Looking for a way to get a free laptop and affordable internet? PCs for People is here to help! This nonprofit offers eligible individuals and families the chance to bridge the digital divide with free or low-cost laptops and reliable 4G LTE internet. Whether you’re a student, job seeker, or just need to stay connected, our step-by-step guide will show you how to apply, what laptops are available, and how you can benefit from their ongoing programs—even after the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to get connected!
Key Takeaways:
- PCs for People offers free or low-cost laptops and internet to eligible individuals.
- Refurbished and new laptop models include popular brands like Dell, HP, and Lenovo.
- Affordable 4G LTE internet plans with unlimited data are available for $15 monthly.
- Although the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended, government assistance through Lifeline and PCs for People’s initiatives continues to provide valuable resources.
Apply today and make the most of the digital tools that can empower you to succeed!
What is PCs for People?
PCs for People is a nonprofit organization that aims to close the digital divide by providing low-income individuals low-cost technology and internet services. Since 1998, the organization has distributed thousands of computers and internet solutions to people across the United States. PCs for People works with government programs, donors, and community partners to make technology accessible to those most need it. Even though the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in July 2024, PCs for People continues to offer its own programs that support low-income families, ensuring they have access to both hardware and connectivity.
How Does the PCs for People Free Laptop & Internet Program Work?
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility Before you can apply for a free laptop or low-cost internet through PCs for People, you need to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Income-based Eligibility: Your household income must be below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. For example, if you’re a family of four, your total annual household income should be less than $60,000.
- Government Assistance: You qualify if you participate in government assistance programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 Housing, or Veterans Pension Benefits. Even without the ACP, these programs can still help you qualify for PCs for People.
If you meet any of these criteria, you are likely eligible to receive a free laptop and discounted internet.
Step 2: Submit Your Application To apply for a free laptop or discounted internet, follow these simple steps:
- Visit the PCs for People website: Go to their official website, where you can find the application portal.
- Create an account: Sign up with your personal information and create an account.
- Upload documentation: You’ll need to provide proof of eligibility, such as a government-issued ID and documentation of your participation in one of the qualifying programs.
- Submit your application: After uploading your documents, complete the application and submit it. PCs for People will review your application and respond within a few business days.
Step 3: Receive Your Laptop Once your application is approved, you will either receive a voucher or be able to order your free or discounted laptop directly from the PCs for People website. The organization offers both new and refurbished laptops to eligible individuals, giving you options based on your needs.
Top New & Refurbished Laptop Models Available from PCs for People
PCs for People works with generous donors and technology companies to provide both new and refurbished laptops. Here’s a look at some of the models you can expect:
Dell Latitude 3410 (Refurbished)
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Why it’s great: Reliable performance with fast SSD storage, perfect for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, and light productivity work.
HP Chromebook 14 (New)
- Processor: Intel Celeron
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 64GB eMMC
- Operating System: Chrome OS
- Why it’s great: Lightweight and ideal for students, this Chromebook provides easy access to Google Apps and cloud storage.
Lenovo ThinkPad T440 (Refurbished)
- Processor: Intel Core i5
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 240GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 10 Pro
- Why it’s great: Known for its durability, this model is perfect for individuals who need a reliable device for work and personal use.
Acer Aspire 5 (New)
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 3
- RAM: 4GB
- Storage: 128GB SSD
- Operating System: Windows 11
- Why it’s great: A budget-friendly laptop with modern features, ideal for light multitasking, web browsing, and basic productivity.
PCs for People Internet Plans
While getting a laptop is essential, having internet access is equally important. PCs for People offers affordable internet plans through their partners. They provide a 4G LTE connection with unlimited data—yes, unlimited! Here’s how you can get connected:
Check Coverage: PCs for People’s internet service is available in most areas of the U.S. To check if they cover your area, visit their website and enter your zip code.
Choose a Plan: PCs for People offers multiple low-cost internet plans, starting as low as $15 per month for eligible individuals. Here are the options:
- Monthly Plan: $15/month for unlimited data.
- 6-Month Plan: $75 for six months of service.
- 12-Month Plan: $135 for one year of service.
