Free Electronics from the Government [How to Get in 2024]

Indeed, we are now in an age where having electronic gadgets such as phones, computers, TVs, and even toasters and refrigerators is really important. But many people can’t buy these things because they don’t have enough money. Fortunately, however, you can get free electronics from the government if eligible.

There are ways people can get free electronics from the government through several government programs. So, if you want electronics but cannot afford them, do not worry. You can look into these programs and use them to get what you need. It does not matter how much money you have – these programs want to make sure everyone can use technology.

Besides the government, there are also some groups that help. These groups are not part of the government, but they want to help people too. They might give you electronic things for a lower price if you don’t have much money.

Now, it is worth mentioning that not all types of electronic devices are available for free from the government. They only give certain things, like laptops, computers, phones, and even internet for free. Nonetheless, let’s take a closer look at some of these programs that can help you get free electronics from the government.

Free Electronics from the Government

1. Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program helps people who do not have a lot of money get affordable phone and internet services. It is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

With this program, if you qualify, you can get a lower price on your phone service, internet service, or a package with both. This makes it easier for families with low income to have the Internet and phone access they need for things like work, healthcare, and education.

People in different places can join the Lifeline Program, like states, territories, and tribal lands. The type of devices you might get through this program can change based on where you live and what services are available. You can get free electronic from government through the Lifeline program by the FCC.

Eligibility requirements for the Lifeline Program?

• Your family’s income needs to be equal to or less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• You should be part of a government assistance program like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal housing help, and others.
• There’s a special program for veterans called Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs.

2. Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a countrywide program by the Federal Communications Commission. It’s there to help families with low income in all 50 states, Washington D.C., and other US areas.

This program gives money help to families so they can pay for the Internet. This helps with things like work, school, and health. If you’re eligible, you can get up to $30 off your Internet bill every month and if you live on tribal lands, you might even get up to $75 off.

You can also get a discount of up to $100 to buy a computer, laptop, or tablet from certain stores if your family qualifies. But you might need to pay a bit of the cost, like $10 to $50.

Remember, you can only get help from either the Lifeline Program or the Affordable Connectivity Program, not both. But if you qualify for both, you can apply for both. To apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, click here.

Eligibility requirements for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

• Your family’s income should be 200% or less of the federal poverty guidelines.
• You should be part of a government assistance program like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, veterans’ benefits, and more.
• If you got a Federal Pell Grant recently, you might also be eligible.
• Also, you can’t already have free cell phone data from Lifeline or a $30 Internet discount from the government.
• You can’t already have a tablet or computer discount from the Affordable Connectivity Program.

3. Vermont Electronics Recycling Program

In Vermont, there’s a program called Vermont Electronics Recycling. It’s run by the National Center for Electronics Recycling (NCER) and the Northeast Recycling Council (NERC). This program is all about making sure we get rid of our old electronic stuff in the right way.

If you live in Vermont, you can give away your old electronics that you don’t want anymore. You can drop them off at certain places like stores, places where your city works, charities, schools, and events that are organized for this.

The things they take include computers, screens, TVs, printers, keyboards, scanners, and other gadgets like that.

4. Free Device for Veterans

The people in charge of the United States and many groups really want to honor veterans – those who served the country. They have different programs for free electronics from the government to help veterans, and some of these programs also give out free electronic devices.

For example, there are programs like the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA), Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), Project Hero, Cell Phones for Soldiers, and the Patriot Foundation. These programs give veterans electronic things without charging them.

The stuff they give includes smartphones, laptops, iPads, and computers. When veterans have these gadgets, they can use them to see a doctor without going to the hospital. And they can also stay in touch with family and friends. These devices help veterans a lot by letting them do things like getting medical care, education, training, and finding jobs, all from their own homes.

How to Get Free Electronics from the Government

In order to receive free electronics from the government, you need to meet certain requirements set by the program you choose. Once you qualify, follow these steps:

1. Go Through Various Government Programs

Start by looking into different government programs that offer free devices like computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. These programs aim to help families with low income get access to technology. Pick the program that fits your needs and the device you want. For more details, check the official government website.

2. Check if You Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Make sure you meet the criteria and rules of the program you’re interested in. If you do, you’re ready to move forward.

3. Gather Necessary Documents

You might need to show some documents to prove you’re eligible. These could include papers that show your income is low, your ID, where you live, and proof that you’re part of government assistance programs. You can find the complete list of needed documents on the government’s official website.

4. Apply for Free Electronics

Once you have all the documents ready, you can apply to get the electronics you need. There are three ways to apply: online, by mail, or by going in person.

5. Wait for Approval

After you send in your application, the government will check it and your documents. They want to make sure everything’s right. If you meet the requirements, your application will be accepted, and you’ll get your free electronics.

It might take a little while for them to look at your application. Just be patient and wait for a letter in the mail. They’ll tell you if you can get the free electronics or not.

