---
title: 'Computers, skills and support for people on a low income'
url: 'http://help.akuadora.net/'
markdown: 'http://help.akuadora.net/index.md'
date: '2026-10-01'
description: 'Free refurbished laptops, digital help and benefits checks for people on a low income in the UK.'
---

# Computers, skills and support for people on a low income

## How we help

Money is tight for millions of people in the UK, and more and more of life only happens online. We help close that gap.

### Free laptops

Donated laptops, safely wiped and set up with free, secure Linux software. Ready to use for school, work and forms.

 [Ask for a laptop ](http://help.akuadora.net/get-help#a-laptop) 

### Help with online forms

Universal Credit, job applications, council forms, email: we sit with you and help you do it.

 [Get digital help ](http://help.akuadora.net/get-help#help-going-online) 

### Benefits check

Billions in benefits go unclaimed every year. We help you use free, independent calculators to check what you could get.

 [Check your benefits ](http://help.akuadora.net/get-help#money-and-benefits) 

### Lower bills

Cheaper broadband for people on benefits, free software instead of paid, and avoiding costly repairs.

 [Ways to save ](http://help.akuadora.net/get-help#cutting-costs) 

### IT skills for work

Learn computer and Linux basics that can lead to a job in IT. No experience needed.

 [Learn more ](http://help.akuadora.net/get-help#it-skills-for-work) 

### Free IT for local charities

Small charities and community groups get a website, email and backups for free, so they can spend their money on people.

 [For charities ](http://help.akuadora.net/about#for-charities-and-community-groups) 

## Getting a laptop: how it works

1. ### Tell us what you need

    Send us a short email. You don't need to prove anything to start a conversation.
2. ### We prepare a laptop

    A donated laptop is wiped, checked and set up with free software, ready to switch on.
3. ### We help you get started

    We arrange how you get it, and help you set it up: email, Wi-Fi and the things you need.

## Why we do this

Claiming benefits, applying for jobs, doing homework, seeing a GP, finding a cheaper energy deal: almost all of it happens online now. Without a computer or the confidence to use one, being on a low income costs you even more.

At the same time, companies throw away thousands of laptops that still work perfectly well. We are IT engineers. We know how to wipe them safely, give them a second life with free open-source software, and help people use them.

**Akuadora Help** is a community initiative of [Akuadora](https://www.akuadora.net), a Linux and open-source engineering company.

---

## Navigation

- Next: [Get help](http://help.akuadora.net/get-help.md)