As we continue to evolve towards a digital era, everyone needs a personal computer or laptop for school, work, leisure, and communication. A digital device like a laptop allows you easy access to digital resources and expands your connection with friends and loved ones from a distance. Understandably, not everyone can afford to purchase a laptop. Therefore, this guide aims to help people apply for a free laptop online.
This is the right guide if you’ve been looking for places to apply for a free laptop online. As we explore different things you need to know about acquiring a free laptop online, kindly stick around. This complete guide will discuss programs offering free laptops, what you need to qualify for them, and how to send an online application. Additionally, we will look into additional tips you need to boost your application for a free laptop online. Shall we begin?
Where Can I Get a Free Laptop Online?
Since not everyone can afford a new laptop, some programs offer free devices. These programs are run by the government, educational institutions, and non-profit institutions to bridge the digital divide in the country.
If you are looking for a way to apply for a free device online, the guide above offers you various options you can consider. In this regard, extensive research is needed to get the best possible deal for a free laptop online.
Government Initiatives Offering Free Laptops Online
The following are government initiatives that offer free computers to eligible individuals;
Lifeline Program: Lifeline Program is a government forum that offers internet and device services to individuals from low-income households. It provides free laptops online for people living below the 135% federal poverty guideline. Additionally, you must benefit from assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to apply to Lifeline.
Non-profit organizations that Give Laptops for Free
If you are looking for a non-profit organization that runs a free laptop program, here are a few you can consider;
Computers with Causes: Computers with Causes is an organization that focuses on bridging the digital gap in our society. It offers refurbished computers to students, teachers, parents, older people, foster homes, persons living with disabilities, veterans, and other like-minded non-profit organizations.
To apply for a free laptop online through Computers with Causes, simply;
- Search Computers with Causes on your browser.
- Click the official website to navigate to the application form. Note that there are two different application forms (Individual and organization).
- Please fill out the enrollment form, print and sign it, and then mail it to the address the organization provides.
- Wait for feedback within a 30-day frame time.
On It Foundation: Do you know a learner between grades K-12 who comes from a low-income household? The On It Foundation accepts online applications for free laptops from eligible households.
The On It Foundation also runs The Jump On It Program. The organization partners with local computer distributors in this program to help low-income families access computers at very low prices. In the partnership, computer distributors channel a percentage of their sales to donations that allow The On It Foundation to keep up with their mission of offering free computers.
Here is how you can apply for a free laptop from this organization online;
- Your parent/guardian should apply on your behalf.
- They must write to the organization requesting a free laptop. On the letter, include the student’s name, age, grade, school name, address and contact details, parent/guardian’s name, address, and contact details.
- Add proof of eligibility from the school you attend
- Sign the request letter and email it to Info@TheOnItFoundation.org.
InterConnection: This is another great consideration for individuals seeking free laptops online. This organization bridges the digital divide and protects the environment by providing free computers through recycling, refurbishment, and reusing. You can go to their official website to check their eligibility criteria.
Are you a student in Seattle who cannot afford a laptop? InterConnection has got you covered! It is partnering with AT&T and Digitunity to bridge the digital divide among students. It has a 10-City project through which you can acquire a free laptop online.
Devices for Students: After the COVID pandemic, the Devices for Students program has been working to ensure that students from public institutions can access computer devices and the internet. It does this to ensure that all learners have reliable access to educational resources in the event of school closures, like during the pandemic.
To apply for a free laptop online from Devices for Students, follow the following simple steps;
- Access Devices for Students official website on your browser.
- Navigate to the “Do You or Your School Need a Device?” segment on the homepage and click on the ‘We Need Devices’ button. It will lead you to an application form.
- Fill in the form with details such as your name, email, contact number, device type, and anything needed. Once done, click on ‘Send.’
