If you were counting on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) for discounted internet, you already know the bad news: the program ended in May 2024 after Congress did not renew its funding. But free and low-cost internet is still available to millions of low-income households in 2026 through the federal Lifeline program, ISP-sponsored assistance plans, and a growing number of state-level options. This guide covers what's available, who qualifies, and exactly how to apply.
What Happened to the ACP?
The ACP provided eligible households up to $30 per month toward internet service (up to $75 per month on Tribal lands) plus a one-time device discount of up to $100. At its peak, over 23 million households were enrolled. Funding ran out in May 2024, and the program stopped accepting new applications before that.
As of 2026, there is no direct federal replacement for the ACP. Advocacy groups and some members of Congress continue to push for a new program, but nothing has been enacted. In the meantime, the options below are the best real alternatives.
Option 1: The Lifeline Program (Federal)
Lifeline is the longest-running federal telecom subsidy and is still fully active. It provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on either phone or internet service. On qualifying Tribal lands, the benefit increases to $34.25 per month.
Lifeline does not provide service directly. You apply through a participating provider, who then applies the discount to your monthly bill. Some providers offer plans that are free after the Lifeline discount.
Lifeline Income Limits (2026)
To qualify based on income, your household gross income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 135% FPL (Approximate Annual Income Limit) |
|---|
| 1 | $21,546 |
| 2 | $29,148 |
| 3 | $36,750 |
| 4 | $44,352 |
| 5 | $51,954 |
| Each additional person | Add approximately $7,602 |
Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits due to their separate Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Lifeline Program-Based Eligibility
You may also qualify automatically if anyone in your household participates in one of these programs:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
How to Apply for Lifeline
- Go to lifelinesupport.org to check eligibility and apply through the National Verifier.
- Create an account and enter your household information.
- Upload proof of income (pay stubs, tax return) or proof of program participation (benefit letter, award letter).
- Once approved, choose a participating provider in your area. Search available providers at the same site.
- Contact your chosen provider and tell them you want to apply Lifeline to your account.
You must recertify your eligibility once per year to keep the benefit.
One Lifeline Benefit Per Household
Lifeline has a one-per-household rule. You cannot combine multiple Lifeline benefits in the same household. However, you can stack Lifeline with some ISP-specific low-income programs (see below).
Option 2: ISP Low-Income Programs
Several major internet providers run their own discounted programs independent of the federal government. These existed before the ACP and survived its end.
Comcast Internet Essentials
Comcast's Internet Essentials program is one of the most widely available. As of late 2025, Comcast expanded income-based eligibility.
| Plan | Speed | Monthly Cost | Eligibility |
|---|
| Internet Essentials | 75 Mbps | $14.95 | At or below 200% FPL, or qualifying program participant |
| Internet Essentials Plus | 100 Mbps | $29.95 | Same as above |
Qualifying programs include SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, National School Lunch Program, HUD-assisted housing, Head Start, and Veterans Pension.
To apply, visit internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. You will need proof of program participation or income documentation. First-time customers may also qualify for a discounted laptop or desktop computer.
AT&T Access
AT&T offers its Access program to households at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, or those participating in SNAP, Section 8, National School Lunch Program, Head Start, or VA Pension.
| Plan | Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| AT&T Access | 100 Mbps | $30 |
The program is available only in AT&T's wireline service area, which covers roughly 21 states including Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois. Apply at att.com/internet/access or call 1-855-220-5211.
AT&T Access can be combined with the Lifeline discount, which can bring the monthly cost down significantly.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Spectrum offers its Internet Assist program to households with students who qualify for the National School Lunch Program or the Community Eligibility Provision, and to seniors on SSI.
| Plan | Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Spectrum Internet Assist | 30 to 100 Mbps (varies by location) | Approximately $14.99 to $19.99 |
The program includes a free modem and no data caps. Apply at spectrum.com/browse/content/spectrum-internet-assist or call 1-844-488-8398.
Note: Spectrum does not participate in the federal Lifeline program, so you cannot stack Lifeline on top of Spectrum Internet Assist.
Cox Connect2Compete
Cox's Connect2Compete program is available to households with school-age children (K-12) who participate in qualifying assistance programs.
| Plan | Speed | Monthly Cost |
|---|
| Connect2Compete | Up to 100 Mbps | $9.95 |
Apply at cox.com/residential/connect2compete.html or call 1-855-363-1585.
