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

Free Laptop For Low-Income 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.

  1. Check Eligibility: Go to the program’s website or contact them to see if you meet their requirements.
  2. Gather Documentation: You might need proof of income and other IDs.
  3. Complete Application: Fill out the application form online or in person as instructed.
  4. Wait for Approval: The process might take a few weeks. Follow up if you don't hear back in the given time.
Free Laptop For Low-Income California (2)

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.

OrganizationAreasSupport OfferedContact InformationEligibility
Computers with CausesLos Angeles, CA; Houston, TX; Miami, FLFree refurbished computerswww.computerswithcauses.orgLow-income families, students, teachers, disabled individuals
EveryoneOnWashington, D.C.; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NYAffordable internet, computers, and digital skills trainingwww.everyoneon.orgLow-income families
World Computer ExchangeChicago, IL; Boston, MA; San Francisco, CARefurbished computers for youth educationwww.worldcomputerexchange.orgSchools, non-profits, community organizations
InterConnectionSeattle, WA; Portland, OR; San Francisco, CAAffordable refurbished computerswww.interconnection.orgNon-profit organizations, low-income individuals
Adaptive.orgDenver, CO; Los Angeles, CA; Dallas, TXFree computers for students with disabilitieswww.adaptive.orgStudents with disabilities, low-income families
LabdooNew York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Miami, FLDonated laptops with educational softwarewww.labdoo.orgSchools, non-profits, educational organizations
eBay for CharitySan Jose, CA; New York, NY; Los Angeles, CADonated computers and technologywww.charity.ebay.comNon-profits, educational institutions
Human-I-TLos Angeles, CA; Detroit, MI; Baltimore, MDRefurbished technology, digital literacy trainingwww.human-i-t.orgLow-income individuals, non-profits, schools
Computers 4 R KidsSanta Ana, CA; Riverside, CA; Anaheim, CALow-cost refurbished computerswww.c4rk.orgStudents, schools, non-profits
Digital Divide Data (DDD)New York, NY; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CALow-cost refurbished computers for educational institutionswww.digitaldividedata.orgSchools, non-profits
Computers for Kids InternationalNew York, NY; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FLRefurbished computers for educational institutionswww.cfkids.orgSchools, non-profits
Digital Literacy FoundationSan Francisco, CA; New York, NY; Chicago, ILRefurbished computers and digital literacy programswww.digitalliteracyfoundation.orgLow-income families, students
Tech For AllLos Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; San Diego, CARefurbished computers for low-income individuals and non-profitswww.techforall.orgLow-income families, non-profits
PowerMyLearningNew York, NY; Atlanta, GA; Los Angeles, CAFree laptops and digital learning programswww.powermylearning.orgLow-income students and families
Connect AllSan Francisco, CA; Oakland, CA; San Jose, CAFree and low-cost refurbished computers, internet serviceswww.connectall.orgLow-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.