Having a computer at home can make a huge difference when you’re applying for jobs, managing benefits, attending online appointments, or helping your children with schoolwork. But buying a laptop isn’t always possible when you’re already struggling to cover everyday expenses.
If you live in Connecticut and receive certain government benefits, a new state program may help you access a laptop without having to purchase one.
Laptop ConneCT is designed to provide eligible residents with long-term laptop loans through participating public libraries.
The program includes Dell laptops and related accessories, but availability depends on participating libraries and their equipment inventory.
Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, how the program works, and where to ask for assistance.
What Is Laptop ConneCT?
Laptop ConneCT is a Connecticut initiative designed to help residents who may have difficulty affording a computer.
The program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) in partnership with the Connecticut State Library.
It’s funded through approximately $7 million in federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021’s Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund.
Through the program, participating public libraries may provide eligible residents with laptops for long-term personal and household use.
The goal is to make computers more accessible to people who need them for everyday activities, including employment, education, healthcare, and accessing important services.
Unlike traditional library computers that must be used inside the building, Laptop ConneCT is intended to allow eligible residents to borrow a laptop for an extended period.
However, these laptops are loaned, not given away permanently.
The state has not published a universal loan duration or detailed return policy in its initial announcement.
What Kind of Laptop Can You Get?
The program provides Dell Pro 16 laptops running Windows.
These are full laptop computers rather than tablets or basic internet-access devices.
The state also says the program includes related accessories, although its announcement does not provide a complete list of what each borrower will receive.
A laptop may help with activities such as:
- Applying for jobs and preparing resumes.
- Completing online schoolwork or training programs.
- Accessing government benefits and assistance applications.
- Attending virtual healthcare appointments.
- Managing important documents and household finances.
- Staying connected with family and community services.
The exact equipment and accessories available may depend on the participating library.
Who Qualifies for Laptop ConneCT?
According to the official Connecticut DEEP announcement, residents must meet all three of the following requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Have a valid library card from a participating Connecticut public library.
- Be enrolled in at least one qualifying public assistance program.
Which Assistance Programs Qualify?
You must participate in at least one of these programs:
- SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps.
- CEAP: Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
- LIHEAP: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- Medicare: Federal health insurance primarily for people age 65 or older and certain people with disabilities.
- HUSKY Health: Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).
You do not need to participate in every program listed above. Enrollment in at least one satisfies this part of the eligibility requirements.
However, you must also meet the age and library card requirements.
Do You Have to Meet an Income Limit?
The state’s announcement does not publish a separate household income limit for Laptop ConneCT.
Instead, eligibility is tied to participation in one of the qualifying assistance programs.
That means you shouldn’t assume you’re ineligible solely because your income is above a particular amount.
For example, Medicare is one of the listed qualifying programs, and Medicare eligibility is not generally based on having a low income.
The library may still have additional procedures for verifying program eligibility.
Where Can You Get a Laptop?
Laptop ConneCT operates through participating Connecticut public libraries.
When the program was announced on August 3, 2026, more than 100 principal public libraries had signed up to participate.
The state also indicated that additional libraries could continue joining the initiative.
However, signing up for the program does not necessarily mean a library already has laptops available for residents to borrow.
The official announcement does not provide a complete public list of participating locations or confirm when each library will begin distributing equipment.
Your best starting point is your local public library.
Ask whether it participates in Laptop ConneCT and whether laptops are currently available.
If your library isn’t participating, you can contact DEEP to ask about other participating locations.
How Do You Apply for Laptop ConneCT?
The state has outlined the basic eligibility requirements, but it has not published one universal application process for all participating libraries.
Here’s how to get started.
Step 1: Contact Your Local Library
Call or visit your Connecticut public library and ask whether it participates in Laptop ConneCT.
You can ask:
- Is your library participating in Laptop ConneCT?
- Are laptops currently available to borrow?
- Do I need to complete an application or join a waiting list?
- What documents should I bring?
- How long can I borrow the laptop?
These questions may help you avoid making an unnecessary trip.
Step 2: Make Sure You Have a Valid Library Card
The program requires a valid card from a participating Connecticut public library.
If you don’t have one, ask your library how to register.
Library card requirements may vary depending on the location.
Step 3: Ask How to Verify Your Eligibility
You’ll need to meet the program’s public assistance enrollment requirement.
However, the state’s announcement does not specify exactly what documents libraries will require.
Before visiting, ask whether you need to bring a benefit letter, insurance card, identification, or another form of verification.
Don’t assume that every library will use the same process.
Step 4: Review the Loan Agreement
If your library has a laptop available and determines that you’re eligible, make sure you understand the borrowing terms before accepting it.
Ask about:
- The length of the loan.
- Whether the loan can be renewed.
- When the laptop must be returned.
- Any responsibilities for damage, loss, or late returns.
- Whether accessories are included.
The state’s initial announcement describes the loans as long-term but does not establish a specific statewide borrowing period.
The laptop remains a loaned device unless the participating library explicitly tells you otherwise.
Is Laptop ConneCT Available Right Now?
Connecticut officially announced Laptop ConneCT on August 3, 2026.
At that time, more than 100 public libraries had enrolled in the initiative.
However, the announcement described expanded laptop access as something residents would receive soon. It did not confirm that every participating library had already begun lending laptops.
As of October 10, 2026, the published information reviewed for this article does not establish which libraries currently have devices available.
The state also has not announced a universal resident application deadline.
For those reasons, it’s best to contact your local library before making plans to borrow a laptop.
Even if a library participates, its inventory may be limited.
How Can You Contact the Program?
If your library doesn’t know about Laptop ConneCT or you’re having trouble finding a participating location, you can contact the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Program: Laptop ConneCT
Agency: Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP)
Email: DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov
Official Announcement: https://portal.ct.gov/deep/news-releases/news-releases—2026/deep-announces-launch-of-laptop-connect-program
You can ask DEEP which libraries are participating, whether equipment distribution has started in your area, and where to find current borrowing requirements.
Relief Recap
If you live in Connecticut and receive SNAP, CEAP, LIHEAP, Medicare, or HUSKY Health, you may qualify to borrow a laptop through the state’s Laptop ConneCT program.
You’ll also need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid library card from a participating public library.
The program provides Dell Pro 16 Windows laptops for long-term use, along with related accessories.
These are loans, not permanent giveaways, and the state has not published a standard borrowing period or confirmed current inventory at individual libraries.
More than 100 libraries had enrolled when the program launched in August 2026, but availability may vary.
If you need a computer for job applications, schoolwork, healthcare, or managing your benefits, contact your local public library and ask about Laptop ConneCT.
You can also email DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov for help finding participating locations and learning more about the program.
