{"id":18596,"date":"2025-07-25T22:48:12","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T22:48:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=18596"},"modified":"2025-07-25T22:48:12","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T22:48:12","slug":"complete-guide-to-getting-free-computers-free-laptops-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=18596","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Getting Free Computers, Free Laptops and More"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\t\tNicola Kelly<\/small><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t<\/i> 25th Jul 2025<\/small>
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With such a digital world around us, it\u2019s almost impossible to stay offline for everyday tasks. Whether that\u2019s studying for school or university, or buying online, or saving money through comparison and cashback websites, being online feels like an essential part of life.<\/p>\n

But laptops and phones cost money, not to mention finding cheap broadband. The good news is there are some ways to get free and cheap laptops and smartphones, to help you get online even if your money is tight.<\/p>\n

Quick navigation:<\/strong><\/p>\n

#Getting Free laptops and computers<\/a><\/p>\n

#Subsidised Computers<\/a><\/p>\n

#Free or Cheap Laptops for Students<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

#Older people and technolongy<\/a><\/p>\n

#Libraries<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Getting free laptops and computers:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

It isn\u2019t easy to get one but there are schemes out there especially designed to help low-income households access to the tech they need. \u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Visit the library<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a long-term solution, but your local library will have free internet and computers you can use. Sometimes, you have to book time ahead during busy periods, so make sure you speak to the librarian about how it works. Libraries offer so much more than books and free computers too: if you\u2019re struggling, they\u2019re a great place to ask for community help. Librarians are more than book shelvers, they are a wealth of community knowledge and may also know of local charities or groups who provide free or subsidised technology to those in need.<\/p>\n

Claiming Universal Credit?<\/h4>\n

Jobseekers claiming Universal Credit may be eligible for a grant towards a new device. Speak to your job coach if it will make the difference between you being out of work or getting a job. You can also visit the Job Centre to complete your weekly job search, do your CV, and other work-related tasks as well as check your Universal Credit account.<\/p>\n

Charity Grants and Help<\/h4>\n

If you are on universal benefits, a student, disabled or a low income family, then the Charity Excellence Framework may be able to help.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

They offer a wide range of laptops, computers, software and IT support and equipment and have a comprehensive list of organisations who may be able to help in your area.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>charityexcellence.co.uk<\/span><\/a>\u00a0If you don\u2019t have access to a computer, try contacting the library or a community group for help or call 07595371444 for more information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Good Things Foundation is a charity which was set up to fix the digital divide.\u00a0 They encourage companies to donate their IT equipment to their National Device Bank and the IT equipment, once professionally and securely wiped of all data, can be re-used across community organisation nationwide.\u00a0 To find out more go to\u00a0<\/span>www.goodthingsfoundation.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you have a disabled or seriously ill child, the Family Fund can provide grants for technology to support them with their learning and digital development.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can apply if you are the parent or carer of a disabled child and meet the eligibility criteria.\u00a0 Go to\u00a0<\/span>familyfund.org.uk <\/span><\/a>for more information or call 01904 550055 where someone will be able to give you help with an application.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Subsidised Computers:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you aren\u2019t eligible for a free computer you may be able to get one much cheaper than in the shops through organisations like Get Online@ Home.\u00a0 They sell heavily discounted computers and tablets to customers who meet the criteria for their subsidy scheme.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You need to be part of a low-income family that receives state benefits, lives in a community with a limited access to technology or is disabled.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

their PCs range from \u00a399, laptops from \u00a3199 and tablets from \u00a3139. Even if you aren\u2019t eligible for the subsidised price, the devices are still available to purchase and much cheaper than average. PCs from \u00a3119, Laptops from \u00a3219 and Tablets from \u00a3159.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The devices are not bottom of the barrel rejects, they are\u00a0 refurbished and specifically for low income customers.\u00a0<\/span>getonlineathome.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0for more information about how they might be able to help you.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are disability grants available for children and adults to help with technology equipment, including computers.\u00a0 There is a whole list available on\u00a0<\/span>disability-grants.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0but these can change so check them out carefully to find the ones which may suit your needs best.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Restart Project is based in North London but they list reuse projects across the UK that accept devices that people may no longer need but which can be repaired and refurbished not only to help people but also to reduce the e-waste mountain.\u00a0<\/span>therestartproject.org<\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/a>Free or Cheap Laptops for Students:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

With Fresher\u2019s week underway at universities across the UK, students may be turning their mind to having a laptop or other PC.\u00a0 If a student has a long term health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia or dyspraxia, then they could be eligible for a Disabled Student\u2019s Allowance (DSA).\u00a0 However the student will have to contribute \u00a3200 towards the computer.\u00a0 If you think you might be eligible for funding which can be several thousand pounds, then go to\u00a0<\/span>www.gov.uk<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and look at their finance student section and where to find your local DSA assessment centre.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


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<\/a>Older people and technology:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

AbilityNet has a UK wide network of tech volunteers who offer support to older people.\u00a0 Whether you need assistance setting up a new device, connecting to the internet or need support connecting to family and friends online,\u00a0<\/span>abilitynet.org.uk<\/span><\/a>\u00a0can help.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Volunteers are DBS checked and can assist you by phone, over the internet or at home.\u00a0 They can help you choose equipment that meets your needs as well as guidance on how to shop safely online.\u00a0 They will try and find a volunteer in your area.\u00a0 Call 08000487642 for further information.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


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<\/a>Libraries:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

If you want to see how you fare with a computer before committing to buying one of your own, why not pop into your local library?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Library computers are available and will give you an idea of whether potentially owning your own PC is for you.\u00a0 They will also have information about groups in your community who may be able to offer training as well as cheap and refurbished devices.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n


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Don\u2019t be afraid to ask and who knows, it could open up a whole new and exciting world.<\/span> And if you can\u2019t find something right for you, you could always try good deals and coupon codes \u2013 for example, if you get a good eBay coupon, that might offer a nice discount on your purchase.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Disclaimer:\u00a0MoneyMagpie\u00a0is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.<\/em><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n