Help with a computer for school for low-income families

Homework set online, coursework that has to be typed, revision platforms that only work properly on a laptop: for a family living on Universal Credit, a part-time wage or a carer's income, a school computer can feel like one more cost nobody planned for. A phone shared between siblings rarely does the job, and a new laptop bought on a store card can end up costing far more than its shelf price.

This guide is written for UK households on a small budget. It starts with the ways to get a device free or on loan, then looks at grants and bursaries, and only at the end at borrowing, which should stay a last resort.

Start with the school or college

Many schools, academies and colleges keep a stock of laptops or tablets they lend to pupils who have no suitable device at home, especially pupils eligible for free school meals or the pupil premium. These schemes are not always advertised, so it is worth asking directly. A short, polite message to the form tutor, head of year or the school's family support worker is usually enough to start the conversation.

• Ask whether the school has a device loan or "laptop library" scheme, and whether it can be kept over the holidays.
• Ask whether internet access (a dongle or data SIM) can be lent with it.
• Check whether homework can be done in school after hours, in a homework club or in the library.
• If your child has special educational needs, ask the SENCo whether assistive technology can be provided through their support plan.

Schools deal with this request often. You do not need to explain your whole financial situation, only that there is no reliable device at home.

Grants and bursaries by stage of education

Secondary school

Some councils run local welfare or crisis support schemes that can occasionally help with essential items for children, and educational charities sometimes fund devices for pupils from low-income families. Grant search tools such as the one run by Turn2us let you filter charities by age, area and need. If you are raising a disabled or seriously ill child, the Family Fund is worth checking, as computers and tablets are among the items it has funded for eligible families.

Sixth form and further education

Students aged 16 to 19 in England can apply to their school or college for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which can help with equipment needed for the course. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have the Education Maintenance Allowance instead, paid to eligible students. Colleges also tend to have their own learner support funds; student services can tell you what is available.

University

Universities run hardship funds for students in financial difficulty, and many lend laptops through the library. Disabled students may be able to get equipment, including a computer with specialist software, through Disabled Students' Allowance after a needs assessment. For more on student budgets, see our page on borrowing as a student on a tight budget.

Free and low-cost device schemes

Several charities and community projects collect old laptops from businesses, wipe them securely and pass them on to families who need them. Some work through schools, food banks, housing associations or local digital inclusion hubs rather than taking requests from the public. Your local library, council or Citizens Advice office can often point you to the scheme that operates in your area.

Refurbished devices sold by reputable retailers are another option. A refurbished laptop with a warranty is often enough for word processing, browsing and online learning platforms, and costs considerably less than a new one. Before buying, check:

• what the school actually requires (some platforms need a particular browser or operating system);
• that the device comes with a warranty and a returns policy;
• that the battery has been tested or replaced;
• whether a basic Chromebook would be enough instead of a full laptop.

Do not forget the internet connection

A laptop without a connection solves only half the problem. Most major broadband providers now offer social tariffs to customers receiving Universal Credit and some other benefits, and these are usually cheaper than standard deals. Mobile networks have, at times, offered free data for families in need through schools and charities. Our guide to cutting the cost of home internet explains how to check eligibility and switch.

Budgeting for a device without high-cost credit

If no free device is available, it may still be possible to avoid expensive borrowing. If you receive Universal Credit, you may be able to ask for a Budgeting Advance, which is interest-free and repaid from future payments, provided you meet the conditions (time on the benefit and earnings limits apply). Repayments reduce your monthly award, so work out what you can manage before applying.

Other options worth weighing:

• Saving in stages: a few pounds a week in a credit union savings account can often make you eligible for a small loan later on.
• A credit union loan: credit unions lend small amounts to members, interest is capped by law, and many lend to people with a thin or damaged credit file.
• Family help: a short, written agreement with a relative avoids misunderstandings; see our page on borrowing from relatives.

Wider school costs such as uniforms, trips and stationery are covered in our guide to help with school expenses.

Credit options to treat with caution

Rent-to-own shops, catalogue accounts and "buy now, pay later" offers are often presented as easy ways to get a laptop. Compare the total amount repayable, not the weekly payment. The FCA introduced a price cap on rent-to-own in 2019, but the total cost can still be well above the price of the same item bought outright, and missed payments may mean losing the item. Buy now, pay later can feel free, yet several plans running at once quickly add up.

If you do borrow, compare the APR and the total cost, borrow only what you need, and make sure the repayment fits after rent, energy and food. If you already have arrears, speak to a free debt adviser such as StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice before taking on anything new.

Spotting scams

Families looking for free laptops are a common target. Be wary of:

• social media posts promising a "free government laptop" in exchange for bank details or a delivery fee;
• anyone asking for money up front to release a grant or a loan;
• lenders or brokers you cannot find on the FCA Financial Services Register;
• second-hand devices sold far below market price with no receipt, which may be stolen or locked.

Genuine school schemes, council funds and charities do not charge a fee to apply. If in doubt, ask the school or a Citizens Advice adviser before sharing any personal information.

A simple action plan

1. Ask the school or college about device loans and after-hours access.
2. Check bursaries, the Education Maintenance Allowance or university hardship funds, depending on age.
3. Search charity grants and local refurbished-device schemes.
4. Sort out an affordable connection through a social tariff.
5. Only then consider an interest-free advance or a credit union loan, and avoid high-cost credit.