A laptop is an urgent need even for people who can not easily afford to buy one. Different people face different realities due to lost income, joblessness, or a business that shut down. In a modern and more connected world, it is almost impossible to get through a day without the use of internet. Families need laptops for their children’s education for finding and applying to government assistance program, for remote work and for basic access to information.
For many years, the fastest answer to how do I get a laptop with EBB program? The answer was the federal EBB program. Then the program that replaced it is the Affordable Connectivity Program. Those programs offered a one-time discount toward a device along with a monthly discount on internet service.
That is the part of this guide that has changed the most. The ACP ended on June 1 in 2024 and as of 2026 it has not been restored. The good news is that getting an affordable laptop is still very possible now. It just works differently now and mostly through nonprofit refurbished and separate low-cost internet programs rather than a single federal benefit. Below we explain exactly what happened to the EBB and ACP program, how to get a laptop in 2026, who qualifies and what documents you need and where to go.
Ways to get a laptop in 2026
With no single federal device benefit, getting an affordable laptop today comes down to three overlapping paths. Most people combine two of them.
Nonprofit refurbished: Organizations like PCs for People, Human IT, Compudopt, collect donated computers professionally wipe and test them and provide them free or at very low cost to income eligible households. This is now the most reliable way to get an actual device.
Low-Cost internet program: Because the ACP’s monthly internet discount gone, you can still get affordable internet through the federal Lifeline Program and it comes from internet providers own low-income plans.
Category specific and local help: Schools, libraries and community centers and programs aimed at students, seniors, veterans and children in foster care often have their own device programs or local laptops.
Lifeline: Lifeline is the FCC’s long running subsidy and it is the federal program that survived. It provides a discount of $9.25 per month on home internet or phone service (up to $34.25 per month on qualifying tribal lands)
Organizations that provide free or low-cost laptops
These groups are still active in 2026 and are among the most reliable places to get a device. You can always visit their website for the latest eligibility rules and inventory.
PCs for people
PCs for people is a national nonprofit that collect, refurbishes and distributes laptops to low-income households. It offers transparent and national eligibility. You typically qualify if your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or you participate in a program like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Human I-T
It is a non-profit organization that focuses on closing the digital divide by providing low-cost devices, internet service, mobile hotspots and digital skill support to income eligible households. They currently have programs and offer one-on help finding affordable internet in your area.
Compudopt
This organization provides genuinely refurbished computers with updated version. Availability depends on events in your area and you can check their website for its current schedule and locations.
One Degree
One degree is a technology driven nonprofit that helps low-income families in the United States of America. One degree still remains a useful hub for locating current device and internet programs in your community.
Computers with causes
Computer with causes is a nonprofit organization that helps bridge the technology gap for people in need. Their program work based on donated computers and gifts refurbished devices to low-income families, families in foster care, students and the elderly and disabled.
The On It Foundation
This organization is based in Florida and it helps low families with school age children by providing a free refurbished computer along with computer training and ongoing support. It is a good option for families focused on their children education.
Freecycle
Freecycle is a non-profit organization built around reusing items in stead of throwing them away. Members give away things they no longer need. You sing up, watch your local group and post what you are looking for.
Notebooks for students
This organization is based in California and Notebooks for students provides affordable, dependable, refurbished laptops aimed at students who need a reliable machine for coursework, online classes and research.
Local Charities
Local charities and community organizations often distribute donated laptops. You reach these local charities and explain your situation on why you need a laptop.
Manufacturer and Retailer Discounts
You can spend a little as several manufactures offer meaningful discounts especially for students and teachers. For example, Dell runs student and back to school discounts that can make a capable laptop much more affordable. Lenovo offers student and teacher pricing during to back to school sales across a wide range of models. Microsoft does not give away laptops but its store regular discount surface devices and other models.
Eligibility Requirement for free laptop
Every program sets its own rules but the qualifying standards are similar across non-profit organization and internet plans. You generally qualify on different ways such as below
By Income: Most non-profit organizations laptop program set the ceiling at 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Some may set 135% or 150% and it varies based on the organization. You always check specific programs current chart before apply.
Program participation: You receive certain benefits and you can skip income verification entirely. Your enrollment provides that you meet the threshold. Commonly accepted programs include
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- WIC
- The National School Lunch Program
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits
- A federal Pell Grant during the current award year
Final Verdict
Having a laptop is no longer luxury and it is an essential need for education, work and staying connected. The most dependable path today is to get a refurbished laptop from trusted nonprofit like PCs for people, Human IT and to pair it with affordable internet through Lifeline and your providers low-income plans. If you are students, seniors, veterans, you can check the program aimed specifically at them.