For Medicaid recipients, reliable technology is critical for job applications, telehealth appointments, and online education yet many face barriers without a device or internet.

Medicaid, a federal-state program covering healthcare for low-income individuals, extends beyond medical costs by qualifying enrollees for free or discounted laptops through initiatives like Lifeline, which provides connectivity discounts and devices from approved providers.

This guide details eligibility requirements (typically income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), necessary documents (Medicaid proof, ID, income verification), step-by-step application processes, and top programs to secure your laptop efficiently, empowering you to thrive in a digital world.

Why You Need a Laptop (and Why It’s a Big Deal)

A laptop can be very useful for people on Medicaid. It can help with many important things in their lives.

Now we will discuss some of the ways a laptop can help.

Let’s break it down:

Education: Online classes, homework, or even just Googling something new.
Jobs: Applying online, doing interviews, or working from home.
Health: Booking doctor visits or chatting with your doc over video.
Friends & Family: Video calls, texts, or keeping up with everyone’s news.

Without a laptop, these things get tricky fast.

That’s where free laptop programs come in—they’re here to level the playing field and give you a shot at all this good stuff.

How Medicaid Can Help You Get a Free Laptop

Medicaid pays for many health needs. It helps people with low income get doctor visits, hospital care, and medicines.

Having Medicaid can also make it easier to get a free or very cheap laptop. Many help programs look at Medicaid as proof you qualify for communication discounts and device offers.

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers phone or internet costs for people who meet income or benefit rules. Lifeline itself gives a monthly discount on service, and some approved providers include free or deeply discounted devices as part of their plans.

If you have Medicaid, check Lifeline rules in your state. Rules and offers can change, and device availability depends on the provider and location. Gather your Medicaid card or benefits letter before you apply.

How to start: find Lifeline providers in your ZIP code, pick a plan that lists a device, and upload your proof. After verification, the provider will tell you if you qualify and ship the laptop.

Keep copies of what you submit. Use only official provider sites and avoid any offer that asks for large upfront payments for a “free” device.

Eligibility for a Laptop with Medicaid

You must be enrolled in Medicaid to qualify for most laptop programs that use Medicaid as proof of need.
Many programs also have income limits; a common rule is household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, but exact limits vary by program and state.
You may qualify if you receive Medicaid and meet any additional program requirements (for example, being a student or living in subsidized housing).

Documents Required for a Laptop from Medicaid

When you apply, have these documents ready:

Proof of Medicaid enrollment — Medicaid card or an official benefit letter.
Proof of income — recent pay stubs, tax return, or a benefits statement.
Proof of identity — driver’s license, state ID, or passport.
Proof of residence — utility bill, lease, or official mail with your address.
Student enrollment (if applicable) — school ID or enrollment letter for K–12 or college programs.

Scan or photograph documents clearly. Acceptable formats are usually PDF or JPG. Blurry or cropped images may delay processing.

How to Apply Step-by-Step

Follow these steps to apply for a free or discounted laptop:

Confirm eligibility. Verify you are on Medicaid and check any income or program-specific rules.
Choose the right program. Compare device programs — nonprofits, ACP bundles, campus drives. Pick the option that fits your situation.
Gather documents. Collect the items listed above before you start the application.
Complete the online form. Fill every required field, upload documents, and re-check all entries for accuracy.
Save confirmation. Note submission IDs, save emails, and keep screenshots of uploaded documents.
Wait for review. Processing can take weeks. Respond quickly if the program asks for more information.
Receive the device. Approved applicants usually get a shipment or pick up the device from a local partner.

Programs Often Used

EBT/SNAP-linked nonprofit drives — targeted at low-income families and often K–12 students.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — mainly for internet, but some providers bundle a low-cost or free device.
College and campus programs — loaner laptops or grants for qualifying students.
State Medicaid pilot programs — some states run device programs tied to telehealth or long-term care.

Programs for Students

Some organizations focus on students (K–12 or college). If you have school-aged children or are a student, check foundations and school IT or financial aid offices first. Schools often prioritize education needs.

Rural Area Availability

Many programs operate nationwide, but availability and stock vary by location. Check program pages to confirm service in your county or state. Local nonprofits, libraries, and school districts often help rural applicants.

