Low-Cost Internet Helper
Six real programs that cut home internet to $25 a month or less. Most people who qualify never apply.
A note on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The federal ACP that offered $30/month off internet ended in mid-2024 when Congress did not renew funding. The programs below are still active and worth applying for in its place.
Lifeline (federal program)
Who qualifies: Income at or below 135% of federal poverty line, or anyone on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Veterans Pension, Federal Public Housing, or Tribal programs.
How to sign up
- 1.Go to LifelineSupport.org → "Apply Now".
- 2.Sign in or create a National Verifier account.
- 3.Upload proof (Medicaid card, SNAP letter, etc.).
- 4.Pick a participating carrier — search by zip code.
- 5.They apply the $9.25 discount to your monthly bill.
- •Cannot stack with other federal discounts. One Lifeline benefit per household.
- •You can use it for either internet OR phone — your choice.
Comcast Internet Essentials
Who qualifies: Households with at least one person on government assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, public housing). Or families with kids on free/reduced school lunch.
How to sign up
- 1.InternetEssentials.com → check eligibility.
- 2.Apply with proof of qualifying program.
- 3.Comcast ships a modem within 5-7 days.
- 4.Free Wi-Fi router included.
- •No credit check, no contract.
- •They'll also offer a $150 computer if you have never had Comcast internet.
AT&T Access
Who qualifies: Households with at least one person on SNAP or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
How to sign up
- 1.att.com/internet/access → enter zip code.
- 2.Confirm eligibility (a quick income/program check).
- 3.Choose a plan; AT&T installs or ships a modem.
- •Available in 21 states where AT&T fiber or DSL exists.
- •No credit check, no installation fee.
T-Mobile Project 10Million (kids)
Who qualifies: School-age kids in households on the National School Lunch Program (free/reduced lunch).
How to sign up
- 1.Project10Million.com → school district enrolls.
- 2.Family receives a hotspot device.
- 3.100 GB of free mobile internet per year for 5 years.
- •Specifically for K-12 students. Not for adults.
- •Hotspot is free; the data is free; lasts 5 years.
Spectrum Internet Assist
Who qualifies: Households with at least one senior 65+ on SSI, OR families on the National School Lunch Program.
How to sign up
- 1.Call Spectrum at 1-844-525-1574 (the Internet Assist line).
- 2.Provide proof of eligibility.
- 3.They schedule install or ship the modem.
- •No data cap, no contract.
- •Modem rental is included.
Mint Mobile (cheap cell phone for hotspot)
Who qualifies: Anyone — no qualification needed. Use the phone hotspot as home internet for light use.
How to sign up
- 1.mintmobile.com → pick a plan.
- 2.Bring your phone or buy a cheap one ($150).
- 3.Phone arrives by mail, set up over Wi-Fi.
- 4.Turn on hotspot — laptops and tablets connect to it.
- •Light use only — checking email, news, video calls. Streaming Netflix uses the data fast.
- •Backup option for someone who needs internet but does not qualify for the assistance programs.
Other places to look
- •Public library Wi-Fi: often works in the parking lot too. Many libraries also lend portable hotspots for free.
- •Senior centers and county Area Agency on Aging: often run free computer rooms.
- •EveryoneOn.org: a non-profit that finds the best low-cost program for your zip code in 2 minutes.