Low-Income Internet Plans 2026: Every Verified Option Now That ACP Has Ended

More than 20 million households were affected when the ACP ended two years ago. However, it wasn’t the only program helping eligible families; this blog covers the extensive list of low-income internet plans offered by internet providers and the Federal government, which you can apply for. Explore our guide to find out more information:

What Happened to the ACP (And Why It’s Not Coming Back)?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a state-sponsored program, featuring internet discounts for low-income households. However, after Congress declined to renew funding for the program, it was shut down officially in 2024.

The program offered up to $30/mo. discounts ($75/mo. for Tribal Lands) to eligible households plus a one-time $100 discount for a laptop, tablet, or computer. It distributed more than $14 billion during the program continuation.

Currently, no successor programs are running, and proposals to create one through the Broadband Affordability Act have not been approved. This has left former participants paying in full for their services, downgrading their plans, or disconnecting the services completely.

Are You Eligible for Low-Income Internet In 2026?

There are two eligibility paths for low-income internet plans:

• Income-based eligibility
• Program-based eligibility

You generally need one to qualify. Let’s check out their details below:

Income-Based Eligibility

These programs are based on an income cutoff percentage according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). This percentage varies by program or provider:

• Lifeline: household income at or below 135% of FPG.
• ISP-offered programs: household income at or below 200% of FPG (subject to change)

By definition, a "household" is anyone living at the same address who shares income and expenses. It does not include anyone related to the applicant by blood or marriage.

Program-Based Eligibility

Enrolling in certain programs can automatically make you eligible for Lifeline and ISP-provided discounts without specific income checks. Here’s a list of programs that you can check eligibility for:

• SNAP (food stamps — may appear under a state name like CalFresh or the Lone Star Card)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — note: this is different from regular Social Security retirement or disability benefits, which do not qualify on their own
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP), including the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit (needs-based; different from standard VA disability)
• WIC (accepted by some providers, including Verizon Forward and Cox)
• Federal Pell Grant (accepted by Verizon Forward)

How to Check Eligibility for Low-Income Internet Plans?

Take a look at the following checklist. If you get a ‘Yes’ for any of the following statements, you can qualify for the abovementioned programs:

• Does anyone in your household receive SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI? [Yes][No]
• Does your household include a K-12 student who qualifies for free/reduced school lunch? [Yes][No]
• Do you live in Section 8 or other federally subsidized housing? [Yes][No]
• Do you or a household member receive a Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit? [Yes][No]
• Is your household income at or below roughly $21,500 (single) to $44,500 (family of four) per year? [Yes][No]

What is the Lifeline Program?

The Lifeline program is the only Federal internet/ phone discount program running to date. FCC administers the program through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which offers the following benefits:

• Discount

Up to $9.25/month off broadband or bundled phone-and-internet service (up to $5.25/month for voice-only service) and up to $34.25/month for households on Tribal lands

• Eligibility

Income at or below 135% of FPG, or participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans/Survivors Pension Benefits; survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may qualify at up to 200% FPG.

Only one benefit is allowed per household, and the benefits are paid via your internet service provider. Once the benefit hits the expiration date, USAC or your internet provider will reach out for continuation and renewal. However, failure to respond will lead to its suspension.

How to Apply for the Lifeline Program?

Follow the steps below to apply for the Lifeline Program:

1. Visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ and click Apply.
   1. Make sure you go through the eligibility criteria to find out if you’re eligible.
2. Once you sign up, follow the instructions given.
   1. Ensure that you input accurate details and provide necessary documents (proof of eligibility).
3. Submit the application and wait for approval.
4. Once your application is approved, you can contact a participating internet company for the benefit.
   1. Once the internet company approves your internet, review your monthly bill to find the discount.

Low-Income Internet Plans by Provider (2026 Pricing)

Apart from the Federal programs, here’s a list of internet providers offering discounts:

The good thing is that none of these plans require a credit check. However, you need to check for their availability at your address. In addition, some programs have varying conditions based on the location. For instance, Spectrum’s Internet Assist program has an additional condition for New York State residents.

To avoid any inconvenience, ensure that you go through the eligibility conditions before applying. Furthermore, you can stack the benefits by combining Lifeline and discounts from the provider to reduce your internet/ phone bill.

State-by-State Low Income Internet Programs

Although most states rely on the federally owned discount programs such as Lifeline, here are some additional programs run by a handful of states to accommodate low-income users:

Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota are actively developing state-owned broadband benefit programs but are currently running federally launched programs similar to the remaining states.

Free Internet Options

While a $0/mo., no-cost internet plan is hard to find in 2026, especially with ACP benefits revoked now, here are some ways you can still access the internet for free:

Public Wifi

While many argue that public Wi-Fi, such as libraries, cafés, etc., is unsafe and vulnerable to cyberattacks, they are actually a good way of accessing the internet for free.

T-Mobile Project 10Million

Eligible for households with a K-12 student qualifying for the National School Lunch Program, this service allows access to a free mobile hotspot with 200 GB data/ year for up to 5 years.

Human-I-T and PCs for People

Some markets offer low-cost or free internet connectivity with refurbished computers for eligible low-income individuals.

Community Centers, Senior Centers, and Municipal WiFi

You can find free WiFi access at community centers, senior centers, etc. in certain neighborhoods. You can check in with the management of the infrastructure for access.

Provider Wifi Hotspots

Almost every internet provider offers access to free WiFi hotspots nationwide. The only catch is that you have to subscribe to their internet plan to sign up and access these hotspots.

Which Low-Income Internet Plan is Available at Your Address?

As mentioned earlier, low-income internet plans from major internet companies are subject to availability based on your location. Not every plan mentioned on their website is available at your address. It’s best to check for availability beforehand and then apply for one. You can use the following ZIP code tool to check for internet availability near you:

How to Apply for a Low-Income Internet Plan?

Once you’ve checked for the availability, here’s how you can apply for a low-income internet plan:

1-    Check Eligibility

Confirm your eligibility, whether by income or by program. Use our checklist given above.

2-    Gather Necessary Documentation

You’ll be required to submit documents as proof of eligibility. This includes but is not limited to benefit cards, award and enrollment letter, Section 8 housing voucher, recent tax returns, etc. Ensure that you have these documents with you to avoid any hassle during the application.

3-    Apply for Lifeline First

Before applying for a low-income internet plan from your internet company, apply for the Lifeline Program first. Follow the steps given above to apply.

4-    Apply Directly Through the Chosen Provider

Each enrolled internet company has its own application process and portal. Ensure that you apply directly on their website.

5-    Receive Equipment and Activate Services

Once your benefits are active, your provider will send an activation kit according to the program you applied for. In addition, a technician will come over to install the service free of charge.

6-    Recertify

Once the period hits its limit, you’ll be required to recertify eligibility to keep it running. Make sure to respond promptly and recertify; otherwise, the benefits will be revoked.

Closing

Although the ACP has ended, affordable internet is still within reach.  Programs like Lifeline and provider-specific discounts continue to help eligible households stay connected. Explore the options in this guide, check your eligibility, and apply for the plan that fits your needs.