Around 19.7 millionhouse holds in the U.S. don’t have computers, which is around 13-14% of the whole country. (Source: benton.org). Around one household in 4 don’t have access to computers or laptops (Source: PCsforPeople). This is a large number, and not having a computer or laptop makes it tough for people to connect to healthcare, job opportunities, community benefits, and government services. People of low-income households in rural areas are the ones being affected the most. So, if you are one of those, then I have some amazing news for you, as you can get a free laptop with government assistance programs. So, let’s delve into it.
What is EBT / Food Stamps?
EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) is a system that provides government assistance and benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) /food stamps via a debit card to eligible low-income households. If you are receiving SNAP benefits, then you might already be eligible and have the card. The benefits are transferred each month digitally into the account. It functions just like a debit card for everyday purchases.
How to Get A Free Laptop With EBT?
If you get SNAP benefits or have an EBT card, then you are most probably eligible for other benefits as well. Having an EBT card can make you eligible for multiple government support programs automatically.
Check the Eligibility Criteria:
If you are enrolled in SNAP, then there is a big possibility that you are eligible for a free government laptop with EBT. To get a free laptop with EBT, you first need to ensure that you are eligible or not. The eligibility criteria are mentioned below. Or you can also visit their official website to know more about the program in depth.
1. Program-Based Eligibility Criteria:
If you or anyone in your household is enrolled in the government assistance program from any one of the following, then you are eligible:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
- Medicaid
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (income-qualifying households)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits
- Tribal TANF
2) Income-Based Eligibility Criteria:
If the household income is below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or even equal, then you are eligible for the federal lifeline program to get a free laptop with EBT.
Apply for a Free Laptop Online:
- Once you’ve checked the eligibility, you have to choose a reputable and trusted provider for that. There are plenty of them, like Assurance Wireless, TagMobile,, and AirTalk. All of them qualify under the Federal Lifeline Program.
- One thing that you should keep in mind is that amongst all of them, only AirTalk is the one thatassures the availability of laptops in your area.
- After selecting FCC-Authorized providers or even checking non-profit programs like PC for people, you have to go on their website and now select the device option that is available as per your area and state.
- The next step is that you have to upload the documents, like proof of enrollment in any of the government programs mentioned above in the eligibility criteria. You have to upload the EBT card (Hide the number), Award letter, Proof of address, and proof of identity, A government-issued photo ID, and recent utility bills or any lease that match that same address that you provided.
Submit your application:
Once you choose a trusted provider, a device option, a package, check the availability criteria, and upload the documents, make sure that you fill everything correctly and choose the right options as per your area. After evaluating, submit your application and wait for review. Once the application is reviewed and accepted, you will receive your device at your home within a few days.
Different States Where You Can Easily Get free government laptop with EBT
All the programs mentioned below mentioned programs accept the EBT card.
Texas:
You can apply for a free laptop with EBT in Texas with AirTalk, Tech For Troops, and Compudopt. You can get a free laptop with an EBT card,, as these programs accept EBT cards. But you have to check their websites and contact them for further information.
California:
Free laptop with EBT in California is possible with SmartRiverside Digital Inclusion, PCs for People, and EveryoneOn Bay Area Giveaways.
Florida:
You can apply for a free laptop with EBT in Florida with The On It Foundation and PCs for People.
Michigan
Getting a free laptop with EBT in Michigan is also very easy with ConnectHomeUSA, EveryoneOn, as they offer low-cost devices.
Chicago
Connect Chicago and Compudopt Chicago are two of the most promising options to get a free laptop with EBT in Chicago.
Georgia
For getting a free laptop with EBT in georgia applicants can easily connect to PCs for People, and Tech Goes Home, as they accept the EBT card.
Ohio
If you are in Ohio and want a free laptop with EBT in ohio then Ohio ACP Device Vouchers and PCs for people are the two best options you should consider.
How to check if your state offers the program.
If your state isn’t in the list,, then you should search for a free laptop with EBT near me, and you have to search your state to ensure that your state is in the program or not. You can check on the provider’s website by putting your ZIP code and then searching for it. Free laptops for low-income people might not be available in every state. Or there might be other devices than laptops in some states or areas.
What are the best possible laptops that you should expect in 2025-26
- Acer Aspire 1 Features 14″ inch display, dual-core N4500, a good option for students and job seekers.
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 3 Features: Touch screen of 11.6 inches, 4 GB RAM, and an incredible 10-hour battery. Great for students and entry-level tasks.
- Dell Latitude 3190 Features: It flips to a tablet and has a long eight-hour battery backup,which makes it ideal for kids.
- HP Stream 14 Features: 4 GB RAM, 64 GB eMMC; runs Windows 11 in S-mode. Good for resumes and Zoom.
- Lenovo IdeaPad 3 (14″ Inch) Features: 8 GB RAM model,,s which is a great option for basic usage, and even college students can use it to make it projects and presentations.
FAQs:
Are the free laptops safe and reliable?
YES, Absolutely, the free government laptops with EBT are completely safe. But it is better that you should run antivirus software after getting one, and update it for better performance.
How much does it cost for my application for approval?
The eligibility checking is automated, so on business days it might just take a few minutes, around half an hour. But some providers check the requests manually and that is why it might take weeks. And the applicant gets the email in case of approval or rejection.
Can I select a specific model of the laptop?
It depends on the provider and the options available. Once you enter your area there will be a list of available inventory options for you. So, you can select the model you want from this. Or you can comment while submitting the application for the specific model you consider. And the provider will review and respond accordingly.
Conclusion:
You can get free government laptop with EBT/ Food stamps after checking the eligibility criteria. If you are eligible then you need to choose a trusted and reliable provider and visit their website and put your area to check the available options. Then you have to choose the device upload the required documents and submit the application. Lastly, you have to wait for he application approval. And once it is approved then the applicant will get the device within some days.
