The Current Landscape
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered $30 monthly discounts to eligible households, ended in June 2024 after federal funding ran out. As of mid-2026, Congress has not passed a federal replacement, so the burden has shifted to states and existing programs. That sounds discouraging, but the picture is brighter than it looks.
The federal Lifeline program remains fully active. It provides a discount of $9.25 per month on internet-only service or a bundled phone-and-internet plan, with an enhanced benefit of up to $34.25 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC direction, and eligibility is verified through the National Verifier.
Meanwhile, several states have stepped in with their own versions of the expired ACP:
- New Mexico launched the LITAP program on July 1, 2026, offering up to $30 a month—the first state to build a direct ACP-style subsidy.
- California started its LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot in January 2026, also worth up to $30 a month.
- Oregon administers an enhanced state Lifeline benefit worth up to $24.25 a month off internet service, well above the federal minimum.
- New York and Connecticut take a different approach, requiring larger providers to offer capped low-cost plans rather than subsidy checks.
- Illinois, Colorado, Washington, and Minnesota are actively working on legislation but have not launched programs yet.
If you live in one of the states still drafting bills, don't wait. The federal options and provider discount plans below can lower your bill today.
Who Qualifies and What It Costs
Most programs use two eligibility paths: participation in a qualifying assistance program, or income at or below a set threshold. For Lifeline, you qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or someone in your household participates in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific federal programs.
Here is a comparison of the main routes to cheaper internet in the US:
| Program | Monthly Benefit | Ideal For | Application Route | Key Requirements | Watch Outs |
|---|
| Lifeline (federal) | $9.25 standard, up to $34.25 on Tribal lands | Phone or internet bill relief | Online via National Verifier, by mail, or through a participating provider | 135% of poverty guidelines or qualifying benefit program | One benefit per household; annual recertification required |
| New Mexico LITAP | Up to $30 | New Mexico households needing ACP-style support | State portal (launched July 2026) | State eligibility criteria similar to ACP | New program, so expect processing timelines |
| California LifeLine Home Broadband Pilot | Up to $30 | California households on the state Lifeline | Through participating California providers | Must be on California LifeLine | Pilot phase, limited provider list |
| Oregon enhanced Lifeline | Up to $24.25 added | Oregon Lifeline subscribers | Through state Lifeline providers | Must already qualify for Lifeline | State top-up, federal base still applies |
| Provider low-cost plans (Comcast, Spectrum, AT&T) | Typically discounted plans | Households near program income caps | Directly with the provider | Varies by plan; often need school or benefit program participation | Plans may be limited to certain speeds |
Income is not the only path. Many households qualify through school lunch programs, WIC, or participation in a state database that already confirms their benefits, which can speed up verification.
Step-by-Step Action Guide
Step 1: Check your Lifeline eligibility first. Start at the Lifeline Support Center website run by USAC. You can apply online through the National Verifier, which will walk you through income and program participation questions. Gather documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, benefit approval letters, or program participation statements before you begin.
Step 2: Contact a participating provider. Lifeline is not a check that lands in your bank account. After approval, you must sign up with a participating phone or internet company in your area and apply your discount to that bill. Providers like Verizon, along with regional carriers, handle the enrollment directly. You can search for providers in your state on the USAC website.
Step 3: Explore state-level options. Check whether your state has launched a new program. Residents of New Mexico, California, and Oregon should look into the programs described above. For everyone else, contact your state broadband office—these offices maintain updated lists of local discounts and low-cost plans that change faster than national news reports.
Step 4: Ask about provider low-cost plans. Even without a government subsidy, most major cable and fiber companies offer budget tiers for households that qualify for programs like the National School Lunch Program or Medicaid. These plans usually include a discounted modem and no annual contract. It costs nothing to call and ask.
Step 5: Don't overlook digital inclusion programs. Nonprofits like EveryoneOn help connect households with affordable service and discounted devices. Many public libraries lend mobile WiFi hotspots for weeks at a time and offer free computer access. If you need a device as well as a connection, these programs often bundle help.
Step 6: Mark your calendar for recertification. Lifeline requires annual recertification. If your income or benefits change during the year, notify your provider right away—staying enrolled when you no longer qualify can create repayment obligations. Most providers send reminders, but it's your responsibility to respond.
A Practical Example
Consider a real scenario that plays out across the country. A single parent in Albuquerque qualified for SNAP benefits and was paying full price for home internet. Through the new LITAP program plus the federal Lifeline discount, their monthly bill dropped from a standard plan price to a much more affordable level—enough to keep the connection for remote work and online classes. In Oregon, a retiree on Medicaid combined the federal Lifeline discount with the state's enhanced benefit to cover most of a basic broadband plan. The common thread is that neither person found these options through a single search. They applied through Lifeline first, then layered on state benefits.
The process is the same whether you live in a sprawling city or a rural county. Start with the national programs, then check your state, then talk to your provider. Broadband assistance in the US is fragmented in 2026, but the pieces fit together for most households willing to spend an hour applying. Your local library, community center, or state broadband office can help with the paperwork if the online application feels overwhelming. The connection is worth the effort—it is how you stay tied to work, school, and the people who matter.
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