There are various schemes and benefits which the government provides. And it becomes necessary to avail such benefits and utilize them. As a citizen, we pay some taxes in our respective countries. And so it can come back to us in the form of such free deals. However, such schemes are not for all, and some eligibility standards are required to avail the freebies. Such eligibility can include different parameters such as income level or veteran status or a particular group like students or refugees etc.
Yes, we can say that government provides free internet or laptops. But things such as the internet and laptops are not exclusively free for anyone. Some things need to be considered about the free government schemes. The government can provide it at a subsidized rate for the people who cannot afford it. Or it may be just a mere deduction of the extra charges that are taken otherwise.
For example, the government can ask the internet service provider to reduce it to 9.25 dollars per month which is almost negligible for the citizens to afford and not cost them heavily in their pockets. Similarly, if we talk about free laptops, the government never provides free laptops. It may be from some non-profit organization or any other organization.
Rules and Guidelines for free internet and Laptops from the government
To take the advantage of the free laptops and internet schemes, there is some set of rules which must be followed. Otherwise, you may lose the reward. And the criteria for that is the total family income should be less than $34000. If the family is from a high-income group then they do not qualify to avail of such benefits.
The second criterion is the person must fall below the federal line of poverty set by the government, which is around 135%. For people who meet these two criteria, there are a series of programs for such people. There are nutrition programs, subsidized lunch programs for students, housing welfare programs, etc. The benefits provided by the federal government help the low-income household to fulfill necessities such as food and healthcare.
Free internet from the government
The government launches various programs for the people who are in need, such as students. The FCC lifeline program is one such program that helps in getting internet at a subsidized rate. They provide internet at the lowest price possible or for free. To get free access to the internet, go to the official site of the lifeline support program and check the eligibility for the same and if eligible, then apply for the program there itself.
Free laptops from the government
Several non-profit organizations distribute free laptops and computers. One such organization is Freecycle. It is an organization that distributes recycled items for use to the needy. If you want something and are really in need, then you can fill out the application form, which is available online, and this organization will give you if your application is accepted by them.
How to access the internet at affordable rates?
There are two ways through which one can get internet at affordable rates:
Through Internet service providers who provide the service at discounted rates. They charge a small monthly fee for the internet plans. Low-income families, students, and senior citizens can take advantage of this scheme. Through Government assistance programs. The US government runs a lifeline program that offers internet service at 9. 25 $ off on phone and internet services every month.
Conclusion
Since these are becoming necessities nowadays, some low-income households are unable to bear the financial burden. Hence, the government provides them with internet facilities at a subsidized rate and ensures that the quality does not get compromised. But for laptops, there are no direct schemes by the government that can be avail indirectly through non-profit organizations or some other welfare organizations as they distribute free laptops to the students.
Q.1) What are the Eligibility Criteria to get internet or laptops for free?
Ans.
The government decides the eligibility before giving these things for free. Such eligibility may be dependent on the household income. For example, any household whose income is below 34000 dollars then they are eligible to avail such benefits, etc.
Similarly, the facilities which the government provides are the best quality-wise as if they provide the internet then it will be not less than 15 Mbps. Also, such an internet facility at a subsidized rate is very useful for students and various other groups such as women.
Q.2) Are these services provided by the government reliable?
Ans. Free internet services which are provided by the government are reliable. But the laptops are not directly provided by the government. So to get a free laptop, one has to contact a non-profit organization. Some informal programs can help in getting free laptops. Some of them are; computers for everyone, computer 4R kids, technology for the future, ONLT foundation, etc.
