How to get Free Laptops for People on Benefits In UK

In the UK, there are a lot of discounts and subsidies available for buying computers and tablets, but consumers who don’t have the time or expertise to do their research may find it challenging to find the best deals.  This problem is especially common at the local level, where it may take more work to find trustworthy providers because these programs are frequently scarce.  In the UK, a lot of groups give away free Laptops for People receiving welfare.

Fortunately, there are national programs that provide discounts on reconditioned equipment in addition to specific programs for college students, disabled children, and others.  Eligible consumers can benefit from substantial discounts by taking part in these programs, which enable them to purchase the necessary technology at a lower cost.  There are some procedures you must follow if you’re wondering how to apply for a laptop from the government.

Even though the great majority of these schemes are legitimate, buyers should be cautious when choosing suppliers and be aware of the terms of any payments they are required to make.  Before making a purchase, it is essential to confirm the validity of any subsidy or discount program due to the rise in online fraud and dishonest actors.  Customers may prevent frauds and save money on the technology they require by adopting these safety measures.  To help low-income families stay connected online, complimentary computers are also available.

Which program offers a Free Laptop in UK?

Numerous efforts supply tablets, computers, and phones to people who need them for critical tasks like going to school, getting a job, or communicating with loved ones.  You will usually be able to get this equipment through specific organizations or agencies, depending on the type of help you need.

Staying Connected

The goal of W3RT’s “Staying Connecticut” digital inclusion initiative is to help people connect online and hone their digital skills in order to improve their health and well-being.

Refurbished laptops, tablets, or cell phones may be given to scheme participants so they can access the internet.

Laptops 4 Learning

Working with large enterprises, Laptops 4 Learning recycles their excess technology and distributes it to those in greatest need through community authorities and foundations.

The Watford Job Centre

A device to help job searchers on Universal Credit might be funded by the Jobcentre. Speak with your work coach for further details.

Schools

Please discuss your child’s needs with the school if you have one, as they might have gadgets accessible.

READ MORE: 5 Best Free Chromebook Providers | Apply Now

Schools and Colleges Providing Free Laptops In UK

Since the start of the pandemic, the government has given more than 1.35 million computers and tablets to schools, trusts, local governments, and organizations that offer extra education to underprivileged kids and teens.

Children and young people in most need can borrow laptops and tablets from schools, trusts, local governments, and further education institutions.  Schools and other organizations can apply for grants to pay for the technical assistance expenses incurred by the Department for Education (DfE) in order to set up and reset devices.  If you are a school or college and would want to receive a free computer or laptop for your school or institution, there are a number of grants and programs offered by the US government.

The rules outline the limitations and prerequisites for these grants, which are meant to help organizations that might not be able to set up and reset GHwT devices at the moment.  The kind of gadgets received, the types of technical support used, and limitations on the most extreme amounts that may be claimed are all examples of constraints.

Schools and other institutions may also be able to apply for subsidies to cover the cost of internet connectivity as part of the same claims process.

Qualify For Schools and Colleges To Receive Free Laptops

Government financing for free laptops will be available to the following kinds of institutions:

• The maintained schools and mainstream academies
• 16 to 19 maintained schools and academies
• The hospital schools are among the alternate provision academies.
• The units for student referral
• Are schools and academies under special maintenance?
• Are sixth form and further education colleges the same thing?
• Institutions after 16
• possesses independent training providers (ESFA funds student spots).
• The unmaintained special education institutions
• The local government

Publicly supported institutions with students over 19 who are enrolled in an education, health, and care (EHC) plan and receive free meals are eligible.

Independent educational institutions with fee-paying students are not eligible for this financing.  All of the above listed institution kinds are referred to as “schools,” “colleges,” and “local authorities” under the grant conditions.

READ MORE: Apply for Free Laptop For SNAP Recipients

General Requirements Needed for Free Laptops for People in UK

The setting must either have already been given ownership of devices that DfE gave to the original recipient organization or obtain devices from DfE through the GHwT service.

