If you receive EBT benefits — whether through SNAP, Medicaid, or another qualifying program — you may be eligible to receive a free or heavily discounted laptop through government and nonprofit assistance programs.
Having a computer at home is no longer a luxury for most families; it’s essential for school, job searching, remote work, telehealth appointments, and accessing the very benefits programs you rely on.
This guide explains exactly which programs offer free or discounted laptops to EBT cardholders, how to apply, what to expect, and how to stack multiple programs to get the best deal.
Can You Get a Free Laptop With an EBT Card?
Yes — but with some important clarifications upfront.
Your EBT card itself cannot be used to purchase a laptop. SNAP food benefits are restricted to eligible food items only, and EBT cash benefits (from TANF) can technically be used for any purchase — including electronics — but the amount is rarely enough to cover a full laptop.
What “free laptop with EBT” really means is this: being an EBT cardholder proves you are enrolled in a qualifying low-income assistance program, which makes you eligible for separate technology assistance programs that provide free or deeply discounted computers and internet service. Your EBT card is the proof of eligibility — not the payment method.
The programs described in this guide are available to EBT holders, SNAP recipients, Medicaid enrollees, and other low-income households — and many are genuinely free or cost as little as $0 to $50 for a working laptop.
Program 1: Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — Device Benefit
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal program administered by the FCC that provided eligible households with:
- Up to $30/month off internet service (or $75/month on tribal lands)
- A one-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer when purchasing through a participating provider
Important update: The ACP officially ended in June 2024 due to Congress not approving continued funding. However, several successor efforts and state-level programs have emerged to fill the gap. Check the FCC website and your state’s broadband office for the latest alternatives.
Who was eligible: Households enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits, Lifeline, free or reduced-price school lunch programs, or households with income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
If a replacement federal broadband benefit program is enacted, EBT/SNAP households will almost certainly qualify automatically. Stay current by checking your state’s social services page.
Program 2: Lifeline Program — Discounted Service That Pairs With Device Programs
Lifeline is a long-running FCC program that provides eligible low-income households with a discount on phone or internet service — currently up to $9.25/month (or $34.25/month on Tribal lands).
While Lifeline itself doesn’t provide a free laptop, getting subsidized internet service through Lifeline is often the first step that unlocks access to device programs through participating providers. Many organizations that offer free or discounted laptops require you to also sign up for an internet service plan.
Eligibility for Lifeline:
- Enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension benefits
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level
SNAP enrollment makes you automatically eligible. Use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator to check if you qualify for SNAP, which in turn unlocks Lifeline.
Program 3: PCs for People
PCs for People is a nonprofit organization that provides refurbished laptops and computers at very low cost — often $0 to $74 — to income-qualified individuals and families.
How It Works:
- You prove low-income eligibility (SNAP, Medicaid, or income at or below 200% FPL)
- You select a refurbished laptop, desktop, or tablet from their online store
- Devices are professionally refurbished, cleaned, and tested before shipping
- They also offer low-cost internet service through their PCs for People Mobile Broadband program
What You Get:
- Refurbished Windows laptops and desktops
- Prices typically range from $0 (for the lowest-income qualifying households) to around $74
- Many devices come with Windows 10/11 pre-installed and are ready to use
How to Apply:
Visit pcsforpeople.org, create an account, and upload proof of eligibility — a current SNAP benefit letter, Medicaid card, or other qualifying document.
Program 4: Human-I-T
Human-I-T is another nonprofit that collects donated computers and redistributes them to low-income individuals and families. They operate a free device program for households that meet income guidelines.
Eligibility:
- Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level
- Proof of enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid, or another qualifying assistance program
How It Works:
- Apply online at human-i-t.org
- Submit proof of low-income status (EBT/SNAP card, Medicaid letter, or income documentation)
- Receive a refurbished laptop or desktop — often at no cost
Human-I-T also provides free or low-cost internet service and digital literacy training, making it one of the more comprehensive options for families who are new to home computing.
Program 5: EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn is a nonprofit that connects low-income households with affordable internet offers and, in some cases, low-cost devices. They partner with internet service providers and device refurbishers to offer bundled deals.
Through EveryoneOn’s partner network, qualifying households can often find:
- Internet service starting at $10–$15/month
- Refurbished laptops and computers for $150 or less
- Occasional free device offers through partner programs
How to Access:
Visit everyoneon.org and enter your zip code to see offers available in your area. Eligibility is typically based on SNAP, Medicaid, or income level.
