There are several programs that provide free desktop computers and even free laptops for low income people! If you need a computer but can’t afford one, this list is for you.
In this article, we’ll explore all of the best programs that offer free laptops, tablets and desktop computers for those who qualify. At Low Income Relief, our goal is to make it as easy as possible for you to get the help that you need, so we’ll also discuss low-cost options and other resources that may be able to help you as well.
Best Ways to Get a Free Laptop
There are a handful of programs that I personally consider the best, because they are very reputable and popular. These programs have been successfully used by many of our readers to get devices, so I am confident recommending them.
Computers4People
Computers4People is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable technology and digital literacy training to underserved communities. They offer free laptops, desktop computers and even tablets at no cost to those that need them.
Their application is simple, straightforward, and only takes about 10 minutes to complete. You just need to visit their website and start the form, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Look for the green arrow button to go to the next question of the application.
Computers With Causes
Computer with Causes does not limit who can apply. They accept applications from seniors, students, veterans, job seekers, anyone who can’t afford their own computer. They even accept applications from schools, nonprofits and community centers, too!
In order to get free laptops from Computers with Causes, you will need to apply on their website. Once you apply, they will conduct a thorough needs assessment, as well as a background and reference check, to ensure that their computers are sent where they are needed most.
Their application form is very basic. It includes the ability to upload a file or enter text describing your need. Since you have the option to upload a file, I recommend creating a document that follows the same advice we provided for the Keys to Progress vehicle giveaway. If you include images and make a compelling case, you are more likely to be selected.
Applications are kept on file for 30 days. If you are not contacted in that timeframe, you can reapply again. This is one of the best and easiest ways to get free laptops.
Give Technology
GiveTechnology.org helps individuals who are starting over, including students, single parents, adult learners, and survivors of abuse. A lot of people have asked us about getting free laptops with EBT over the years, and I like to recommend them to Give Technology because their website says “If you are receiving public assistance or are eligible, we can help.”
You can apply on their website. Even if they aren’t accepting applications right now, it is worth checking back periodically as smaller programs like this often reopen when they receive new donations.
Freecycle & Buy Nothing
If you’re looking for a free computer quickly, local community networks like Freecycle and the Buy Nothing Project can be great options. These are online communities where people give away items they no longer need, including laptops and tablets.
To find a group near you, visit Freecycle.org or search for a Buy Nothing group in your area by typing “Buy Nothing” followed by your city or zip code on Facebook. Since availability depends on donations, you may need to check frequently for new listings.
Free Laptops for Low Income Students
If you have a K-12 or college student in your household, there are even more programs that may be able to give you new equipment. In this section, we’ll explore programs that are available to people who have at least one qualifying student in their household.
The On It Foundation
Low income families with K-12 children can apply for help from The On It Foundation. “ON IT” stands for Opportunities Necessary to Increase Learning. This organization provides computers, training and Internet to help K12 students succeed.
In order to be eligible for one of their computers, you must have at least one K-12 student in your home who attends public school and receives free or reduced-cost student meals.
To apply, you will need to write a letter requesting a free computer. You’ll also need to get a letter from your child’s school on the school’s letterhead. That letter has to verify that they are eligible for or receiving free or low-cost student meals. Both documents must be mailed to The On It Foundation.
If you are not eligible for a free computer, you may be able to purchase a discount computer through their Jump On It Program. This low income computer assistance program helps families purchase discount computers regardless of income or credit. They even have a lay-away plan!
Compudopt
Compudopt provides free computers to families with children in Pre-K through 12th grade who do not already have a working computer at home. Their giveaways operate in select cities across the United States.
The process is simple. You must visit their website, find an event in your area, and enter the lottery. Once you enter, you’ll have a chance to receive a refurbished device. Since demand is high, families may need to apply for multiple events before they are selected.
State Grant Programs
Some states offer education grants that can help families afford laptops and tablets for school-related purposes. This is especially common in states that have enacted school choice measures.
For example, Idaho has the Empowering Parents Grant, which provides funding for educational tools, including laptops. The Idaho Assistive Technology Project also supports students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and may assist in acquiring a device.
Checking with your state’s education office is a great way to find local programs.
Low-Cost Laptop Programs
For those who do not qualify for free computers, several organizations provide low-cost alternatives.
- PCs for People offers low-cost, refurbished laptops and desktops starting at just $85. This program is available to individuals receiving government assistance, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or those with incomes under 200% of the federal poverty level. They also provide discounted internet service.
- Comcast offers discounted laptops through the Comcast’s Internet Essentials plan. The devices cost approximately $150.
- On It Foundation offers refurbished computers through their Jump On It! program, which also includes layaway options.
- Laptops 4 Learning supports students and veterans in need of a laptop.
- Computers for the Blind provides adapted computers for visually impaired individuals.
- C4PIN is based in Washington state and offers low-cost computers starting at $50.
- Computers for Kids serves students in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and Utah, with laptops costing between $60 and $130.
If all else fails, you may be able to find affordable computers at your state government surplus store. They often sell used but functional computers for very low prices. I once bought a pallet of used computers for around $100 there! Websites like GovDeals.com and PropertyRoom.com allow you to bid on surplus items online.
You can also look for refurbished and open-box deals at stores like Best Buy. Sometimes manufacturers like Dell and HP will offer them at discounts, too.