• The equipment to which the claimed technical support expenses pertain must be “DfE limited.” DfE distributes Windows devices.
• Settings are no longer able to claim technical assistance costs for setting up DfE-provided devices if they have already received an unlimited number of devices from DfE during the academic years 2025–2026
• Costs associated with other device types, such as Apple iPads and Chromebooks, are not refundable in any way.
• The college, school, or municipal government is responsible for paying the bills related to the technical support expenses. Only in the event that the grant claim is accepted can payment be postponed.
• Colleges, schools, and local authorities consent to answer DfE’s queries in order to assess how the money is being used and its impact in order to meet the stated goal, should a claim be accepted.

Free Laptops, Computers, IT Support, Software & Tech Grant Funding For UK Charities

UK charities have easy access to free charity laptops, PCs, IT assistance, and software including CRMs, Microsoft 365, and website tools. Additionally, grant finance from non-profit organizations is available for expenses related to technology. UK trusts also have access to free digital gadgets and online learning resources.

This comprehensive guideline provides UK charities with a wealth of resources, including free laptops, desktop computers, software such as Microsoft and Adobe, and IT tools and support. It falls into four categories: free PCs, laptops, and IT assistance; digital tools and online learning resources; software like Microsoft 365; and the launch of grant funding for IT and technology charities.  These resources enable charities to make the most of their IT without worrying about costs, freeing them up to focus more on their charitable endeavors.

Initiatives to provide UK households with free or restricted access to technology do exist, despite the fact that they are becoming less prevalent.

READ MORE:Get a Free Laptop for Low Income Families | 7 Best Ways

Free Laptops & Computers For UK Charities

Green Root Tech: It provides UK charity with free IT hardware, software, and reconditioned computers.

IT for Charities: a collection of nonprofit organizations and businesses that donate or offer reconditioned IT; not all of them are free.

Computers for Charities: a nonprofit organization providing affordable IT

ComputerAid: affordable, reconditioned IT for charitable organizations.

In Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, IT Schools Africa uses e-learning technology to enhance life possibilities for students and local communities.

Screen Share: provide computers and repurpose them to help, educate, and promote digital inclusion for young refugees in the UK.

A nonprofit organization called Computers For The Disabled provides secondhand computers, iPhones, and iPads to elderly and individuals with disabilities.

Access Foundation – Tech Grant Funding For The Disadvantaged & Vulnerable

To close the digital divide and enhance people’s lives, the Access Foundation awards grants to charities and social entrepreneurs in the UK that range from £20,000 to $100,000.  They seek to enable vulnerable and economically disadvantaged individuals to have access to the resources, facilities, and education required to engage with the digital world.  They will have more chances for better jobs, better mental health, and less loneliness as a result of this.  They also have an online application and further information on their website.

Other Ways To Find Charity Grant Funding For IT Projects, Computers & Laptops

Seek out a funder who is interested in the results of their funding rather than one who is interested in technology. Here are some suggestions:

Allen Lane Foundation: Small grants for project, core, or startup costs are available from the Allen Lane Foundation.

Comic Relief: £500 awards for small, grassroots community organizations that make less than £250,000.

If you would like more similar lists, download the Start-Ups & New Ideas or Crisis & Growth funder lists from the income questionnaire.

As an alternative, seek out investors that are curious about the outcome of your project. For example, seek funders who support youth and/or mental health if your initiative would improve the mental health of young people. The free Funding Finder database will do this for you, including filtering funders to identify those who fall into both categories.

Nationwide computer subsidy schemes

These days, free computers are hard to come by.  Nonetheless, a number of projects and subsidy programs are available to help low-income households get the necessary technology.

Computer refurbishment programs, government aid programs, community projects, non-profit groups, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are some of the most well-liked subsidy choices for low-income households.

For low-income families, these initiatives and subsidy programs are necessary, but it’s important to recognize that they have some restrictions.  For instance, some programs are only accessible to families who meet the specified requirements, such as having children of a specific age or residing in a specific area.

Get Online @ Home

Refurbished PCs and tablets are available at Get Online @ Home for steep discounts. All people can afford these devices, but those who qualify for the program’s subsidy structure can afford them even more. Customers must fulfill one or more of the following requirements in order to be eligible:

• be a UK-registered charity.
• Participate in a low-income family that receives need-based state assistance
• Residing in a community where access to technology is restricted
• possess a chronic impairment.

