Where the Federal Picture Stands Today
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which once gave eligible households a $30 monthly discount on internet service, ran out of funding in mid-2024. New applications are not being accepted, and no nationwide replacement with the same benefit has been signed into law so far. That does not mean help has disappeared. The older Lifeline program remains active, and most major internet providers now run their own low-income plans that fill part of the gap.
Lifeline is the main federal option left. It provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or for households that participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. The discount typically comes to about $9.25 per month, or $34.25 for households on Tribal lands. You apply through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org, and the discount applies to one service per household — home internet, mobile phone service, or mobile broadband.
One detail worth knowing: Lifeline can be stacked on top of certain provider low-income plans. If a provider plan costs around $10 per month and Lifeline covers $9.25 of it, your out-of-pocket cost becomes very small. Not every provider allows this combination, so it pays to ask.
Low-Income Plans from Major Providers
Most large internet companies offer discounted plans for households enrolled in assistance programs. Pricing and speeds vary by region, but the plans generally start in the $10 to $30 range with no equipment fees. Here is a snapshot of what is commonly available:
| Provider Plan | Typical Price | Speed | Eligibility | Where Available |
|---|
| Xfinity NOW Internet | Around $9.95–$30/month | Varies by tier | SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance | Comcast service areas |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | About $17.99–$24.99/month | 30 Mbps download | SNAP, SSI, free/reduced school lunch | 41 states |
| AT&T Access | Around $30/month | Up to 100 Mbps where fiber exists | SNAP, SSI, or income at 200% of poverty level | AT&T service territory |
| Optimum Advantage Internet | About $14.99/month | 30 Mbps | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI | NY, NJ, CT |
| Kinetic Internet First | Around $9.95/month | 25 Mbps | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC | 18 states |
| Cox Connect2Compete / ConnectAssist | Around $9.95–$19.99/month | Up to 50 Mbps | SNAP, Medicaid, school lunch program | Cox service areas |
These programs change from year to year, so the exact price and speed at your address may differ. The smartest move is to check the provider websites directly or call customer service to confirm what applies to your location.
State and Local Broadband Assistance
On top of federal help, some states run their own broadband subsidy programs. California has California LifeLine, which adds extra discounts for qualified households. New York funds low-cost broadband options through its NYS Broadband Program. Texas and Florida have municipal and state-level connectivity initiatives, and Pennsylvania's Public Utility Commission runs broadband assistance programs as well.
To find what exists in your area, search for your state public utility commission or broadband office, using phrases like "[your state] broadband subsidy" or "[your state] low income internet program." A local 211 line or your public library's tech desk can also point you toward community resources, including free Wi-Fi and mobile hotspot lending programs.
Practical Steps to Get Connected
Start by checking whether anyone in your household already receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, or free school lunch. That single fact opens the door to most provider plans and to Lifeline. If you are not enrolled in any assistance program, compare your household income against 135% of the federal poverty guidelines — many households qualify on income alone.
Gather your documents before applying. A benefits letter, recent tax return, pay stubs, or a school enrollment record usually works. Apply for Lifeline through the National Verifier first, since its approval can strengthen your application with a provider. Then contact each internet company that serves your address and ask about its low-income plan. If your current provider offers one, you can often switch your billing to the discounted rate without changing service.
One caution: with ACP no longer active, be wary of websites claiming they can sign you up for an ACP discount or offering to check your ACP status. Scammers have targeted people who previously received the benefit. Only trust information from the FCC, USAC, or your actual provider.
Sarah from Austin lost her ACP discount in 2024 and assumed she would be paying full price. She applied for Lifeline through the National Verifier, stacked it with her provider's low-income plan, and cut her monthly bill to a fraction of what it had been. Her situation shows what is possible when you combine programs rather than treating them as either-or choices.
Making the Most of What Exists
The patchwork of programs can feel confusing, but the steps are straightforward: confirm eligibility, apply for Lifeline, ask every provider about low-income pricing, and check for state-level support. Libraries and nonprofit organizations can bridge short-term gaps with free Wi-Fi and loaner hotspots while you wait for approval. Once your discount is active, set a reminder to re-certify each year so the savings do not lapse.
Affordable internet in the US today does not come from one single program. It comes from knowing which doors are open to you and walking through them in the right order. Start with the National Verifier, call your provider, and see how low your monthly bill can go.
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