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People get online with smartphones, computers, or other devices that are connected to the internet. If you don’t have a way to get online, it can be harder to do things like search for jobs, do schoolwork, look at your medical records, talk to your doctor, and stay in touch with friends or family. And this can affect your health.
There are programs that offer low-cost or free smartphones, computers, and internet. To find local programs, talk to your doctor or ask at a library or senior center.
You can also find help by calling 211. If you can get online, try going to findhelp.org or 211.org for more information.
Where can you get help?
The programs that can help you get online will depend on where you live. And you may need to give some information to help you qualify, such as your income, your age, if you’re a veteran, if you’re a Native American, or if you use a government program like Medicaid or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). To find out more about a program, try asking at your local library. Here are some other tips and resources.
Free public Wi-Fi. Many places have free Wi-Fi, such as libraries, coffee shops, and malls. With Wi-Fi, you can get online with a smartphone, laptop, or other wireless device. If you use public Wi-Fi, be careful when sharing personal information, including health information.
Library programs. Many libraries have free Wi-Fi and computers you can use. Some libraries have laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots that you can check out and take home. A hotspot is a device that connects your computer or other device to the internet.
Lower-cost internet from certain companies. These include AT&T, Comcast, and Spectrum. Ask your local internet company if they have a lower-cost service and how to qualify.
Lifeline. This federal program helps lower the monthly cost of internet or phone service. You can qualify based on your income, if you use a government program (like SNAP or Medicaid), or if you are a Native American living on Tribal lands.
- 1-800-234-9473
- lifelinesupport.org
PCs for People. They sell low-cost computers and laptops to people who qualify. They also provide low-cost internet in certain areas.
- 1-651-354-2552
- pcsforpeople.org
EveryoneOn. They can help you find low-cost internet service in your community.
- 1-877-789-9889
- everyoneon.org
Senior Planet. They have free online classes for people ages 60 and older. Learn about things like low-cost home internet, online doctor visits, and computer basics. They also have a free hotline to answer questions about technology.
- 1-888-713-3495
- seniorplanet.org
iFoster. They help foster youth or their caregivers get technology resources, such as low-cost or free computers and, in some areas, free smartphones.
- 1-855-936-7837
- ifoster.org
The On It Foundation. They give free computers to public school students in kindergarten to sixth grade. Students who are enrolled in a free or reduced-cost lunch program can qualify.
- 1-305-244-6454
Community resources. If you want to learn more about how to use the internet, check with your library or senior center. They may have classes.
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
