There is no federal program that will mail you a free computer, and the closest thing that ever existed — the Affordable Connectivity Program’s one-time device discount — ended in June 2024 and has not been replaced. If you’re looking at how to get a free computer from the government in 2026, the realistic path runs through a small group of non-profit refurbishers that partner with public agencies, plus a few narrower programs for students, people with disabilities, and library patrons. Most require proof of low income or enrollment in a benefit program like SNAP or Medicaid, and some charge a small handling fee.
Non-Profits That Actually Give Out Computers
These organizations collect donated business-grade laptops and desktops, wipe and refurbish them, and send them to qualifying households. They aren’t government agencies, but several receive public funding or work directly with government benefit programs to verify eligibility.
PCs for People
PCs for People ships nationwide from multiple locations. You qualify if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or at or below 60% of your area median income. For a single person in 2026, that income cap is $31,920 per year.1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2026 Poverty Guidelines Enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or a similar program also qualifies you. Devices range from free to low-cost depending on availability.
Human-I-T
Human-I-T uses the same 200% income threshold and accepts proof of enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, public housing assistance, WIC, Head Start, or VA benefits. Documentation is strict: you need an actual benefit letter dated within the last six months, not just a benefits card, and pay stubs are not accepted as income proof. Approved recipients can also enroll in low-cost internet plans.
Compudopt
Compudopt refurbishes donated laptops and desktops and distributes them at organized giveaway events in the communities it serves.2Compudopt. Compudopt Availability depends on whether Compudopt operates in your area.
Computers with Causes
Computers with Causes focuses on students, teachers, seniors, foster homes, shelters, disabled veterans, and struggling military families. One caution applies to Compudopt and Computers with Causes both: receiving a free computer can count as a gift or additional property, which in some cases may affect means-tested benefits like TANF, SSI, or SSDI. If you receive those benefits, ask your caseworker before accepting a donated device.
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn doesn’t refurbish devices itself. It runs a database that matches low-income households with affordable internet plans and low-cost computers available in their zip code. If none of the programs above serve your area, EveryoneOn is a good place to check what does.
What You’ll Need to Apply
The rules overlap enough across programs that you can prepare one folder of documents and use it everywhere. Expect to provide:
- A government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license or state ID
- Proof of income or benefit enrollment
- Something confirming your address
For income, a prior-year tax return is commonly accepted. For benefit enrollment, most programs want an official benefit letter dated within the last six months. A plastic benefits card usually is not enough on its own.
The most common income cutoff is 200% of the federal poverty level. In 2026 that is $31,920 for a single person, $43,440 for a household of two, and roughly $7,000 more for each additional family member.1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2026 Poverty Guidelines Enrollment in any of the following programs typically qualifies you automatically:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance, including Section 8
- WIC
- Veterans pension or service-connected benefits
- Free or reduced-price school lunch program
Gather these before you start. Incomplete applications are the most common reason for delays.
What the Federal Government Still Does
The federal role in getting devices to individuals has shrunk. The Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, desktop, or tablet when the household paid $10 to $50 of the purchase price, stopped accepting new applications on February 7, 2024 and ended entirely on June 1, 2024.3Federal Communications Commission. Affordable Connectivity Program Bills to extend or replace it did not pass.4Congress.gov. The End of the Affordable Connectivity Program The Digital Equity Act, which would have funded state-level device programs, had its grants canceled in May 2025.
Three federal programs still touch this space, though none of them will simply send you a computer.
Lifeline (Internet, Not a Device)
Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for households at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or households enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, Veterans Pension Benefits, or certain Tribal assistance programs.5Federal Communications CommissionCommission. Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications Some Lifeline providers include a basic device with their plan, but this varies by carrier and is not guaranteed. Pairing a refurbished computer from one of the non-profits above with a Lifeline internet plan is how most eligible households end up fully connected.
Computers for Learning (For Schools, Not Individuals)
The federal government cycles through large quantities of computers, and Executive Order 12999 directs agencies to give schools and educational non-profits first pick of surplus equipment.6GovInfo. Executive Order 12999 – Educational Technology: Ensuring Opportunity for All Children in the Next Century The General Services Administration runs the transfer program at computersforlearning.gov. It is not open to individuals. To qualify, an organization must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c), serve some portion of the pre-K through 12th grade population, and operate primarily for educational purposes.7General Services Administration. Donations to Schools and Nonprofits If you volunteer with a qualifying school, that’s the channel to raise.
Vocational Rehabilitation (If You Have a Disability)
Every state runs a vocational rehabilitation agency funded jointly by federal and state dollars. VR helps people with disabilities find and keep employment, and assistive technology, including a computer, can be part of the individualized employment plan the agency writes with you. Eligibility requires having a disability that creates barriers to employment and a need for VR services to overcome them. After you apply, a counselor typically determines eligibility within 60 days. A computer isn’t automatic, but if your employment goal requires one and you can’t afford it, ask for it. Contact your state’s VR office to start.
A Stopgap: Library Laptop Lending
Many public library systems now lend laptops and Chromebooks the same way they lend books. Lending periods run from a few hours of in-branch use to several weeks of take-home borrowing. Some libraries also lend Wi-Fi hotspots. This won’t solve a permanent need, but it’s an immediate option with no application while you wait on a refurbished device. Policies vary by branch, so call your local library or check its website.
Avoid the Scams This Search Attracts
Searching for a free government computer puts you in front of a lot of fraud. The target audience is low-income and motivated, which is exactly what scammers look for.
No legitimate program will ask you to pay a processing fee upfront through a gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency. If a site promises a free government laptop but wants your credit card number or Social Security number before you’ve verified the organization exists, close the tab. Real government websites end in .gov or .mil, and real non-profits have 501(c)(3) status you can verify through the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search.8Federal Trade Commission. Tech Support Scams
Be skeptical of pop-up ads, social media posts, and unsolicited emails saying you’ve been “selected.” The FTC does not employ agents who contact consumers, and most federal agencies do not cold-call people about benefits.8Federal Trade Commission. Tech Support Scams Suspected fraud can be reported at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, which feeds a law enforcement database used to build cases against repeat offenders.9Federal Trade Commission. ReportFraud.ftc.gov Before you send documents anywhere, check the organization’s physical address, call its listed phone number, and confirm its non-profit status independently.