There is no federal program giving out a free government laptop to individuals in 2026. The Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered a one-time device discount of up to $100, ran out of money and shut down on June 1, 2024.1Federal Communications Commission. Affordable Connectivity Program Has Ended – FAQs The Digital Equity Act’s $2.75 billion in state grants was terminated in May 2025. What still works: nonprofit refurbishers that hand out low-cost or free laptops to people on government benefits, federal surplus auctions where used machines sell cheap, and Lifeline for your monthly internet bill.
The Federal Device Programs Are Gone
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was the closest thing to a federal laptop benefit for individuals. Eligible households could get up to $100 off a laptop or tablet purchased through a participating internet provider, with a $10 to $50 copay. Applications closed on February 8, 2024, and the benefit ended June 1, 2024, after Congress declined to add funding.1Federal Communications Commission. Affordable Connectivity Program Has Ended – FAQs No replacement exists.
The Digital Equity Act, which had funded state-level device distribution and digital-skills programs, met the same fate. In May 2025, the administration terminated all three of its grant programs, and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration notified states that costs incurred after May 9, 2025, would not be reimbursed. Some states had approved implementation plans but never received the money to distribute anything.
If a website in 2026 says you can still apply for a $100 federal laptop discount or a Digital Equity Act device, it is either outdated or a scam.
Nonprofit Refurbishers: The Realistic Path
With the federal device programs gone, nonprofits are the main source of affordable computers for low-income households. Groups like PCs for People and Human-I-T take donated corporate and government machines, refurbish them, and pass them to qualifying individuals. Eligibility usually mirrors federal standards: household income below 200% of the federal poverty level, or current enrollment in a program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
These are not new laptops. Expect refurbished business-grade machines, often two to four years old, with a clean operating system installed. Some organizations charge a small fee, typically $0 to $75 depending on the device, and some ship them free. You’ll need a photo ID and a document proving income or program participation, both of which most groups accept online. Delivery is usually by mail.
Local options often exist too. Libraries, community action agencies, and workforce development centers in many areas run device programs, sometimes funded by leftover state money or private grants. Calling 211, the United Way’s helpline, will connect you with technology assistance programs in your area.
Buying a Surplus Government Laptop
Federal agencies retire hardware on a schedule, and the laptops they cycle out are sold to the public. The General Services Administration runs the auctions at gsaauctions.gov, where used laptops appear regularly, sometimes as single machines and sometimes as pallets of dozens.2eCFR. 41 CFR 102-38.340 – How May We Sell Personal Property
To bid, you register on the site with a government-issued photo ID and proof of your Social Security number or EIN.3GSA Auctions. FAQs You can place a flat bid at the current price plus the increment, or a proxy bid up to a maximum you set. If two bidders enter the same amount, the earlier one wins.
Everything sells as-is with no warranty. Hard drives are typically wiped or pulled out before sale, so plan on installing your own operating system. Win a lot and you have two business days from the award notification to pay and ten business days to arrange pickup or shipping from the storage facility.4GSA Auctions. Terms and Conditions Miss either deadline and you lose the purchase.
Computers for Learning Is for Schools, Not Individuals
One federal program still hands out equipment for free, but it isn’t open to individuals. Computers for Learning transfers excess government computer equipment — laptops, desktops, monitors, printers, tablets, and peripherals — to qualifying educational organizations at no cost.5Computers for Learning. FAQs Recipients must be pre-K through 12th grade schools with a National Center for Education Statistics number, or 501(c) educational nonprofits.6Computers for Learning. Eligibility and Registration Recipients cover shipping; the equipment is free. If you work with a school or educational nonprofit, this is worth knowing. If you’re looking for a personal device, it isn’t a route in.
Lifeline Cuts Your Internet Bill, Not Your Hardware Cost
Lifeline is the surviving federal benefit tied to technology access, and it is worth applying for even though it does not provide a device. Run by the FCC since 1985, Lifeline gives eligible households up to $9.25 per month off qualifying broadband or phone service.7Federal Communications Commission. Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers Households on federally recognized Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month, plus a one-time Link Up credit of up to $100 toward starting voice service.8Federal Communications Commission. Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits, or certain Tribal assistance programs.8Federal Communications Commission. Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications For 2026, 135% of the federal poverty level is $21,546 for one person, $29,214 for two, $36,882 for three, and $44,550 for four.9U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 2026 Poverty Guidelines One benefit per household.
Applications go through the National Verifier, run by the Universal Service Administrative Company. Apply at the National Verifier portal or through a participating provider. You’ll submit proof of identity (a driver’s license, passport, or other unexpired government ID) and either proof of income or a benefit award letter dated within the past 12 months.10Universal Service Administrative Company. Supporting Documents Make sure the name and address on your application match your documents exactly. Mismatches are the most common reason for rejection.
Spotting the Free Laptop Scams
Search “free government laptop” and you’ll pull up polished sites promising quick applications and guaranteed devices. Most exist to harvest Social Security numbers, bank details, or both. The pattern is consistent: they ask for sensitive information upfront and promise something no current federal program actually offers.
- The site is not on a .gov domain. Legitimate federal programs use .gov URLs. A .com, .org, or .click address is not a federal application portal.
- Someone asks for money. Federal benefit programs do not charge application fees. A request for a processing fee, or payment by gift card, wire transfer, or cryptocurrency, means it’s a scam.11Federal Trade Commission. How To Spot, Avoid, and Report Tech Support Scams
- Urgency pressure. Warnings to apply within 24 hours or claims of limited slots are pressure tactics. Real programs do not run on artificial deadlines.
- Unsolicited contact. Texts, emails, or calls saying you have been selected for a free laptop are not how the government distributes anything. Ignore them.
If you run into one of these, report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. If you already handed over personal information, start a recovery plan at IdentityTheft.gov.12Federal Trade Commission. ReportFraud.ftc.gov – FAQ