32.9 Million People Can’t Access Critical US Government Services Due to Lack of a Computer

For the 1 in 10 people in the United States who don’t own a computer, accessing government services has become increasingly difficult. As services move increasingly online, residents without a computer and reliable internet service are locked out of essential systems. Tasks that were once handled in person now assume access to digital tools that many individuals simply do not have. Federal policy is accelerating this shift. The 21st Century Integrated Digital Experience Act and recent guidance from the Office of Management and Budget direct agencies to establish a “digital-first public experience.” Agencies are required to digitize services and forms, expand the use of electronic signatures, and maximize self-service transactions. At the same time, the federal government is also transitioning exclusively to electronic payments, ending the issuance of paper checks. While these changes are intended to improve efficiency, access, and security, they risk deepening barriers for millions of people who remain unable to afford a computer.