ISP Program Comparison
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Speed | Lifeline Stackable | Key Qualifier |
|---|
| Comcast Internet Essentials | $14.95 | 75 Mbps | Yes | SNAP, Medicaid, 200% FPL |
| AT&T Access | $30 | 100 Mbps | Yes | SNAP, 200% FPL |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | $14.99+ | 30-100 Mbps | No | NSLP, SSI |
| Cox Connect2Compete | $9.95 | 100 Mbps | Check locally | SNAP, K-12 student in home |
| Lifeline (any participating provider) | Up to $9.25 off | Varies | N/A | 135% FPL or qualifying program |
Option 3: State and Local Programs
Several states have their own broadband assistance programs that go beyond the federal baseline.
California: The California LifeLine program supplements the federal Lifeline benefit and is administered through the California Public Utilities Commission. Some California households receive higher monthly discounts than the federal $9.25.
Oregon: The Oregon Telephone Assistance Program provides additional state-level subsidies for qualifying households.
Texas: The Texas Lifeline program is administered through the Public Utility Commission of Texas and has its own participating provider list.
Beyond state programs, some cities and counties offer municipal broadband or free public WiFi networks. Check with your local library, housing authority, or community action agency for options specific to your area.
Who Qualifies: Quick Reference
You likely qualify for at least one low-cost internet program if you:
- Participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Section 8 housing
- Have a child enrolled in the National School Lunch Program
- Have a household income at or below 135% to 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (depending on the program)
- Receive Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits
- Participate in certain Tribal assistance programs
If you are not sure which benefits you qualify for, the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener checks eligibility across 11 federal and state programs at once, including Lifeline.
What You Need to Apply
Most programs require at least one of the following:
- Proof of program participation: A current benefit letter, award letter, or screenshot from the program portal (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.)
- Proof of income: Your most recent tax return, or the last three months of pay stubs
- Identification: Government-issued ID or Social Security number for identity verification
- Proof of address: A utility bill, lease agreement, or official mail showing your current address
Tips for Getting the Most from Available Programs
Stack where possible. If you qualify for AT&T Access or Comcast Internet Essentials, you can also apply the $9.25 Lifeline discount on top, reducing your monthly cost further.
Apply for Lifeline first through the National Verifier, then bring your approval to the ISP. This order is typically faster than applying through the ISP directly.
If you move, update your Lifeline enrollment. Benefits are tied to your address, and moving without updating can trigger a loss of benefit.
Check your library. Many public libraries offer free in-library WiFi and some loan WiFi hotspots to cardholders at no cost. This is a useful bridge while waiting for program applications to process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still accepting applications?
No. The ACP stopped accepting new applications in February 2024 and the program fully ended in May 2024 after Congress did not provide additional funding. No direct federal replacement exists as of 2026.
How much does Lifeline give you for internet?
Lifeline provides up to $9.25 per month off your internet bill. On qualifying Tribal lands, the discount is up to $34.25 per month. Some providers offer plans that are free after applying the discount.
Can I get both Lifeline and a provider's low-income plan?
Sometimes. Comcast Internet Essentials and AT&T Access both allow Lifeline to be stacked on top, which can lower or eliminate your monthly cost. Spectrum Internet Assist does not participate in Lifeline, so you cannot stack it with that program.
What programs make you automatically eligible for Lifeline?
SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Veterans Pension, Veterans Survivors Benefit, and several Tribal assistance programs all make you automatically eligible. You do not need to meet the income limit separately if you already participate in one of these.
How do I find Lifeline providers in my area?
The USAC Lifeline provider search at lifelinesupport.org lets you search by ZIP code to find participating providers near you. Availability varies by state and region.
Does Lifeline cover home internet or just phone?
Lifeline can be applied to home broadband internet, mobile broadband, or a traditional phone plan. It cannot be applied to both a phone and an internet plan at the same address. The household chooses which service to use the benefit for.
What if I do not qualify for any of these programs?
Even if your income is above the limits for these programs, some ISPs offer plans in the $20 to $30 per month range that are significantly cheaper than standard rates. Organizations like EveryoneOn (everyoneon.org) aggregate affordable internet offers and can match you with options in your ZIP code.
How long does Lifeline approval take?
Approval through the National Verifier can happen instantly if your information matches government records. If you need to submit documents manually, it typically takes a few business days. After approval, contact a participating provider to activate the benefit.
If you want to check all the federal and state assistance programs you may qualify for at once, use the free Benefits Navigator screener. It covers Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, and more than a dozen other programs based on your ZIP code, income, and household size.
