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Digital Inclusion
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General:
Loan:
Computers:
Program:
Other Technology Resources:
General:
How do I buy a new computer with the TechConnect program?
With TechConnect, you can buy a discounted Dell computer with a loan from Patelco Credit Union with these steps:
You are eligible if you received the Working Families Credit tax credit in 2007 for tax year 2006. You will need a valid Working Families Credit code.
See http://www.dell.com/sftc for the discounted Dell computers currently being offered. Printout the computer you want to buy.
Apply for your computer purchase loan from Patelco Credit Union at any San Francisco Patelco branch, online at http://www.patelco.org or by calling 415-442-6200. Give them the printout and Patelco can order your computer for you.
What is the TechConnect PC Purchase program?
The TechConnect PC Purchase Program helps eligible working families purchase computers for a low monthly cost by offering
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Discounts on selected Dell computers
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Special considerations on a computer purchase loan from Patelco Credit Union.
This offer is good only for one computer per household. This program is part of the TechConnect Digital Inclusion Initiative and administered by the Department of Telecommunications and Information Services (DTIS) of the City and County of San Francisco.
TechConnect has developed the discount and loan programs to make it easier for working families to buy a computer for their homes. Note that there are other computers on the market and other companies that offer loans.
Who is eligible for this program?
Households that received the Working Families Credit in 2007 for tax year 2006.
Applicants must submit a valid Working Familes Credit code to qualify for this program. Eligible households can call 3-1-1 (415-701-2311) to get their WFC code. Earlier this year, 2007 WFC recipients were sent a letter with their WFC code.
Loan:
What is the computer purchase loan being offered? What is the interest rate?
Patelco Credit Union is offering a loan at 8.9% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) with a maximum possible term of 24 months to buy any new computer. The loan amount can range from $500-$2500. Any San Francisco resident may apply, however, Patelco is extending special lending considerations only for 2007 Working Families Credit recipients.
TechConnect and the City and County of San Francisco are not responsible or liable in any way if you encounter a problem with a loan under this program. TechConnect and the City and County of San Francisco are not able to guarantee that the loans available through this program are the best available deal for Working Families Credit recipients.
How do I apply for the loan?
You'll need to give Patelco a printout of the computer you want and the Working Families Credit code You can apply in the following ways:
In person. Visit one of these Patelco branches :
- Main Branch: 156 2nd St. (and Natoma), San Francisco, CA 94105
- Geary Branch: 6001 Geary Blvd. (and 24th Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94121
- Sunset Branch: 1405 Noriega St. (and 21st Ave.), San Francisco, CA 94122
- Daly City Branch: 65 Southgate Ave. Daly City, CA 94015 (across from Westlake Shopping Center)
Online. Apply online at http://www.patelco.org/loans/computer_loans.aspx and write in the Comments box "TechConnect PC Purchase Program" and your Working Families Credit code.
By Phone. Call Patelco's loan number at 415-442-6200 and state that you're participating in the PC purchase program. You will be asked to provide the Working Families Credit code and to mail or fax a copy of the computer printout.
To be eligible for the computer loan, Patelco requires that you open a free account if you do not already have one with them. Patelco will contribute the minimum balance needed to open the account.
If you are purchasing a Dell computer, a Patelco representative can place the order directly with Dell with the printout of the computer from the Dell website. Otherwise you will need to give them a printed invoice.
What if I have issues with my credit history?
Patelco may consider your credit history when evaluating your loan. Patelco does not require applicants to have an established credit history, however if you have credit issues, we strongly recommend you take advantage of the following financial management services before applying.
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Credit counseling through Balance Financial Fitness Program 1-888-456-2227
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Financial management classes through EARN 415-217-3664
These services are free for all Working Families Credit recipients. Note that you are solely responsible for the loan.
What are the monthly payments?
