How to Get a Free Laptop with Food Stamps (EBT)?
Food Stamps, now known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is a Federal Government program that can help you get free food but do you know you can also get a free laptop as a benefit of this program? Many people don’t know this but it’s possible and completely true.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to get a free laptop for your work or personal use with the help of Food Stamps (EBT)/ SNAP participation. If you’re a beneficiary of the program who really needs a laptop or desktop but can’t afford one, this post will help you get your wishes fulfilled without much hassle.
Can You Get a Free Laptop with Food Stamps?
It’s nearly impossible to get an absolutely free laptop with Food Stamps or your SNAP EBT card. However, you can get a PC for as low as $100-$150 using your low-income status and proving it with your SNAP or any other eligible Government aid program participating.
Previously, the government and the government-backed charity programs distributed free laptops, tablets, and other gadgets to low-income households and members of aid schemes. However, there are no such active campaigns available in most states these days.
It’s still possible to find a free source for a laptop or desktop with valid documentation. However, you’ll have a tough time finding that and they aren’t available in every state. The availability varies from state to state but the programs we’ve explained below are available throughout the United States.
How to Get a Free Laptop with Food Stamps/ SNAP?
There are several ways to get a free or highly discounted laptop with Food Stamps or SNAP EBT card. You don’t have to directly trade your EBT card or sell the food purchased using stamps as it’s ILLEGAL. Instead, you have to select a government or charity program to get your free computer.
You can find several programs like that in every state. Just select the one that’s available in your state and the one where you meet the eligibility criteria. After that, you can submit your application and receive your inexpensive laptop. We’ve compiled a list of the most common programs below.
1. Affordable Connectivity Program:
The Affordable Connectivity Program is another FCC-backed program that aims to connect the underprivileged to the modern digital world. It primarily focuses on providing free or highly subsidized broadband services to low-income individuals, families, veterans, tribals, rural citizens, and other people in need but may also offer free or discounted laptops sometimes.
If you belong to a SNAP individual household, you can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program for a free laptop. Once you’re eligible, you can choose a provider such as Walmart, Amazon, etc, and then claim your free computer from them.
However, this program doesn’t guarantee that you’ll receive a free laptop. Sometimes, you’ll only be eligible for an instant discount on your computer purchase which starts from $100 and varies according to your income status.
2. PCs For People:
PCs For People is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1998. It provides affordable computers, internet service, and computer repairs to people who have limited access to technology. Their mission is to provide technology access to low-income individuals, families, people with disabilities, and others in need.
If you’re a SNAP beneficiary, you can apply for a free or discounted laptop from PCs For People. They also provide discounted computers to people who are below the 200% poverty level. There are some other criteria for eligibility as well. If you qualify for any of the campaigns listed below, you’re eligible:
- Head Start
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid (or Medical Assistance)
- National School Lunch Free/Reduced Program
- Pell Grant
- Section 8
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- TANF or GA Financial Assistance (a dated letter is required)
- Unemployment Benefits
- Veteran benefits
Once you’re eligible, you can send your documents for verification online, by email, or via fax. There will be a photo identification and income documentation verification to confirm your eligibility. After that, you can receive your free laptop from PCs For People.
3. Lifeline Assistance:
The Lifeline Assistance program was launched in 1985. It has been providing free landline services, phones, and even laptops to qualifying individuals in various states. The program is backed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and primarily focuses on providing subsidized telecom services.
If you’re a SNAP-eligible individual or household, you can apply for the Lifeline Assistance program and get a free or discounted laptop. The discount starts from $100 for a one-time purchase of a laptop and is based on your income status.
Eligible individuals can also get completely free refurbished laptops from certain providers. To apply for the program, you can visit the National Verifier website and check your eligibility. If you’re eligible, choose your state, enter your personal details, provide verifying documentation, and then submit your application.
4. The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR):
The Alliance for Technology Refurbishing and Reuse (AFTRR) is the next program that helps SNAP-eligible individuals get a free laptop. It’s a group of non-profits and refurbishers who jointly try to help people in need with affordable and free technology.
They collaborate with electronic recyclers and resellers to provide the underprivileged with low-cost and no-cost computers. You can visit their official website and submit your application to receive a free laptop. If there is stock available in your state, you’ll receive it after you’re approved for their benefits.
5. Computers with Causes:
Computers with Causes is another national program that helps people in need get free computers. It is managed by the Giving Center which offers refurbished laptops and desktops to people and organizations that really need them. One of their eligibility criteria is being a SNAP-eligible individual or family.
If you’re a participant of SNAP, you can visit their website and submit your application online. Once you submit the application, there will be an assessment and background check to confirm your income status. You may also require a reference check and then your request will be approved.
When it is approved, you’ll receive a free laptop at your doorstep. You can also visit their nearby center and pick up your computer from there. However, if your application is rejected or hasn’t been unanswered in a month, you can apply again from their website.
More Ways for SNAP Beneficiaries to Get Free Laptop
There are some other programs, charities, and campaigns that help SNAP beneficiaries get free or discounted laptops. You can check these schemes and apply for them if you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Everyone On
- Adaptive.org
- ON IT Foundation
- Connect America Fund
- SmartRiverside
- World Computer Exchange
- Freecycle
- Laptops For Learning
- Interconnection
- Salvation Army (Computers 4 Charity)
Apart from these, you can also find public giveaways and contests where a laptop or desktop is a prize. However, winning them requires sheer luck and your chances of receiving your free computer with this method are pretty low.
You can also check with your employer, school, or college to see if they’ve any active campaigns to provide temporary laptops to people who need them. One more option is to get a rental laptop from a public library if you only need the device for some work.
Final Words:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a wonderful program by the Federal Government that helps millions of individuals. The beneficiaries of Food Stamps not only receive free access to food and groceries, but they also get other perks such as free medicines, health checkups, and laptops.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the direct way to apply for a free or discounted computer as a SNAP beneficiary. There are other methods too. We have explained them all. You can now select the most suitable one and get your free device right away.
That’s all for this guide. If you have any doubts or queries about anything shared here, feel free to use the comment box.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does the Government provide free laptops to Food Stamps/ SNAP users?
The U.S. Government provides several benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants including a free or discounted laptop through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Other government-backed and charity programs offer free computers to SNAP users.
2. Can you use Food Stamps to get a laptop?
3. How to apply for a free laptop with a SNAP EBT card?
4. Which NGOs offer free laptops to SNAP participants?
I’m Olivia Smith, a writer who works in a Government Assistance Program. I love helping people and making a difference. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading books, watching rugby, and traveling to new places. Exploring the world and meeting different people inspires me. I’m passionate about supporting those in need and often write about my experiences and thoughts on various blogs.
