Tech
Making a phone or laptop last longer
Most devices are replaced for reasons that have straightforward fixes.
Battery degradation is the most common reason a device feels old. Replacement is inexpensive relative to a new device and is offered by manufacturers and independent repairers alike; right-to-repair rules in several states have widened the options.
Storage filling up produces symptoms people read as the device being worn out. Clearing space, and in particular moving photographs and video to backup storage, usually restores normal behaviour.
Security support is the real end of life. Once a device stops receiving operating system security updates it should not be used for banking or email, regardless of how well it runs. Manufacturers publish support periods, and they are worth checking before buying.
A case, a screen protector and keeping liquids away prevent the damage that actually ends most devices early. This is unglamorous and it is what the repair data shows.
What to do next. Check whether a battery replacement would fix it, and confirm the device still receives security updates before keeping it for banking.
studentaid.gov outranks this page. Rules, figures and dates change
between academic years. This is written to help you read the official sources, not to
stand in front of them. Start there.
Nothing here is a determination. We cannot tell you what you qualify
for, and no website can. The programme and the office that runs it decide that, after
you apply.
Still have a question?
Describe what you are trying to work out and a member of the team will answer, or direct you to the office that makes the decision.