How to Get a Free Laptop with Food Stamps?

Get a free laptop with food stamps now! Yes, you read it right. If you’re a SNAP recipient, you may be eligible to get a free laptop. Several government and non-profit programs offer free laptops to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card holders.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss how to get a free laptop with food stamps, as well as provide a list of resources where you can apply.

So let’s get started.

Why a Free Laptop is Important for SNAP Recipients

Laptops and internet access have become necessities for education, employment, healthcare and more. Unfortunately, many low-income families can’t afford the high costs.

Here are some key reasons why access to a free laptop is so important for food stamp recipients:

• Remote Learning: With many schools operating remotely, students without home computers are at a major disadvantage for accessing online classes, assignments and communications. A free laptop can help them continue learning.
• Online Job Applications: Most employers now require online job applications. A laptop with internet access allows SNAP recipients to broaden their employment searches and opportunities.
• Telehealth Services: Virtual doctor visits have become essential, especially during COVID-19. A free laptop can connect food stamp households to remote healthcare.
• Communication: Staying in touch with family, friends and important contacts is vital for mental health. Laptops facilitate free communication channels.
• Education and Training: Digital literacy and new skills are important for career advancement. A free laptop enables SNAP recipients to access online education and training programs.
• Essential Services: Government programs, benefits applications and community resources are increasingly accessed online. A laptop helps households access and manage these essential services.

Clearly, laptops are critical tools for improving quality of life and opportunities. That’s why many organizations are stepping up to get this tech into the hands of SNAP participants who need it most.

Get a Free Laptop With Food Stamp Programs

If your household qualifies for and participates in SNAP (food stamps), you may be eligible for free laptop and internet programs designed specifically for low-income families.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has two primary programs that leverage SNAP participation:

1. Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program

The EBB program provides a $100 discount on laptop purchases for eligible households. To qualify through SNAP, you must:

• Be an active SNAP recipient
• Provide documentation like your EBT card or benefit verification letter
• Apply through a participating EBB provider

2. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

ACP replaced EBB on December 31, 2021, and provides a $30 monthly internet discount. It also offers a one-time $100 discount on purchasing a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. To Qualify through SNAP, You must:

• Verify receiving SNAP benefits
• Find an ACP provider offering discounted devices
• Submit an ACP application with eligibility proof

Find local ACP providers at fcc.gov/affordable-connectivity-program-providers to ask about a free laptop with stamps. Major internet companies like AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity and Optimum participate.

ACP provides affordable internet service options when bundled with a discounted laptop.

Top Organizations Offering Free Laptops with Food Stamps

Along with EBB and ACP, many national and local charitable organizations provide free computers, laptops and tablets to low-income families and SNAP participants.

Here are some top options to check out:

EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn partners with computer retailers and authorized computer refurbishers to feature affordable desktops, laptops, and tablets on their plateform.

Visit EveryoneOn.org and enter your zip code to see offers in your area. Available free laptop models are generally refurbished Chromebooks or tablets with internet service.

Computers with Causes

This national nonprofit refurbishes donated computers and provides them for free to individuals in need. Students, teachers, seniors, veterans and SNAP households are given priority.

Since 2012, EveryoneOn has connected 1M+ people to the internet, provided 6000+ computers, and delivered digital skills training to thousands in the past 2 years.

Apply on their website at ComputersWithCauses.org. Be sure to mention you receive SNAP benefits which qualifies you.

PCs for People

PCs for People is a non-profit organization that helps low-income households get wireless services and devices. They have collaborated with the government to offer the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program provides a $100 discount on quality refurbished desktop computers and laptops, and a $10 to $30 reimbursement for internet services.

To apply for the ACP program, visit acp.pcsrefurbished.com/acp, where you’ll need to fill out an application form. Make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before accepting them, and provide all the necessary information and documentation.

National Cristina Foundation

This nonprofit pioneered an innovative computer donation model to make technology accessible for all. They work with partners across the country to donate computers.

See if they have a program in your state via their National Cristina Foundation website. Apply and emphasize your need as a SNAP recipient.

Human-I-T

Human-I-T is a nonprofit organization that provides low-cost internet and laptops to people in need. As an ACP provider, Human-I-T is offers hotspots with free monthly internet service for a one-time payment of $80.

Human-I-T also offers a bundle of an ACP hotspot and heavily discounted ACP laptop which can be purchased for under $100.

To apply, visit human-i-t.org/acp and find the application form. Fill it out with the required information and any documents that prove your eligibility.

