How to Get Free or Low-Cost Home Internet Service
Several government programs and ISP discounts offer free or low-cost home internet to qualifying households. Here's what's available and how to apply.
3 min read · 5 steps · Checked April 2026
Step 1. Check if you qualify for Lifeline
The FCC's Lifeline program offers $9.25/month off phone or internet service if your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you participate in programs like Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Go to lifelinesupport.org to check eligibility and find participating providers in your area.
Quick Tip
Quick Tip: If you're on Medicaid, SSI, or SNAP, you automatically qualify for Lifeline. You don't need to check income separately.
Step 2. Ask your internet provider about low-income programs
Call or visit the website of your current or a local internet provider and ask specifically about: senior discounts, low-income programs, or income-based plans. Comcast offers "Internet Essentials" (~$10/month for qualifying households). AT&T has "Access" plans. Spectrum has "Internet Assist." Cox offers "Connect2Compete." These programs are not advertised much, but they exist.
Step 3. Search for state-specific programs
Many states have their own broadband help programs. Go to your state government's website (search "[your state] affordable broadband program") or visit broadbandnow.com/low-income-internet for a state-by-state guide to available programs.
Step 4. Consider mobile hotspot plans as an alternative
If you only use the internet lightly — for email, video calls, and light browsing — a prepaid mobile hotspot or phone plan may cost less than home broadband. Carriers like Consumer Cellular, Mint Mobile, and Visible offer low-cost plans starting around $15–$25/month that include data usable as a hotspot.
Step 5. Get help applying
If you need help navigating the applications, your local library, Area Agency on Aging, or senior center can often help. AARP also has resources at aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology on finding affordable internet. Many local libraries also offer free Wi-Fi you can use inside the building.
Home internet doesn't have to be expensive. Several programs exist specifically to help people with limited incomes — including seniors on fixed incomes — get affordable or even free broadband service. These programs are funded by the federal government and individual internet providers.
The main programs to know about are the Lifeline program (a long-standing FCC program offering $9.25/month off internet or phone service) and various state and local programs that filled the gap left by the expiration of the Affordable Connectivity Program in 2024. Many internet providers also offer senior-specific discount plans that aren't widely advertised.
This guide explains the current options, what you need to qualify, and how to sign up. If you're paying more than $30/month for home internet and your household income is limited, you may qualify for significant savings.
Official sources
- AARP — Personal Technology — aarp.org
- AARP — Scams & Fraud — aarp.org
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