Applying to Multiple Programs

You may apply to more than one program. Each program typically issues only one free device per household or per person, so applying to several increases your odds but rarely results in multiple free laptops.

What to Do if Your Application Is Denied

Review the rejection reason. Programs usually state why an application was denied.
Correct missing or unclear documents. Resubmit clear copies if needed.
Ask customer service. Call or email the program to learn what you can fix.
Reapply later if rules change or when you meet any missing requirement.

Tips to Speed Approval

Use clear, readable scans (no photos of photos).
Enter contact info exactly as shown on ID and benefit letters.
Include a short cover note if a document might be unclear.
Apply early for limited device drives; they often run out quickly.

Quick Checklist (Before You Apply)

Medicaid card or official letter
Recent pay stubs or tax document
Photo ID (driver’s license/state ID)
Proof of address (utility bill or lease)
School enrollment (if applying as a student)
Email and phone number you check daily

Additional Programs and Benefits

Some laptop programs want you to be part of other help programs.

These programs include SNAP (food stamps), SSI (help for people with disabilities), or housing help.

If you are part of these programs, you might get more help when you apply for a free laptop.

This is because these programs also help people with low incomes.

Best Programs Offering Free Laptops for Medicaid Recipients

There are several programs in the United States that give free or cheap laptops to people on Medicaid.

Here are some of the best choices.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government program.

It gives discounts on internet and devices to people with low incomes.

People on Medicaid can use this program.

It gives free or very cheap laptops, tablets, and internet.

This program can help you get both a device and internet access.

Free Government Internet Service – Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

Eligibility: Must be on Medicaid or meet low-income rules. Household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
How to Apply: Apply online through the official website or an internet provider. You need proof of Medicaid, household income, and possibly your residence in a covered area.
Benefits: One-time discount for a laptop or tablet. Also provides discounts on internet service, making it a great option for both a device and internet access.

PCs for People

PCs for People is a group that does not make a profit.

They give free or cheap used laptops and desktop computers to people with low incomes.

Their goal is to help more people get technology.

They want to help close the gap between those who have computers and those who do not.

Eligibility: To get a free or cheap laptop from PCs for People, you must meet these rules:

You must get Medicaid or be in another government help program like SNAP or SSI. You must have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

How to Apply: To apply, go to the PCs for People website and fill out the online form.

You will need to show proof of income and Medicaid. You will also need to show who you are and where you live.

Benefits: PCs for People gives used laptops that work well.

They are good for students, people looking for jobs, and people who need a computer for basic tasks.
The computers already have the needed programs on them. The application is easy to do.

Are you eligible for a free or low-cost device?

We prioritize internet access and computers for people who need them most. To order through our program, you must either be enrolled in an income-based government benefit or meet the income threshold (under 200% of the Federal Poverty Level or 60% of Area Median Income). You’ll also need a photo ID and proof of benefits or income.

What you must provide

Photo ID — driver’s license, state ID, passport, veteran/student ID, or employer ID.
Proof of eligibility — choose one:
- Current enrollment in a qualifying assistance program (dated within the last 12 months), or
- Annual income documentation showing you meet the 200% FPL or 60% AMI limit.

Common qualifying programs
Medicaid/Medical Assistance, SNAP/WIC, SSI, SSD, TANF/GA, Head Start, LIHEAP, Section 8 / HUD programs, Federal Pell Grant, and school free/reduced lunch. If you use child-based documents (like free lunch or Medicaid), the name or address must match the photo ID.

Acceptable income documents
Prior year tax return, Social Security or VA benefit statements, pension/retirement statements, unemployment or workers’ comp statements, or official general assistance letters. Handwritten documents are not accepted.

Notes

You do not need to prove citizenship.
Benefit letters must show your full name and recent coverage date. Staff will review all submissions and may request extra documents to confirm eligibility.

How to submit

Upload documents when you place an order online.
Or email them to our verification team.

Have questions about what to send? Contact us and we’ll help you prepare the right documents.

EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn is a national gro up that does not make a profit. They help people with low incomes get affordable internet and computers. Their programs help close the gap between those who have technology and those who do not. They want to give people the tools they need to do well in today’s world.

