The Federal Lifeline Program Still Works
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024 and, as of now, Congress has not passed a direct replacement. But that does not mean the federal government stopped helping. The Lifeline program, which has been around for decades, still provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. The standard benefit is around $9.25 a month, and that amount goes up to $34.25 a month for households on qualifying Tribal lands, thanks to an additional enhanced support payment.
Lifeline eligibility comes through two routes. You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if someone in your household participates in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, or a Tribal program like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Pell Grant recipients qualify too, though the rules treat survivors of domestic violence and certain other situations differently, so it helps to check the full list before applying.
One detail that trips people up: the definition of a household. Lifeline counts everyone living at the same address who share income and expenses as one economic unit. Two roommates who keep separate finances can each get their own benefit. A married couple pooling expenses is one household. If you are unsure, USAC's online application walks you through it with a Household Worksheet.
State Programs Fill the Gap the ACP Left
Because the federal picture changed, a growing number of states stepped in. As of this year, nine states now add their own discount on top of the federal Lifeline benefit for internet service. New York was an early mover, with a law requiring large providers to offer low-cost plans at $15 or $20 a month to eligible households. Connecticut followed with a similar requirement for providers that contract with the state, capping qualifying plans at $40 a month or less. California launched a Home Broadband Pilot in early 2026, and New Mexico created a Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program that will begin accepting applications for monthly internet discounts of up to $30, or up to $70 on Tribal lands, starting in December.
Other states are actively working on affordability bills this year, including Maryland, Illinois, Missouri, and several more. The landscape changes quickly, so the best move is to check what your own state broadband office is doing.
Provider Discount Plans You Can Get Without Waiting
Even without a federal or state subsidy, most major internet providers run their own low-income plans. These are separate from government assistance and often start at around $9.95 a month. Some providers base eligibility on income alone at up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, which is more generous than Lifeline's threshold. Others use participation in SNAP or Medicaid as the qualifier.
| Program | Monthly Cost Range | Who Qualifies | Best For | Main Advantage | Watch Out For |
|---|
| Lifeline (federal) | About $9.25, more on Tribal lands | Income at/below 135% FPL or SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Pell Grant, etc. | Phone or internet | Long-standing, reliable benefit | One benefit per household |
| State Lifeline top-ups | Varies by state | Same as Lifeline plus state rules | Internet service | Extra discount on top of federal | Only nine states so far |
| New York low-cost plan | $15–$20 per month | Low-income households | Home internet | Price guaranteed by law | Speed tiers vary |
| Connecticut low-cost plan | $40 or less per month | Eligible households | Home internet | Provider contract requirement | Took effect October 2026 |
| New Mexico program | Up to $30, up to $70 on Tribal lands | Low-income households | Internet discount | Direct ACP-style replacement | Applications open in December |
| Provider low-income plans | Around $9.95–$30 per month | Varies by provider, often 200% FPL | Home or mobile internet | No government application needed | Promotional pricing can expire |
How to Apply in a Few Practical Steps
Start with Lifeline because it is the one federal benefit that is definitely available. You can apply online through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org, or through the website of a participating provider. You will need proof of identity, proof of address, and proof of program participation or income, such as a benefits letter, a recent tax return, or a pay stub. If you do not have a permanent address, the rules allow you to use a shelter or descriptive address, so being unhoused does not disqualify you.
Next, check your state broadband office. Search for "state broadband office [your state]" and look for affordability programs, low-cost plan requirements, or digital equity initiatives. States like New York, California, Connecticut, and New Mexico have dedicated pages explaining what residents qualify for.
Then call your current provider and ask about their low-income plan. Plans like Cox ConnectAssist, Spectrum Internet Assist, and similar offerings from AT&T, Comcast, and Verizon exist specifically for this. Have your eligibility documents ready before you call. If your bill recently went up because the ACP ended, tell them that; some providers have transitioned affected customers onto their own assistance tiers.
A Few Things Worth Knowing Before You Sign Up
Combining benefits can work. In states that offer Lifeline top-ups, the state discount stacks with the federal one. The household rule applies to Lifeline itself, so make sure only one person in your economic unit claims it. Link Up, a companion to Lifeline, offers a one-time discount of up to $100 off the setup fee for starting home phone service, with an interest-free payment plan for higher setup costs. Not every carrier offers it, so ask before you sign anything.
Schools and libraries have their own route through the federal E-rate program, which gives substantial discounts on internet and networking services for classrooms. If you are a parent or a teacher, it is worth knowing that this funding exists, even though it is not something an individual household applies for directly.
Program rules change, and the federal replacement debate is still active. The reliable approach is simple: check Lifeline first, check your state second, and check your provider's own assistance plan third. One of those three will almost certainly reduce what you pay.
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