In the modern world, trying to accomplish tasks without the internet presents an insurmountable obstacle. A few organizations can provide you with low-cost internet access or money to help you pay for your internet connection if you cannot pay for it. Numerous sizable internet service providers (ISPs) sell inexpensive internet packages, and a few government aid programs, such as Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, may be of assistance. Let’s dig into the details to find out how to apply for low income internet option that might help you the most.
You should carefully study the fine print of any low-income internet plans offered by your ISP if you currently pay for internet service. Before applying for their low-income plans, most ISPs demand that you have not previously used their service for a specific time. We advise looking into the Lifeline and ACP programs for support while you wait if you’re caught in a situation where you need cheap internet but can’t yet apply for your ISP’s assistance plan.
Government aid programs don’t have extra costs buried in the small print, but specific internet provider programs do. Most of the time, internet provider programs shouldn’t require you to pay a deposit, submit a credit check, or pay for equipment and installation. Any additional costs that may be present in some ISP programs have been attempted to be described here. Want to know more? Let’s get going!
Get Started With Low Income Internet
There are several choices for low-income internet services. The new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers qualifying households up to $30 per month off internet service (up to $75 per month if you live on tribal lands), is the best option for low-income internet users. Depending on where you reside in the US, internet connections might cost as little as $19.99 per month, so you could be able to join for free with those savings.
Additionally, we advise checking into two older internet solutions for even more savings. With your ACP benefits, you could use these programs twice.
The first choice is Lifeline’s government aid program, which gives low-income people $9.25 off their monthly phone or internet bill. Although Lifeline delivers fewer savings than the ACP or most internet provider programs, it is still an improvement over doing nothing and can be combined with ACP savings.
Secondly, many internet provider programs offer monthly rates at discounts, some of which are as low as $9.95. Many of them are for children from low-income households eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), though the requirements differ depending on the service.
Application for Low Income Internet with the Affordable Connectivity Program
Anyone can apply for discounts through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help pay for high-speed internet. Benefits vary depending on your situation, but some people may be eligible for totally free internet service from AT&T in North Carolina and throughout the country.
ACP offers eligible households a monthly discount on qualifying internet service provider plans of up to $30. On Tribal Lands, residents are eligible to receive up to $75 each month. These reductions are available for both home and mobile internet services.
You must meet at least one of three requirements to be eligible. A White House press release stated:
- Your income is at or below the federal poverty level of 200 percent.
- You or a member of your family take part in one of the following additional programs:
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program under Medicaid (WIC)
- Subsidized Security Income (SSI)
- Federal assistance for public housing (FPHA)
- Pension for Veterans and Survivors
- You are eligible for the current low-income internet program a participating broadband provider offers.
Affordable Connectivity Program Application
Visit ACP Benefit to receive $30 off internet service each month. You can apply online or print an application form, complete it, and return it to ACP Support Center, PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
Once you are eligible, you must contact your participating provider to choose an acceptable internet plan and have your ACP discount applied.
Application for Low Income Internet with the Lifeline FCC Internet Subsidy
Lifeline is a federally funded initiative by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It works closely with internet service providers to negotiate lower monthly costs for people who fall below the federal poverty line, receive federal assistance, or reside on tribal territories.
A $9.25 monthly internet or phone service discount is available if your family income is less than or equal to 135% of the federal poverty level or if you participate in federal assistance programs. Additionally, you can save an additional $20 per month if you reside on tribal land, for a total discount of $29.25 on the internet.
You can still use Lifeline on your internet service many times if you live with others but don’t share finances. You can stack the discounts for each person who qualifies as long as they don’t fall within Lifeline’s definition of your home and meet federal assistance programs or poverty requirements.
FCC Internet Subsidy Application
If you’ve determined that the Lifeline program is right for you, you can apply online, by mail, or through a nearby internet provider. The Lifeline website has all the information you need.
The steps below must be followed to apply online:
i) Qualify
To verify your eligibility for the Lifeline Assistance program, you must apply. You might be qualified for Lifeline depending on your income or involvement in a government assistance program. To learn how to apply for the program, contact your phone or internet provider or the state website if you reside in California, Oregon, or Texas.
ii) Sign up to get Lifeline
Once you are eligible, pick a local phone or internet provider and sign up for service there. Additionally, you can request that your current ISP apply your Lifeline benefit to a current service you are receiving.
Application for Low Income Internet Through Internet Providers
Many internet service providers also have low-income support programs to provide affordable internet connections. Since the ACP was implemented, most providers now demand that you sign up through that program before they give you these plans.
For ease of access, some ISPs also provide the ACP portal on their websites. The ISP may demand additional verifications for its student-only, low-cost programs.
Here are the some of the internet providers which allow you to make application for low income internet through different programs.
Optimum Internet
For K–12 and college students, as well as for their families, older citizens, and veterans, Altice advantage provides a subsidized internet subscription. The program is accessible where Suddenlink or Optimum internet subscriptions are accepted.
There is no contract required for the Altice Advantage plan. However, there is a (discounted) installation cost. You can also receive an additional $5 discount for three months if you sign up for auto-pay. Additionally, new customers can receive the Altice Advantage plan for free for 60 days.
Optimum customers can go to the Optimum website, while Suddenlink customers can go to the Suddenlink website to apply for service.
Internet Essentials from Comcast
Comcast’s Internet Essentials offer is available to you if you reside in an Xfinity area. For $9.95 a month, eligible households can get free in-home Wi-Fi and download speeds of 50 Mbps (plus tax). Additionally, you’ll be able to buy a cheap computer and access Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots.
A household member must participate in one of the NSLP, HUD, veteran, senior, or Pell Grant programs for your household to be eligible for Internet Essentials.
AT&T Internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program and Access from AT&T work together to provide free download speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
With SNAP, SSI, or the National School Lunch Program, you can get AT&T Access. Additionally, AT&T accepts families earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty level. If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, a handy chart is available on the application website.
Cox Internet
Through its ConnectAssist bundle, Cox provides inexpensive internet. This program is available to households that participate in income-based programs like SNAP, TANF, WIC, Medicaid, and many others. It is meant for persons who receive government assistance.
Cox takes part in the Connect2Compete initiative as well. For just $9.95 a month, Connect2Compete gives you access to internet speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
Summing Up
If you’re having trouble paying for internet and not eligible for any government programs mentioned above, you can look into inexpensive internet solutions from several providers. Other measures to lower your bill include purchasing your equipment if it’s less expensive and checking out for occult internet charges.
Moreover, don’t be scared to inquire about discounts with service providers. Several internet service providers provide discounts for military families, veteran families, and senior individuals.