How to Get Low-Income Internet Service

Where to start: the programs that cover internet costs

The main program for low-income internet is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), run by the Federal Communications Commission. It pays between $30 and $75 per month toward your internet bill, depending on your income and which program you use. You do not apply to the FCC directly — instead, you apply through your internet service provider, and the provider handles the paperwork with the government.

A second option is SNAP benefits (food assistance). If you receive SNAP, you may be able to get a discount on broadband through a separate program called the Lifeline Program. Lifeline offers a $9.25 monthly discount on phone or internet service. Some providers bundle both programs together, so you could receive ACP money plus a Lifeline discount on the same bill.

A third route is your state's utility assistance program. Some states fund internet as part of their Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), though this varies widely by state. Your local 211 service (dial 2-1-1 or visit 211.org) can tell you whether your state covers internet and which providers participate.

Key Takeaways

• The Affordable Connectivity Program pays $30 to $75 per month directly to your internet provider and you apply through them, not through a government office.
• You need proof of income (recent tax return, pay stub, or SNAP letter) and an address where you can receive service.
• Each household can receive one ACP subsidy, and you cannot stack it with Lifeline on the same service, though some providers offer both programs separately.
• The process usually takes one to three weeks from application to first discount on your bill.
• If ACP funds run out, your provider will tell you and you can reapply when funding resumes.

Step-by-step: applying through your internet provider

Start by calling your current internet provider or visiting their website to ask whether they participate in ACP. Major providers like Comcast, Charter, Verizon, AT&T, and many smaller regional providers do participate. Ask the provider for their ACP application form — some have it online, others mail it to you or take the application over the phone.

Fill out the form with your name, address, phone number, and proof that your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning $28,860 per year or less, or a family of four earning $59,160 or less. The exact threshold changes yearly. You can prove income with a recent tax return, a pay stub from the last 30 days, a SNAP letter, a Social Security statement, or a utility bill showing your name and address.

Submit the form to your provider along with your income documentation. Keep a copy for your records. Your provider will send your information to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which verifies your income against federal records. If you are approved, the discount appears on your next bill.

What happens if you do not have internet service yet

If you do not currently have broadband at home, you can still use ACP, but you need to choose a provider first. Call providers in your area and ask which ones offer ACP. Some providers offer low-cost plans specifically designed for ACP recipients — these are often $10 to $20 per month before the ACP discount is applied, so your out-of-pocket cost becomes zero or very low.

Once you have chosen a provider, ask them to start your service and apply for ACP at the same time. The provider will give you the application form before or when your service is installed. You can submit the ACP paperwork immediately, even if your service is brand new. The discount will apply to your first bill or shortly after approval.

If you are unsure which providers serve your address, use the FCC's broadband map at broadbandmap.fcc.gov, enter your street address, and it will show you which companies offer service there.

Using Lifeline if you receive SNAP

Lifeline is a separate federal program that gives a $9.25 monthly discount on broadband or phone service. To use it, you must receive SNAP benefits. You apply directly to your internet provider, not to a government office.

Call your provider and ask whether they offer Lifeline. If they do, ask for the Lifeline application. You will need to provide your name, address, and proof that you receive SNAP — usually a SNAP card or a letter from your state's SNAP office. Some providers let you apply online; others require a phone call or mailed form.

You can use Lifeline on a different service than ACP. For example, you could use ACP on your home broadband and Lifeline on a mobile phone plan, or vice versa. You cannot use both programs on the same service with the same provider, but you can use them with different providers.

Income limits and how they are verified

ACP covers households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, the limits are: single person $28,860 per year, family of two $38,640, family of three $48,420, family of four $59,160. Add $9,780 for each additional family member. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty line is updated, usually in January.

When you submit your application, USAC checks your income against IRS tax records and Social Security Administration records. If your income matches or is below the limit, you are approved. If USAC cannot verify your income through those records, they will contact you and ask you to submit additional documentation — usually a recent pay stub or tax return.

If your income is above the limit, you are not approved for ACP. However, you may still be able to use Lifeline if you receive SNAP, or you can check with your state's utility assistance program through 211.

What to do if your application is denied or takes too long

If your application is denied, your provider will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons are income above the limit, inability to verify income, or a duplicate application (each household can only receive one ACP subsidy). If the reason is income, you cannot reapply unless your income changes. If the reason is verification, you can resubmit with different documentation — ask your provider what they need.

If your application is taking longer than three weeks, contact your provider's customer service and ask for the status. Provide them with your application reference number if you have it. Delays usually happen when USAC cannot automatically verify your income and needs you to submit additional paperwork.

If your provider tells you that ACP funding has run out in your state, ask when they expect funding to resume. The program has run out of money before and been refunded by Congress, so you can reapply once funding is available again. Some providers keep a waitlist for this reason.

Keeping your discount active and what changes require reapplication

Once you are approved for ACP, the discount continues month to month as long as you keep your service active and your income stays below the limit. You do not need to reapply every month or every year — the discount is automatic.

However, you must reapply if you change providers. If you switch to a different internet company, that new provider will need to submit a new ACP application for you. The process is the same as the first time: you provide income documentation, USAC verifies it, and the discount starts on your next bill.

You should also notify your provider if your income increases above the limit, though the program does not actively check this. If you know your income has risen significantly, contact your provider and let them know so they can remove you from the program and free up funding for someone else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ACP if I am on disability or SSI?

Yes. If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you automatically meet the income requirement for ACP without submitting proof. When you apply, tell your provider that you receive SSI or SSDI, and they can verify it directly with Social Security. You still need to complete the application form and provide your address.

What if my household income is just above the limit?

ACP has a strict income cutoff at 200% of the federal poverty line. If your income is above that, you do not may have access to for ACP. However, you may be able to use Lifeline if you receive SNAP, or you can contact your local 211 to ask about state utility assistance programs that may have higher income limits.

Can I get ACP if I am homeless or do not have a permanent address?

ACP requires a service address where you can receive broadband. If you are staying at a shelter, you can use the shelter's address. If you do not have a stable address, contact your local 211 or homeless services agency — they may be able to help you find a temporary address or connect you with mobile hotspot programs that do not require a fixed location.

What if my provider says they do not participate in ACP?

Some smaller or rural providers do not participate in ACP. If your current provider does not, you can switch to one that does if other providers serve your address. Use the FCC's broadband map to see which companies offer service at your location, then call them to ask about ACP. If only one provider serves your area and they do not participate in ACP, contact your state's public utilities commission — they may be able to pressure the provider to join the program.

Do I have to stay with the same provider after I get ACP?

No. You can switch providers at any time. If you move to a new provider, you will need to apply for ACP again through that provider, but the process is the same and usually takes one to three weeks. Make sure the new provider participates in ACP before you switch, or you will lose the discount.