Free laptops for people on benefits In UK

How To get Free laptops for people on benefits In UK – Numerous discount schemes and subsidies for computer and tablet purchases exist in the UK, but locating the best options may be difficult for customers who lack the necessary skills or time to conduct research. This issue is particularly prevalent on a local level, where these schemes are often limited in availability, and locating reputable vendors may require extra effort. There are many organizations that are offering free laptops for people on benefits in UK.

Thankfully, national programs offering rebates on refurbished electronics are available, along with targeted schemes aimed at disabled children, college students, and others. By participating in these programs, eligible customers can take advantage of significant discounts, enabling them to obtain the technology they need at a more affordable price point. You might also be wondering on How to apply for a laptop from the Government, there are some steps you are required to follow.

However, while the vast majority of these schemes are authentic, customers must exercise caution when selecting vendors and understand the conditions of any payments they are expected to make. Given the proliferation of online scams and fraudulent actors, it is crucial to double-check the legitimacy of any subsidy or discount program before committing to a purchase. By taking these precautions, customers can avoid falling victim to scams and obtain the technology they need at a lower cost. There are also free laptops for low income families, so that they can stay digitally connected.

Key Takeaways

• Eligibility depends on low income, receiving benefits, disability status, or being a student.
• Required documents typically include proof of income, benefits, residency, and disability status.
• Programs like “Staying Connected,” “Laptops 4 Learning,” and school-based schemes provide free or discounted laptops.
• Government programs and organizations such as Family Fund and My Outsourced IT offer additional support and resources.
• Beware of online scams and verify the legitimacy of subsidy or discount programs before committing.

How To Get A Free Laptop in UK?

People who need laptops for important things like attending school, finding a job, or connecting with loved ones are provided with tablets, computers, and phones by a number of initiatives. Depending on the kind of assistance you require, you will typically be able to have access to this equipment through particular organizations or services.

Programs That Offer a Free Laptop in UK

Staying Connected

W3RT’s ‘Staying Connecticut’ digital inclusion project is pointed toward supporting individuals to get online and develop their digital abilities to work on their wellbeing and health.

To access the internet, scheme beneficiaries may receive refurbished laptops, tablets, or mobile phones.

Laptops 4 Learning

PCs 4 Learning works with enormous organizations, taking their surplus tech, reusing it, and distributing it through foundations, and community authorities to the people who need it most.

Watford Jobcentre

The Jobcentre may be able to provide funding for a device to assist job seekers on Universal Credit. For more information, get in touch with your work coach.

Schools

If you have a child in school, please talk to the school about your child’s needs, as they may have devices available.

Also Read : Get A Free Laptop From The Australian Government

Schools and Colleges Providing Free Laptops In UK

Over 1.35 million laptops and tablets have been distributed to schools, trusts, local authorities, and providers of additional education for disadvantaged children and young people by the government since the pandemic began.

Schools, trusts, local authorities, and providers of further education own laptops and tablets that they can lend to children and young people who most need them. Grants can be applied for by schools and other institutions to cover the Department for Education (DfE)’s technical support costs for setting up and resetting devices. if you have schools or college and want to get a free computer and laptop for school and colleges from various grants and programs available through government in usa.

The guidelines specify the restrictions and eligibility requirements for these grants that are intended to assist organizations that may not currently be able to set up and reset GHwT devices. Restrictions incorporate the sorts of devices received, kinds of technical support utilized and restrictions on the most extreme amounts that can be asserted.

As part of the same claims process, schools and other settings may also be eligible to apply for grants for internet access costs.

Also Read : How to Get Free Laptops for Students

Eligibility For Schools and Colleges To Receive Free Laptops

The following types of institutions will be eligible to receive Free Laptops From Government funding:

• The mainstream academies and maintained schools
• 16 to 19 academies as well as maintained schools
• The alternative provision academies that include hospital schools
• The student referral units
• Are special maintained schools and academies
• Are further education colleges and also sixth form colleges
• Post-16 institutions
• Has independent training providers (where student places are funded through ESFA)
• The non-maintained special schools
• The local authorities

Eligible institutions include those with publicly funded students over the age of 19 who are enrolled in an education, health, and care (EHC) plan and receive free meals.

