Internet help for low-income households
The main federal program today is Lifeline, which takes up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service. Many providers also offer their own low-cost plans.
- Lifeline: up to $9.25 a month off, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands.
- You qualify by income or by taking part in programs such as SNAP or Medicaid.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024.
Good to know. PlansByZip is not a government agency and is not part of the Lifeline program. We cannot approve or enrol anyone. Applying for Lifeline is free, and you apply through the official National Verifier, not through this site or our call line.
Lifeline
Lifeline is a long-running federal program. It lowers the monthly cost of either internet or phone service, one benefit per household. The discount is up to $9.25 a month for broadband, and up to $34.25 a month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Who qualifies
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if someone in the household takes part in a qualifying program. Those include SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, federal public housing assistance, and the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
How to apply
- Apply through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org, or ask a participating provider to help you apply.
- Have proof ready: a benefits letter or income documents.
- Once approved, choose a provider that takes part in Lifeline and ask them to apply the discount.
- Recertify each year when asked, or the benefit stops.
The FCC opened a review of Lifeline rules in 2026. Eligibility details could change, so check the official site for the current rules before you apply.
What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program
The ACP gave eligible households $30 a month off internet. Its funding ran out and the program ended in June 2024. It has not been renewed. Be careful with any site or caller that says you can still enrol in it.
Provider low-cost plans
Many internet providers run their own reduced-price plans for households on assistance programs, often $10 to $30 a month for speeds of 50 to 100 Mbps or more. They are not always advertised. Ask the agent directly: do you have a low-income plan at my address, and what proof do you need?
Other places to look
- Your state or city may run its own internet subsidy.
- Public libraries lend hotspots in many areas.
- Schools sometimes provide connections for students.
Common questions
Can I get free internet?
There is no general free-internet program. A provider low-cost plan combined with the Lifeline discount can bring the bill close to zero in some cases.
Can I use Lifeline for both phone and internet?
No. It is one benefit per household, applied to one service.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program coming back?
It ended in June 2024 and has not been renewed. Check fcc.gov for any change.