Low income families in Los Angeles County are poised to receive what could be the best Christmas gifts nationwide. The local government has announced plans to give away 50 free refurbished computers. accompanied by up to one year of tech support to eligible residents before Christmas.
Earlier this year, as part of its Delete the Divide initiative, the county unveiled a scheme to distribute a total of 1,800 free laptops to low income individuals. The majority of these computers have already been given out over the course of the year. In 2024, the total number of free laptops will be further increased to an impressive 7,500!
These free computers being giving out to eligible residents in the L.A. county is just one the many programs of similar objectives nationwide. There are many government assistance programs, local charities and community programs across the U.S. that offer discounted or free computers for low income families. Keep reading to discover a program that suits you!
Free Laptops
Compudopt’s Computer Giveaway
Compudopt provides computer access, technology education and guidance to get free or low-cost internet service to help low income families navigate digital technology developments.
If you do not have a working computer at home, and have a child in pre-K-12 education (up to age 26), you can register online to receive a free computer. Compudopt will randomly select recipients in the pool based on the available inventory three days prior to distribution dates.
The On It Foundation
The On It Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to bridge the ‘Digital Divide’ by providing low-income students with free refurbished computers and at least 20 hours of computer training.
To qualify for the program, a low income family must have at least one child in grade K-12 and receive a free or subsidized school lunch, attend a public school and live in the United States.
A parent or guardian needs to send a letter of request to The On It Foundation, providing personal and family information along with proofs from the school stating that the child receives free or reduced lunches.
If there are no available computers, you will be put on a waiting list until a donated computer becomes available.
Computers with Causes
Computers with Causes accepts donated computers nationwide and distribute computers to low income families, the elderly and disabled veterans, children in foster homes, other charity organizations and others in need.
If you need a computer but don’t the strict income eligibility criteria of certain programs, you may apply for a free computer through this need based program. You will need to demonstrate your need in its online application form.
The nonprofit will perform a through assessment of your application, which includes conducting background and reference checks to filter out false requests.
School Laptop Programs for Low Income Students
If you are a student who can not affordable a computer, consider seeking help from your school. Many universities and schools have programs that provide free computers for their students.
In some cases, you may borrow a laptop at no cost from your school during your time as a student. Contact your school to find out more about required documentations and the application process.
Computers 4 Kids
Computer 4 kids is a nonprofit organization that provides free or low-cost refurbished laptops and desktop computers to students in the greater Sacramento Region.
In the Washington Unified School District, low-income students have the opportunity to receive free desktop computers through the nonprofit. On the other hand, low-income students in the Los Rios Community College District may qualify for free or low-cost laptops and desktop computers.
To qualify for the program, students from kindergarten to 12th grade must be currently enrolled in a school within the Washington Unified School District and provide proof of their low-income status. As for low-income college students, the program is only available to those who are currently enrolled in a school within the Los Rios Community College District.
Low Cost Laptops
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), formerly known as Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), is a federal program that provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for the purchase of internet connected devices, such as a tablet or computer, when you make a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50. The benefit is limited to one device discount per ACP household.
In addition, eligible families can enjoy discounted internet services through the program. If you meet the eligibility requirements, you can receive up to a $30 monthly discount on broadband service from the ACP (up to $75 if you live on qualifying tribal lands). The benefit will be paid directly to participating service provider.
Qualifying household income for the ACP benefit should be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines. Alternatively, you can qualify for the benefit if one of your family members receives a Federal Pell Grant, or participates in other government benefit programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or food stamps), Lifeline, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Survivors Pension Benefit.
If you apply for the ACP benefit through EASY Wireless, you will get more perks, including unlimited texting, unlimited talk and 5 GB of data, and even a free smartphone if you’re living in certain states.
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Digitunity
Digitunity runs a 10-city pilot project in collaboration with community-based organizations and nonprofit computer refurbished to provide 20,000 K-12 students and their families with low-cost or free computers.
The 10 cities are Buffalo, New York, Washington DC, Seattle, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Raleigh-Durham, Atlanta, Dallas, and San Diego. Most refurbished laptops provided under the project also come with a warranty and free technical support and digital skills training.
PCs for People
PCs for People is a national nonprofit that provides low income individuals and families with access to low-cost quality computers and internet services .
To purchase a more affordable computer through PCs for People, you will need to provide a photo identification and income documentation that demonstrates your participation in a government assistance program or your qualifying household income (less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines or 60% of area median income). Visit its website to get more details.
Connect All
Connect All provides low-cost, refurbished laptops and desktop computers, tablets and other digital devices to nonprofits and low-income individuals.
You can prove your low incomes status by providing documentation that indicates your current participation in eligible government assistance programs or your income being below 200% of the federal poverty level. More details on eligibility requirements can be found on the program’s website.
Notebooks for Students
Notebooks for Students (NFS), a Microsoft refurbished registered, offers discounted laptops from major brands to students of all ages and grades.
NFS offers three types of laptops: new, factory refurbished and NFS-certified off-lease laptops. Off-lease laptops are devices that previously leased by large corporations for employees and have been well-maintained. All these laptops come with a FREE 4-year warranty.
