Low-Income Internet Guide: These Affordable Plans Can Help Fill the ACP Gap (2024)

At the end of May, more than 23 million homes in the US saw their internet bills increase by $30 to $75 per month when the Affordable Connectivity Program officially ran out of money.The pandemic-era program was available to anyone who made less than or equal to 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or $62,400 for a family of four.

There have been a number of bills proposed in Congress throughout the year to extend the program, but none have been brought to a vote. Nearly half of ACP subscribers have been military families, according to a White House fact sheet. Older Americans, African Americans and Latinos have also relied on the ACP at higher rates.

“We are monitoring complaints regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program and I should add that we’ve seen a 40% increase from consumers on them because they’re upset that this program’s come to an end,” FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel said at a House subcommittee hearing this week. She added that the FCC is prepared to re-launch the program quickly if Congress passes legislation to extend funding.

Locating local internet providers

“We have systems still in place at our administrator, we still know every benefit-qualifying individual that signed up for this program and we have hundreds of outreach partners ready to go if Congress finds a way to continue this program,” Rosenworcel said.

That's a small glimmer of hope for former ACP recipients who've had to cancel their internet or find extra money in their budgets over the past two months.

Locating local internet providers

"It's been the difference between choosing to have a roof over my head, whether to eat or whether to pay for the internet, which has things like virtual appointments with my psychiatrist," Kenneth Sigler, a small-business owner from Hernando, Mississippi, who used the ACP, told CNET. "It basically helps me to keep from having to choose what bills I'm going to pay."

While there’s no single resource that can replace the $14.2 billion ACP, there are a variety of local and state subsidies, nonprofits and discounted plans from providers that can help ease the transition.Here's everything that's currently available.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal subsidy that provides $9.25 per month to low-income households for home internet or cellphone plans. Its eligibility requirements are a little stricter than those of the ACP. Your income must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or $40,500 for a family of four.

Lifeline income requirements

Household size48 contiguous states, DC and territoriesAlaskaHawaii
1 $19,683$24,584$22,640
2 $26,622$33,264$30,618
3 $33,561$41,945$38,597
4 $40,500$50,625$46,575
5 $47,439$59,306$54,554
6 $54,378$67,986$62,532
7 $61,317$76,667$70,511
8 $68,256$85,347$78,489
For each additional person, add: $6,939$8,681$7,979

Show more (4 items)

You can also get Lifeline if you (or someone who lives with you) participates in any of the following programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly known as Food Stamps)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income, or SSI
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance, or FPHA
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

If you live in California, Oregon or Texas, you must check with your internet provider or visit your state's website to apply for the program.

Read more: The FCC Votes to Restore Net Neutrality. Here's What It Could Mean for You

State and local resources

Some states and cities across the country offer their own local versions of the ACP to help low-income households pay for internet. California, for example, has a website that allows you to search affordable options in your ZIP code based on various eligibility criteria, and Oregon provides an enhanced Lifeline benefit of $19.25 monthly.

Cities like Chicago offer free internet to families in Chicago public schools and eligible city colleges through its Chicago Connected program. The best way for you to find these resources is by going to Google and searching for "[location] internet resources."

You can also check to see how your state is using the $2.75 billion allocated in the Digital Equity Act to help close the digital divide.

Low-income programs from internet providers

Many internet providers have their own discounted plans available for low-income households, including , Spectrum and Xfinity. Requirements vary, but they're usually similar to the ACP: one must meet certain income requirements or participate in a federal program like SNAP or the National School Lunch Program.

Internet provider discounts

ProgramMonthly priceMaximum speed
Access from AT&T $30100Mbps
Astound Internet First $1050Mbps
Cox Connect2Compete (for families) $10100Mbps
Cox ConnectAssist (for individuals) $30100Mbps
Mediacom Connect2Compete (for families) $1025Mbps
Optimum Advantage $1550Mbps
Spectrum Internet Assist $2550Mbps
Verizon Forward $20-$8150-2,000Mbps
WOW! Internet Select 50 (for families) $1050Mbps
Xfinity Internet Essentials $1050Mbps

Show more (5 items)

To determine which providers are available in your area, enter your address on the Federal Communication Commission's broadband map.

Nonprofit organizations

There are a number of nonprofits around the country with the goal of closing the digital divide. Some help with monthly internet costs, while others provide devices that connect you to the internet. These organizations all received nonprofit status from the IRS and were vetted by watchdogs like Charity Navigator and Guidestar.org:

  • Connect All: Part of the InterConnection nonprofit, Connect All provides refurbished computers to low-income users. Eligibility requirements are similar to those of the ACP: Participation in federal programs like SNAP or SSI will automatically qualify you for devices.
  • EveryoneOn: EveryoneOn is one of the most wide-ranging internet nonprofits out there. You can use its locator tool to find low-cost plans and computers in your area, enroll in digital skills courses and find local events that distribute devices.
  • Human-I-T: This nonprofit accepts donations from corporations, refurbishes the devices and sells them at a discount to veterans, low-income households, seniors and other groups that qualify. It also offers low-cost internet through its mobile hotspot devices for less than $30 per month.
  • Internet for All Now: This is an initiative of the nonprofit California Emerging Technology Fund that helps Californians find low-cost plans in their area. People in California can call and speak with a trained expert, but the website has resources that anyone in the country can use.
  • National Digital Inclusion Alliance: The NDIA is a well-known hub for research and policy aiming to close the digital divide, and while it doesn't offer low-cost internet itself, it's a helpful resource for navigating what's out there. You can also use this map of NDIA affiliates providing broadband adoption services to see what's available in your area.

