Federal Fallback: Lifeline Program
The closest federal alternative remaining is the Lifeline program, which the FCC has run since 1985. Lifeline provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service. On tribal lands, the benefit increases to $34.25 per month.
Lifeline Income Limits 2026
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you must already participate in a qualifying assistance program.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (135% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $20,331 |
| 2 people | $27,594 |
| 3 people | $34,857 |
| 4 people | $42,120 |
| 5 people | $49,383 |
| Each additional person | add $7,263 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. Figures based on 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Qualifying Programs for Lifeline
You automatically qualify if you participate in any of these federal programs:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal-specific programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
How to Apply for Lifeline
- Go to lifelinesupport.org, the National Verifier managed by USAC
- Create an account and enter your name, date of birth, and last four digits of your Social Security number
- Upload income documentation if required (pay stubs, tax return, or a benefits award letter)
- Once approved, choose a participating carrier in your area
- Your discount applies to your monthly bill automatically
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. You must recertify each year.
State-by-State ACP Replacement Programs
The following states have launched programs that specifically target the gap left by ACP, or have expanded existing programs to serve more households at higher benefit levels.
California: LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot
California launched the LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot in January 2026, making it the most direct state-level ACP replacement in the country.
Benefit: Up to $30 per month off home internet service
Eligibility: Must qualify for the existing California LifeLine telephone program, which requires income at or below 135% FPL or enrollment in Medi-Cal, Medicaid, SNAP, FPHA, SSI, Tribal programs, or CalFresh
Participating providers and discounts:
| Provider | Monthly Discount | Bundled Discount |
|---|
| Xfinity | $20/month | $30/month (with phone or mobile) |
| Spectrum | $20/month | $30/month (with phone) |
| AT&T | $20/month | $30/month (with phone) |
How to apply: Apply through the California LifeLine administrator at californialifeline.com or call 1-877-858-7463. You can also apply through your internet provider directly.
New York: Affordable Broadband Act
New York's Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) does not provide a subsidy check. Instead, it requires large ISPs operating in New York to offer qualifying low-income households capped monthly rates.
Income eligibility: At or below 200% FPL (broader than most programs)
Qualifying programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, free or reduced price school lunch, Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (SCRIE), Disability Rent Increase Exemption (DRIE)
Required plan pricing:
| Speed Tier | Maximum Monthly Price |
|---|
| 25 Mbps or faster | $15/month |
| 200 Mbps or faster | $20/month |
Participating providers: Spectrum, Verizon Fios, Optimum, Astound Broadband
How to apply: Contact your ISP directly and request the Affordable Broadband Act plan. Show proof of program enrollment. More information at broadband.ny.gov.
Texas: Texas Lifeline
Texas operates a state Lifeline program that supplements the federal Lifeline benefit.
Benefit: State and federal Lifeline combined; the state top-up varies by carrier
Eligibility: Same as federal Lifeline (135% FPL or qualifying program enrollment)
How to apply: Apply through the USAC National Verifier, then select a Texas-approved carrier. Participating carriers include Safelink Wireless, TruConnect, and others listed at puc.texas.gov.
Oregon: Oregon Lifeline
Oregon runs its own state Lifeline program through the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC).
Benefit: Combined federal and Oregon state credit, up to $9.25 per month federal plus additional state support on some carriers
Eligibility: 135% FPL or qualifying program enrollment
How to apply: Apply at the Oregon USAC portal or through participating carriers. Information at oregonpuc.gov.
New Jersey: NJ LifeLine (Separate from Federal Lifeline)
New Jersey operates a utility assistance program called NJ LifeLine that covers both electric/gas and communications services.
Benefit: Up to $225 per year ($18.75 per month) for communication services
Eligibility: Receiving one of: SSI, Social Security Disability, Medicaid, SNAP, GA, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), or income below specified thresholds
How to apply: Call the NJ LifeLine hotline at 1-800-792-9745 or apply through the NJ Department of Human Services at nj.gov/humanservices.
Massachusetts: Massachusetts Lifeline
Massachusetts adds state-level support for qualifying households through the Department of Telecommunications and Cable.
Benefit: Up to $9.25 per month through Lifeline, with some carriers offering additional state discounts
Eligibility: 135% FPL or qualifying program enrollment
How to apply: Apply at lifelinesupport.org or through a participating Massachusetts carrier. Visit mass.gov for current carrier list.
Pennsylvania: Low-Income Broadband Assistance
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission has documented multiple broadband assistance programs available in the state, primarily through ISP-specific programs stacked with Lifeline.
Available programs: Federal Lifeline ($9.25/month), Xfinity Internet Essentials, Comcast's low-cost plans for qualifying households
Eligibility: Varies by program; typically SNAP, Medicaid, NSLP, or public housing
How to apply: Visit the PUC's consumer resources at puc.pa.gov for a current list of programs and carriers.