Eligibility: People on Medicaid can get computers through EveryoneOn.

They must meet the program’s income rules.

The rules might be different in each state.

But usually, people must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.

How to Apply: You can apply for a free or cheap laptop on the EveryoneOn website. You put in your ZIP code.

Then, you will see local programs and help in your area.

You should be ready to show papers like proof of Medicaid and income.

Benefits: Through EveryoneOn, you can get cheap internet plans and low-cost computers.

Sometimes, they come together as a deal.

This program helps you get a laptop and also makes sure you can get internet.

The On It Foundation

The On It Foundation is a group that does not make a profit.

They give free laptops to students in grades K-12 from families with low incomes.

The group wants all students to have the technology they need to do well in school.

This is a good resource for families with school-aged children.

Eligibility: To receive a free computer from The On It Foundation, applicants must:
- Be a student in grades K-12.
- Attend a public school in the United States.
- Participate in the free or reduced school lunch program.
How to Apply: Parents or guardians should:
- Write a letter requesting a free computer, including:
  - Student’s name, age, grade, school name, address, and phone number.
  - Parent/guardian’s name, address, and phone number.
- Obtain a statement from the school, on official letterhead, confirming the student’s participation in the free or reduced lunch program.
- Mail both documents to:
  The On It Foundation
  Attn: Free Computer Application
  18520 NW 67th Avenue, Suite 186
  Miami, FL 33015
  Alternatively, documents can be emailed to Info@TheOnItFoundation.org, ensuring the letter includes an original signature and the school statement is on official letterhead.
Benefits: The On It Foundation provides:
- Free computers to eligible students, ensuring they have the necessary tools for schoolwork and online learning.
- Access to technology for students who may not have a computer at home, bridging the digital divide and supporting educational success.

Key Information You Need to Know

If you are thinking about applying for a free laptop, there are some important details to know.

Here is some information about these programs.

Costs Associated with Free Laptops

Most free laptop programs give laptops at little to no cost.

Some programs might ask for a small fee for sending the laptop or processing the application.

But this fee is usually much less than buying a new laptop.

This makes it more affordable for you.

New vs. Refurbished Laptops

Many free laptops from these programs are used.

This means they have been checked, fixed, and tested to make sure they work.

They are not brand new, but they work well for most things and are a good way to save money.

These laptops are still reliable for general use.

Using Free Laptops for School and Work

Free laptops are usually good for online school, working from home, applying for jobs, and basic internet use.

It is important to check the program details to make sure the laptop can do what you need it to do.

The laptops can be different from program to program.

Accessing Both a Laptop and Internet

Some programs, like the Affordable Connectivity Program, give free laptops and also cheap or free internet.

If you need both a laptop and internet, make sure the program you apply for gives both.

This can save you money on both devices and internet service.

Conclusion

A laptop is not a luxury — it’s a tool that opens doors to school, work, health care, and staying connected.
If you have Medicaid, you may qualify for device programs and internet bundles from ACP, Lifeline, PCs for People, EveryoneOn, or student-focused foundations.
Follow three simple steps: check your eligibility, gather clear proof (Medicaid card, income, ID, address), and complete the online application — save confirmations and follow up if asked.
If an application is denied, fix the problem (missing or unclear documents) and reapply or call the program’s support.
Look for local partners — libraries, schools, and nonprofits often help with applications and pickups.
Ready to get started? Run our quick eligibility check or contact your local program and take the first step toward the device you need.

FAQs:

Can I get a free laptop if I’m on Medicaid?

Yes! Medicaid folks can grab free or cheap laptops from government and nonprofit programs helping low-income families.

What programs offer free laptops?

Check out the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), PCs for People, EveryoneOn, and The On It Foundation—prime spots for Medicaid recipients!

How do I apply?

Simple! Verify your Medicaid and income status, pick a program, gather your docs (Medicaid proof, income, ID), and apply online. Done!

What documents do I need?

Three essentials: Medicaid proof (card/letter), income proof (pay stubs/tax returns), and ID (driver’s license). You’re good to go!

Can I get one if I’m not a student?

You bet! Programs like PCs for People and ACP hook up Medicaid users—students or not—with laptops for jobs, healthcare, and more.