This funding is not available to independent educational establishments with fee-paying students. In the grant conditions, the terms “schools,” “colleges,” and “local authorities” refer to all of the aforementioned types of institutions.

Purpose and Use of Device Support Funding for Schools and Colleges

Device support financing should be utilized for the following purpose:

In situations where a school or other setting does not already have the technical support capacity and capability to set up the device appropriately, to ensure that devices received from the DfE are safe for children and young people to use. Schools, colleges, and local authorities must fulfill the following requirements in order to be eligible for the device support grant:

General Requirements Needed For Schools and Colleges to get a Laptop

The setting has to receive devices from DfE via the GHwT service, or previously have been granted ownership of devices offered by DfE to the original recipient organization.

1. The devices that the technical support costs claimed relate to, must be ‘DfE limited’ Windows devices distributed by DfE.
2. Settings that have previously received unlimited devices from DfE in academic year 2019 – 2020 or academic year 2020 – 2021 are no longer eligible to claim for technical support expenses of setting up devices received from DfE. 
3. Expenses relating to other types of devices that include Chromebooks and Apple iPads, cannot be claimed for whatsoever.
4. Invoices relevant to the technical support costs have to be paid by the college, school or local authority. Payment cannot be delayed only in the expectation of the grant claim getting approved.
5. In case a claim is approved, colleges, schools and local authorities agree to respond to requests from DfE in order to evaluate the usage and effect of the grant to satisfy the purpose set out.

Schools and Colleges Must Seek Value for money

1. Utilizing their own knowledge or DfE guidance, schools, colleges, and local authorities must seek the best value for money when sourcing technical support.
2. Schools, colleges, and local authorities must source technical support in accordance with relevant requirements and guidance for their institution type regarding financial governance and procurement best practices.
3. Schools, colleges, and local authorities need to make sure that the technical support provider they use has the necessary qualifications to set up devices in a safe way, such as Microsoft certification or another relevant industry accreditation.
4. The use of an appropriately qualified professional service for the reason the school is charged (whether as an external commercial provider or an internal cost service) is the only type of technical support that can be claimed.
5. Costs cannot be claimed if the support provider does not have a professional qualification, if the support is provided for free or on a voluntary basis, or if the school, college, or local authority would not normally pay for the support.

Required Record Keeping by the Schools and Colleges

1. Schools, colleges and local authorities should keep received records of technical support costs connecting with eligible devices. These should be kept accessible for joining to the grant claim, an investigation, either as a part of a spot check on connectivity consumption or as a part of an audit.
2. In order to determine whether they have complied with these conditions, schools, colleges, and local authorities must provide the information that may be requested by the Secretary of State.

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

Free charity laptops, computers, IT support, and software, such as Microsoft 365, CRMs, and website tools, are all readily accessible to UK charities. Also, non-profit organization grant financing is additionally available for technology related costs. Online learning facilities and free digital devices are also available to UK trusts.

This complete guideline gives numerous assets to UK charities to gain laptops for free of cost, desktops, software like Microsoft and Adobe, and IT tools and assistance.It is classified into four categories: sources of online learning and digital tools; free desktops, laptops, and IT support; Software such as Microsoft 365; inaugurating grant financing for charity IT and technology. Charities can use to the best advantage of their IT without worrying about the expense with the help of these resources, allowing them to concentrate more on their philanthropic work.

Despite the fact that they are turning out to be more uncommon, initiatives actually do exist to give free or limited access to technology to UK households. 

Free Laptops & Computers For UK Charities

• Green Root Tech: Free refurbished computers, IT hardware, and software services for the UK charities.
• IT for Charities: list of charities/companies that dispose of or provide refurbished IT, not all are free.
• Computers for Charities: charity offering low cost IT
• ComputerAid: low-cost refurbished IT for nonprofits.
• IT Schools Africa: e-learning technology in order to improve life opportunities for school students as well as local communities in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
• Screen Share: assist, inform and advocate for digital inclusion for the young refugees, in the UK, mainly by repurposing and offering laptops.
• Computers For The Disabled: a charity that assists disabled people and the seniors with used laptops, iPhones and iPads.

