Do I Qualify For A Low-Cost or Free Computer?
Our Computer Assistance Program offers low-cost and free refurbished computers to eligible students to support their education. To qualify for this program, families must meet specific income criteria and provide documentation for verification. We take privacy and security seriously and adhere to all applicable laws and regulations to protect your personal information.
1. Eligibility Criteria
1.1 Low-Cost computer:
To be eligible for a low-cost computer, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Family income is at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Current enrollment in a New York City public school (K-12).
1.2 Free Of Charge computer:
To be eligible for a free of charge computer, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Family income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
- Current enrollment in a New York City public school (K-12).
Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2023
| Persons in family/household | Poverty guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 | $14,580 |
| 2 | $19,720 |
| 3 | $24,860 |
| 4 | $30,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 |
| 6 | $40,280 |
| 7 | $45,420 |
| 8 | $50,560 |
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person.
2. Required Documents for Income Verification
Applicants must provide at least one of the following documents as proof of income:
Government Assistance
- Proof of enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP (Food Stamps), or TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families).
- Recent benefits statement or approval letter for the above programs.
Income Statements
- Pay stubs from the past 30 days.
- W-2 forms or income tax return from the previous year.
- Social Security, pension, or unemployment benefits statements.
School-Related Documents
- Proof of eligibility for free or reduced-price school lunch program in New York City. This can include a letter from the school, a copy of the application, or an official statement confirming eligibility.
3. Privacy and Security
We Care Act NYC takes your privacy and security seriously. By providing the requested documents, you consent to the use of this information for the sole purpose of determining your eligibility for the Computer Assistance Program. We will not share your personal information with any third parties without your explicit consent, except as required by law or when necessary for the administration of the program.
As with any online submission, there is always a risk of unauthorized access or interception of data. We use industry-standard security measures to protect your information, but we cannot guarantee complete security.
It is your responsibility to redact or remove any sensitive information from the documents that is not necessary for verifying your eligibility.
4. How to Apply
4.1 Application Process:
- Complete the online application form available in products on our store.
- Attach the required income verification documents.
- Submit the application and wait for a confirmation email with further instructions.
4.2 Computer Distribution:
- Eligible applicants will be notified about the computer distribution dates and locations.
- Families must present a valid photo ID and a copy of the confirmation email to collect their computer.