Trying to apply for jobs on a cracked phone screen is miserable. So is a kid trying to finish homework on one. If your household doesn’t have a working computer, a handful of San Antonio programs will hand you a refurbished laptop — free or close to it — and a couple will even teach you how to use it. Applying for help is free, and the devices go to the people who need them most: low-income families, students, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Who can get one?
These giveaways are aimed at households that can’t afford a computer on their own — low-income families, students, seniors, people with disabilities, and public-housing residents. Most programs ask for some proof: an ID, something showing your San Antonio address, sometimes proof of income or benefits like SNAP or Medicaid. Every program runs its own rules, so the fastest answer is a phone call. If sorting through them sounds like a chore, the Apply for Me form will match you with the ones you most likely qualify for — free.
Programs giving out free or low-cost computers in San Antonio
These programs are listed on our Free Computers & Laptop Program page. Call before you go — devices go fast:
- Goodwill San Antonio – Tech for Good: Free refurbished computers for low-income individuals and families. Phone: (210) 924-8581 · 406 W. Commerce St, San Antonio, TX.
- PCs for People: Free or low-cost computers for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Phone: (210) 503-1056.
- The NERDS Program: Free computers and technology resources for low-income families and students. Phone: (210) 227-4722.
- Tech for All: Free computers plus digital literacy training for low-income families and individuals. Phone: (210) 227-3114.
- ConnectHome San Antonio: Free computers and internet access for low-income families with school-aged children. Phone: (210) 302-6800.
- San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA): Free computers and digital resources for public-housing residents. Phone: (210) 477-6000 · 818 S. Flores St, San Antonio, TX.
- UTSA – Digital Inclusion: Free computers and internet access for students and families in need through partnerships. Phone: (210) 458-4011 · 1 UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX.
No computer at all right now? The San Antonio Public Library offers free computer and internet access at every branch for library cardholders — a solid stopgap while you wait for a device. Phone: (210) 207-2500 · 600 Soledad St. And if your household also needs a phone, check the Free Phone Assistance Program too.
How to ask (and actually get one)
Call before you go — supplies are limited and most programs don’t hand out devices to walk-ins. Have your ID and proof of address ready, and mention it if you get SNAP, Medicaid, or other benefits; it often speeds up eligibility. Ask two questions on the call: “Is there a waitlist?” and “Is the device free or low-cost?” Mornings earlier in the week tend to be the best time to reach someone.
A laptop opens the next door
A computer without internet only goes so far — ConnectHome and UTSA’s program include internet access, and Tech for All offers digital literacy training, so ask about both when you call. And once you’re online, the city’s free job training programs are a lot easier to take advantage of — which is the whole point for a lot of folks.
Not sure where you qualify? We can check for you.
Each program has its own eligibility rules, and calling around takes time. Fill out the free Apply for Me form and we’ll match you with the computer programs — and other benefits — you’re most likely to qualify for.
Frequently asked questions
Are these computers really free?
Some programs give out refurbished devices free; others offer them at low cost. Applying for help is always free. Ask on the call whether the device is free or low-cost so you know before you go.
Do I have to be a student to get one?
No. Students are one group these programs serve, but low-income families, seniors, people with disabilities, and public-housing residents can qualify too — it depends on the program.
What if there’s a waitlist?
That’s common — devices go fast. Get on the list anyway, and in the meantime use the free computers at any San Antonio Public Library branch with a library card.
Can I get help learning to use the computer?
Yes — Tech for All includes digital literacy training, and the library offers free computer help as well. Ask about training when you call.