Free Digital And IT Support For Charities

• Donate Code: designer and developer volunteer network 
• Digital Candle – Helpline: free 1 hour phone call with a digital expert
• Founders & Coders: design, build and test new digital services available 
• If you’re a resident of Scotland, there’s the Scottish Tech Army available for you.

Free Microsoft 365 & Other Software for Charities

Microsoft offers donated and discounted resolutions to charities. Organizations must be registered or exempt charities or churches. The most well-known products are:

• Microsoft 365 Business Premium: free for up to 10 users
• Dynamics 365 Sales Enterprise: free for up to 5 users
• Power Apps: free for up to 10 users
• Azure: US$ 3,500 grant

And you can also avail their digital skills center for nonprofits. 

Free Charity CRM Software

• Red Cloud: donation manager: suite of software, CRM, donations.
• Grant Seeker.Fluxx: entry level version is totally free. Need to set up in the United Kingdom.

Free Charity Website Hosting

• Chess: community website kit
• WordPress: blogs and websites
• Kualo: free or discounted website hosting for charities registered in the UK

Other Free Software For Charities

Free Accounting Softwares for Charities

• Benchmarking: core and advanced accounts
• SAGE Foundation: SAGE software donations.

Work Management Software for Charities

• FaceBook: a workplace collaboration software
• G Suite: a workplace management software
• Slack: a digital workspace collaboration
• Trello: a project management software
• MRBS: a web based meeting room/resources booking system

Infographics Free Softwares In UK

• Piktochart: to create infographics
• Easel: to create infographics
• Venngage: to create infographics – non profit discount

Imagery Free Source In UK

• Gimp: to open source image editor
• Pexels: for photos and video
• Canva: a design tool
• Crello: a pro design tool, free to nonprofits
• Wordswag: to create text over photos

Other Sources for Free In UK

• Wikipedia: list of free and open source software organizations can be found 
• Anchor: can create, edit and distribute podcasts
• Hotjar: for online behavior and voice tracking
• Hootsuite: social media management – the basic version is free
• Oracle NetSuite: for software donations and services
• Microsoft: a free 365 software
• Facebook fundraising tools for nonprofits
• Survey Monkey: for surveys
• Hemingway: a content analysis tool
• Google: You Tube – non-profit
• Bitly: Goods – URL shortener, for social media posts
• Freepdfconvert: a PDF to Excel converter
• GNU PSPP: statistical analysis of sampled data, similar to SPSS
• R Project: software environment for statistical computing and graphics

Access Foundation – Tech Grant Funding For The Disadvantaged & Vulnerable

The Access Foundation provides charities and social enterprises in the UK with grants ranging from £20,000 to $100,000 with the goal of bridging the digital divide and improving people’s lives. They want to make it possible for economically disadvantaged and vulnerable people to gain access to the education, facilities, and resources they need to interact with the digital world. This will provide them with opportunities for better employment, improved mental health, and less isolation. There is additional information and an online application available on their website.

Charity Grant Funding – IT Equipment & Software

Here are some of the 50+ tech funders in the Funding Finder database. Use the Tech search category.

• Bailey Gifford: a grassroots community organization across Scotland. It funds a variety of activities, including IT and tech. 
• Bethnal Green Ventures: funding accelerator two times a year that provides monetary support, primarily to start-ups, using tech to drive social and environmental change.
• Clothworkers Foundation: it will fund IT that includes digital/audio visual equipment.
• Comic Relief: Tech for good.
• DCMS: offers occasional tech for good grants and assists charities.
• Eddie and Vanessa George Memorial Fund: This memorial fund offers grants for IT training for people in Cornwall.
• Fat Beehive Foundation: provides grants relating to the use of Information Technology.
• Misys Charitable Foundation: They do offer public education in communications as well as IT, and their application in commerce.
• National Lottery Digital Fund: They mainly use digital tools and approaches to support people and communities in order to thrive.
• Nesta: A large-scale innovation for challenges like healthcare, public services and infrastructure.
• Rothley Trust: charitable work in NE England.
• Social Tech Trust: formally Nominated, changing lives with technology.
• Thomas Wall Trust: up to £5,000 towards specific projects or core activities  literacy, numeracy, digital and more skills for learning, most likely to assist employment prospects.  Assists registered charities with income under £0.5m PA.
• WCIT: provides pro bono support and grants.
• W G Edwards Charitable Foundation: registered charities providing care for senior citizens in the UK. 
• Zing – investment, connections and availability to technology expertise to early stage youth impact organizations.