States Without Specific ACP Replacements
Most states do not have dedicated ACP replacement programs as of mid-2026. Residents in these states rely on:
- Federal Lifeline ($9.25/month)
- ISP-specific low-income programs (see section below)
- One-time subsidies through state broadband infrastructure grants, which generally go to ISPs rather than consumers directly
States actively developing programs as of 2026 include Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota, but none have launched consumer-facing discount programs to replace ACP yet.
ISP-Specific Low-Income Programs (National)
These programs are available regardless of state and do not require ACP or state-program eligibility.
Xfinity Internet Essentials
Available in all Xfinity service areas (roughly 40 states).
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed |
|---|
| Internet Essentials | $14.95/month | 75 Mbps download |
| Internet Essentials Plus | $29.95/month | 100 Mbps download |
Eligibility: Participate in SNAP, Medicaid, National School Lunch Program, public housing, or income at or below 200% FPL
No contract, no credit check, free equipment
Apply: internetessentials.com
AT&T Access
Available in AT&T service areas across 21 states.
| Plan | Monthly Price | Speed |
|---|
| AT&T Access | $30/month | 100 Mbps |
| AT&T Access More | $45/month | 100 Mbps + extras |
Eligibility: SNAP, SSI, NSLP, public housing, or income at or below 200% FPL
Stackable with federal Lifeline (where AT&T participates in Lifeline)
Apply: att.com/internet/access/
Spectrum Internet Assist
Available in Spectrum service areas across 41 states.
Plan: $25/month for 50 Mbps
Eligibility (household must include someone who): Receives SSI (age 65 or older), participates in the National School Lunch Program, or qualifies through the Community Eligibility Provision
Note: Spectrum does not participate in the federal Lifeline program, so discounts cannot be stacked.
Apply: spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist
Consolidated Communications, TDS, and Regional Providers
Many smaller regional ISPs offer their own low-income programs or participate in state-level programs. Contact your local provider directly to ask about income-based rate reductions.
How to Stack Programs for Maximum Savings
In some states and with some providers, you can combine multiple discounts:
- California: California LifeLine broadband pilot (up to $30) on top of a low-cost plan from Spectrum or AT&T can bring monthly costs to near zero
- AT&T service areas: Federal Lifeline ($9.25) plus AT&T Access ($30 plan) brings the effective cost to approximately $20.75 per month
- New York: ABA-required cap ($15/month) plus federal Lifeline ($9.25) through a Lifeline-participating carrier in New York can cover the full bill
To find the best combination for your location, use the FCC's Lifeline National Map or contact 211 (dial 211 from any phone) to connect with a local benefit navigator.
What to Do If You Still Have No Affordable Options
If you are in a state without a state program and do not qualify for ISP-specific plans, these resources may help:
- Libraries and community centers: Free public internet access while you work on qualifying for a program
- EveryoneOn: A nonprofit directory of low-cost internet offers by ZIP code at everyoneon.org
- ConnectHome: A HUD program that provides internet access to HUD-assisted housing residents in participating cities
- Digital Equity Act grants: Check your local government's broadband office for consumer-facing programs funded through federal infrastructure money
You can also run a free benefits check at benefitsusa.org/screener to see whether you qualify for Lifeline or other assistance programs based on your income and household size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACP coming back in 2026?
No. As of June 2026, Congress has not passed legislation to restore ACP funding. The program ended in June 2024 and is not currently accepting enrollments. Proposals to revive it have been introduced but not passed.
What is the best ACP replacement program right now?
It depends on your state and ISP. California's LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot offers up to $30 per month and most closely matches the old ACP benefit. New York's Affordable Broadband Act caps qualifying households at $15 to $20 per month. Nationwide, Xfinity Internet Essentials at $14.95 per month is the most widely available alternative.
Can I still get Lifeline if I lost my ACP benefit?
Yes. Lifeline is a separate federal program and was not affected by the end of ACP. If you qualify, you can apply at lifelinesupport.org regardless of your ACP history.
Does Lifeline cover home internet?
Yes, but only through participating internet service providers. Not every ISP in every area offers Lifeline-discounted home internet. Check the carrier list at lifelinesupport.org to find providers near you.
What income limit does Lifeline use?
Your gross household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or you must participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, or a Veterans benefit program. For a family of four in 2026, the income limit is approximately $42,120 per year.
Can I get both Lifeline and a state internet program?
In some states, yes. California, New York, and New Jersey have their own programs that can be combined with federal Lifeline depending on the carrier. Check with your ISP to confirm whether stacking is allowed on your specific plan.
I qualified for ACP through my child's NSLP participation. What can I use now?
Xfinity Internet Essentials and AT&T Access both accept NSLP enrollment as a qualifying pathway. New York's Affordable Broadband Act also recognizes NSLP. Federal Lifeline does not use NSLP as a qualifier, but the ISP programs may fill the gap.
How do I find low-income internet options near me?
Enter your ZIP code at everyoneon.org or call 211. You can also use the screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check Lifeline and other assistance program eligibility at once.