Receive Your Equipment: After selecting your plan, you’ll receive a 4G LTE modem shipped directly to your home. You can connect up to 10 devices at once, making it perfect for families and households.
Activate Your Internet: Once you have the modem, follow the instructions to activate your service, and you’ll be online in minutes.
Government Programs and PCs for People: What’s Still Available?
While the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in July 2024, several government programs still work hand-in-hand with PCs for People to provide affordable technology solutions. Here’s how they tie in:
- Lifeline Program: Lifeline is a federal program that helps low-income individuals pay for phone or internet service. Even though ACP is no longer available, Lifeline continues providing a monthly broadband service discount.
- PCs for People’s Own Programs: The organization has its own initiatives independent of the government, allowing it to offer free or discounted laptops and internet without the need for ACP.
By leveraging these programs, PCs for People ensures that you can stay connected even after the discontinuation of the ACP.
FAQ on PCs for People
1. What documents do I need to apply for a free laptop from PCs for People?
To apply for a free or discounted laptop through PCs for People, you’ll need to provide documentation proving your eligibility. This typically includes:
- A valid government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license or passport).
- Proof of enrollment in a qualifying government assistance program (like Medicaid, SNAP, or Section 8 Housing).
- Proof of income showing your household falls under the 200% Federal Poverty Level, such as tax returns or recent pay stubs.
Once you gather these documents, upload them during the application process on the PCs for People website. This step is crucial to ensure your eligibility and speed up the approval process.
2. Are the laptops from PCs for People good for online learning or remote work?
Yes, the laptops provided by PCs for People, whether new or refurbished, are perfectly suited for online learning and remote work. Most of the laptops come with reliable specifications like Intel Core i5 processors, 8GB of RAM, and SSD storage. These specs are more than enough for tasks like video conferencing, word processing, and using online platforms such as Google Classroom or Zoom.
For students, professionals, or anyone working from home, the laptops from PCs for People offer a great balance of affordability and performance. Refurbished models, like the Lenovo ThinkPad or Dell Latitude, are built to handle daily productivity tasks and are known for their durability and longevity.
3. Is the internet service from PCs for People fast enough for streaming or gaming?
The internet service offered by PCs for People is designed primarily for basic online activities, like browsing the web, checking emails, and attending virtual meetings. It runs on a 4G LTE network, and while the connection is fast enough for tasks like streaming videos on platforms like YouTube or Netflix, it may not be ideal for high-end gaming or intensive 4K streaming.
However, for most households needing a solid connection for general internet use, including online classes or work meetings, PCs for People’s affordable internet plans are sufficient. Just keep in mind that the quality of your connection might depend on the network coverage in your area.
4. Can I get both a laptop and internet service from PCs for People?
Yes! PCs for People offers both laptops and internet services, and you can apply for both if you meet the eligibility criteria. Many individuals and families benefit from receiving both a refurbished laptop and affordable 4G LTE internet service, allowing them to stay connected for work, school, or personal use.
The process for applying for both is simple: just fill out the applications for each service on their website, upload the necessary documentation, and PCs for People will take care of the rest. You could receive a laptop shipped to your home along with a 4G LTE modem, giving you complete access to the digital world.
5. What happens if my laptop from PCs for People stops working?
If your laptop from PCs for People experiences issues, they offer support to help resolve problems. While warranty coverage varies depending on the laptop model and whether it’s new or refurbished, you can usually expect a short warranty period for refurbished devices. For technical issues, you can contact their customer support team, who can guide you through troubleshooting steps or offer replacement options if necessary.
It’s a good idea to review the warranty information that comes with your laptop to understand what’s covered and how long the coverage lasts. Many refurbished laptops from PCs for People are inspected and tested, but in the rare case that something goes wrong, help is just a call or email away.
Conclusion: How to Get Your Free Laptop and Internet
PCs for People has proven to be an invaluable resource for low-income individuals and families. Even with the Affordable Connectivity Program no longer available, their own programs and partnerships with government services like Lifeline continue to provide access to the tools needed for success in today’s digital age.
If you meet the eligibility requirements, don’t wait—apply today and take the first step towards bridging the digital divide. Whether it’s for education, job searching, or staying connected with family, PCs for People offers the support you need to stay connected and move forward.