EBT, or Electronic Benefit Transfer, is a card-based system that helps people already receiving government assistance through SNAP (food stamps) or TANF (cash assistance) to buy things.
While EBT is offered for basic needs, some NGOs, government-sponsored or private, may help diminish the digital divide between haves and have-nots.
Currently, no government program promises a free electronic device, such as a laptop with an EBT card. However, with an EBT card, you can avail some discounts while buying the device.
In this article, we’ll explain how to get a free laptop with EBT.
Programs that offer subsidised products with EBT
As explained earlier, there are no direct government programs to buy laptops with an EBT card. However, the following programs and NGOs do offer subsidies to selected individuals.
Government programs
Here are some government programs that offer subsidies on electronic products:
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
This program was launched in 2021 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) with the primary objective of providing low-income households with an internet connection. Under this program, you can avail a subsidy of $30 for broadband services and a one-time subsidy of up to $100 for a laptop, PC or tablet.
To qualify for the ACP subsidy, the individual must possess all the eligibility criteria required for the SNAP program such as income below 200% of the federal poverty level.
As this program is scheduled to stop on February 7, 2024, you can apply on the getinternet.gov portal.
ConnectHomeUSA
This government program was initiated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the objective of providing subsidised internet connectivity and electronic devices to low-income households living in HUD-assisted housing complexes.
To qualify for this program, you must be living in a HUD housing property and must be a low-income individual.
Head over to ConnectHomeUSA’s website to apply.
Non profit organisations
Several non-profits are also working to provide subsidised electronic goods to low-income households. These are some of the primary ones:
PCs for people
This nonprofit organization donates refurbished laptops and other gadgets for low prices. To qualify for this program, you have to be a low-income household member and be participating in government programs like SNAP.
Other eligibility criteria are the same as the SNAP program. You can order the laptop online or visit their brick-and-mortar centre.
FreeGeek
FreeGeek is another NGO that provides refurbished electronic products to low-income individuals through public donations or public drop-offs.
Also read: How to get free 5G government phones in USA?
How to apply for a free laptop with EBT?
The application process for a free laptop with EBT may vary depending on the program or NGO. However, here are some general steps that you can follow:
- Check your eligibility: The first step that you should take is to check your eligibility for the program. Also, check out the necessary documents that you may need, such as an EBT card, income statement or other documents.
- Find a provider or partner: After checking the eligibility, you may need to find the provider for the internet or laptop.
- Fill out the application: Next, fill out the application form and request a laptop, including the device preference.
When you are done, you may need to go to the store, office, or NGO centre to get the laptop.
Also read: Fix: Pulsing green light on Alexa but no incoming call
Tips to get a free laptop with EBT
Here are some tips to get a free laptop with EBT:
- Apply as soon as possible: Some programs have only a limited window and limited window. As such you should apply as soon as possible.
- Compare different programs: Some programs offer better benefits than others. Hence, you should compare and contrast different programs.
- Carefully follow the instructions: You should follow all the instructions carefully and properly upload or submit the documents that are required. Also, keep all the documents as a copy with yourself so that you can present them if some problem arises.
In conclusion, getting a free laptop with EBT is quite easy and other are many government programs and NGOs working in this direction. Check out the details that we have provided in the article to avail the benefits.
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