Free laptop and Web access

The government has made available a grant to low-income families with children living in England, to help gain access to the Internet.

You can get up to £528 to spend on a computer and one year's Internet access (although it must be spent at retailers operating the scheme, such as Comet, Phones4u, and Misco).

You must have children in Years 3 to 9 (usually meaning aged 7 to 14).

The scheme is aimed at low-income families, and there are several tests for this. If your child receives free school lunches, or you get income support, income-based JSA, or child tax credit, as well as having an income lower than £16,040 annually, you may well be eligible.

The scheme will run for the next 18 months, and to a maximum of 270,000 grants (one per household).

Call 0333 200 1004 to apply, or visit www.homeaccess.org.uk.