Free and low-income internet options

If your household makes less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty level (for example, $55,500/year for a family of four, $27,180/year for an individual) or you qualify for certain government assistance programs, you are a good candidate for getting help with paying for monthly internet service from the U.S. government or internet provider programs.

Nearly 30 million U.S. homes lack internet, and 18 million of those do not have it because they cannot afford it, according to the Education Super Highway’s No Home Left Offline Report.

“Affordability has now emerged as the number one barrier to closing the digital divide. We have a historic opportunity to close two-thirds of the digital divide by connecting 18 million households that have access to the Internet but can’t afford to connect,” said Evan Marwell, founder and CEO of EducationSuperHighway.

Government-funded broadband assistance

The federal government’s Lifeline program was created to assist limited-income households in affording internet.

Lifeline provides a discount of $9.25/mo. (or $34.25/mo. for people on Tribal lands). You can use it on a landline, a cellphone plan, home internet service or even an internet and phone bundle. 

Qualifying for Lifeline

If you or someone in your household participate in a federal assistance program, you may qualify for Lifeline. Those programs include Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans Pension, Survivors Benefits and more. Check if you are eligible.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024, due to a lack of government funding. This impacted over 20 million Americans’ access to the internet, half of which were military households.

Low-income internet programs by provider

Many internet service providers (ISPs) also offer their own low-income assistance programs to provide affordable internet access. For their student-only, low-cost programs, the ISP may require additional verifications. If you don’t qualify for a discounted internet program, check out some cheap Wi-Fi plans.

Low-income internet options from top providers:

• Optimum Advantage Internet – Up to 50 Mbps for $14.99/mo. 
• Access from AT&T – Up to 100 Mbps for under $30/mo.*
• Cox Connect2Compete – Up to 100 Mbps for $9.95/mo.*
• Mediacom Connect2Compete – Up to 25 Mbps for $9.95/mo.*
• Spectrum Internet Assist – Varies
• Xfinity Internet Essentials – Up to 50 Mbps for $9.95/mo.*

Optimum Advantage Internet

Optimum Advantage Internet provides income-qualifying customers with up to 50 Mbps for $14.99/mo. To sign up, call (866) 213-0308. The plan comes with free installation and a Wi-Fi router. There are no data caps. Families with seniors, veterans and students may qualify.

Access from AT&T

Access from AT&T is available for customers who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), SSI for California residents only, National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or those with a household income below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can apply online or call (888) 717-1080.

AT&T Access provides internet up to 100 Mbps for $30/mo., with no contracts, installation fees or deposits. It includes an in-home Wi-Fi modem and access to more than 30,000 AT&T nationwide hotspots.

Cox Connect2Compete

Cox’s Connect2Compete provides internet service for $9.95/mo. with up to 100 Mbps for households with one K-12 student or homes that participate in the NSLP, Public Housing, SNAP or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

There are no deposits or annual contracts to worry about. Cox provides a free Wi-Fi modem as well.

Call (855) 222-3252 to apply.

Mediacom Xtream Connect

If you have at least one child in grades K-12 living at home and at least one child receives free or reduced-price school lunches through the NSLP, you can apply for Mediacom’s Xtream Connect program. You must not be a current Mediacom internet customer and not have an outstanding bill or unreturned equipment.

The program provides internet up to 25 Mbps for $9.95/mo. with no contracts, equipment, installation or equipment fees. Mediacom provides a no-cost modem lease.

Call (855) 904-2225 to apply.

Spectrum Internet Assist

Spectrum Internet Assist can provide a price break if a member of your household receives the NSLP, the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) of the NSLP or SSI (all types).

The exact price and speed tier depend on the plan you choose. Spectrum Internet Assist has no contracts, and modems are included. Wi-Fi is available for an extra $5/mo.

Call (855) 870-1311 to see if you qualify.

Xfinity Internet Essentials

Xfinity Internet Essentials provides up to 50 Mbps for $9.95/mo. for qualified customers whose entire household income is at or below twice the federal poverty level or who participate in federal assistance programs such as Lifeline, SNAP/EBT, Medicaid or free and reduced-price school lunch.

The Internet Essentials program does not require a credit check, installation fees or contract. Participants can also purchase a low-cost computer for $149.99 plus tax.

*Pricing per month plus taxes for length of contract. Additional fees and terms may apply. Pricing varies by location and availability. All prices subject to change at any time. May or may not be available based on service address. Speeds may vary. As of 09/06/24.

How to qualify for low-income internet

Internet shoppers can receive discounted internet if their income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if a household member receives a government benefit such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant or free and reduced-price lunch. A household can also qualify if someone participates in a Tribal-specific program.

Saving money on internet costs

If you’re struggling to pay for internet service but don’t qualify for one of the programs above, you can explore cheap internet options from a variety of providers and take other steps to reduce your bill, such as buying your own equipment if it’s cheaper and keeping an eye on hidden internet fees.

Another option is to rely on free public Wi-Fi if you live near any stores, cafes, public parks or other establishments offering free internet.

Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask providers about discounts. Many ISPs offer discounts for military and veteran families and senior citizens.

Call our experts today to learn more about affordable internet options in your area.

Low-income internet FAQs