Reliable internet is no longer optional — you need it to apply for jobs, manage Medicare, see a doctor by telehealth, check your bank account, and stay in touch with family. Federal and ISP-based programs can lower or eliminate the monthly cost if your household income is below certain limits.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which had provided a $30/month discount to over 23 million households, ran out of funding in mid-2024. What’s available today is the older Lifeline program plus a patchwork of low-income plans from individual internet providers, state programs, and nonprofit broadband initiatives.
Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a discount on monthly phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. The discount is typically $9.25 per month (or $34.25 for households on Tribal lands).
Who qualifies
- Household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, OR
- Participation in a qualifying program: Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
How to apply
- Go to LifelineSupport.org (the National Verifier)
- Verify eligibility online (you’ll need ID and proof of program participation or income)
- Once approved, choose a participating provider in your area and apply the discount to your bill
Lifeline can be applied to home internet, mobile phone service, or mobile broadband — but only one service per household. The list of participating providers is on the National Verifier site.
Low-Income Plans from Major ISPs
Most large internet providers offer low-cost plans for households that participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other assistance programs. Speeds and prices vary, but plans typically start at $10–$30 per month with no equipment fees.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials — $9.95/month for eligible households
- Spectrum Internet Assist — about $20–$25/month for eligible households
- AT&T Access — low-cost plans for SNAP and SSI recipients
- Verizon Forward — discounted plans for qualifying households
- Cox Connect2Compete / ConnectAssist — low-cost options for eligible families
- T-Mobile Home Internet Lifeline — for households that qualify for federal Lifeline
Check directly with whichever ISPs serve your address — programs change, and not every provider is available in every area.
State and Local Programs
Some states run their own broadband subsidy programs that supplement or replace ACP. New York, California, and Massachusetts have run state-level programs at various times. Check with your state public utility commission or “[your state] broadband subsidy” for current options.
Free Wi-Fi Options
Where regular home internet isn’t feasible:
- Public libraries — free Wi-Fi, often free computer use, and some libraries lend out mobile hotspots
- Community centers, senior centers, and houses of worship
- Some cable internet providers offer free public hotspots that any customer of theirs can use
- Some school districts and city governments operate public Wi-Fi networks
Cell Phones
If your main internet need is for a smartphone, the federal Lifeline program also works for mobile service. Several “Lifeline carriers” provide free or low-cost phones with a monthly data and talk allotment to eligible households. Search “Lifeline phone in [your state]” or check the National Verifier site for participating mobile providers.
Tips for Negotiating Your Bill
- Call your current provider and ask if you qualify for any low-income or loyalty discounts — they don’t always advertise them
- If you’ve been a customer for more than a year, ask what new-customer promotions are available — you can often re-up at a lower rate
- Drop services you don’t use (cable TV bundles, premium channels, extra data)
- Consider mobile-only internet (5G home internet from T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) if you have good signal at your address — often $50–$60/month flat
- If you’re moving, shop new providers in the new address before signing up
Program eligibility rules and provider plans change frequently. Verify current details with the program or provider directly before signing up.