To be eligible for the subsidy program, a person or family must be disabled, live in an impoverished area, or receive means-tested benefits like Universal Credit.  Those that are eligible for the subsidy program pay the following prices:

• Laptops from £199, PCs from £99, and tablets from £139

The devices can still be purchased at a reasonable price even if a buyer is not qualified for the discounted rates:

• Tablets from £159, PCs from £119, and laptops from £219

It’s crucial to remember that these are not inferior products.  Instead of being discarded equipment, they are reconditioned and meant to be sold to lower-income people.

Low-income families and individuals have a great opportunity to acquire reasonably priced technology through Get Online at Home. The eligibility requirements, which include having a disability, living in underprivileged areas, or receiving means-tested benefits, guarantee that the people who need the help the most get it.  Nearly anyone may buy a device because of the low prices, even if they are not eligible for the subsidy program.

The following are the minimal requirements:

In the past year, the cost of laptops—both subsidized and non-subsidized—has increased by thirty pounds.  Better machines now have minimum requirements of 250GB hard drives instead of 160GB, which is a positive indicator.

GetOnline@Home’s computers are appropriate for daily usage as tablets and home computers due to their better specifications.  Additionally mentioned as essential desktop computer accessories are keyboards and mouse.  These low-cost computers lack word processing software, even though the company offers links to free online versions of Microsoft 365 Office programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.  To help consumers secure themselves online, Windows Defender Antivirus is also pre-installed on all devices.

Additionally, Get Online @ Home has partnered with Carphone Warehouse to offer a deal to customers who sign up with one of their recommended Internet service providers (ISPs). With this deal, a refurbished laptop costs just £119, a refurbished tablet costs £89, or a refurbished PC costs just £49. Currently listed on its website as five associate broadband providers are Virgin Media, Sky, Shell Energy Broadband, TalkTalk, and SSE.

It’s important to keep in mind that clients must complete a certain amount in order to receive the unique deal.  Although it’s usually a good idea to compare internet providers first, keep in mind that you can find out more about the arrangement with Carphone Warehouse on the Get Online @ Home website.

Five broadband providers are now listed as participating on their website:

• SSE
• Energy Shell Internet access
• Virgin Media
• TalkTalk on Sky

It’s crucial to remember that in order to obtain the unique offer, buyers must call a specific phone number.  However, it’s always beneficial to compare broadband providers beforehand.

To learn more about the agreement with Carphone Warehouse, don’t forget to visit the Get Online @ Home page.

Family Fund

An organization known as the Family Fund provides financial support to those households that are taking care of children who have serious illnesses or lifelong impairments.  This assistance can be utilized for a number of purposes, such as purchasing computers and other items that will enhance the quality of life for the children and their families.  The organization wants to lessen the financial strain on families so they can focus on their child’s well-being and care without having to worry about the costs of their upbringing.

To qualify for a Family Fund grant, households must meet the requirements listed below and provide the necessary paperwork.

• Proof that you qualify for benefits like the Working Tax Credit and Universal Credit must be presented.
• You must have been a resident of the United Kingdom for a minimum of six months, or three months if your kid is under six months old.
• Children who are chronically ill or disabled should not be in the care of the local authority; instead, you must be their primary caregiver or parent.
• The illness or ailment should be chronic, which means it should last for more than a year.

An excellent bonus is the free iPad training that Family Fund provides to recipients of tablets.

My Outsourced IT

Another option for digitally excluded homes to get a free computer is the My Outsourced IT project.  This community initiative was started during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown to preserve family ties during the trying times.

According to the project, since March 2020, it has repaired 200 households’ equipment and supplied devices to more than 700 homes in the North West and abroad.

Old hardware is refurbished and given to new families in need as part of My Outsourced IT’s donation-based business model. Their social media presence is active, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for any updates on when applications will reopen, even if they currently have a backlog of applications and have temporarily closed them.

Interested parties can visit the My Outsourced IT website to support the project or find out more about their projects.

In conclusion, those in need of computer devices should pay attention to the My Outsourced IT project since it is an admirable attempt to close the digital divide.

Grants for Assistive Technology

In the UK, numerous grant programs address the requirements of people with disabilities who need specialist technology, such computers, to enhance their quality of life.

A thorough overview of these programs has been put up by Disability-Grants.org to assist disabled people and their families in understanding and utilizing the financial options that are accessible to them.

It is important to remember that one should confirm if a scheme is still in operation before applying.  Before moving on, it is always advisable to confirm the current status of certain schemes, since some may have changed or expired.

