If you receive SNAP benefits (food stamps/EBT), you may qualify for free or low-cost internet service in 2026 through programs offered by major providers, nonprofits, and federal initiatives. Even though the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024, replacement programs and state-level efforts continue to provide households with reliable broadband at little to no cost.
1. Federal Assistance Programs
A. Lifeline (Ongoing Program)
The Lifeline Program is a federal benefit administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that reduces monthly phone or internet costs for low-income consumers. It has been in place since 1985 and continues to operate today. Find Lifeline companies near me tool.
- Benefit: A monthly discount on broadband internet or phone service (typically around $9.25 per month for most households and up to $34.25 for households on qualifying Tribal lands).
- Who Qualifies: Individuals or families where someone participates in SNAP (Food Stamps), Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, certain tribal programs, or households with income below set thresholds (e.g., 135% of federal poverty guidelines).
- How to Apply: Through the Lifeline National Verifier and then enroll with a participating internet service provider.
📌 More about Lifeline: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lifeline_%28FCC_program%29
B. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — Ended in 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a major FCC initiative that provided deeper broadband discounts — up to $30/month (or up to $75/month on some Tribal lands) and a one-time device discount. This program was widely used by SNAP recipients to reduce internet costs and even make the service effectively free.
However:
- The ACP ended as of June 1, 2024 due to funding exhaustion and isn’t available for new applications.
- Existing enrollees were transitioned off the benefit after funds were depleted.
👉 More on ACP: You can learn about the ACP’s previous benefits and eligibility at the California Dept. of Social Services site: https://www.cdss.ca.gov/acp
Advocates continue pushing for reauthorization or replacement funding, but as of early 2026 the program is not active for new applicants.
2. Internet Provider Plans for SNAP Recipients
Even without ACP, internet service providers offer special low-cost or near-free plans for SNAP/EBT or Lifeline participants:
Examples of Provider Programs
Here are some programs (availability varies by location and provider):
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: Offers low-cost internet starting around ~$9.95/month (with Lifeline/discounts potentially making service free).
- AT&T Access: Provides discounted internet (plans often around ~$30/month) for SNAP participants.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: Offers affordable broadband for qualifying low-income households.
- Cox Connect2Compete & Mediacom Connect2Compete: Discounted plans (typically ~$9.95/month).
👉 These plans aren’t always completely free, but when combined with Lifeline benefits, costs can be significantly reduced or even waived entirely.
3. Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for discounted or free internet through these programs, households typically must meet income guidelines or participate in assistance programs such as:
- SNAP (Food Stamps/EBT)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Certain tribal assistance programs
- Income at or below a certain percentage of the federal poverty level (varies by program)
4. How to Apply
Where to Start
- Check Lifeline Eligibility & Apply: The first step is to apply for the Lifeline discount — either via the National Verifier portal or through an internet provider that participates in the Lifeline program.
- Contact Providers: Once accepted, choose a provider that offers discounted plans in your area.
- Gather Documentation: You’ll typically need proof of SNAP participation or income documentation.
Important Notes & Resources
- ACP Has Ended: Unlike many online pages still advertising free internet via ACP, that federal benefit is not currently active for new enrollees.
- Lifeline Still Active: Lifeline remains the main federal subsidy for discounted internet service.
- Some Plans May Be Free: Depending on how discounts are applied and the provider you choose, you may get no monthly bill after benefits.
Provider-Specific Low-Income Plans
Many internet service providers (ISPs) have their own programs specifically for SNAP recipients. While not always “free,” they are often priced at $10–$30/month, which may be fully covered if you apply your Lifeline discount.
- AT&T Access: Offers speeds up to 100 Mbps for $30/month with no equipment fees or contracts.
- Comcast Xfinity Internet Essentials: Provides 75 Mbps for $14.95/month or 100 Mbps for $29.95/month. Includes a free cable modem and Wi-Fi.
- Spectrum Internet Assist: Offers 50 Mbps for $25/month for qualified households.
- Cox ConnectAssist: Costs $30/month for speeds up to 100 Mbps.
- Verizon Forward: Provides discounts that can bring home internet costs down significantly for Lifeline-eligible customers.
Conclusion
While the Affordable Connectivity Program, which once offered deep discounts and even free internet has ended, eligible SNAP recipients and other low-income households can still access discounted or free internet services through the Lifeline program and participating providers. These programs help reduce the cost of connectivity and ensure that low-income families can stay online for work, school, healthcare, and staying connected.