Organizations That Provide Free Electronics

Many nonprofit organizations do help people from families that do not have much money. They do this by getting donations. These donations help kids get access to electronics such as computers, laptops, and tablets.

These groups also take old gadgets like computers, laptops, and tablets that people don’t use anymore. They fix them up and make them work again.

Then, they give these fixed gadgets to kids who don’t have much money. These kids use them for school. Here are a few of these groups:

1. PCs For People

PCs for People is a group that helps families with low income. This organization gives computers and cheap internet to these families. They do this all across the United States.

They also fix computers and give them to schools, other groups, and businesses. You can get an electronic like a computer, but you need to show a picture ID and papers that prove how much money your family makes. You can also get a computer if you’re part of a government help program.

2. Computers for Causes

This group gives technology to families and people who don’t have much money. They take devices like computers, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Then, they give these gadgets to people who really need them.

These could be students, teachers, single parents, older people, foster homes, shelters, disabled folks, veterans, military families, and other groups that need help.

You can give them your old gadgets or ask for help. To ask for help, go to their website “computerswithcauses.org/application”.

3. EveryoneOn

EveryoneOn makes the internet and computers cheap for people who don’t have much money. They have different programs for families with low income. Here is the EveryoneOn website.

4. The On It Foundation

This group gives free computers, training, and internet to families with kids in grades K-12 who don’t have much money.

They’ve given more than 2000 computers to these families so far. You need to meet some rules to get help from them. For example, your kid should be in school, get free or reduced meals, and live in the United States.

5. World Computer Exchange

This charity helps kids in poor countries. They recycle old gadgets and use the money to send computers to families and groups that need them.

Each computer they send is checked, fixed, and loaded with useful things. If you want to apply for a free computer, check out their website for more details.

These groups want to make sure all kids have the chance to learn and use technology, no matter how much money their families have.

6. Free Geek

There is also another group you can get free electronics called Free Geek in Portland, Oregon. They’re all about helping people who need technology but don’t have much money.

They take things like computers, printers, laptops, and old cell phones from people who don’t need them anymore. Then, they fix these things up. They might give them away to people who need them. Sometimes, they even sell them for a small price. The money they make from selling helps them give technology to those who can’t afford it.

They also work with Portland Public Schools. Their volunteers want to make sure kids who can’t use a computer at home have a way to learn.

What to Know to Get Free Electronics from Government and Organizations

Aside from the earlier mentioned eligibility requirements to get free electronics from the government, there are also other factors that matter when it comes to getting free electronics from the government.

1. Different States, Different Rules

Some programs might only be for certain areas, like just one state or a particular part of the country. This is because they want to help with specific problems in those places.

2. Different Organizations, Different Rules

Not all groups are the same. Some programs have different rules if you’re a company that wants to make money, a group that’s not trying to make money or a part of the government. Sometimes, only certain types of groups can join.

3. Income or financial requirements

For some programs, your money situation can matter. If you don’t make a lot of money, you might be able to join. This is common for programs that want to help people who don’t have much money.

4. Check First

Before you apply, make sure to check the program’s website or call them. They can tell you if you can join or not. Rules can change over time, and there might be other things they need to know about you.

Other Ways To Get Free Electronics that Work

If you can’t get free electronics from the government through the programs we talked about earlier, don’t worry. There are other companies you can get in touch with for an opportunity to get an electronic at no cost.

1. Amazon Trade-In Program

Do you have old devices lying around? If you want to get rid of them and get new stuff, check out the Amazon trade-in program.

This program takes your old things, even if you didn’t buy them from Amazon. They accept Amazon gadgets, electronics, video games, and more.

When you sell your things on Amazon, they’ll give you a gift card in return. You can also get up to 25% off a new Amazon device.

They accept all sorts of gadgets like home security devices, Kindles, wireless routers, cell phones, tablets, game consoles, and many other things.

2. Electronics Product Testing Program

Lots of electronics companies have a special thing called an Electronics Product Testing Program. This means they give away their electronics for free.

You can join this program and try out their electronics. Then, you tell them what you think about the electronics.

Here are a few programs you might like:

1. Philips Product Testing Program

Philips makes lots of things like TVs, speakers, kettles, and hair trimmers. Join through the Philips Product Testing Program website and sign up. You might get free electronics to test and keep. You just have to give your thoughts about them.

2. Microsoft Product Testing

Microsoft also has a program like this, I mean the Microsoft Testing Program. You can sign up easily and share your thoughts. Kids, teens, and adults can join. If you are under 17, you need permission from your parents.

3. Product Testing USA

Product Testing USA is a place where you can sign up to try products. After you try them, you get to keep them. Big brands like Samsung, Sony, and Dell put their products on this platform for testing.

3. Amazon Vine

Amazon Vine is a special club where you can get free things in exchange for giving your thoughts about them.

