Many people are looking for government-free laptop schemes, and indeed, several programs offer the same, but you can’t just contact the government and ask for a free laptop. The government just does not give out laptops to anyone who asks for it!
There are government and non-profit programs that help people get a free laptop for the unprivileged, or at least you can get one at a discounted price. For this, you must meet specific eligibility criteria to qualify for a free or cheap laptop from government or non-profit organizations.
How to Get a free laptop from the Government & non-profit organizations
It is a fact that you won’t find many government plans or non-profit programs that are solely for distributing free laptops. Most of the schemes may help you with funding for a new laptop or provide you with a used laptop.
However, there are a few government-funded programs that can help you provide a laptop at no cost. Here, we have listed the different ways by which you can get a free laptop from government programs and other organizations –
1. Contact the Department of Social and Health Services
If you are struggling to afford a laptop, then contacting the Department of Social and Health Services or the Department of Human Services can be one of the ideal choices.
This department may help you connect to local programs and non-profit organizations, which offer free laptops to unprivileged individuals.
For this, you can use the USA.gov website and look for your state’s department of social or human services.
Visit – https://www.usa.gov/states-and-territories
2. Check if you are entitled to any government benefit
There are chances that you may be entitled to various government benefits that you weren’t aware of. Therefore, check out the government website and search for benefits you may qualify for.
These benefits can assist you in getting a laptop for free or at a lower cost.
Visit – https://www.benefits.gov/
3. Get Assistance for Natural Disasters
Many people get affected by natural disasters like hurricanes, tsunami, floods, etc. every year. And if you are one among them and have lost your belongings, including your laptop, in the unpleasant incident, then visit DisasterAssistance.gov for free laptops from the government.
Visit – https://www.disasterassistance.gov/
4. Visit Computers with Causes
Apart from looking for a government free laptop scheme application form, you can get a free laptop from Computers with Causes, which is a non-profit organization. You can avail of their program if you are a student, military veteran, or have a financial need.
There are other eligibility requirements also that are necessary to be met. Visit their website to apply for a free laptop.
Visit – https://www.computerswithcauses.org/application.htm
5. Use United Way Worldwide
Non-profit organization United Way Worldwide offers assistance through its 2-1-1 program. This program helps in a vast range of fields and connects you to the resources you need locally.
The 2-1-1 service is totally free to use and can be used to get help finding a free or low-cost laptop in your area.
Visit – https://www.unitedway.org/our-impact/featured-programs/2-1-1
6. Get in touch with the On It Foundation
This is another organization that can be very helpful in assisting you to get free laptops. Individuals are eligible for this program if there is a student in the family who is either enrolled in grades K-12, receives a free or reduced school lunch, or attends a public school and resides in the United States.
Visit – https://theonitfoundation.org/faqs/
7. Contact your local Goodwill
Goodwill is a non-profit organization that can assist in getting laptops to unprivileged people. It has been known to give vouchers to individuals who are struggling financially. With the use of these vouchers, you can purchase items.
One thing you have to remember is that the local Goodwill may not have any laptops available, but it may help you find one in your nearby areas.
Visit: http://www.goodwill.org/locator/
8. Contact your local Salvation Army Chapter
The Salvation Army is one of the most famous local thrift stores. This non-profit organization could help you get a laptop at a minimal cost or even absolutely free.
One way by which the Salvation Army helps people offer assistance is by donating items for the unprivileged people. You may get a voucher from the Salvation Army or some support, which can help you find a low cost or no cost laptop near you.
Visit – https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/usc/location-search/
9. Contact your local St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul, a non-profit organization, has locations all over the country. It is one of the most successful organizations as it helps people in a wide variety of ways.
To avail the program, you have to visit their website and check for the page where you will find the types of services and assistance the organization offers. Scroll to the bottom of the page and find a section where you will be able to select your location. Once you click on the location, you will be redirected to a separate website that caters to your area. Here, you will be able to find out about the different services and assistance that are available in your location.
Also, it is essential for you to remember that not every St. Vincent de Paul location provides free or donated laptops. But, there are certainly some that offer what you are looking for.
Visit – https://svdpusa.org/Assistance-Services
Closing thoughts –
If you are someone who is looking for a free laptop, then there is no surety that you will get if from the government. Therefore, apart from looking for government free laptop scheme application forms, start searching for other ways through which you can get the same.
The places mentioned above are some of the ideal places to seek help from. The non-profit organizations are best among others because they have a goal of serving and helping the unprivileged people.
