There are many ways to get free stuff for low income families! From complimentary laptops to no-cost zoo tickets, we’re going to delve into 10 astonishing items and services you can obtain at no charge.
Remember, the Low Income Relief team has been researching ways that low income families can save money and get free stuff for more than 10 years. For more great deals and money-saving opportunities, be sure to subscribe to our email list!
Free Computers
In today’s digital age, having access to a computer is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Whether it’s for job searching, completing school assignments, or staying connected with loved ones, a computer is an essential tool. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford one.
That’s where Computers with Causes steps in. This program helps those in need, with a special emphasis on serving low income families, students, veterans, and people with disabilities.
They also make it really easy to apply. You just need to fill out a form on their website. They’ll ask for your name, address, and basic contact information like email and phone number. You’ll also need to tell them a little bit about yourself and your computer needs.
They get a lot of applications, so it’s a good idea to make your application stand out. Explain in detail how the computer will impact your life, whether it’s for education, finding a job, or keeping in touch with family. Be specific about your situation and how a computer would help you overcome challenges. Remember, this organization is looking to make a real difference in people’s lives, so showing how a computer would do that for you can significantly increase your chances of being selected.
After submitting your application, be patient; they review each application carefully to ensure that donations go to those who need them most. If you’re selected, they will conduct a needs assessment, background check and reference check. This process can take a little while and it may require you to submit some extra paperwork.
Of course, there are other organizations that offer free and low cost computers, laptops and tablets as well. Subscribe to our channel for weekly updates on those giveaways or visit our list of free computer resources for more information.
Free Smartphones
While we’re on the topic of tech, you may also be able to get a free smartphone through the Lifeline program! This program provides free monthly cell phone service to low income Americans who qualify. Some providers even throw in a free phone as well, which is why this is one of my favorite ways to get free stuff for low income families.
Qualifying for Lifeline could be simpler than you think. Your household income just needs to be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. But that’s not the only gateway; participation in federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pensions automatically makes you eligible. And for those in tribal communities, programs like the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start, Tribal TANF, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations also qualify you for Lifeline.
Now, here’s where it gets even more exciting. While Lifeline’s core offer is a free monthly cell phone service, some providers go the extra mile by offering a free smartphone. And we’re talking about more than just the basics. Some Lifeline providers offer a free Android phone, as well as unlimited talk and text, unlimited monthly data, and even unlimited international calling without the stress of monthly bills.
Ready to connect? Use our Lifeline guide to choose the best provider for you.
Free College
Of course, low income Americans can also attend college for free in many areas! In addition to generous programs like the Pell Grant and student loan forgiveness programs, many colleges are providing full scholarships or waiving tuition altogether for low income students.
For many, the dream of attending college seems out of reach due to financial constraints. However, numerous programs and initiatives across the country are breaking down these barriers, offering free tuition to eligible students.
One notable program is the Promise Scholarship, which is available in various states. This program is designed to cover the remaining tuition and fees for students after other financial aids are applied. These scholarships often require students to maintain a certain GPA and stay within their state for education but offer a fantastic pathway to a debt-free degree.
Several states have also launched their own free-tuition programs for two-year and in some cases, four-year institutions. These programs typically target low to middle-income residents and require students to apply for federal financial aid first, using state funds to cover any gaps.
If you meet the income limits, you may even be able to attend an Ivy League school completely free. Consider these great opportunities:
- Harvard charges nothing to families who earn less than $85,000 per year.
- Students who attend Yale aren’t expected to pay anything if they earn less than $75,000 per year and have a normal amount of assets.
- Princeton is even more generous, because they don’t charge families who earn $100,000 a year or less.
If you’ve ever wanted to expand your education, there’s no better time than now! Reach out to your local college or university for more information about their assistance programs.
Free Admission Programs
Who says you need to go to college to explore new horizons? Across the country, there’s a treasure trove of free admission opportunities waiting for low income families and individuals.
Imagine diving into over 1,000 destinations without worrying about the cost. Museums, zoos, science centers, aquariums, botanical gardens, planetariums, parks and more are opening their doors wide to anyone who has an EBT card. You can get the full list of EBT discounts on our website.
And it’s not just EBT; WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SSI, and other assistance programs can also be your golden ticket to low-cost adventures. It’s crazy!
Even if those specific programs aren’t part of your world, there’s still a chance to grab free tickets to local happenings and must-see spots. Your local library or community centers often have the inside scoop on free passes, thanks to partnerships with venues that are all about community support. These places know that everyone deserves a chance to explore, learn, and just have fun, regardless of their bank balance
So, before you say you don’t have anything to do, check out what’s available. You might just find your next great adventure or learning experience is closer and more accessible than you thought.