EveryOneOn: If you come from a low-income household or a marginalized community, EveryoneOn will help you acquire a free government laptop and internet. If you have qualified for government assistance programs or live below the 135% poverty guideline, you can apply for the benefits through EveryoneOn.
Since 2012, EveryoneOn has given over ten thousand computers to eligible individuals. Besides this, it helps connect people to the internet with a record of over one million beneficiaries. To apply for a free laptop through EveryoneOn,
- Visit their official website everyoneon.org
- At the top of the homepage, you will see ‘Find low-cost internet & computers in your area.’
- Click on Find low-cost offers’ button.
- It will lead you to another page where you must fill in your zip code and find internet and computer offers.
PCs for People: This organization offers refurbished devices to people who cannot afford to buy them. They additionally give applicants free internet along with their free laptops. To be eligible for a device through this organization, you must meet the 200% poverty guideline requirement.
To apply for a free device from them, simply;
- Visit their official website and proceed to the programs they are offering.
- Click on the computer’s offer, navigate their application form, and fill in the required details. Remember to attach eligibility documents to your application before submitting for a free computer.
Does Learning Institutions Offer a Free Laptop Online
Apart from the two programs above, you can apply for a free laptop online through learning institutions. Most colleges and universities offer a free device as part of their enrolment package. These learning institutions offer devices to enhance digital learning among their learners and ensure all students have equal access to educational resources.
To acquire a laptop through this formula, you must enroll as a student at the university running the offer. Additionally, you must prove your financial need by submitting a financial aid application. Local libraries are other learning institutions you can approach for a free laptop. If you are a local library member, you can consult with them to offer you a device. Alternatively, the library can send an application for a free laptop online to organizations like The On It Foundation or InterConnection on your behalf. Visit your local library today and learn the computer options they are offering their students.
Can Everyone Get a Free Laptop?
Different groups of people can benefit from the programs that offer laptops for free. However, the eligibility criteria for most of these programs cut across the following major interest groups;
- Low-income families. They are an eligible group to ensure financial problems do not hinder people from accessing technology.
- Students. They need to access their educational resources despite their background easily.
- Persons living with disabilities. They need assistance to improve their access to digital resources and quality of life.
- Veterans and Military Personnel. They need assistance to reintegrate into the community easily when applying for a job.
- Senior Citizens. They are an eligible group as they need easy access to online medical services and to connect with their loved ones.
Step-by-step Guide to Use When Applying for a Free Government Laptop
Step 1:
Do an Extensive Research. Find out which organizations and programs are offering free devices at the moment. These include government programs, education institutions, and non-profit entities in different states.
Step 2:
Check Eligibility. Before you start applying, you ensure you qualify for the program. Most programs’ qualifications is through income participation in government-aided programs such as Medicaid, student status, disability status, or veteran qualification.
Step 3:
Acquire the Required Eligibility Documents. These are crucial documents you will need during your application process. Gathering them firsthand saves you time and effort. They include the following;
- Identification documents such as a state ID or a valid driver’s license
- Income documents such as a recent pay slip or tax tab
- Participation in Government programs documents such as approval or acceptance letter
- Proof of your location or residence, such as a utility bill or lease agreement
- For a person with disabilities, you need medical documents to support your disability claim.
- Enrolment documents if you are applying as a student, which include a student ID or an official letter from your school
Step 4:
Choose a Program. Choose a program that offers a free laptop to individuals in the category you qualify in above. These programs can be government-sponsored or funded by non-profit organizations.
Step 5:
Visit the Official Website. Navigate to the organization’s official website of choice in Step 4 above and open their application form.
Step 6:
Fill in the Application Form. Include your personal information as required. Remember to attach the necessary eligibility documents to your application.
Step 7:
Review and submit. Review your application to double-check the information you have filled. Once everything is in order, click submit.
Step 8:
Wait for Approval. Different programs have different timelines for reviewing applications. Your application will be reviewed before you receive a decision notification for your free laptop.
Step 9:
You will receive your free laptop once your application has been approved.
