How To Get Free Laptops for Low Income Families in California?

Need a laptop but can't afford one? The government has programs to help eligible families. They offer free or low-cost laptops in California for those who qualify.
94% of American households own at least one laptop. They use it to pay bills, search for information, and get entertainment. Many also work from home while their kids do schoolwork.
Considering all this, we will explain who is eligible and how to get a free laptop from the government in California. Keep reading to find out how you can get a new device without spending a lot!
How To Apply for a Free Laptop for Low-income California?
Depending upon the program you go to, the application process can differ.
- Check Eligibility: Go to the program’s website or contact them to see if you meet their requirements.
- Gather Documentation: You might need proof of income and other IDs.
- Complete Application: Fill out the application form online or in person as instructed.
- Wait for Approval: The process might take a few weeks. Follow up if you don't hear back in the given time.

Eligibility For Free Laptop for Low-income Families In California?
- Residency of California. You can use Microsoft's directory of certified refurbishers to find similar organizations in your area where you can purchase a refurbished computer.
- Participation in government assistance programs like Medicaid or food stamp cards.
Qualifying for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can also help you secure a free laptop via Medicaid.
- For California schools, where more than 75% of students are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch, there is an opportunity for any family within the school to acquire a computer system – the entire school qualifies.
Alternative To Get A Free Laptop For Low-income Families In California?
Here's a list of organizations that offer free laptops or computers to eligible low-income families. We have listed all the important information that you need so that you can easily apply for a laptop or computer.
Organization | Areas | Support Offered | Contact Information | Eligibility |
Computers with Causes | Los Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; Miami, FL | Free refurbished computers | www.computerswithcauses.org | Low-income families, students, teachers, disabled individuals |
EveryoneOn | Washington, D.C.; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY | Affordable internet, computers, and digital skills training | www.everyoneon.org | Low-income families |
World Computer Exchange | Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; San Francisco, CA | Refurbished computers for youth education | www.worldcomputerexchange.org | Schools, non-profits, community organizations |
InterConnection | Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CA | Affordable refurbished computers | www.interconnection.org | Non-profit organizations, low-income individuals |
Adaptive.org | Denver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TX | Free computers for students with disabilities | www.adaptive.org | Students with disabilities, low-income families |
Labdoo | New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Miami, FL | Donated laptops with educational software | www.labdoo.org | Schools, non-profits, educational organizations |
eBay for Charity | San Jose, CA; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA | Donated computers and technology | www.charity.ebay.com | Non-profits, educational institutions |
Human-I-T | Los Angeles, CA; Detroit, MI; Baltimore, MD | Refurbished technology, digital literacy training | www.human-i-t.org | Low-income individuals, non-profits, schools |
Computers 4 R Kids | Santa Ana, CA; Riverside, CA; Anaheim, CA | Low-cost refurbished computers | www.c4rk.org | Students, schools, non-profits |
Digital Divide Data (DDD) | New York, NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA | Low-cost refurbished computers for educational institutions | www.digitaldividedata.org | Schools, non-profits |
Computers for Kids International | New York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL | Refurbished computers for educational institutions | www.cfkids.org | Schools, non-profits |
Digital Literacy Foundation | San Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Chicago, IL | Refurbished computers and digital literacy programs | www.digitalliteracyfoundation.org | Low-income families, students |
Tech For All | Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CA | Refurbished computers for low-income individuals and non-profits | www.techforall.org | Low-income families, non-profits |
PowerMyLearning | New York, NY; Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles, CA | Free laptops and digital learning programs | www.powermylearning.org | Low-income students and families |
Connect All | San Francisco, CA; Oakland, CA; San Jose, CA | Free and low-cost refurbished computers, internet services | www.connectall.org | Low-income families |
Conclusion
Eligibility criteria can differ depending on the program or organization. It's important to research and understand the requirements before applying for a free or low-cost laptop.
Applying online through specific websites or contacting organizations like Computers with Causes, PCs for People, or The On It Foundation can be a good start.
If you don't meet the criteria for government assistance, there are other options to get laptops at a reduced cost.

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