Free Transportation Services
Wondering how to take advantage of all these free adventures without transportation being a hurdle? No worries, because you may also be able to get a free bus pass!
It turns out, many public transit systems offer complimentary or discounted fares for those on a tight budget. And if you find yourself in a spot where the buses aren’t free, don’t lose hope. Local community organizations often step in to provide free bus passes, making sure you can get where you need to go without the extra financial stress.
We’ve scoured the country and compiled a comprehensive list of places offering these essential travel lifelines. To see where you might be able to snag a free ride, check our list of agencies that offer free bus passes. It’s your first stop to exploring more, for less!
Free State Parks Passes
If you’re able to travel off the beaten path, state parks hold a lot of adventure. Many states offer free or reduced price access passes to low income residents! This is especially true for seniors and people with disabilities. If you qualify, you could get a free pass to your state parks.
And here’s a little insider tip from personal experience – this isn’t just a one-state wonder. If you find yourself moving around or traveling through different states, you might be able to get free state parks passes in multiple states. At one point, my family held free passes for four or five different states!
A free state parks pass an amazing way to see the country, immerse yourself in nature, and make unforgettable memories without the financial burden of those expensive parks passes. Use our free state parks pass guide to see if you qualify!
Free Clothing, Furniture & Household Goods
Beyond the adventures and tech, let’s not forget about the basics. Life’s essentials, like clothing, furniture, and household goods, don’t always have to strain your wallet.
You may be able to stock up on the day-to-day stuff like clothes, a comfy couch, maybe even some kitchenware to whip up your favorite meals. Turns out, there’s a whole world of freebies out there, from your local clothing bank to household goods pantries, ready to help you deck out your life and your living space.
Whether you’re in need of warm winter clothes, a bed for your child, or even pots and pans for your kitchen, these resources can be invaluable. Organizations like The Salvation Army and local charities or charities often run these clothing banks and furniture pantries. They operate with the simple belief that everyone deserves to have their basic needs met, regardless of their financial situation.
And getting connected to these goodies? Piece of cake. We’ve got all sorts of resource lists that can connect you with what you need, including:
Don’t forget to hit up local charities, churches, and social services, too. They’re often in the know and can point you right where you need to go.
Free Food
If you need help with food, don’t forget that you can pick up some free food from your local food pantry.
You may also be eligible for grocery money from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program – that’s the formal name for SNAP or food stamps. SNAP users are automatically eligible for so many other programs, like Lifeline and LIHEAP, so applying for this program is one of the easiest ways to get free stuff for low income families.
SNAP is all about making sure you’ve got enough to eat without breaking the bank. So, if you’re wondering whether you qualify, it’s definitely worth checking out. Getting set up with SNAP could mean more fruits, veggies, and all the good stuff on your table. We’ve got guides that can help you double and even triple those benefits as well.
Free Giveaways
Oh, and here’s a heads up – when the seasons shift, keep your eyes peeled for those special giveaways, like free school supplies in the fall or those magical free Christmas gifts for the kiddos. It’s always amazing to see communities come together to help.
Local businesses, charities, and even schools often host these awesome giveaways. They’re all about making sure no kid has to go without the essentials or miss out on the joy of unwrapping a gift during the holidays. It’s pretty amazing to see what pops up when you’re in the loop.
So, don’t let these seasonal goodies slip through the cracks. Whether it’s back-to-school season or the holidays are twinkling on the horizon, there’s usually something special in the air for families in need. The best way to find out about free stuff for low income families is to subscribe to our channel and watch our weekly resource recaps, because we’ll always tell you where you can go for extra freebies.
More Free Stuff for Low Income Families
We’ve spent the last 10 years searching for free stuff for low income families, so we have more resources than we can fit into a single article. If you’re interested in more ways to get free stuff, be sure to check out these related posts:
Relief Recap
We have found a ton of free stuff for low income families, including free laptops, clothing, furniture, school supplies and so much more! The resources we’ve found span from essential electronics like laptops to basic necessities such as clothing, furniture, and school supplies.
Nicole Thelin
Nicole is the founder and lead researcher of Low Income Relief. After a personal experience with poverty and homelessness following her husband's sudden medical discharge from the U.S. Army, Nicole discovered the life-changing impact of community resources. This experience ignited her passion for empowering others to navigate similar crises. Nicole launched her writing career at age 16, working for various newspapers and publications. Her commitment to in-depth research and accessible content has been recognized by Google for Publishers and other industry leaders. For over 20 years, she has applied her investigative skills to uncover the most helpful, up-to-date information on benefits programs and community resources, ensuring Low Income Relief maintains the most extensive resource databases available.