For low-cost internet, check whether your internet provider runs a low-income plan for households on Medicaid, SSI, public housing or similar programmes; apply for Lifeline, which can discount home broadband; ask your child's school or the public library about free hotspots; and search your state's broadband office for local programmes. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 and is not taking applications.
How it works
The short version, before the detail.
For a few years, the Affordable Connectivity Program gave tens of millions of households a significant monthly discount on internet service. Its funding ran out and it ended in 2024. Many people still find websites telling them to apply for ACP; those are out of date, and some are scams collecting personal information.
The most widely available replacement is not government at all. Many large internet providers run their own low-income plans, typically offering a basic but usable home broadband speed at a reduced monthly price for households that participate in programmes such as Medicaid, SSI, Lifeline, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Pell Grants. These plans usually have no contract and waive installation and equipment fees. Each provider sets its own rules, so check what is offered at your address.
Lifeline, the long-standing federal programme, can be applied to home broadband as well as phone service. The monthly discount is smaller than ACP's was, but combined with a provider's low-income plan it can bring the cost down substantially. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household and requires annual recertification.
Schools and libraries are a major resource. Many school districts lend hotspots to students who lack home internet, and a growing number of public libraries lend hotspots for weeks at a time to anyone with a library card. Libraries also offer free Wi-Fi, often reaching the car park after hours.
States received large federal broadband funds to expand access, and many state broadband offices run or list local affordability programmes, digital navigators who help people sign up, and device programmes for low-cost laptops and tablets. Community organisations and digital inclusion nonprofits also refurbish and distribute computers.
Who usually qualifies
Factors the agency looks at. Only they make the final decision.
Each provider defines its own eligibility for low-income plans. Some also require that you have not had service with them in the recent past or have no outstanding balance.
How to apply, step by step
Find which providers serve your address
Use the FCC's broadband map or providers' websites to see who offers service where you live.
Check each provider's low-income plan
Search the provider's name with 'low income internet'. Note speed, price, equipment fees and eligibility.
Apply for Lifeline
Use the FCC National Verifier and apply the discount to broadband with a participating provider.
Ask the school about hotspots
If you have school-age children, ask the district or school technology office.
Visit the library
Ask about hotspot lending, free Wi-Fi and computer access.
Check your state broadband office
Look for affordability programmes, digital navigators and device programmes.
Get a low-cost device
Ask digital inclusion nonprofits about refurbished computers.
What to have ready
Missing one item is rarely a reason to wait - start now.
- Proof of Medicaid, SSI, Pell Grant, housing assistance or other programme participation
- Photo ID and proof of address
- Lifeline approval, if combining
- Library card for hotspot lending
- Student ID or school enrolment for school devices
What happens after you apply
How it compares
Similar programmes, and which one fits which need.
| Programme | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Provider low-income plan | Reduced-price home broadband, fees waived | Households on Medicaid, SSI, public housing |
| Lifeline | Monthly discount on phone or internet | Keeping connected on a low income |
| Library or school hotspot | Free borrowed mobile hotspot | Students, short-term needs |
| ACP (ended) | No longer available | Ended in 2024 |
Real situations
How this plays out for people in common circumstances.
Lost ACP, bill doubled
A family's internet bill jumped when ACP ended.
They switch to their provider's low-income plan using their Medicaid letter, and apply Lifeline to the same service.
Student without home internet
A high schooler does homework at a fast-food restaurant for Wi-Fi.
The school lends a hotspot for the year.
Older adult needs internet for telehealth
A retired man on Medicaid needs internet for doctor's video visits.
He enrols in a provider's discounted plan and gets help setting up from a library digital navigator.
No device
A job seeker has internet access but no computer.
A digital inclusion nonprofit provides a refurbished laptop at low cost.
What people miss
True, rarely explained, and it changes the outcome.
Provider plans are the biggest option now
Most major ISPs run one.
Lifeline and provider plans can stack
Combine them where allowed.
Libraries lend hotspots
Ask at your branch.
Installation fees are often waived
On low-income plans.
Beware ACP scams
ACP ended - ignore offers to enrol.
Common reasons people get stuck
Applying for ACP
It has ended.
Not comparing providers
Plans differ in speed and price.
Signing contracts
Low-income plans usually have none - avoid long contracts.
Giving personal data to unknown sites
Apply directly with providers or the FCC.
Missing recertification
Benefits stop.
How it differs by state
Availability of providers and their plans depends on where you live. States run broadband offices with their own programmes, especially in rural areas where federal expansion funds are being used. Some cities run municipal Wi-Fi.
Key terms explained
The words on forms and letters, in plain English.
- Lifeline
- The FCC programme giving a monthly discount on phone or internet to eligible low-income households.
- ACP
- The Affordable Connectivity Program, an internet discount that ended in 2024.
- Low-income internet plan
- A discounted plan offered by an internet provider to customers in qualifying programmes.
- Hotspot
- A small device providing mobile internet that schools and libraries often lend.
- Digital navigator
- A trained helper who assists people with getting online, choosing plans and using devices.
- Mbps
- Megabits per second, a measure of internet speed.
Questions people ask
How can I get cheap internet?
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available?
Can I get free internet?
Which internet providers have low-income plans?
Do I qualify for low-income internet with Medicaid?
Can I use Lifeline for home internet?
Can I borrow a hotspot from the library?
Can students get free internet?
Are there low-cost computers for low-income families?
Is there internet help for seniors?
How do I avoid internet assistance scams?
Can I get help installing internet?
What internet speed do I need?
Can I get low-cost internet without a credit check?
Can I get internet help if I owe my provider money?
Do low-income internet plans include a router?
Can I get a free computer if I am low income?
Numbers to call
Free lines. We are not affiliated with any of them.
Official sources
Current figures and applications live here.