When many folks write reviews on Amazon, the smartest reviewers get chosen as Vine voices. Amazon asks them to join their exclusive Vine program.

Once you are on Amazon Vine, you (as a Vine Voice) can ask for things from lots of brands that sell stuff on Amazon. They’ll send these things to your house without any charge. This way, you can legally get all sorts of stuff, including free electronics.

4. Microsoft Rewards

Microsoft Rewards is a program where you earn points for doing simple things like searching on Bing, using Microsoft Edge, playing games on Xbox, and shopping at the Microsoft Store.

You can exchange these points for gift cards that work like money at the Microsoft Store. That means you can use them to get free electronics there.

Also, these points can be used to join Microsoft sweepstakes where you might win free electronics. It’s really easy to use the Microsoft Rewards program, and you don’t have to pay to join.

5. Buyback Boss

Buyback Boss is like a business that buys old or broken devices and gives you money for them.

If you have devices that are old or don’t work anymore, you can give them to Buyback Boss. They’ll pay you, and you can use that money to get electronics for free or at a lower price.

They take devices like iPhones, Samsung phones, and iPads. To sell your old devices, go to their website.

6. Craigslist

Craigslist is a place where you can find all sorts of things without paying. They have a special section just for free stuff. Depending on where you live, you can find this section in your city. To get there, go to the “For Sale” part of Craigslist for your city.

7. Freecycle

Freecycle is a spot where you can give things away and also get things for free. It’s a good idea to look there to see if anyone close to you is giving away free electronics. You can start using it on their website.

8. Gazelle

Gazelle is a big company that buys and sells used electronics. They take things like old smartphones, tablets, Google phones, iPhones, MacBooks, and more.

When they buy your old device, they pay you money. You can use this money to get electronics for free.

9. OfferUp

On OfferUp, you can find people who are giving things away for free, including electronics. This website is famous for letting locals buy and sell stuff on OfferUp, but it also has a section where people give things for free. You might even find things like free Nintendo Switch, Sony alarm clocks, and Panasonic TVs there. There are more free things available too.

10. Facebook Marketplace

Facebook Marketplace is like OfferUp. It lets people in your area buy and sell used electronics and other things. Facebook Marketplace also has a category where people give things away for free. Sometimes you might find folks who are offering free electronics nearby. You can get your Facebook Marketplace free electronics.

11. Reward Websites

Reward websites are places where you can earn points by doing things like playing games, watching videos, shopping online, and taking surveys.

You can later use these points to get gift cards or even have money in your PayPal account. These gift cards or money can be used to get free electronics from trusted stores like Amazon and Walmart.

Here are some reward websites to consider

• Swagbucks
• Rakuten
• InboxDollars
• Qmee

Follow Electronics Brands and Manufacturers Online

The companies that make electronics often run contests and programs where you can win free things. They usually share these on their social media pages like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

You can even reach out to your favorite brands and ask if they have any freebies or coupons for their products.

Here are some popular brands you can follow for free electronics

• Apple
• Canon
• Nikon
• Microsoft
• Samsung
• Asus
• LG
• Sony
• Toshiba
• Nintendo

12. Join Blogger Giveaways

Bloggers attract people who are interested in specific things, and brands like to connect with those people. This is where you can get free electronics through blogger giveaways

Brands work with bloggers to promote their products, and sometimes they give away new products.

The blogger will run a giveaway, and if you win, you get free stuff. Just make sure the giveaway is real. This is usually easier to check if you already follow the brand on social media.

13. Become a Social Media Influencer

As a social media influencer, electronics brands will want to work with you if you can build a relevant audience. The start involves growing an audience who is interested in electronic gadgets. As an influencer, you might get chances to partner with electronic brands, which can lead to getting free electronics.

Frequently Asked Questions

While picking out the best free electronics from the government, we identified the following commonly asked questions.

How long does it take for free government electronics to arrive?

The time it takes for you to receive free electronics from the government depends on the program and if devices are available. You’ll have to wait a bit before they arrive.

What kind of free electronics can I get from the government?

Different government programs offer different electronics for free. Before you apply, make sure you learn about the rules and benefits of each program. Generally, they give out basic things like cell phones, computers, and tablets.

Does the government limit the usage of free electronics provided?

The government has rules about how you can use the free electronics they provide. Normally, you should only use them for education or work.

How many times can I apply for free electronics from the government?

For some free electronic programs, you can apply multiple times. Some programs might have rules about how often you can get help, while others might not. Generally, the government gives free electronics just once, even if you’re eligible for other similar programs.

Final Thoughts on Free Electronics from the Government

There are several programs that can help families get free electronics from the government. Just follow the steps and see if you qualify for these programs. If those do not work out, you can also explore non-profit organizations and other options mentioned in this article.

Read also: Sell on eBay for Free: How to Do It