Low-Cost Internet Options

Having access to affordable internet helps keep you connected to the world around you.

For many, it’s also a necessity for work and school. If you need a low-cost internet option, there are several options for getting internet access at home.
In April 2024, the government-funded Affordable Connectivity Program ended, but there are still options to find a low-cost internet plan. 

Start by asking your current internet company if they offer any low-cost internet plans. They may be able to help you enroll in a new and affordable plan.

Internet options may also be available from the following providers:

	Program Details AT&T’s Access program offers internet speeds up to 10 Mbps to eligible low-income families for only $5-$10 per month. How to Qualify You must have at least one family member who participates in the SNAP program to quality for the AT&T Access program. How to Apply Visit the Access page to see if you qualify and fill out an application or call 855-220-5211.
	Program Details Spectrum offers an Internet Assist  program. The program offers internet speeds up to 30 Mbps (wireless speeds may vary) for $14.99 per month for 12 months, with no data cap and no contract. WIFI is available for an extra $5.00 per month. How To Qualify The program is available to households where one member is a recipient of: National School Lunch Program Community Eligibility Provision of the NSLP or Supplemental Security Income (ages 65 or older) How to Apply To apply for Spectrum Internet Assist, call Spectrum at 1-855-542-6651.
	Program Details Xfinity offers an Internet Essentials program that is designed to help students, seniors, and low-income families. Qualifying customers can purchase a plan for just $9.95 per month. This program offers internet speeds up to 25Mbps and free in-home Wi-Fi, and it doesn’t require a credit check. Xfinity also offers low-cost computers as part of the Internet Essentials program. Customers can choose a laptop or desktop computer for $149, which includes Microsoft Office, Norton Security Suite, and a 90-day warranty. How to Qualify For a family to qualify, they must have at least one child eligible for the National School Lunch Program and meet a handful of other requirements. To get Internet Essentials, customers need to fill out an application and wait to be approved. How to Apply To apply for Xfinity Internet Essentials, visit the Internet Essentials website or call 1-855-846-8376.
	Program Details Cox Low-Cost Internet is part of the Connect2Compete program, aimed at helping K–12 students reach their full potential by providing internet access to low-income families. Low-Cost Internet is $9.95 per month and is available to families with at least one child in kindergarten or grades 1–12. How To Qualify Eligible families must also be participating in one of the following programs: National School Lunch Program Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Public Housing How to Apply To apply for Cox Low-Cost Internet, visit the website and fill out the form or call 1-800-234-3993.
	Program Details Verizon offers $20 off Verizon Fios internet plans on top of the $9.95 Lifeline discount. That means you could get Verizon’s 300 Mbps internet plan for just $19.99 per month. Verizon also recently launched its Verizon Forward Program, which provides 5G Home internet, LTE Home internet or Verizon Fios at no cost as part of Verizon’s participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can get the usual Lifeline discount with Verizon, and the internet service provider also has its own discount for people enrolled in the program. How To Qualify If you participate in certain Federal Assistance programs such as SNAP, you may qualify for the Verizon Forward discount. How to Apply To learn more, visit the Verizon low-cost internet page or call 1-800-922-0204.
	Program Details Lifeline is a government program backed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides a monthly phone or internet service discount for low-income households. Lifeline benefits give eligible subscribers a discount of at least $9.25 per month off either landline phone service, wireless phone service, broadband, or bundled services. Enhanced Lifeline benefits for Tribal lands bumps the discount up an extra $25 for a total discount of $34.95 per month for households within federally recognized Tribal lands. How to Apply You may apply directly through the Lifeline program's National Verifier online portal or by mailing a paper application form (available at the National Verifier online portal after entering your state). You may also apply for the program by working with a Lifeline service provider either in-person at a store location or online via the service provider's website, if they support that option. To locate a Lifeline provider in your state, visit: cnm.universalservice.org. For any questions regarding the Lifeline application process, call USAC's toll-free number for the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473, or email LifelineSupport@usac.org.
	Program Details Internet First is a program that offers low-cost internet service. Through the Internet First program, you can get internet speeds up to 25Mbps for $9.95 per month. How To Qualify The Internet First program is currently available in areas of California, District of Columbia (Washington DC), Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas and Washington state. If you live in RCN, Grande, or Wave service areas and qualify for any of these public service programs: Medicaid Public housing assistance Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Head Start National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or Head Start Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) Federal Pell Grant (applicable only for Illinois and Colorado) VA Pension Tribal assistance How to Apply Learn more about Internet First, see if you qualify, or apply for assistance at Internet First’s website or call 1-833-730-0644.
	Program Details Customers with access to Optimum can sign up for Altice Advantage Internet, which offers internet speeds up to 30Mbps for $14.99 per month for those who qualify. How To Qualify Have a child recipient of the NSLP in the household. Receive Supplemental Security Income (age 65+). Or are US military veterans who receive public assistance. How to Apply Visit the Altice Advantage Internet  webpage to see if you qualify and apply or call 1-877-694-9474.
	Program Details PCs for People allows qualifying individuals to shop for affordable computers and other tech devices. They also provide discounted internet services. Computers purchased from PCs for People come with a one-year hardware warranty. They also provide affordable repair and support services for their devices. How To Qualify Be currently enrolled in an income-based government assistance program. Or, have a household income below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. How to Apply  Call 1-651-354-2552.
	Get FREE Technology Assistance Cyber-Seniors provides free technology support and training for older adults through webinars. Visit cyberseniors.org or call 1-844-217-3057 to learn more or get started.