The Current State of Federal Internet Assistance
The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, stopped accepting new applications in early 2024 and the last discounts ended after June 1, 2024. Congress did not approve new funding, so there is no nationwide program with the same $30 monthly benefit today. That reality still catches people off guard. When bills jumped overnight, many households simply dropped service entirely. Others started searching for "government internet program near me" only to find outdated articles about the ACP.
The good news is that a patchwork of support remains active. The Lifeline program is still funded and running. Most major internet providers operate their own low-income plans. And state broadband offices across the country are deploying billions in federal infrastructure grants that will lower costs and expand service in rural areas.
What the Lifeline Program Still Offers
Lifeline is the oldest federal program for phone and internet discounts, and it remains active in 2026. Eligible households can receive up to $9.25 per month toward broadband or bundled voice and broadband service. Voice-only service qualifies for up to $5.25 per month. Households living on federally recognized Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month, which often covers the full cost of a basic plan.
Eligibility follows two paths. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if someone in the household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, the Veterans Pension, or a few other assistance programs. You can apply online through the Lifeline Support Center or through a participating provider, and you will need a government ID, proof of address, and documentation of your qualifying benefit or income.
One practical detail matters: Lifeline applies to either a wireline service or a wireless service, not both at the same time. So you have to choose where the discount does the most work for your household.
Provider Low-Income Plans Fill the Gap
Since the ACP ended, internet companies stepped in with their own discounted tiers. These are not government programs, but they use the same eligibility logic. If you qualify for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or a school lunch program, you likely qualify for most of these plans. The table below compares the main options available in 2026.
| Provider | Plan Name | Monthly Cost | Speed | What You Get |
|---|
| Comcast | Internet Essentials | $9.95–$29.95 | Up to 100 Mbps | No credit check, no data caps, no annual contract |
| AT&T | Access from AT&T | $5–$15 | Up to 100 Mbps | No data caps, free installation |
| Spectrum | Internet Assist | $25 | 50 Mbps | No contracts, free modem |
| Cox | Connect2Compete / ConnectAssist | $9.95–$30 | Up to 100 Mbps | Free self-install, no credit check |
| Verizon | Verizon Forward | $20–$25 | 100–300 Mbps | No data caps, no annual contract |
| Optimum | Advantage Internet | $14.99 | Up to 50 Mbps | Free installation and equipment |
Most of these plans are month-to-month with no early termination fees. Approval usually takes three to seven business days, and activation can happen the same day if you use a self-install kit.
State Programs and Broadband Grants
Beyond federal help, state governments are quietly building out infrastructure that will change the affordability picture over the next few years. The Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program funds last-mile connections in unserved areas. Oklahoma, for example, received final approval for its BEAD plan in April 2026, unlocking $428 million in grants that will connect more than 40,000 homes across all 77 counties. Projects in Connecticut's ConneCTed Communities program are required to reach substantial completion before December 31, 2026, bringing 100 Mbps service to thousands of additional households.
State-level subsidies also exist. California LifeLine adds a broadband discount on top of the federal Lifeline benefit. New York's broadband program funds low-cost options, and municipal programs in major Texas cities provide another layer of help. The fastest way to find what applies to you is to visit your state public utility commission or broadband office website and search for terms like "affordable internet" or "low-income broadband."
A useful approach is to combine resources. In many cases, the Lifeline discount can stack with a provider's own low-income pricing. That combination can bring a basic home connection down to a very manageable monthly cost. Sarah, a single mother in Austin, told us she paired the federal Lifeline discount with a municipal program in her city and cut her bill by more than half, which let her keep a reliable connection for her son's online classes.
Steps to Get Connected Today
If you need affordable internet right now, work through these steps in order.
First, confirm eligibility. Look at your household income against 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or check whether anyone in your home receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, free school lunch, a Pell Grant, WIC, or public housing assistance. Any of these can unlock both Lifeline and provider plans.
Second, check provider availability at your exact address. Many programs vary by region, so search for terms like "low-income internet [your state]" or visit the websites of providers that serve your area. Do not assume a plan exists everywhere just because it is advertised nationally.
Third, gather your documents. You will typically need a government-issued ID, proof of address such as a utility bill or lease, and a benefit verification letter or income statement. Keep digital copies handy because most applications are online.
Fourth, apply. For Lifeline, go through the Lifeline Support Center website. For provider plans, apply directly on the provider's website, by phone, or in a retail store. Some applications take as little as ten minutes.
Fifth, activate and review your bill. Once approved, schedule installation or activate self-install equipment. Check your first bill to confirm the discount applied correctly. Mark your calendar for annual re-verification, since most programs check eligibility once a year and will transition you to standard pricing if circumstances change.
The Bottom Line
No single federal program has replaced the ACP, but the combination of Lifeline, provider low-income plans, and state broadband initiatives means most eligible households can still find an affordable connection. The key is to act on what is available now rather than waiting for a new federal program that may not arrive. Start with your state broadband office, check Lifeline eligibility, and compare provider plans side by side. A few hours of paperwork can restore the connection your family depends on for work, school, and healthcare.
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