Asian Kids should not miss out on free laptops
14 January 2010

Following the announcement by UK Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, of the £300 million national roll out of a ground-breaking scheme, called 'Home Access', to give 270,000 low income families a free computer and free broadband access, Redhotcurry.com is keen to ensure that Asian kids don't miss out. "Grants will be given on a first-come-first-served basis (based on eligibility). I urge all Asian community leaders to consider the needy families among their groups and help them to apply immediately," said Lopa Patel, Editor of Redhotcurry.com.

Eligbility for the Home Access Grant

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.

From today, 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.

Call the Home Access Grant helpline: 0333 200 1004
Minicom: 0121 748 1471
Visit the website www.homeaccess.org.uk