Global Sources Of IT Support & Grant Funding

• Google.org Impact Challenge: inquires local nonprofit innovators and social entrepreneurs how they would make their community and beyond, an even better place. Opportunities are announced on a rolling basis.
• J P Morgan Tech For Good: mentorship, volunteering and pro bono consulting and board service are available 
• Microsoft Social Entrepreneurship: it supports social impact start-ups with connections, technology and grants.
• Tata Trusts: it has a wide range of programmes, including digital inclusion and transformation.
• The Mozilla Foundation: it provides connectivity and open internet initiatives for advocacy and on-the-ground work. They offer annual tech grants for regionally targeted work
• Wikipedia: provides links to free software project foundations in the United States.

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

Instead of looking for a funder of technology, search for a funder who is interested in the outcomes of their grant. Here are a few ideas:

• Allen Lane Foundation: small grants for start-up, core or project expenses.
• Comic Relief: £500 capacity building grants for little grass roots community groups, with the income of under £250k. 

Download the Start-Ups & New Ideas or Crisis & Growth funder lists from the income questionnaire if you want more like them.

Alternatively, look for funders who are interested in the results of your project. If your project will help young people’s mental health, for instance, look for funders who help young people and/or mental health. This will be done for you by the free Funding Finder database, including filtering funders to find those that fit both categories.

Free Online Free Learning For Digital & Tech

• Digital Garage: for Google’s online learning; tech, tech, digital marketing
• HubSpot Academy: for online marketing, sales and digital
• Accenture: for online digital skills, from basic to advanced

Nationwide computer subsidy schemes

Free computers are not easy to come by these days. However, several subsidy schemes and projects are available to assist low-income households in obtaining the technology they require.

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed the fact that many households did not have the necessary technology to learn remotely or stay connected with others during lockdowns. As a result, subsidy schemes and community projects have become increasingly essential, although there is still a shortage of them compared to a few years ago. National grant projects and community schemes have been initiated to help those financially backward people, and there are many drives that are presently accessible.

Some of the most popular subsidy options for low-income families include computer refurbishment programs, government assistance programs, community projects, non-profit organizations, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

While these ventures and subsidy plans  are vital for low-pay families, it is essential to perceive that they have certain limitations. You can find a few programs, for example, that are only available to families that satisfy the needful requirements as stated, it can be like having children of a certain age or living in a particular area.

Additionally subsidies and projects cannot be trusted every time therefore it is important not to make any type of commitments.  However, it is critical to ensure the legitimacy of any subsidies. Also, beneficiaries of some programs may be required to participate in other activities or make partial payments in order to be eligible for the subsidy.

Get Online @ Home

Get Online @ Home offers refurbished computers and tablets at heavily discounted prices. These devices are affordable to all, but the cost is even more reasonable for those who are eligible for the program’s subsidy scheme. To be eligible, customers must meet any of the following criteria: 

• be a registered charity in the UK
• Be a part of a low-income family receiving state benefits based on need
• Live in a community with limited access to technology
• Have a permanent disability.

Individuals or families who wish to take advantage of the subsidy scheme must receive means-tested benefits such as Universal Credit, live in a deprived community, or have a disability. The following prices apply to those who qualify for the subsidy scheme:

• PCs from £99
• Laptops from £199
• Tablets from £139

Even if a customer is not eligible for the subsidized prices, the devices are still available for purchase at an affordable cost:

• PCs from £119
• Laptops from £219
• Tablets from £159

It’s important to note that these devices are not subpar items. They are refurbished and intended for sale to lower-income families, rather than being rejected equipment.