Program 6: State and Local Government Programs
Beyond federal programs, many state and county governments operate their own technology assistance initiatives for low-income residents. These vary significantly by location but can include:
- State digital equity programs — funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which directed billions toward broadband and digital equity. Many states are now operating programs that include device distribution.
- Library laptop lending programs — some public library systems lend laptops for extended periods (weeks or months) to cardholders
- School district device programs — if you have school-age children, many districts distribute free devices to students from low-income households, especially those enrolled in free or reduced-price meal programs
- Community action agencies — local nonprofits funded by the federal Community Services Block Grant often know about device assistance programs in your area
To find local programs, contact your county’s Department of Social Services or search “[your state] + digital equity program + free laptop.”
Program 7: Donated and Refurbished Device Nonprofits
Several national nonprofits collect corporate and individual computer donations and redistribute them to low-income households. These organizations frequently prioritize EBT/SNAP/Medicaid households:
World Computer Exchange Focuses on providing technology access to underserved communities domestically and internationally.
Free Geek Operates in several cities and provides free or very low-cost refurbished computers to income-qualifying individuals. Volunteers can also earn a free computer by contributing volunteer hours.
Interconnection Based in the Pacific Northwest, Interconnection accepts donated computers and sells them at steep discounts — or sometimes gives them away — to qualifying low-income individuals. SNAP and Medicaid enrollment typically qualifies.
Local Goodwill and Salvation Army Tech Programs Some Goodwill locations and Salvation Army chapters partner with tech companies to offer refurbished devices at reduced or no cost to low-income shoppers. Availability varies significantly by location.
Free Laptop Through School Programs (For Families With Children)
If you have school-age children enrolled in a school that participates in the free and reduced-price meal program — the same program that connects families to Summer EBT — there may be a path to a free device through the school district itself.
During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, many school districts distributed laptops and tablets to students for remote learning. A significant number of districts have continued these programs, particularly for students from low-income households.
Contact your child’s school or district technology department and ask:
- Does the school offer take-home devices for students in the free/reduced lunch program?
- Is there a device lending or ownership program for qualifying families?
- Is there a 1:1 device program where students keep devices over the summer?
This is especially relevant if your child qualifies for Summer EBT — families navigating summer food benefits and school meal programs are often the same households who qualify for school device programs. See our related guides: What Is Summer EBT and How Does It Work? and How to Apply for Summer EBT.
Free Tablet vs. Free Laptop: Know the Difference
Many assistance programs offer free tablets rather than full laptops. Tablets can be useful for browsing, streaming, and basic tasks — but they may not meet the needs of students doing schoolwork, adults job hunting, or anyone using productivity software.
If a program offers a tablet, it’s still worth accepting — but if your needs require a full keyboard and desktop-class software, specifically ask for or look for programs that offer laptops or desktops.
For tablet-specific assistance programs available to SNAP and EBT holders, see our existing guide: Free Tablet With Food Stamps
The programs described in this article focus specifically on laptops and full computers, which fill a different and often more critical need.
Free Internet to Go With Your Free Laptop
A laptop without internet access has limited value for most households. Fortunately, many of the same eligibility criteria that qualify you for a free or discounted laptop also qualify you for free or subsidized home internet service.
Key programs to pair with your free laptop:
Lifeline — Up to $9.25/month discount on internet or phone service for SNAP/Medicaid households. Available nationwide.
State Broadband Programs — Many states now operate their own broadband assistance initiatives using federal Infrastructure Act funding. Check your state’s public utilities commission or broadband office.
ISP Low-Income Plans — Many major internet service providers offer reduced-rate internet plans for qualifying low-income households, including:
- Comcast Internet Essentials (~$10/month for SNAP/Medicaid households)
- AT&T Access (~$10/month for SNAP households)
- Cox Connect2Compete
- Spectrum Internet Assist
For a full overview of how to get free or discounted internet as an EBT or SNAP recipient, see our dedicated guide: Free Internet With SNAP
How to Prove EBT Eligibility for Laptop Programs
When applying to any of the programs above, you’ll need to prove you qualify as a low-income household. The most commonly accepted forms of proof include:
- SNAP/EBT benefit letter or approval notice — the most widely accepted document
- Current EBT card — some programs accept a photo of your card alongside a recent benefit statement
- Medicaid card or approval letter
- TANF or SSI award letter
- Free or reduced-price school meal approval letter
- Pay stubs or tax return showing income at or below the program’s threshold (typically 200% FPL)
Use our FPL Calculator to verify where your household income falls relative to the Federal Poverty Level before applying.
