo ID and proof of eligibility from the past six months (unless it is a tax return, it must be from last year). Proof of eligibility must include date and recipient name in order toEBTCards usually don't work (but a letter about your EBT account should work).
Some programs available to demonstrate your eligibility include:
- Employment Support Services
- Food stamps (requires a dated letter)
- foster care
- leading edge
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid (or Medical Assistance)
- National Free/Reduced Price School Lunch Program
- Per Grant
- Section 8
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- TANF or GA Financial Aid (one dated letter required)
- Unemployment benefits
- veterans benefits
In 2020, people whose schools are closed due to COVID-19 are also eligible. You will need a screenshot or a letter certifying the school's closure to get help with your computer. If you're looking for a free computer for a low-income family due to the pandemic, apply to this program today!
If you determine you qualify, you will be allowed to buy one of their low-income computers for sale. Prices range from $0 to $150 per machine.They have desktops, laptops and internet devices.
On It Foundation(K-12 students only)
Low-income families with K-12 children can apply to the On It Foundation for assistance. "ON IT" stands for Opportunity to Increase Learning Needed. The organization provides computers, training and the Internet to eligible families.
In order to qualify for one of their free computers for low-income families, there must be a K-12 student in your household. Your student must be enrolled in a U.S. public school and enrolled in the Free or Reduced Price School Lunch Program.
To apply, you will need to prepare some documents.
First, you will need to write a letter requesting a free computer. The letter must include the student's name, age, grade, school name, school address, and school phone number. It must also include the parent/guardian's name, address and phone number. A parent or guardian must sign the letter.
Second, you will need to receive a letter from the student's school. The letter must be on school letterhead and must clearly state that your student is eligible for free or reduced-price school lunches.
Both documents must be mailed to On It Foundation at the following address:
On It Foundation
Recipient: Free Computer Application
18520 NW 67th Avenue 186
Miami Florida 33015
If you don't qualify for a free computer, you can purchase a discounted computer through their Jump On It! program. This low-income computer assistance program helps families purchase discounted computers, regardless of income or credit. They even have a makeshift plan!
sell low income computers
We found other providers of low-cost low-income computer programs. These aren't free computers for low-income families, but they're still cheaper than the usual ones.
Comcast（internet essentials required）
If you're enrolled in Comcast's Low-Cost Internet Plan, then you're also eligible to buy a computer from their Low Income Computer Assistance Program. They offer desktops and laptops that must meet minimum specifications (such as a 12-inch screen for a laptop or a 17-inch screen for a desktop). As of the latest update (September 18, 2020), laptops and desktops cost around $150.
computer for the blind(visual impairment)
Visually impaired persons can apply for low-cost computers from:computer for the blind. It costs $130 for desktops and $185 for laptops. Usually takes 2-3 weeks to receive the computer
Other Options for Low-Income Computing
Even if you don't qualify for (or don't want to use) one of the above plans, we've still found ways to save money on your devices.
Find refurbished and end-of-lease items.
Retailers and manufacturers often sell quality machines at discounted prices. Warranties are often included with these machines, but are discounted for various reasons.
- refurbished laptopand other machines that were previously owned but returned with some kind of failure. They've been fixed and working again...but they're always on sale for less.
- Laptop with scratches and dentsand other machines with superficial damage. They may have scratches, dents or other cosmetic imperfections, but still function perfectly. However, they are less attractive and therefore sell for less.
- Business Rental Laptopsand other machines have been returned after the end of the lease period. Typically, companies lease machines for two to three years and return them for upgrades. Refurbished business laptops are usually of better quality than other refurbs because they are intended for business use and are not returned for defects.
Check the government surplus.
Government surplus stores can be a great source of used but still usable computers. We can usually get a decent laptop or desktop for $50 or less at our local state surplus store. In fact, this is how we obtainhome schoolComputers for our five kids!
If you can't get to the remaining stores in your state, you can still browse sites like GovDeals.com and PropertyRoom.com.
Wait for Black Friday or other big discounts.
If you're serious about buying new, Black Friday is always the best time to buy. However, you can often find cheap laptops (as well as tablets and desktops) after the back-to-school shopping season is over.
Low Income Computing Programs by State
As you've learned from our other posts, some of the best help can be obtained from small agencies in your local community. The same goes for this article. There are many agencies working to close the skills gap for low-income families.
Idaho
Students in grades K-12 with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) may receive free computers from:Assistive Technology Programs in Idaho。
children's computerProvides low-cost computers for K-12 students (and sometimes college students). The agency sells low-income computers ranging from $100 to $185.
Massachusetts
technology partneris helping low-income seniors and people with disabilities in Brookline getFree tablet and/or free internet serviceone year. They also provide technical support.
washington
interconnectionthere is oneconnect allA program that provides low-income computer assistance to eligible low-income families. Before you can purchase one of these discounted computers, you must apply and be verified as eligible.
Nicole Serling
Nicole is the owner and lead researcher for Low Income Relief. She has over 20 years of professional research and writing experience and has spent the past 10 investigating low-income topics. Nicole Starts Low Income Relief Programpersonal experience of poverty. The family experienced great financial hardship when her husband was discharged from the U.S. Army due to illness. Nicole moved into a nearby low-income housing unit with the help of multiple community agencies in just two weeks! Since then, Nicole has dedicated herself to helping low-income families in crisis. She regularly spends hundreds of hours combing through countless resources to ensure that low-income relief organizations have the most comprehensive and complete directory of resources on the Internet today. Before founding a low-income relief organization, Nicole worked as a novelist, journalist, ghostwriter, and content creator. Her work has been featured in a variety of print and online publications, including USA Today, The Daily Herald, The Chronicle, and more. Her work is also recommendedgoogle publisherand other leading industry publications.