FAQs — How to get a free laptop if you’re on benefits in the UK

1) Who can get a free laptop?

There’s no single nationwide “free laptop for everyone on benefits” programme. People on low incomes, those receiving certain means-tested benefits, families with school-age children and people referred by local charities or community groups are the most likely to be helped by device-distribution schemes run by government or charities.

2) What national programmes or initiatives exist?

Charities and government-backed initiatives redistribute refurbished devices. The Good Things Foundation runs the National Device Bank which gives refurbished laptops and tablets to people who lack devices, working via local community partners. The UK government also supports reuse and device distribution initiatives (for example recent policies encouraging organisations to donate pre-loved tech).

3) How do I apply or get referred?

You normally don’t apply directly to a national bank — instead:

• Ask local charities, community centres or digital inclusion projects in your area (many are members of the Good Things Foundation network).
• Contact your child’s school if you have school-age children (schools received DfE device support during COVID and still coordinate help locally).
• Ask your local council or social services for help or signposting.
• Use grants-search tools (see Turn2Us) to find small charitable grants that can be used to buy a device.

4) Are devices new or refurbished?

Most free laptop schemes use refurbished, professionally-wiped devices that are tested and restored — not brand-new machines. Refurbished devices are paired with support and sometimes short warranties by charity partners.

5) Do I need to prove I receive benefits? What documents are required?

Requirements vary by provider. Commonly you’ll need proof of low income or benefits (Universal Credit, ESA, pension credit, etc.), ID and proof of address. If you’re being helped via a school or community organisation they’ll tell you exactly what’s needed. Always ask before sharing documents. (Local partners set the exact eligibility checks.)

6) Can students and children get priority?

Yes — children in disadvantaged households are often prioritised, and schools/community education hubs are key distribution points. If your child’s school or college hasn’t already helped, speak to the school office or pastoral team.

7) Are there free data or connectivity options too?

Some device programmes pair devices with short-term data bundles or point you to low-cost broadband offers. The government and charities have previously offered data or mobile broadband help alongside devices; local offers vary. Ask your provider or the distributing charity about included data.

8) How long does it take to get a device?

Waiting times vary: if a local charity has stock you might receive a device quickly; if not, there can be a wait while devices are refurbished and allocated. There’s no single national waiting time.

9) What if I can’t get a free laptop — are there low-cost alternatives?

Yes: look for:

• Refurbished devices sold at low cost by charities or accredited refurbishers.
• Council or charity small grants (Turn2Us Grants Search can help).
• Libraries (many loan laptops or offer free access).
• Payment plans from reputable retailers (careful with interest and affordability).

10) How can I find local organisations that distribute devices?

Search the Good Things Foundation network for local digital inclusion partners, contact your council’s digital inclusion or community support team, or use national charities’ helplines (e.g., Turn2Us) for signposting. Local voluntary sector hubs and Citizens Advice can also help.

11) Are there scams I should watch for?

Yes. Beware of messages or adverts asking you to pay fees upfront to receive a “free” laptop, or asking for unnecessary personal details. Legitimate schemes will never ask for large upfront payments; if in doubt contact your local council, Citizens Advice or a known national charity first. (Always verify the organisation.)

12) Can employers, charities or community groups donate devices?

Yes — many schemes rely on organisational donations. The government’s IT Reuse for Good charter encourages businesses and public bodies to donate pre-loved tech to trusted charity partners for redistribution. If you represent an organisation interested in donating, look for charity partners such as Good Things Foundation.

13) Where can I get help setting up and using the laptop?

Digital inclusion programmes usually offer basic set-up support and free digital skills training (for example Good Things Foundation’s Learn My Way). Your distributing organisation should be able to help or point you to local training sessions.

Bottom Line

I hope this post has given you all the knowledge you need to profit from a number of programs that will enable you to get laptops or other technology items for free or at a reduced cost.  As you are aware, technology is crucial in today’s environment since it keeps us connected to the virtual world. Through the internet, we may work, learn, and obtain a wealth of knowledge. Children, low-income families, and people with disabilities have benefited from the Get Help with Technology initiative by receiving computers and tablets. In addition to them, you can try nonprofits, charities, and other groups. I appreciate you reading this post through to the conclusion, and I hope you have a wonderful day.