If you’re not yet enrolled in SNAP but think you may qualify, applying for SNAP is one of the most effective steps you can take — it unlocks not just food assistance but also eligibility for a wide range of technology, internet, healthcare, and other assistance programs. Check your eligibility now: SNAP Eligibility Calculator
Stacking Programs: Get the Most Out of Available Resources
The most effective approach is to layer multiple programs together:
- Apply for SNAP if you haven’t already → unlocks automatic eligibility for most technology assistance programs
- Sign up for Lifeline → get discounted internet service
- Apply to PCs for People or Human-I-T → get a free or low-cost refurbished laptop
- Check your ISP for a low-income internet plan → combine with Lifeline discount for the lowest possible monthly cost
- Contact your child’s school → ask about free device programs for qualifying students
- Check your state’s digital equity program → some states offer additional device or connectivity grants
This stacking approach can result in a household having a working laptop and affordable internet access for little to no upfront cost — dramatically expanding access to online job boards, telehealth, school resources, and online benefits management.
What to Do If You Can’t Find a Free Laptop Program in Your Area
Not every program is available in every zip code. If you’ve exhausted the options above, try these additional steps:
- Contact 211 — dialing 2-1-1 connects you to a local resource specialist who can identify technology assistance programs in your specific area
- Visit your local public library — librarians are often the best-informed people in a community about local resource programs
- Ask your caseworker — if you have a SNAP or Medicaid caseworker, they may know of local programs not widely advertised
- Check with local community action agencies — federally funded organizations in most counties that connect low-income residents with resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a laptop directly with my EBT card?
No. SNAP food benefits cannot be used to purchase electronics. EBT cash benefits (from TANF) can technically be used for any purchase, but the amount is typically not enough to cover a laptop. The programs in this guide are separate from your EBT balance — your EBT enrollment is just proof of eligibility.
Do I have to pay back a free laptop from these programs?
No. Programs like PCs for People, Human-I-T, and state digital equity initiatives provide devices outright — there is no repayment requirement. Some programs ask for a nominal processing fee (often $0–$50), but this is not a loan.
Are the laptops new or refurbished?
Most free and low-cost laptop programs provide refurbished devices — used computers that have been professionally cleaned, repaired, and tested. They are fully functional but not brand new. If you need a new laptop, programs like the former ACP offered discounts at retail, but most fully free programs involve refurbished units.
How long does it take to receive a laptop?
Processing times vary. PCs for People and similar nonprofits typically ship within 1–2 weeks after eligibility is confirmed. Some state programs have longer waitlists. Apply as early as possible to minimize wait times.
Can seniors on fixed incomes get a free laptop?
Yes. Many programs specifically prioritize elderly low-income individuals. SNAP and Medicaid enrollment — both common among seniors — are the primary eligibility pathways. See also: Can Seniors on Social Security Get Food Stamps?
Do I need internet access to apply for these programs?
Most applications are online, but public libraries offer free computer and internet access for completing applications. You can also call 211 to get help applying by phone.
Can veterans get a free laptop through these programs?
Yes. Veterans who receive VA pension benefits qualify for Lifeline, and income-eligible veterans qualify for most device assistance programs. See our guide: Food Stamps for Veterans
Summary
Getting a free laptop with EBT is entirely possible in 2026 — but it works differently than you might expect. Your EBT card proves you qualify for separate technology assistance programs rather than serving as a direct payment method for electronics.
Programs like PCs for People, Human-I-T, state digital equity initiatives, and school district device programs regularly provide free or near-free refurbished laptops to SNAP, Medicaid, and EBT households.
The most important step is making sure you’re enrolled in SNAP — it’s the single credential that unlocks the widest range of assistance programs across food, technology, healthcare, and internet access. Check your eligibility now using our SNAP Eligibility Calculator, explore all benefits available in your state at our SNAP Benefits by State hub, or visit our FAQ page for more answers.