Your monthly payment depends on the cost of the computer. For example, say the total cost of the computer is $600 (including taxes, fees, shipping and handling). Over 2 years at 8.9%, the monthly payment would be $27.28. See Patelco's loan calculator, to estimate your payments: http://www.patelco.org/tools/payment_calc.aspx
How do I make my loan payments?
Patelco expects you to make a payment each month for the length of the loan up to 24 months. You can make this payment in person, by mail, or have payments automatically deducted from your checking or savings account.
Make sure you will be able to pay off the loan in full before signing up. If you are unable to make a payment, talk with a Patelco representative to develop a plan to keep the loan current. Paying the loan in full will help your credit but a default will hurt your credit.
TechConnect and the City and County of San Francisco cannot make any loan payments for you.
Computers:
What computers are being offered?
Dell is offering discounts on selected laptops and desktops to WFC households. Discounts range from 5%-15%. Prices currently start at around $500 for a desktop and $600 for laptop as of May 2008. However, computer prices and models will vary over time. See the Dell website: http://www.dell.com/sftc for the current configurations and prices.
The computers come with a monitor/display, Microsoft Windows Vista operating system, CD/DVD player, modem, wireless Internet card and at least one year limited warranty with 24x7 technical support. The computer be further customized on the Dell website: http://www.dell.com/sftc at possible additional cost.
Take some time to review the options and see if one of these computers meets your family's needs and budget. Note that you can use the Patelco computer purchase loan to buy any new computer.
TechConnect and the City and County of San Francisco are not able to guarantee that the computers available through this program are the best available deal for Working Families Credit recipients.
What if I have a problem with my computer?
For questions about using your computer, a number of computer training programs offer computer classes and one-on-one tutoring.
If you have a problem with the Dell computer or related hardware, these products are covered by Dell's one year limited warranty. This limited warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship of Dell-branded hardware products, including Dell-branded peripheral products such as Dell speakers or printers. For a written copy of the Limited Warranty, write Dell USA L.P., Attn: Warranties, One Dell Way, Round Rock, TX 78682. Dell offers 24 x 7 technical support by phone and at http://support.dell.com and In-Home service with these computers. Dell will dispatch a technician, if necessary, following phone-based trouble-shooting. The In-Home service may be provided by a third-party.
TechConnect and the City and County of San Francisco are not responsible or liable in any way if you encounter a problem with a computer under this program.
How do I get a lower cost computer if I can't afford new one?
A number of nonprofit computer refurbishers offer quality refurbished computers at lower prices or for free for families in need including:
See TechConnect Refurbished PC Program for information on how to get a refurbished computer.
What if I want one of the discounted Dell computers but don't need the loan?
You can order the computer directly from Dell online at http://www.dell.com/sftc or by calling 1-800-695-8133. You will need to provide a credit card and your Working Families Credit code.
Program:
What is the Working Families Credit program?
The Working Families Credit (WFC) Program is administered by the Human Services Agency of the City and County of San Francisco. For more information, see the WFC website: http://www.workingfamiliescredit.org or call 415-557-6284.
Who sponsors the TechConnect PC Purchase program?
The TechConnect PC Purchase Program is sponsored by Dell Incorporated, Intel Corporation and Patelco Credit Union.
How long will the TechConnect PC Purchase Program run?
The TechConnect PC Purchase Program is available through September 30, 2008 for families that received the Working Families Credit in 2007 for tax year 2006.
Other Technology Resources:
How do I get Internet service?
The Dell computers offered through the TechConnect PC program include six months of free dial-up Internet service over a working phone line. Fees apply after six months. The cable and phone companies and other Internet Service Providers also offer higher speed Internet service for a monthly fee.
How can my family learn to use the computer?
The City and County of San Francisco offers free computer training at various
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San Francisco Recreation & Park Department recreation centers
415-831-2700 http://www.sfreconline.org
Many nonprofits and community organizations also offer computer training programs. TechConnect is currently compiling a directory of these programs, which will be made available in Summer 2008.
Program | Eligibility | How to Apply | Loan | Computers | FAQ
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