What Happened to the ACP and What Replaced It
The ACP officially shut down in 2024 after Congress declined to renew its funding. That program had provided monthly discounts of up to $30, or $75 for households on Tribal lands, along with a one-time device discount. More than 20 million households felt the impact when it ended.
As of 2026, there is no federally administered replacement for the ACP. That sounds discouraging, but the landscape is not empty. The Lifeline program remains active, state governments have launched their own broadband initiatives, and major internet providers have expanded their low-income plans. The key is knowing which combination of programs fits your situation.
The Lifeline Program: The Federal Foundation
Lifeline is a federal benefit that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for qualifying households. Managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), it currently provides a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 toward phone or internet services, with up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands.
Eligibility follows two main paths. Your household income can be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Alternatively, you can qualify through participation in a federal assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
To put the income threshold in perspective, a single-person household in the contiguous states can qualify at roughly $16,000 or less in annual income, while a family of four can qualify around $33,000. These figures shift each year and differ for Alaska and Hawaii, so it is worth checking the current federal poverty guidelines before applying.
Applying for Lifeline happens through the National Verifier system at lifelinesupport.org, by mail, or directly through a participating phone or internet provider. You will typically need your Social Security number, proof of income, or documentation showing enrollment in a qualifying benefit program. Oregon and Texas use state-specific processes instead of the National Verifier, so residents of those states should contact their public utility commission.
Provider Programs That Fill the Gap
Because Lifeline alone may not cover the full cost of home internet, most major providers now offer their own low-income plans. These often stack with Lifeline, meaning you can apply both discounts to the same bill.
Comcast Internet Essentials remains one of the most widely available options. After expanding eligibility in late 2025, households can now qualify based on income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, or through participation in a qualifying federal benefits program. A family of four earning less than roughly $64,300 can qualify. The plan costs $14.95 per month and includes the Xfinity Gateway, unlimited data, digital skills training, and access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots at no extra charge. A low-cost computer is available for $149.95.
AT&T Access targets households with income below 200 percent of the federal poverty guideline or participation in a qualifying government assistance program. In New York, for example, eligible households can get AT&T Internet Air for $15 per month or less with no data caps. Pricing depends on what services are available at your address.
Spectrum Internet Assist offers low-cost internet for around $14.99 per month plus taxes and fees. Eligibility typically requires at least one student in the household participating in the National School Lunch Program, among other conditions.
State Programs Worth Checking
Several states have moved beyond relying solely on federal programs. These state-level initiatives matter because they can dramatically lower your bill, and many are less well-known than the national options.
New York enacted the Affordable Broadband Act, which requires internet providers with more than 20,000 in-state subscribers to offer plans at $15 per month for 25 Mbps or $20 per month for 200 Mbps.
California operates the California LifeLine program, and the California Public Utilities Commission approved significant updates in October 2026. Wireless LifeLine now offers three service tiers, each with a $20 monthly subsidy and no cost to participants, ranging from 8 GB to 20 GB of monthly data. The wireline subsidy is set at 55 percent of a provider's combined basic rate and end-user common line charge, or $19, whichever is lower.
New Mexico runs the Low-Income Telecommunications Assistance Program, offering ACP-style monthly discounts rather than requiring providers to offer specific plans.
Oregon has its own additional broadband assistance for eligible households.
The lesson here is simple: check your state's public utility commission website before assuming you only have federal options.
How to Find and Apply for Assistance
Finding the right program starts with three steps.
First, confirm your eligibility. Gather documentation for any benefit programs you already receive, such as a Medicaid card, SNAP letter, SSI award letter, or school lunch enrollment notice. If you do not receive any of these, calculate your household income against the federal poverty guidelines at 135 percent (for Lifeline) or 200 percent (for provider programs).
Second, check what is available at your address. Provider websites like AT&T and Comcast let you enter your address to see which low-income plans and speeds are offered in your neighborhood. Availability varies significantly between rural and urban areas, so this step is essential.
Third, apply through the right channel. You can apply for Lifeline online at lifelinesupport.org, by mail, or through a participating provider. Provider-specific programs generally have their own application portals. Expect to provide proof of identity, income, and residency.
Here is a comparison of the main options as of 2026:
| Program | Monthly Price | Typical Speeds | Eligibility | Key Advantages | Watch Out For |
|---|
| Lifeline (federal) | Up to $9.25 off ($34.25 Tribal) | Varies by provider | Income at/below 135% FPL or federal benefit participation | Can stack with provider discounts | Does not cover full cost alone |
| Comcast Internet Essentials | $14.95 | Broadband with unlimited data | Income at/below 200% FPL or qualifying benefits | Includes gateway, WiFi hotspots, low-cost computer | Only in Comcast service areas |
| AT&T Access | $15 or less | Varies (Internet Air or Fiber) | Income at/below 200% FPL or qualifying benefits | No data caps, paperless billing required | Availability depends on address |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | Around $14.99 | Standard broadband | School Lunch Program participant in household | Simple application | Taxes and fees extra |
| New York Affordable Broadband Act | $15 (25 Mbps) or $20 (200 Mbps) | 25–200 Mbps | Income-qualified NY households | State-mandated pricing | Provider must serve your area |
| California LifeLine | $20 subsidy | 8–20 GB mobile data tiers | Income-qualified CA households | No-cost service tiers, updated 2026 | Wireless-focused, wireline subsidy varies |
A Few Practical Tips
Stack your benefits where possible. Lifeline combines with provider discounts, so applying for both can bring your monthly bill down to a very manageable level. This works best when you choose a provider that participates in both programs.
Watch for recertification deadlines. Lifeline and most state programs require periodic verification that you still qualify. Missing these deadlines can mean losing your benefit, so mark your calendar when you enroll.
Ask about device support. Some programs, like Internet Essentials, offer low-cost computers, and several Lifeline providers include a free or discounted hotspot device with service. These extras matter if you are starting from scratch.
Check community resources. Libraries, workforce development centers, and digital navigator programs in many cities can help you complete applications and sometimes offer free WiFi access in the meantime. Comcast's Lift Zones, for example, provide free internet access at more than 1,250 community centers nationwide.
The end of the ACP did not close the door on affordable home internet. Between Lifeline, provider low-income plans, and state initiatives, most eligible households can find a workable combination. Start with the federal programs, then layer in what your state and local providers offer, and you will likely land on a monthly cost that fits your budget.
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