What Happened to the ACP and What Remains
The Affordable Connectivity Program offered eligible households up to $30 per month off home internet, with $75 for households on Tribal lands, plus a one-time discount on a connected device. Congress chose not to renew its funding, and the last fully funded month was May 2024. By June 1 of that year, the monthly discount was gone. As of 2026, there is no federally administered replacement with the same benefits, so be cautious about any website claiming the ACP is back unless the FCC or the Universal Service Administrative Company confirms it.
That does not mean affordable internet is out of reach. The federal Lifeline program remains active, provider-specific low-income plans have expanded, and a handful of states run their own broadband assistance. The trick is knowing which combination fits your situation and having the right paperwork ready.
Lifeline: The Federal Program That Still Works
Lifeline is the one remaining federal program that directly reduces your phone or internet bill. It provides a discount on qualifying service, and for households that qualify, it can be stacked with provider low-income plans to bring your monthly cost down noticeably.
Eligibility hinges on two paths. You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if someone in your home participates in a qualifying federal assistance program such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Tribal households can qualify through additional programs like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
Applying takes about ten minutes. You can file online through the National Verifier at the Universal Service Administrative Company portal, print and mail a paper application, or go through a participating phone or internet company. You will need to verify your identity, address, and eligibility. Keep documents like a Medicaid card, an SSI award letter, a SNAP approval notice, or a tax return handy. If you run into trouble, the Lifeline Support Center can be reached at 1-800-234-9473.
One important detail: Lifeline recipients are required to recertify periodically. Missing that step can end your benefit, so mark your calendar when you enroll.
Provider Low-Income Plans: Where Most Families Find Relief
Since the ACP ended, the biggest internet providers have stepped up with their own discounted tiers. These are not short-term promotional rates. They are permanent plans you can stay on as long as you remain eligible.
Comcast Internet Essentials remains one of the most accessible options. In late 2025, Comcast expanded eligibility so households can qualify based on income alone, specifically at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, which for a family of four means earning less than about $64,300 annually. The plan costs around $14.95 per month and includes the Xfinity Gateway, unlimited data, access to digital skills training, and millions of Xfinity WiFi hotspots at no extra charge. A low-cost computer is also available for around $150 if you need a device.
Spectrum Internet Assist offers a similar bridge for families and seniors. At roughly $25 per month, qualifying households receive download speeds up to 50 Mbps, a free modem, and no data caps, with no annual contract and no credit check. Eligibility requires a household member to receive SSI or participate in the National School Lunch Program, including the Community Eligibility Provision. Keep in mind that standard Social Security retirement benefits and SSDI do not qualify for this particular plan, so check the exact requirements before applying.
Access from AT&T serves households below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or those participating in a qualifying government assistance program. The monthly price and available speeds depend on what services are at your address, since the program can run over AT&T Fiber or AT&T Internet Air. The application process asks you to enter your address, check eligibility, apply securely through a partner, then call to apply the discounted price to your service.
| Program | Typical Price | Eligibility | What You Get | Key Limitations |
|---|
| Lifeline | Federal discount on qualifying service | Income at/below 135% FPL or participation in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, etc. | Reduced phone or internet bill | Must recertify periodically; varies by provider |
| Comcast Internet Essentials | About $15/month | Income at/below 200% FPL or participation in federal assistance | Gateway, unlimited data, WiFi hotspots, skills training | Available in Comcast service areas only |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | About $25/month | SSI recipient or National School Lunch Program participation | 50 Mbps, free modem, no data caps, no contract | SSDI and regular Social Security do not qualify |
| Access from AT&T | Varies by address | Income at/below 200% FPL or qualifying assistance program | Fiber or Internet Air service at reduced price | Depends on service availability at your home |
State Programs and Local Help Worth Checking
Federal programs cover the basics, but a growing number of states run their own broadband assistance. New York's Affordable Broadband Act, for example, requires large providers to offer internet at around $15 per month for qualifying households. California's Lifeline Home Broadband Pilot adds a state-funded top-up for home internet through participating providers like AT&T, Spectrum, and Xfinity. New Mexico operates the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, which provides an ACP-style monthly discount rather than a provider mandate.
Beyond state programs, your local library may lend WiFi hotspots and refurbished computers, and many school districts distribute devices to families who need them. These resources are not guaranteed and vary by location, but they are worth a call before you spend money on equipment.
A Step-by-Step Path to Lower Your Bill
Start by figuring out which federal assistance programs you or your household already receive. That single piece of information unlocks the most doors. If you are on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or the National School Lunch Program, you likely qualify for at least one provider plan and possibly Lifeline.
Next, check Lifeline eligibility through the National Verifier. Even if you think your income is too high, it costs nothing to find out, and the application explains exactly what documents you need.
Then visit each provider's low-income plan page and enter your address. Coverage varies block by block, so what works for a neighbor may not be available to you. Compare the monthly price, included equipment, and data limits side by side before committing.
Finally, gather your documents before you start any application. A Medicaid card, SSI award letter, school lunch enrollment letter, or recent tax return covers most cases. Providers and the Lifeline program can verify some information automatically, but having paper copies ready speeds up the process when they cannot.
If you previously received ACP benefits, be alert for scams. No legitimate program will ask for your Social Security number on a random website, and the ACP itself is not accepting applications. Stick to official portals like the FCC, USAC, USA.gov, and your provider's own pages.
Staying Connected Is Still Possible
Losing the ACP felt like a setback for millions of families, and the frustration was real. But between Lifeline, expanded provider plans, and state-level support, an affordable connection is still within reach. The programs change over time, so check provider pages and state broadband offices every few months, especially since many plans now accept income-based eligibility that did not exist a couple of years ago. Start with the program you are most likely to qualify for, keep your documents ready, and make the call today.
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