Does Any Wireless Provider Offer Free Laptops For SNAP Recipients?

Major wireless companies like AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and others do not directly offer free laptops to SNAP recipients. However, many providers participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Through ACP, they offer discounted internet service. Some wireless carriers also offer discounted or free tablet with food stamps that can serve as a internet-connected device.

Here are a few ACP-participating wireless carriers that provide tablets to eligible households:

• Q Link Wireless: Offers a free tablet when you enroll in their ACP discounted wireless plan. You must verify SNAP eligibility.
• StandUpWireless: Provides a free tablet with new ACP phone plan activations. Currently available in some states.
• TAG Mobile: offers a discounted Android tablet for $20 with ACP enrollment. Valid for SNAP participants.
• Assurance Wireless: provide a free Alcatel tablet when you sign up for their Lifeline service and ACP.
• SafeLink Wireless: offer a free tablet when you apply for their Lifeline & ACP-eligible program.

The selection of free or discounted tablets is limited compared to traditional laptops. But a tablet with wireless internet can still be a great option for web browsing, apps, video chat, education and more.

Carefully review all requirements, limitations and costs associated with these wireless carrier tablet offers.

Wireless companies don’t provide laptops directly, But you can take advantage of an ACP-discounted tablet, which is an alternative way to get connected.

Step-By-Step Guide to Getting a Free Laptop with EBT

Here is a summary of the step-by-step process for getting a free laptop when you receive SNAP benefits:

Step 1: Confirm SNAP Eligibility

Make sure you are currently enrolled in and receiving food stamp benefits through SNAP. Have documentation like your EBT card or eligibility letter ready.

You can apply for the SNAP benefit at mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps.

Step 2: Find a Provider

Search for participating ACP providers and local charities that offer free laptops. Focus on nonprofits helping low-income households.

Step 3: Apply for the Program

Visit the organization’s website or call to request an application. Mention you receive SNAP to confirm your eligibility. Provide any required eligibility documentation.

Step 4: Get Matched to a Laptop

If approved, work with the provider to get matched to an available refurbished or donated laptop model. You may need to pay a small copay (around $20-$50).

Step 5: Receive Your Free Laptop

Once matched to a device, the organization will prepare and deliver your free laptop. ACP providers may also help set you up with discounted internet access.

If you’re looking for a free laptop through SNAP programs, you can increase your chances by being persistent and applying to multiple programs. Remember to stay proactive in your search.

What Kind of Free Laptops Can I Get from the Government as a SNAP Recipient?

As a SNAP recipient, you are eligible to get a free laptop from the government. Most ACP laptop providers do not disclose the specific laptop models they offer in advance, as their offer depends on availability and location.

So, you can not choose the exact model of laptop you receive, you can generally expect a device that meets your basic needs for internet access, document creation, and communication.

Based on customer reviews, you can expect to receive a laptop from one of these brands:

• Google Chromebook
• Dell computer
• Lenovo computer

These brands offer a range of affordable laptops suitable for basic tasks such as web browsing, email, and word processing.

Can I Get Free Internet for a Laptop through Food Stamps?

Yes, you can get free internet for a laptop with food stamps through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a federal government program that provides subsidies to help low-income households afford internet service.

To be eligible for the ACP, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a resident of the United States.
• Have a household income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
• Not have internet access at home.

If you are eligible for the ACP, you can receive a monthly subsidy of up to $30 to help pay for your internet service. You can also receive a one-time subsidy of up to $100 to help pay for the cost of a laptop or tablet.

To apply for the ACP, you can visit the website of an ACP participant or call them at 1-800-225-5322.

Here are some of the ACP-participating wireless companies that offer free internet for laptops:

• Q Link Wireless
• StandUp Wireless
• Easy Wireless
• AirTalk Wireless
• Cintex Wireless
• NewPhone Wireless
• Maxsip Telecom

Beyond the ACP, Some libraries, community centers, and local nonprofits also offer free internet access.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Laptops with SNAP

Getting a free laptop with your SNAP benefits may seem complicated. Review these common questions for helpful answers:

Conclusion

Many households relying on food stamps cannot afford a costly laptop. Fortunately, some programs are stepping up to provide free laptops and internet access to SNAP participants in need.

Take advantage of these resources for yourself or your family. A free laptop serves as a gateway to connect with healthcare, education, career resources and much more.

By putting in some extra effort, you can get the necessary tech device that will help you and your family thrive and succeed in the digital world.