This article aims to provide information on How to Get Free Laptop with EBT, as the internet is crucial in accessing knowledge and information in today’s world. The fact is that many low-income families need help to afford to buy laptops or tablets, so they are left out of the tech world.
A laptop is an indispensable part of modern life in this age of digital connectivity. Nowadays, laptops are more of a necessity than a luxury, giving you access to almost any type of information and unlimited opportunities in the digital world. A laptop makes all the difference in the world, regardless of whether you’re searching for a job, completing college assignments, planning a vacation, or researching a report for work.
Why Do People Need a Free Laptop?
Nowadays, certain electronic devices have become a basic necessity due to the technological age we live in. We have become heavily dependent on cell phones, tablets, laptops, and computers in the last few years. Our dependence on these devices has increased even more due to the pandemic.
It became necessary for students and children to use laptops or other computers for education purposes (accessing virtual classrooms, writing assignments, reading study materials, etc.). Workers used laptops to work and unemployed people to look for employment. In addition to staying connected with loved ones, browsing the internet, and enjoying entertainment, laptops also play a crucial role in our lives.
It is still difficult for some households to afford laptops, even though some are relatively affordable. Even so, their need for them is at least as great as ours. Due to the government’s awareness of this issue, it has developed a government assistance program that can assist low-income families with getting laptops for free.
What is EBT?
The acronym EBT stands for Electronic Business Transactions. The term refers to the electronic transfer of benefits. A magnetically encoded payment card, known as an EBT card, is issued by the state welfare department to subscribers who cannot afford groceries.
Food Stamps, or SNAP, which is nowadays officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is administered via the EBT system and card for low-income people. SNAP subscribers can use their government-funded benefits to pay for groceries (food items exclusively) using the EBT system and card. If a user uses an EBT card in an authorized retail store, their SNAP account will be debited to cover the purchases made with the card.
Can I get a Free Laptop With EBT?
Here’s the main question. In addition to providing free food, SNAP or EBT does not directly provide free laptops to its subscribers. However, the Food Stamps program participants qualify for other government assistance programs, like Lifeline.
Further, Food Stamps holders are eligible for the newly launched Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that assists in purchasing monthly internet service and connected devices, such as laptops, launched during the pandemic.
The EBT program allows you to receive a free laptop through the ACP program, and if you qualify for the ACP program due to Food Stamp participation, you can receive a free laptop through the ACP program.
Free Laptop with EBT
Students and workers nowadays need laptops to stay productive. Nevertheless, not everyone can afford to purchase an expensive device. Low-income families in the United States can now fulfill their needs with the help of a government program called EBT.
The state welfare department offers an electronic benefits transfer program called EBT. An EBT card will be provided to people who previously received Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for purchasing non-edible items such as household supplies, cosmetics, medicine, and supplements.
Additionally, participants who qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will automatically be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline. They will receive monthly internet services, laptops, and phones for their EBT benefits.
Eligibility criteria for a Free Laptop with EBT
EBT laptops are available for free to those who meet the following criteria:
- It is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible for the program. According to the guidelines, the household’s monthly income should not exceed 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- It is recommended that participants work at least 30 hours per week, which can include students, caregivers, people in drug rehabilitation, etc.
- There should be at least $2000 in every household’s bank account, and households with seniors and disabled persons should have at least $3500.
- Immigrants living in the United States must be able to participate in SNAP legally.
- Have previously participated in SNAP or Lifeline programs provided by the government.
If you are interested in getting a free laptop, you must provide the following documents:
- Income proof
- Driving license
- U.S. Passport
- Permanent resident alien card
- Naturalization certificate
- I.D. issued by the government, military, or state of the United States
- Documents proving citizenship, birth, permanent residence, or social security number
- Proof of participation in other government-provided programs
How to apply for a Free Laptop with EBT?
Applicants must use their SNAP membership cards to qualify for EBT benefits. A certain amount of money will be provided to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients under the EBT program. A free laptop won’t be given away, but you can get a big discount when you buy a new one.
Here is how to apply for a free laptop with EBT –
- If you are eligible for the program, open a web browser and complete the verification process on the National Verifier website.
- You will receive a confirmation message after clicking on the EBT button on the SNAP website.
- Ensure you include all the required details in your application form, including your name, address, city, state, and zip code.
- Attach a soft copy of the required documents and click submit.
Some Free Laptop Providers with EBT
Several organizations provide free laptops for low-income families & individuals and households. Some of these organizations receive government support to provide laptops to deserving people, but donors and charity drives usually back them. The following organizations give away free laptops:
Computers With Causes
The Computers with Causes organization provides laptop computers to needy students, older adults, foster children, shelter children, veterans, and military families. For the laptops to truly low-income people, they have a strict qualification process with background checks. They may take weeks to contact you after you apply since they have no staff and rely on volunteers. You can reapply if you have yet to hear back after a month.
PCs For People
The PCs for People non-profit provides refurbished laptops to deserving individuals and families through donations. The organization also provides its recipients with free internet and technical support and the laptops they give away. Furthermore, they provide digital skills to enhance people’s potential opportunities while they use the laptops for free.
National Cristina Foundation
Providing modern technology to low-income people is the mission of the National Cristina Foundation. Students and people with disabilities are helped to become skilled by the National Cristina Foundation, which provides technology and training. Their offices are spread across the country and offer 20 hours of training to teach first-time P.C. users how to use them.
Alliance for Technology Refurbishment and Reuse (AFTRR)
It also refurbishes old discarded laptops from donations and charities and gives them away to individuals and families in need as free laptops. In its 30 years, the AFTRR has helped utilize technology grants more effectively by refurbishing used devices rather than buying new ones. AFTRR’s free laptop giveaways are open to EBT recipients using their SNAP certificates.
Human I-T
It is Human I-T that provides services for the ACP program. The discount applies to laptops as well as monthly internet services. The application form can be found at human-i-t.org/acp, and you will be notified if you are selected.
On It Foundation
On It Foundation provides laptops to deserving and needy individuals with its mission to extend technology opportunities to those who lack them. They also offer low-income families and students free laptop repair and 20 hours of internet training. A free laptop may also be given to a parent whose child attends a school that provides free/low-priced lunch.
Is There Another Way to Receive a Free Laptop?
If you do not qualify for SNAP, EBT cannot provide you with a free laptop. A free laptop can, however, be obtained in other ways, including:
- An organization that is charitable or non-profit. Many organizations provide free laptops to people in need, including those listed above, Adaptive.org, With Causes, Freecycle, etc.
- Church.
- Library.
- School or college.
FAQs
Can I Get a Free Phone with EBT?
Yes. If you participate in SNAP or EBT, you will also be eligible for Lifeline Assistance Program, which provides free phones to those who qualify.
How do I apply for the EBT free tablet program?
The EBT free tablet program can be applied in several ways. Online applications can be filled out at the website. You can also contact an agent by calling the number on the website. You can visit a local office if you want to fill out an application in person.
Can I Get a Free Laptop With EBT?
There are government programs that will provide you with a free laptop. If you want to apply, please visit their website and review their terms and conditions. It is only possible to qualify for the EBT program if the application is complete or contains the correct information.
Conclusion
An EBT card allows people who receive food stamps or other government assistance from purchasing food and other necessities. Earlier, we discussed the detailed process of obtaining free tablets using EBT cards. It’s easy to get yours if you follow the steps. Before proceeding, understand all the terms, conditions, and factors.