Where the Federal Picture Stands
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ran out of appropriated funding in June 2024 and Congress has not passed a direct federal replacement since. However, the Lifeline program, which has existed for decades, continues to provide a $9.25 monthly discount toward broadband or phone service for eligible low-income households. That modest federal benefit is still administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company under FCC direction, and eligibility is verified through programs like Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.
What has changed is that several states decided not to wait for Washington. According to an analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts, nine states now supplement the federal Lifeline discount, and a growing list of states have built entirely new programs to fill the gap left by the ACP.
State Programs That Are Actually Running
New Mexico's LITAP
New Mexico became the first state to build a direct, state-funded successor to the ACP. The Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program (LITAP) launched July 1, 2026, offering eligible households up to $30 per month toward internet or phone service, and up to $75 monthly on Tribal lands. Households earning $45,000 a year or less, or those who already qualify for Lifeline, can apply. Rather than relying on a federal appropriation, LITAP is funded through a small surcharge on phone and internet bills in the state, which is expected to make it more stable over the long run. Regulators in New Mexico also opened rulemaking in August 2026 for a related broadband affordability program with discounts of up to $30, or up to $70 on Tribal lands, with applications expected to open December 1.
California's LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot
California launched its LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot in January 2026, and it is currently the most established state-level broadband subsidy. It provides up to $30 per month off home internet for households that qualify for California LifeLine, which generally means income at or below 135% of the federal poverty line or participation in Medi-Cal, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or certain Tribal assistance programs. In October 2026, the California Public Utilities Commission updated the program to more than double wireless broadband data allowances for participating households, moving from a 6 GB monthly standard to tiered options of 8 GB, 15 GB, or 20 GB, all offered at no cost to participants.
Oregon's Enhanced State Lifeline
Oregon administers its own state Lifeline benefit that stacks on top of the federal discount. Eligible households can receive up to $24.25 per month off internet service, well above the federal minimum. It is a good example of how state top-ups can stretch a small federal benefit into something closer to the old ACP discount.
New York and Connecticut's Low-Cost Plan Requirements
Rather than handing out subsidies, New York and Connecticut took a different route. A New York law that took effect in January 2025 requires providers serving more than 20,000 customers in the state to offer internet service at $15 or $20 per month to low-income and other qualified households, based on minimum speeds. Connecticut passed similar legislation in June 2025 requiring providers that contract with the state to offer a low-cost plan of $40 per month or less to eligible households, a requirement that took effect October 1, 2026.
How the Main Options Compare
| Program | What You Get | Eligibility Basics | Best For | Advantages | Watch Out For |
|---|
| Federal Lifeline | $9.25/month off broadband or phone | Income at/below 135% of poverty line or enrollment in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, etc. | Nationwide coverage | Works everywhere, verifies eligibility automatically | Smaller discount than the old ACP |
| New Mexico LITAP | Up to $30/month ($75 on Tribal lands) | Income ≤ $45,000/year or current Lifeline recipient | New Mexico households | Direct ACP-style subsidy, stable funding source | Only available in New Mexico |
| California LifeLine Broadband Pilot | Up to $30/month off home internet | Qualify for California LifeLine (income ≤ 135% of poverty line) | California households | Established program, tiered data options | State-specific, requires application |
| Oregon State Lifeline | Up to $24.25/month off internet | Qualify for federal Lifeline | Oregon households | Stacks with federal discount | Limited to Oregon |
| NY low-cost plans | $15–$20/month plans | Low-income or other qualified households | New York residents | Predictable monthly cost | Speed tiers vary by provider |
| CT low-cost plans | $40/month or less | Eligible households of participating providers | Connecticut residents | Capped pricing with provider contracts | Applies to providers that contract with the state |
What You Can Do Right Now, No Matter Where You Live
Even if your state has not launched a program, there are practical steps you can take today.
First, check whether you already qualify for Lifeline. The application goes through the National Verifier at the official Universal Service Administrative Company site, and eligibility is checked automatically against databases for Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and several Tribal programs. If you receive any of those benefits, you likely qualify for the $9.25 discount immediately.
Second, contact your internet provider and ask about their own low-income plans. Many national providers continue to offer discounted tiers even after the ACP ended, and the terms vary by company and location. It is worth calling and asking directly, since these plans are not always advertised.
Third, bookmark your state broadband office or Public Utilities Commission website. State programs move quickly once they gain momentum. Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota are actively working on affordability legislation, and Missouri's broadband program is set to sunset in 2027, which may push new action. Checking your state legislature's bill tracker with terms like "broadband affordability" or "internet subsidy" is a reliable way to stay ahead of new programs.
Why Acting Now Matters
For a parent trying to keep a child in remote learning, a retiree booking telehealth appointments, or a small business owner submitting online orders, an internet connection is not a convenience. The gap between the ACP's end in 2024 and the wave of state programs that began in 2026 left roughly 23 million households without that $30 cushion, and the patchwork that exists now requires some digging to find. The programs profiled above are real, funded, and accepting applicants. The difference between paying full price and paying a reduced rate often comes down to knowing which program applies to your household and taking the fifteen minutes to apply. Start with the National Verifier for Lifeline, then check your state's broadband office, and ask your provider what discounted plans exist. One application can make home internet affordable again.
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