What Happened to the Big Federal Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program, known widely as ACP, was the largest government internet subsidy the United States has ever run. It provided a monthly discount on home internet service plus a one-time device benefit for eligible households. That program is no longer accepting applications. The monthly ACP discount ended after June 1, 2024, when Congress did not approve continued funding, and no nationwide replacement with the same benefit has been signed into law since.
That means families who previously received a discount on their monthly bill now pay full price unless they find another option. Scammers have noticed this gap. Some websites claim ACP is back or offer to "check your status" in exchange for personal details. Treat those claims with suspicion. Until the FCC or the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) confirms a new federal program, old ACP links and tablet offers should be considered outdated.
Programs That Are Still Active
Lifeline Remains the Backbone
Lifeline is a federal program that has operated for decades, and it is still active in 2026. It helps low-income households pay for phone service, internet service, or a bundle of both. The standard benefit reduces the monthly cost of a qualifying service plan, and households on Tribal lands can receive a larger discount. Eligibility is based on income or participation in federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income.
Applying for Lifeline requires proof of eligibility, which you can submit online, by mail, or through a participating phone or internet provider. Once approved, you choose a participating provider in your area and apply the benefit to their service. The Lifeline Support Center handles questions and issues, and the official application portal is managed by USAC. Avoid third-party sites that ask for your Social Security number or benefit documents.
California Shows How States Are Stepping Up
While the federal picture is quiet, some states have expanded their own support. The California Public Utilities Commission approved significant updates to the California LifeLine program in October 2026. The new structure offers three wireless service tiers, each with a $20 monthly subsidy, unlimited talk and text, and data allowances ranging from 8 GB to 20 GB per month depending on the tier you choose. Households that also receive the federal $9.25 Lifeline benefit can get even more data from participating providers.
The state is also investing in broadband infrastructure through the California Advanced Services Fund. Recent grants support fiber projects in rural counties and bring no-cost broadband to publicly supported housing developments, alongside digital literacy training for residents. Other states run similar programs through their public utilities commissions or broadband offices, so checking your state's official website is a smart first move.
Provider Plans That Fill the Gap
Major internet providers have maintained their own low-income programs, which is where many former ACP households find relief.
Comcast Internet Essentials expanded its eligibility in late 2025. Applicants can now qualify based on household income or participation in a federal benefits program, whichever is more convenient. A family of four earning less than $64,300 can qualify, and the service costs $14.95 per month. That price includes the gateway device, unlimited data, access to digital skills training, and millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots. A low-cost computer is available for an additional $149.95.
Access from AT&T offers low-cost home internet for eligible households, with eligibility based on income below 200% of the federal poverty guideline or participation in qualifying government assistance programs. The monthly price and available speeds depend on what services exist at your address, so you check availability first and then apply through the provider's partner portal.
T-Mobile Project 10Million focuses on students, providing free internet connectivity to eligible households with school-age children. The program has invested billions to connect students who lack reliable broadband at home.
Verizon and other regional providers also offer low-income internet plans, though names and pricing vary by market. The general rule is simple: ask every provider in your area whether they offer a discounted plan for income-qualified households, and compare what they offer side by side.
How to Find Your Best Option in Your State
Step 1: Check Federal Eligibility First
Visit the official Lifeline website run by USAC and complete the eligibility pre-screening. This tells you quickly whether you qualify based on income or a federal assistance program. Keep your documentation ready: tax returns, benefit award letters, or pay stubs will usually do the job.
Step 2: Compare Provider Discount Plans
Call or visit the websites of every internet provider available at your address. Ask specifically about low-income plans, their monthly price, data limits, and whether equipment is included. Many providers do not advertise these plans prominently, so you often have to ask directly.
Step 3: Look at State and Local Resources
Your state's public utilities commission or broadband office may run its own subsidy program, especially if you live in California, New York, or other states with active digital equity initiatives. Local libraries and community centers often have free WiFi, loaner hotspots, and refurbished computers. Nonprofit organizations in many cities provide digital skills classes and device programs for families transitioning to online work and school.
Step 4: Stack Benefits Where Possible
Some households can combine a state subsidy with the federal Lifeline benefit to reduce their bill further. Providers participating in multiple programs may apply both discounts to a single service. Ask the provider whether your state benefit and federal Lifeline can be combined, and confirm the final monthly price before you sign up.
Comparing Your Options at a Glance
| Program | Current Status | What It Helps With | Key Considerations |
|---|
| Lifeline (federal) | Active | Monthly discount on phone or internet service | Eligibility based on income or federal assistance; larger benefit on Tribal lands |
| ACP | Ended June 2024 | No longer available for new applications | Ignore claims that it is back unless FCC confirms |
| California LifeLine | Active and expanded | $20 monthly subsidy with 8–20 GB wireless data tiers | State-specific; combines with federal Lifeline for more data |
| Comcast Internet Essentials | Active | $14.95/month home internet plus low-cost computer option | Expanded income eligibility since 2025 |
| Access from AT&T | Active | Low-cost home internet for eligible households | Pricing depends on services available at your address |
| T-Mobile Project 10Million | Active | Free internet for eligible student households | Focused on families with school-age children |
| State broadband programs | Varies by state | Infrastructure, subsidies, digital skills training | Check your state utilities commission or broadband office |
| Libraries and nonprofits | Varies by location | Free WiFi, hotspots, devices, digital classes | Availability is local and often limited |
Practical Advice for Seniors and Caregivers
Seniors often face a double hurdle: the cost of internet and the confidence to use it. If you are helping an older relative, start with Lifeline since many seniors already receive benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income that automatically qualify them. Providers like Comcast include digital skills training with their low-income plans, which helps first-time users learn video calling, telehealth appointments, and online bill payment at their own pace.
Some states run dedicated programs for older adults through their area agencies on aging. These agencies can help with enrollment paperwork and sometimes provide loaner tablets or discounted devices. Asking your local agency whether it partners with internet providers is worth the phone call.
A Word About Safety
Whenever you apply for a government program, go through official channels. The FCC, USAC, and state public utilities commissions publish clear guidance on their websites. Government agencies do not call you asking for your Social Security number, and they do not charge application fees. If a website promises an ACP discount in exchange for personal information, close the tab. The safest path is always the official one.
Take the Next Step Today
Internet access is no longer optional for school, work, healthcare, or staying in touch with family. The end of ACP created confusion, but the current landscape still offers real help to households that know where to look. Start with the Lifeline pre-screening on the USAC website, then call your local providers and ask about their income-qualified plans, and check your state broadband office for additional support. Pair a federal benefit with a provider discount where you can, and confirm the final price in writing before committing. A little paperwork now can keep your family connected for a long time to come.
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