Where the Federal Help Stands Now
The Affordable Connectivity Program, once offering $30 per month off internet bills ($75 on Tribal lands), ran out of funding and was not renewed by Congress. Proposals to create a successor through the Broadband Affordability Act have not advanced, so no direct federal replacement is running.
That leaves the Lifeline program as the main federal option. Administered by the FCC through the Universal Service Administrative Company, Lifeline provides a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 toward phone or internet service, with up to $34.25 available to households living on Tribal lands. Eligibility is tied to income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines, or participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or a Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit. Only one benefit per household is allowed, and applicants must verify identity and income through the National Verifier system.
The discount is modest, but it stacks with provider plans in ways that matter. On Tribal lands, the higher benefit can cover the full cost of a basic plan. For everyone else, combining Lifeline with an affordable provider plan is the practical route.
State Programs Are Picking Up the Slack
States have stepped in where the federal program left off. According to analysis from The Pew Charitable Trusts, nine states now add to the federal Lifeline discount on internet services.
Oregon, for instance, allows eligible households to receive an additional broadband discount of up to $24.95 per month, or $49.95 on Tribal lands, plus a $100 discount toward buying a computer. California launched a new Home Broadband Pilot in early 2026, and New Mexico passed a Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program around the same time.
New York took a different approach by requiring providers serving more than 20,000 customers to offer plans at $15 or $20 per month to qualified low-income households, a rule that took effect in early 2025. Connecticut followed with legislation passed in June 2025 that requires providers contracting with the state to offer a low-cost plan of $40 or less per month, effective October 1, 2026.
Maryland and Illinois have also introduced affordability bills, and Missouri is weighing an extension of its broadband program. The picture is uneven by state, so checking your state broadband office is essential.
Low-Cost Provider Plans That Fill the Gap
For households that do not qualify for Lifeline or live in states without added support, provider-based plans remain the most accessible option. Most do not require a credit check, data caps, or annual contracts.
| Provider | Program | Monthly Cost | Speed | Key Details |
|---|
| Comcast | Internet Essentials | $9.95–$29.95 | 50–100 Mbps | No credit check, no data caps, free self-install kit |
| AT&T | Access from AT&T | $5–$15 | Up to 100 Mbps | No data caps, free installation |
| Spectrum | Internet Assist | $25 | 50 Mbps | No data caps, free modem |
| Cox | Connect2Compete / ConnectAssist | $9.95–$30 | Up to 100 Mbps | Connect2Compete requires K–12 student in household |
| Verizon | Verizon Forward | $20–$25 | 100–300 Mbps | No data caps, no annual contract |
| Optimum | Advantage Internet | $14.99 | Up to 50 Mbps | Free installation and equipment, 60-day money-back |
| Kinetic by Windstream | Income Assist | Around $20 | Up to 200 Mbps fiber | Strong option in rural areas |
Eligibility for these plans typically follows income at or below 200% of federal poverty guidelines, or participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, the National School Lunch Program, or Section 8 housing assistance. Some providers also accept Federal Pell Grant recipients or veterans receiving pension benefits.
A note on caution: because these are provider-run programs rather than government entitlements, terms can shift. Always confirm current pricing and eligibility on the provider's website before applying.
A Step-by-Step Path to Getting Connected
Start by figuring out which programs you already participate in. SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, and similar benefits often unlock both Lifeline and provider discounts without a separate income check.
Next, visit the National Verifier at the USAC website to confirm Lifeline eligibility. You will need a government ID, proof of benefits, or income documentation. Approval through the National Verifier makes it easier to layer the federal discount on top of a provider plan.
Then, check your state broadband office. If you live in Oregon, California, New Mexico, New York, or Connecticut, state support may significantly lower your bill. Search for your state's broadband program using terms like "low-income internet [your state]" or "state Lifeline top-up."
Compare providers in your area using the FCC's broadband map or the USAC "Companies Near Me" tool. Ask each provider about their low-income plan, whether they accept Lifeline, and whether any installation fees apply. Activation fees vary by carrier, so confirm before committing.
Finally, gather your documents and apply directly through the provider's website. Most applications are processed within days, and many providers offer self-install kits to avoid technician visit fees.
Making the Most of What's Available
Sarah, a single mother in rural Ohio, lost her $30 ACP discount when the program ended. She switched to a Lifeline-verified plan with a local provider and now pays a manageable monthly amount for 100 Mbps service, enough for remote work and her daughter's school assignments. Her advice: do not assume you qualify for nothing just because ACP is gone.
The reality in 2026 is that affordability help comes in layers. Lifeline provides the federal foundation, roughly a dozen states add meaningful extras, and major providers offer plans that range from roughly $10 to $30 per month for eligible households. Combine two of those layers and the cost of staying connected becomes realistic for most families.
Start with the National Verifier, then contact your state broadband office, then call providers listed on the FCC map. Each step takes a few minutes, and the savings compound. If the first plan you find does not fit, ask about tribal benefits, student discounts, or bundled options before moving on.
The landscape changed when ACP ended, but the door to affordable home internet did not close. It just moved.
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