Is there any financial help towards laptops/computers?

[Cathylovesheathcliff]

Posting for traffic.

I am currently on universal credit due to my mental health and I want to start applying for part time jobs. However I don’t have a laptop or computer, only my phone.

I was looking at prices online and they’re all so expensive.

Is there any help out there for those on a low income/benefits to purchase laptops etc?

Ask your work coach about flexible support fund.

Do you live near a library? There should be computers there that you can use for free.

Don’t forget about libraries. I know that isn’t the same as having your own.

When I was job hunting I did it all on my phone. Once you have a cv sorted, which the job centre will be able to refer you for help with if needed, a phone is all you need surely?!

You can type your cv up on a public computer like in a library. Email it to yourself and save it as a file on your phone. You should be able to apply for jobs with it like that.

Can you apply for jobs using the same device you used to post on
MN?

If it's just for job applications, between your smartphone and library computers you should be able to do that successfully?

What budget can you strech to without the extra fund?
You can buy cheap, basic laptops absolutely enough for job applying and few other things for between £120 and £200.

There are computers available in most areas that are free to use.

Contact your local council.

If you have a TV with a spare HDMI port, or you can get hold of a monitor, I've got a mini PC you can have. Might take me a few days to get it set up again, but it's yours if you want it. PM me, and I'll ship it to you.

@ntmdino you have no idea who this poster is or what their intentions are.

Sometimes there are community recycling schemes.

Does it matter? A computer's a basic necessity these days. Better that it be put to (almost) any use rather than sitting in a drawer doing nothing until it's e-waste, and it's not worth enough for me to go through the hassle of trying to sell it.

Companies like Tier 1 do refurbished laptops

Refurbished Laptops, Desktops, Mobile Phones & Tablets – tier1 Online

I got a brilliant one from eBay for £129 refurbished.

My area has a refurbished laptop scheme anyone can get one as long as they are in need. The local Advice Centre refers you for one.

I have a works Lenovo. I work for the council. Every few years they give us a new one. They send them to a local shop that cleans them digitally. The shop resell them. I got the same model for £100. Its brilliant.