There is no federal program that will mail you a free laptop. The closest thing, the Affordable Connectivity Program, ended on June 1, 2024, and Congress has not replaced it.1Federal Communications Commission. Affordable Connectivity Program So the practical answer to how to get a free laptop from the government is that you probably won’t get one directly, but you can get a working computer at little or no cost through a mix of nonprofit refurbishers, public libraries, school district lending, and, if you run a school or educational nonprofit, a federal surplus program. Each path is covered below, along with what it actually delivers and how to avoid the scams that have filled the vacuum the ACP left behind.
Why the “Free Government Laptop” You’ve Seen Advertised Doesn’t Exist
The ACP gave eligible households up to a $100 discount on a laptop, desktop, or tablet with a required co-payment of $10 to $50, plus up to $30 per month toward internet service. It stopped accepting new enrollments on February 7, 2024, and all benefits ended that June.1Federal Communications Commission. Affordable Connectivity Program
As of 2026, no legislation has restored the ACP. The Digital Equity Act, which had authorized federal grants to states for programs that included device distribution, was canceled in May 2025 before most states could fully implement their plans.2American Library Association. FAQ: Cancellation of the Digital Equity Act Grant Programs If a website tells you that you can still apply for a free federal laptop, it is either out of date or a scam.
One federal program is still worth naming so you can rule it in or out. Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 toward phone or internet service ($34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands), but the FCC explicitly does not subsidize any hardware through it, including computers.3Federal Communications Commission. Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications Useful for getting online once you have a device; useless for getting the device itself.
Nonprofits That Provide Low-Cost or Free Refurbished Computers
Several national nonprofits refurbish donated computers and distribute them based on income or program participation. Prices are far below retail, and some devices are provided at no cost depending on inventory and local partnerships. These are refurbished machines suitable for browsing, email, video calls, and document work, not for demanding software.
PCs for People
PCs for People sells refurbished laptops and desktops to individuals whose household income is below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or who participate in a government assistance program. You’ll need a photo ID and documentation of income or program enrollment. Orders can be placed online and shipped directly.4PCs for People. Eligibility
Human-I-T
Human-I-T offers laptops starting at $139, each with a one-year warranty and a year of free tech support. Eligibility is based on low-income status, verified through documentation from programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or the National School Lunch Program. There are no credit checks.5Human-I-T. Low-Cost Computers for Families In-Need
EveryoneOn
EveryoneOn doesn’t hand out devices itself. It runs an Offer Locator Tool that connects you with low-cost computer offers and internet service in your area by partnering with providers and refurbishers.6EveryoneOn. Low-Cost Offers If the two options above don’t fit, start here to see what local partners exist.
Free Laptop and Computer Access Through Public Libraries
Public libraries are the fastest free option. Most systems provide desktop computers for patron use at no charge, and a growing number lend laptops. Some allow only in-building use with roughly two-hour sessions; others permit multi-week home checkouts. Rules and inventory vary by system.
Library access won’t solve a permanent device need, but if you need a computer today for a job application, a benefits portal, or coursework, a library card gets you a screen while you pursue a longer-term option.
Free Laptops From Your Child’s School
If you have children in public school, the district may already provide a Chromebook or laptop at no cost. Many districts built one-to-one device programs during the pandemic using federal emergency education funding and have kept them running. Devices are usually assigned for the school year, must be returned at the end of the term, and are meant for educational use.
Call your child’s school to ask about their lending policy. Some districts issue devices to every student automatically; others prioritize families without a computer at home. If you declined a device at enrollment, you can typically request one later.
Computers for Learning: A Federal Program, But Not for Individuals
The Computers for Learning program, run by the General Services Administration, transfers surplus federal computer equipment to schools and nonprofit educational organizations at no cost.7General Services Administration. CFL Home Individual families cannot apply. Teachers, administrators, and educational nonprofits can register on the GSA site to request equipment, which consists of whatever agencies are decommissioning. If you’re a parent, it’s worth asking whether your child’s school participates.
How to Spot “Free Government Laptop” Scams
The end of the ACP created fertile ground for fraud. Because people are searching for programs that no longer exist, fake offers spread through social media, texts, and search ads.
Legitimate government benefit programs never charge upfront fees, processing costs, or ask for your bank account or credit card number to “reserve” a device. An unsolicited call, email, or message promising a free laptop with no application is a scam. Real programs require a formal application and eligibility verification.
Be careful with websites that mimic government branding but don’t use a .gov domain. Some use official-sounding names and copied agency logos. Before you share personal information, confirm the program on a real .gov site. If you’re unsure, call the FCC at 1-888-225-5322.
Report fraudulent offers to the Federal Trade Commission at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.8Federal Trade Commission. Report Fraud Scammers also impersonate the FTC itself; the agency will never threaten you, tell you to move money for safekeeping, or instruct you to withdraw cash or buy gold.