How to Get a Free Laptop from the Government? The Complete Guide

It’s 2019, let’s be real everyone needs a laptop. If you live paycheck to paycheck, getting a laptop may not be in the cards. Even more so for disadvantaged families in our communities as well.

If you are one that is treading below the poverty line, you will understand when I say that obtaining the internet and computers are not even on the horizon.

Well, that was until now.

There are many ways you can get a free or cheap laptop.

Why are There Free Computers for Low-Income Families

For starters, if you are a low-income family, it doesn’t exempt you from going to school and needing an education.

With needing an education, you now need access to the internet and a computer to do your assignments on. This is where companies will give out free stuff for low-income families to ensure they are NOT left behind like in other countries.

If you are finding yourself living paycheck to paycheck and you need a computer for cheap or even free, you will want to listen up.

How to Get a Free Laptop from the Government?

Here are some great companies that you can get a free or cheap laptop from.

1. Computer Technology Assistance Corps

Computer Technology Assistance Corps is an organization in New Hampshire that gets donations of older model computers. They will wipe all the data and refurbish them before they reload the new system software and sells them at a small fee.

This organization provides these computers to families that are on state or government assistance.

2. Microsoft Registered Refurbishers

Microsoft set up a program known as the Microsoft Registered Refurbishers.

The program is all about providing computers and Microsoft software for charities and low-income families.

3. Computers with Causes

Computers with Causes is a national program. This program will provide computers to eligible groups and low-income families.

You will need to fill out the request form to get more information on the program.

4. The On It Foundation

The on It Foundation is another nonprofit that also provides computer training, internet, and computers to low-income families.

In order to qualify for these services, you will need to have a student in either elementary, middle, or high school. You will need to receive reduced or free lunch and live within the United States.

5. Technology Assisting People in Need

Technology Assisting People in Need is based in Ohio. The company is a nonprofit organization, which allows them to give computers to disabled and low-income families.

6. Komputers 4 R Kids

Komputer4RKids is a program that is run by volunteers. This is where you can pick up old equipment, computers, and refurbishes them.

7. With Causes

With Causes is yet another organization that will take your donated computers, wipe them clean, and then distributed to low-income families to other nonprofit organizations.

8. Recycle the World

Recycle the World is a different type of company. They are a bulletin board for people who are looking to donate their options and for people to respond to these requests.

They have more than just computers on this site as well.

You will need to create an account before you can post. You can search for an item with ease.

9. World Computer Exchange

World Computer Exchange helps those in developing countries by providing computers and internet access. They also partner with schools, governments, NGOs, and libraries.

10. Smart Riverside

Smart Riverside is a local program that is based in Riverside, California. It’s a program that allows local businesses, nonprofits, and government programs to work together to give computers to low-income families.

Smart Riverside gives free computers to families that have yearly earnings of $45,000 or less.

11. Craigslist

I know this may not seem like the best solution, but I’ve seen many people getting rid of their old computers because they upgraded.

I would highly recommend checking out Craigslist. You may never know what you can find.

12. Everyone On

EveryoneOn is another nonprofit organization. This organization provides free internet services alongside free to cheap computers to low-income families.

13. Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse

Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse has over 80 locations throughout the United States. They provide computers to low-income families.

14. Freecycle

Freecycle is very similar to Craigslist. You can find some free computers on here when people are upgrading.

It’s always worth checking them out first.

Need More Suggestions?

If these 15 organizations were not enough, you will want to check with these other organizations that also give out free computers to low-income families.

• PCs for People
• Interconnection
• The National Cristina Foundation
• Seattle Community Network
• Benefits.gov

Read More: 17 Best Places to Sell Laptop Online (And Other Electronics Too!)

Free Laptop for College Students

Granted, we’ve talked a lot about low-income families, but what about college students? They need love too!

You can also get free laptops for college students as well. Here’s how.

The Open Education Database

The Open Education Database has a great list of colleges that provide iPads and laptops to their college students.

While most of these are free of charge, there are others that are fee-based, but it’s added into your tuition.

Notebooks for Students

Notebooks for Students is another nonprofit. It was founded in 1998 by college students. They realized that there was a need for reduced and free laptops.

They also provide many other resources including software.

Technology for the Future

Technology for the Future has a long application process, but the application process is worth it. You may find your fairy godmother here.

Reputable Colleges Offering Free or Cheap Laptops

You’ve read that right, there are reputable colleges that offer free laptops to their students. Here’s the list of colleges!

• Seton Hill
• Wake Forest
• Southern New Hampshire University
• Purdue University
• Duke University
• Independence University
• Dakota State University
• Northwest Missouri State University
• Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
• Southern Nazarene University
• Full Sail University
• The University of Minnesota-Crookston
• Western Kentucky University
• Rutgers University Newark
• Chatham University
• Bethel University
• Moravian College
• Widener University
• West Liberty University
• St. John’s University
• Johnson C. Smith University
• Wentworth Institute of Technology
• Delaware State University
• Stevens-Henager College

Final Thoughts

Whether you are from a low-income family or you are starting off to college, there are many programs out there that will help you locate a computer for your needs.

It’s best that you try and apply to a few of these programs as some of them may not have as many computers as they do families.