Also Read : Free Centrelink Laptop Grants in Australia

Get Online @ Home offers an excellent opportunity for low-income families and individuals to obtain affordable technology. The eligibility criteria, including receipt of means-tested benefits, living in deprived areas, or having a disability, ensure that those who need the assistance the most receive it. Even if someone does not qualify for the subsidy scheme, the low prices make it possible for almost anyone to purchase a device.

The minimum specifications are as follows:

Desktop PCs	Laptops	Tablets
19″ TFT Monitor	Minimum 12.5″ Screen	Display: 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS, 10-finger touchscreen
Intel Core 2 Duo Processor	Intel Core i3 Processor	PU: 1.59GHz Intel Atom Z3795 (quad-core, 2MB cache, up to 2.39GHz with Turbo Boost)
4GB RAM	4GB RAM	4GB RAM
250GB Hard Drive	250GB Hard Drive	64GB Embedded Multimedia Card
DVD-RW Drive	Wi-fi Enabled	Graphics: Intel HD Graphics (7th generation)
New keyboard and mouse	Windows 10	Cameras: Rear 8MP, front 2MP
Windows 10		Ports: micro HDMI-out, USB 2.0, microSD, audio jack, digitizer socket

The prices of laptops, both those that are subsidized and those that are not subsidized, have gone up by £30 in the last year. However, this change is a good sign because better machines now have minimum requirements of 250GB hard drives instead of 160GB.

The higher specifications of the computers offered by Get Online @ Home make them suitable for use as home computers and tablets on a daily basis. Keyboards and mice are also included as necessary accessories with desktop computers.Although the company provides a link to free web-based versions of Microsoft 365 Office applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, these budget computers do not come with word processing software. Windows Defender Antivirus is also included by default on all devices to assist users in protecting themselves online.

Get Online @ Home has likewise cooperated with Carphone Warehouse to give an arrangement to clients who register to one of their endorsed Internet Service Providers (ISPs). A refurbished PC costs just £49, a refurbished tablet costs £89, or a refurbished laptop costs just £119 with this offer. On their site, Virgin Media, Sky, Shell Energy Broadband, TalkTalk, and SSE are recorded as five associate broadband suppliers as of now.

It’s essential to remember that in order for customers to get the exclusive offer, they need to go through a specific number. Keep in mind that Get Online @ Home’s website is where you can learn more about the agreement with Carphone Warehouse, even though it is generally a great idea to compare broadband providers first.

Currently, their website lists five broadband providers as participating:

• SSE
• Shell Energy Broadband
• Virgin Media
• Sky
• TalkTalk

It’s important to note that customers must go through a dedicated telephone number to receive the exclusive offer. While  comparing broadband providers first is always worthwhile.

Remember to visit Get Online @ Home website to find out more about the deal with Carphone Warehouse.

Family Fund

An organization known as the Family Fund provides financial assistance to those households who are taking care of children who have critical illnesses or lifelong disabilities. This aid can be used for a variety of things, like buying computers and other things that can improve the lifestyle of the kids’ and their families’. The association intends to reduce the monetary burden on families, empowering them to concentrate on their child’s prosperity and treatment without being worried about the expenses related to their care.

In order to be eligible for a Family Fund grant, households need to satisfy the below mentioned criteria and give required documents 

• You must provide evidence that you are eligible for receiving benefits like Universal Credit and the Working Tax Credit.
• You must have lived in the UK for at least six months, or three months if your child is younger than six months.
• You must be the primary caregiver or parent of children who are chronically ill or disabled and the child should not be under the local authority’s care.
• The disease or condition should be chronic, meaning it is expected to be enduring over a year.

The free iPad training offered by Family Fund to people who have received tablets is a great extra.

Trainers may assist families in understanding the fundamentals of their iPad during these sessions that last up to an hour.

