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Could you be eligible for a Free PC & Broadband?

A government scheme has been rolled out to offer 270,000 low income families a Free computer and FREE braodband access under a major drive to close the digital and educational divide between the rich and poor. The 300 million investment in the scheme called HOME ACCESS will help make England one of the first countries in the world to ensure that young people can use a computer and the internet at home for their education.

Gordon Brown said "I believe that everyone should benefit from new advances in technology. It's right that we break down any barriers to social mobility in order to give more children and families the opportunity to complete coursework, conduct research and apply for jobs online."

From today families with children in years 3 – 9 (approximately age 7 – 14), who are entitled to free schools meals, will be able to apply for a grant to buy a computer and broadband connection from an approved supplier, after meeting strict eligibility criteria.

Looked after children up to the age of 18 will also receive laptops, and the scheme will offer bespoke packages to provide more support for children with special educational needs.

So are you eligible?

Eligibility for the Home Access Grant is based on the Free Schools Meal criteria which means that applicants can apply if they are registered for Free School Meals or if they receive one of the qualifying benefits (income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Income Support, Child Tax Credit but not Working Tax Credit and an income of less than £16,040, income-based Employment Support Allowance or the Guaranteed element of the Pension Credit).

Applicants will also have to meet the other eligibility criteria, namely:

• They have a child in years 3-9;
• They attend a state-maintained school in England or have their place paid for by an English LA or DCSF;
• They have not benefited under HA or CfP in the past.

Carers and foster parents for Looked After Children in school years 1 to 13 are likely to also be eligible for Home Access.

Parents will be able to ring to request an application form for a Home Access grant. If they meet strict eligibility criteria, they will then receive a pre-loaded debit card to spend on one Home Access computer and one broadband connection per family for one year.

These are available from a list of approved suppliers. The general public will also be able to purchase Home Access kits from retailers, so parents can be sure that the laptops they buy are fully security checked, are safe and have all of the software needed to support learning.

For more information how parents can apply for a Home Access Grant

Call Sue Stewart at The Grandparents' Association on 01132429922 or leave a message to get an application. Sue is our agent for Grandparents' Association. Alternatively email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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