Relief Recap
Many organizations and charities provide free computers for low income people across America. This article contains all of the programs that we’ve found so far, and we will continue to update this list with more programs as we find them. Make sure to subscribe to our email lists and YouTube channels for updates!
I’m on sodium a senior in need of a free computer.
Thank you for your work in providing reliable info and resources. A Lot of programs are hard to find.
Computers 4 People : You have to be nominated through a non-profit or agency.
Hello, I live in Sterling, IL. Whiteside County. I have been searching for a free computer here at my local library, but I don’t get here often enough to follow through with my search. I am looking for a free laptop, but so far I have not had much success. I am also looking at correspondent courses that may offer a laptop as part of course training ,not much success. I would greatly appreciate an opportunity to at least speak with someone regarding a laptop.
I live on Social Security, and I really need the help with this if it’s at all possible.
Many thanks, Aleta Boyette
Hi Aleta. If the resources above are not helpful in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else.
Thank you for all this information it really helps
I don’t know how to find a program in Minnesota to help low income homes that qualifying for free computer
Hi. Have you tried 211 or your local library? They may have info on programs in your area.
I’m on disability I’m 64yrs I like to have free computer and I like to learn history and Bible study for new computers to learn thanks you.
Hi. If the resources listed are not available in your area, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything local.
We are a family of three looking for affordable computers to do
various important things like medical issue
school for our adults daughter research our daily needs
The man of the house is 74 with hearing problem he knows how to work on
Computer not a phone he gets frustrated. We are all medically disable
Thank you all sincerely tamera
Hi. If you haven’t already, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of any other resources in your area.
Hey there, do you have any resources for holiday help for food and kids in Lynchburg VA?
hello I am needing help I lost my job due to not having stabile childcare. I have 3 daughters and we are in NM I have reached out to our local ISD office and I got food stamps and some tanf but they say possibly terminating of my tanf because I cant make job search criteria due to my almost 2 year old. I have reached out to salvation army and no one seems to be there ever. I have called 211 and they never have any resources.Can anyone lead me in a better direction Please
Hi Brittany. Here are some resources that may be worth looking into:
https://lowincomerelief.com/free-daycare/
https://lowincomerelief.com/7-easy-ways-to-find-legit-work-from-home-jobs/
https://lowincomerelief.com/how-to-make-money-on-gofundme-23-tips/
I need help to get my great grandson a computer
Hi Nina. If the resources above have not been helpful, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there are any additional options that your grandson may be eligible for. – Cat
I want a crome computer
Hi Jewell. If the resources above have not been helpful, it may be worth contacting 211 to see if they know of any programs in your area that can help with the cost of a computer.
Hi Kelly. I’m so sorry to hear that. If none of the resources listed above have been helpful in your case, then it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything else in your area.
Hi Cathy. We do not distribute computers, but some of the resources listed above may help you in getting one.
You can also try contacting 211 to see if they know of any additional resources in your area.
I would like to get a talbel
Hi Monica. If the above resources have not been helpful for you, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of any other programs that you might be eligible for.
Hello I am in Houston Texas and I am a domestic writing vacant survivor I do have disability I’ve been wanting to get a computer so I can complete my GED at least I would like to accomplish that off my bucket list to get my GED and be proud that I have accomplished something regardless all the bad things that has happened to me thank you very much
Hi Monica. If the above resources are not helpful in your location, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything in your area.
Hello i am a disabled person and I am needing help getting my iPad fixed it needs a charging plate and a new cable do you know if there are any kind of grants for that? Thank you
Hi Irene. It may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of any programs available to help with repairs.
I work at a Food Pantry in Stilwell, OK. I have been asked to try and update their files. The computer they have is very old. I am trying to find them some help for a new computer. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hi Vicki. Hopefully, one of the resources listed above proves to be helpful. If not, it might be worth asking if one of your donors has an old computer they would be willing to give to your organization.
I VOLUNTEER FOR THE FOOD PANTRY IN STILWELL, OK. THEY DESPERATELY NEED A COMPUTER. I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR HELP FOR THEM.
Hi Vicki. I hope you find something. They may want to reach out to their donors.
@Regina Smith,
not able to connect to order my computer
Hi Arthur. You may have to try a few different organizations, depending on what you are eligible for.
This is Ahmad Tariq Quraishi, SIV case holder recently came from Afghanistan with my family (2 small children and my wife).
From the day I came here, I am looking for somebody or someone to find any assistance to get me a computer, but I couldn’t.
I kindly request from anyone of you to assist me a computer.
I need it urgently for making Resume, attending some online courses to find a job and also maintain communication and applying for position without computer is impossible.
Let Me know who will be the first and the last to assist me a computer
Hi Ahmad. If you have already tried the resources listed above, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything else you may be eligible for.
Hello Nicole!
I wanted to know if some if some of these programs extended to Kansas, and can i get free or discounted computer [preferably a Desktop], or even some newer programs? Thank You!
Hi Leaaron. Some of the programs at the top of the article might.
I’m on SSI and foodstamps please help
Hi Dolores. We don’t provide computers, but the organizations listed above do. If they aren’t useful in your case, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything else they can suggest.
I really need a computer my phone only does so much and going to online classes is going to be hard on my cell I would really appreciate the help thank you so much and have a blessed day
Hi Dolores. We don’t provide computers, but the organizations listed above do. If they aren’t useful in your case, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything else they can suggest.
Hi Talina. If the above resources are not useful in your case, it may be worth calling 211 to see if there is anything else they can suggest.