• How to use internet services
• How to use entertaining educational games
• How to utilize it to communicate with loved ones and friends
• How to change the accessibility options on the iPad
• Internet safety tips

In addition to the available online iPad tutorials for disabled children, there are also other entertaining options, such as social story workshops and music-making on the iPad. These alternatives offer an engaging approach to learning and development for children with disabilities. The Family Fund’s grant scheme provides an exceptional service to families who are caring for disabled children, and it’s a resource that all parents and caregivers should be aware of. It eases the financial burden of medical care and enables families to focus on the well-being and progress of their child. Overall, the Family Fund’s grant scheme is a valuable asset for families in need.

Check out the Family Fund webpage.

Also Read :

My Outsourced IT

The My Outsourced IT project is another potential resource for digitally excluded households to obtain a free computer. Established during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, this community project aimed to keep families connected during the challenging times. 

Since March 2020, the project claims to have provided devices to over 700 homes in the North West and beyond, while also repairing devices for 200 households.

My Outsourced IT operates on a donation basis, wherein they refurbish old hardware and pass them on to new families in need. While they currently have a backlog of applications and have closed the applications temporarily, their social media presence is active, and it’s worth keeping an eye on for any updates on when applications will reopen.

To support the project or to learn more about their initiatives, interested individuals can visit the  My Outsourced IT website. 

In conclusion, the My Outsourced IT project is a commendable effort towards bridging the digital divide and deserves attention from those in need of computer devices.

Grants for Assistive Technology

There are multiple grant schemes available in the UK that cater to the needs of disabled individuals who require specialized technology, such as computers, to improve their quality of life. 

Disability-Grants.org has compiled a comprehensive list of these schemes that can help disabled individuals and their families understand and access the funding available to them.

It is essential to note that before applying for any scheme, one should verify whether it is still operational. Some schemes may have expired or undergone changes, and therefore, it’s always advisable to confirm their current status before proceeding.

How to Get Free Laptop Scheme In UK

Schoolchildren and workplace schemes

Accessing cheap technology can be challenging for some individuals, but fortunately, there are various local or specialized schemes that can provide assistance. Knowing where to begin, however, can be daunting. It is essential to research and understand the options available.

One approach is to explore schemes that are specific to one’s location or situation. For instance, a person may want to examine their local council’s website or consider charities in their area that focus on assisting people to get online. These resources can provide valuable insight into the types of programs and support available in their community.

It’s crucial to note that there are various factors to consider when seeking assistance with technology. Some schemes may offer free or low-cost equipment, while others may provide training or technical support. One should examine the scheme’s eligibility criteria and any associated costs, such as delivery or installation fees.

In conclusion, it can be overwhelming to navigate the various schemes available for accessing affordable technology. However, by researching local or specialized programs, individuals can find valuable resources to help them connect with the digital world. Additionally, it’s essential to consider the services offered by charities and local councils to ensure that the support one receives is tailored to their unique needs.

College schemes For Free Laptops In United Kingdom

Many households’ constant issue was brought to light by the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns: the inability to have access to a computer for homework and online learning purposes.Through the Get Help with Technology program and other initiatives, the UK government has tried to address this issue. These projects intend to give PCs, tablets, and 4G wireless routers to needy students. However, families are unable to directly apply for these programs, and it is the schools’ duty to organize the necessary technology for their students.

Schools can only order the necessary equipment if they are aware of the number of students who require it, so it is essential for them to be aware of their students’ technological requirements. As a result, parents and guardians should get in touch with their child’s school or college to ask for help getting the technology they need.

According to an estimation from Ofcom, 1.5 million families in the UK do not have access to the technology necessary for working and learning remotely. While the UK government has given about 900,000 laptops and tablets in the initial ten months of the pandemic, still numerous students might be struggling for being unable to access the vital equipment. This is particularly true for students who started attending school during the global pandemic and did not receive the same support as their fellow mates did.

The issue of home technology access has received more attention as a result of students’ difficulties during the pandemic. It is expected that this raised awareness will result in a shift in the focus on ensuring that all students are able to utilize technology for homework and remote learning.