Additional Tips You Need When Applying for Free Laptop Online
Here are a few additional tips you may need for your free device application;
Apply Early. Most programs offer limited devices to applicants. Sending your application early gives you a better chance at acquiring a free laptop.
Avoid Simple Mistakes. Simple mistakes may disqualify your application for a device online. Avoid simple errors such as providing wrong personal details, submitting an incomplete application, failing to attach the required documents, and submitting your application after the deadline.
Double-check Your Application. Double-checking your application helps you to eliminate the above simple mistakes from your application. Countercheck your details and supporting documents before clicking the submit button.
Take advantage of software and Resources. Apart from acquiring a free laptop online, you can take advantage of free and discounted software and resources you will need on your device. These are available from programs like Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.
Follow-up on Your Application. It is vital to note that not all applications for a free laptop online are approved. A few weeks after your application, follow up on your application status to see if it is progressing. If your application was denied, you can check alternative options such as leasing programs and discounted laptop options.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Free Laptop Program
- Other People’s Reviews. It would be wise to consider the reviews from people who have applied for free laptops online before you. This will offer information on the duration of the process and the quality of the computer you receive from the program.
- Requirements. Different programs have different requirements for free devices online. Compare the requirements of other organizations to get the one you qualify for without too much struggle.
- Location. Another factor you may need to consider when applying for a free laptop online is the provider’s location. Choose the organization closest to you for easier shipping once your application is approved.
- Contact Details. The program you are applying to should have an online customer service desk in case you need help with your application. Check the helpline on their official websites to see if they have prompt responses.
- Program Availability. It is vital to check whether the program for a free laptop is active or closed. Timelines for applications are provided on the official websites of these organizations. Countercheck to ensure they are currently accepting applications to avoid disappointment.
Are There Alternative Ways to Get a Free Laptop?
Absolutely. If you need a laptop and do not qualify through any programs mentioned in the above sections, you can opt for alternative ways to acquire a free laptop online. Here is how;
1. Participate in Online Surveys
Some companies welcome participants to answer online surveys in exchange for gift cards. These gift cards can help you acquire a free laptop from Amazon or Apple Stores. Some companies that have online survey options for free laptops include
- Survey Junkie
- InboxDollars
- American Consumer Opinion
2. Participate in Contests for Free Laptops
Alternatively, you can enter contests that offer free devices online. Various websites, businesses, and social media accounts organize contests and offer free laptops as prizes. This forum is a good option to opt for, especially because there are no financial limits for participants.
When trying to get a free device online through this option, doing a thorough background check on the contest organizers is advisable to avoid scammers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I Get a Free Laptop from my Local Library?Absolutely! Local libraries partner with non-profit organizations to distribute computer devices to deserving students. You can consult with your local library if you need a laptop for your school work.
Q: How Long Should I Wait for My Application to be Processed?Applications for a free laptop online vary depending on the program you have applied to. The approval process may take between a few weeks to several months. You can follow up on your application on the official website of the organization you applied to.
Q: Can I Get a MacBook for Free?The exact type of laptop you receive also varies from program to program. While getting a MacBook may not be guaranteed, it is possible to acquire one. You can check the available laptops on the program you apply to.
Q: What Should I Do if My Application Is Denied?Was your application denied? Worry less. There are alternative options that you can consider if you need a laptop. You can choose to reapply with correction or check out for discounted laptops that you can afford.
Summary
You can simply apply for a free laptop online by looking for organizations that offer free laptop programs and checking their eligibility criteria. If you qualify, gather documents to prove your eligibility and begin your application process. You will receive a free laptop once your online application is approved. Additionally, you can apply online to a wide variety of organizations for a free laptop.
The Lifeline program accepts applications from students, veterans, senior citizens, persons with disabilities and low-income households. Non-profit organizations like The On It Foundation and PCs for people also run free laptop programs as seen above.