Explore other internet plans in your area

If your bill's going up dramatically with the end of the ACP, another option is to search for other internet providers in your area. Most ISPs offer plans under $50 monthly, and you can often find additional discounts for things like bundling with a cellphone plan or signing an annual contract.

Purchasing your own equipment can also save you some extra money each month. It usually costs around $15 to rent a modem and router from your internet provider, while you can buy your own for as little as $100, especially if you go with refurbished equipment. That said, you'll need to ensure your modem is compatible with your provider before you purchase.

More broadband news on CNET

  • $90 Billion vs. the Digital Divide: Is It Enough to Fix Internet Access in the US?
  • Internet Aid Cut: How the Loss of FCC's ACP May Worsen the Mental Health Crisis
  • Broadband 'Nutrition Labels' Could Make It Easier to Shop for Internet Service
Low-Income Internet Guide: These Affordable Plans Can Help Fill the ACP Gap (2024)

FAQs

How much does ACP pay per month? ›

How much does broadband service cost? The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount for internet service up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.

Who has the best ACP program? ›

AT&T is the best ACP provider due to its widespread availability and affordably priced plans for ACP-approved customers. AT&T Access plan offers internet speed up to 100 Mbps for $0/mo to eligible customers.

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program going to end? ›

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federally funded program that offered a monthly benefit to eligible households. Funds for ACP expired on June 1, 2024. The FCC's ACP Wind-Down guidance includes critical information and estimated dates.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program ACP? ›

Affordable Connectivity Program

Launched in early 2022, the program offers eligible households up to a $30 discount on their monthly internet bill ($75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands).

Does ACP give you a laptop? ›

The organization offers free laptops, digital skills training, and affordable internet through the ACP to low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.

Can I use ACP for both internet and phone? ›

ACP benefits can be applied to both internet and phone, but must be applied to one service at a time, not both.

Which ACP program has unlimited data? ›

SafeLink provides the free benefits you need to stay connected – with Unlimited Data, Unlimited Talk & Text, plus Hotspot Data to those who qualify for Lifeline + the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

What is the maximum monthly credit a customer can get for internet service with ACP? ›

ACP applies to monthly charges for Internet service and mobile data usage and service fees. Qualified households will receive a total credit of up to $30/month toward Xfinity Internet service, including Internet Essentials, and/or Xfinity Mobile data usage and service fees.

How do I use $100 from the ACP program? ›

How to redeem your $100 device credit. Visit the Red Pocket Mobile ACP Shop page for available devices. Select the device you wish to purchase. Enter your enrollment ID for device purchases to apply your $100 discount at checkout.

What is the difference between lifeline and ACP? ›

ACP, or Access from AT&T, is specifically available for low-income households who participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). On the other hand, Lifeline offers support to individuals who meet income-based requirements or participate in certain government assistance programs.

How long is an ACP application good for? ›

Q Does the Application ID for ACP expire? A Yes. The Application ID, obtained through the National Verifier expires after 90-days.

Did Congress pass the ACP program for 2024? ›

This bill extends and provides FY2024 funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a monthly benefit that allows eligible low-income households to receive discounted internet service. The program also provides a one-time discount that may be used to purchase a connected device, such as a computer.

How can I get $10 dollars a month on wifi? ›

Yes, you can get free or discounted internet with food stamps. Programs like the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline offer subsidies to eligible households, potentially lowering your monthly bill to $10 or even making it free. Check with your internet provider or the ACP website to see if you qualify.

Will the government pay for my internet? ›

Find out if you are eligible for Lifeline

Lifeline can help pay for your landline, cell (wireless) phone, or internet service. You may be eligible for Lifeline based on your income and household size or if you receive benefits from a federal assistance program. See how to qualify for Lifeline.

How to get free internet? ›

The FCC Lifeline program can provide reduced-cost or even no-cost internet access. You can go to the Lifeline Support site to check your eligibility and to apply to the program. You can also check out our in-depth analysis of government programs for free and low-cost internet.

What is the highest salary of ACP? ›

MPSC Post Group A Salary
Group-A Posts ListSalary scale
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) / Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP)Salary: S-20: Rs. 56100–177500 + Allowances
Assistant Commissioner of Sales Tax (ACS)Salary: S-20: Rs. 56100–177500 + Allowances
15 more rows
Jun 5, 2024

How long does ACP benefits last? ›

Given that the pandemic persisted, 2021 was dedicated to creating a new program that could last longer. Once the bill passed, the ACP was created with $14 billion, scalign to over 13 million households in the country. According to estimates, the projected end date for this program will be between 2026 and 2028.

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