Even though the program Get Help with Technology and other initiatives are a step in the correct direction, there are still efforts to be made to make sure that students do not fall behind because they do not have access to technology. Schools and the government need to collaborate to close the digital divide and give students the tools they need to be successful in their studies.

When families want to get access to affordable technology, they can also look into local or specialized programs. To ensure that families can access the technology they require to support their children’s learning, it is essential to conduct research and comprehend the available options.

Get Free Laptops from Higher education schemes 

A Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA) may be available to university students with long-term health issues or specific learning challenges like dyslexia or dyspraxia.

Each of the four countries has slightly distinct programs:

• Northern Ireland: A total course-wide specialist equipment allowance of £5,266.
• Wales: a single annual DSA grant of £31,831 to meet all demands
• England: a single, $25,000 annual DSA allocation to meet all demands
• Scotland – A total course-wide large item allowance of £5,160

However, the student will be required to pay £200 toward the computer, and the highest amount mentioned above is definitely a maximum. Greater students will receive less, the government warns. Learn more about applying for DSA.

Get Free Laptops From Employee schemes

Salary sacrifice schemes have been traditionally used by companies to help their employees purchase computer equipment. However, the UK Government has removed many tax benefits associated with the scheme in 2017, causing many firms to stop offering them. These schemes don’t offer free computers, but they allow employees to purchase technology items at discounted prices, such as computers, laptops, and tablets. The schemes work in the same way as cycle-to-work or childcare voucher schemes, allowing employees to spread the cost over a period, typically 24 months.

Although many technology items can be found cheaper online, spreading payments over time may be a benefit for some people. Employees who work for a local council or a large university should consider checking whether their employers offer salary sacrifice schemes for computers or other technology items. 

However, it is essential to keep in mind that these schemes might not be as cost-effective as they used to be before the tax benefits were removed. It is always advisable to compare prices online and evaluate whether the salary sacrifice scheme is beneficial for the employee in the long term.

Business Assistance

Small businesses and startups may find that there are grants available in their area that can assist them in growing their business. These grants can help cover the costs of equipment and computers, making it worth checking out. The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has a webpage on business finance and support that provides further information on grants and funding opportunities. 

To learn more, go to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) page on financing and support for small businesses.

Other Places to Find Cheap or Free Computers

It’s worth exploring local computer charities that repurpose old PCs and laptops for redistribution, as well as general recycling groups like Freegle or Freecycle. Small ads and local computer repair shops may also have older PC systems available at discounted prices, but buyers should ensure they test the computer before purchasing to ensure it’s fully functional.

Bottom Line

I hope the article has helped you with all the information on receiving benefits from a variety of programs that will help you in obtaining free or discounted computers or any other technological devices. As you know in today’s world technology plays a very important role that helps us to stay connected to the virtual world. We are able to learn, work and get ample information through the web. The Get Help with Technology program has helped the children’s, low income families and disabled to get tablets and laptops. Apart from them you can also try charities, nonprofits and other organizations. Thanks for reading this article till the end, I hope you have a great day ahead

Frequently Asked Questions

We will be answering some of the most frequently asked questions regarding free laptops on benefits in the UK. Review them for your additional information.

Who is eligible for free computer schemes?

Eligibility varies based on the specific scheme, but generally, those on low incomes, receiving benefits, disabled individuals, and students are most likely to qualify.

How can I apply for a free computer scheme?

Application processes also vary by scheme. Some require you to apply through your school or job center, while others may require you to fill out an online application or call a designated phone number. The specific requirements and application process will be outlined on the scheme’s website.

What kind of equipment can I get through a free computer scheme?

The type of equipment you can receive will depend on the scheme. Some offer brand new laptops or desktops, while others may offer refurbished equipment or provide funding for you to purchase your own equipment.

Can I still apply for a free computer scheme if I already have a computer?

It depends on the specific scheme. Some may only offer assistance to those who do not have a computer, while others may offer assistance for upgrading or repairing existing equipment.

Will I have to pay any fees or taxes if I receive equipment through a free computer scheme?

In most cases, no. However, it’s always best to check the details of the specific scheme you’re applying to and speak with a representative if you have any questions or concerns.