Phone and internet service have become essential household utilities that families depend on for nearly every aspect of daily life. Children need reliable connections for schoolwork and remote learning platforms. Parents depend on them for job applications, telehealth appointments, government benefit portals, and communication with schools and employers. Yet millions of qualifying households never apply for the discount programs that could reduce their monthly connectivity bills by 30 to 75 dollars or even more each month. Tracking your application status through the agency’s online portal or by calling their office directly prevents your case from falling through the cracks during busy filing periods. Many households qualify for more than one assistance program at the same time, and applying for several programs together reduces your overall financial burden faster than addressing each bill separately. Document every interaction with the agency including the date, the name of the person you spoke with, and what was discussed so you have a record if any confusion arises later about your case.

The reason most families miss these programs is straightforward. The programs are not widely advertised, the names and rules change frequently, and eligibility requirements vary by provider and geographic location. A family that qualifies for one discount might qualify for two or three additional programs without even realizing the options exist. This guide explains the main phone and internet discount programs available in 2026, who qualifies for each, and the steps to apply.

What Replaced the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 after federal funding ran out, but several replacement programs have stepped in to fill the gap left by its closure.

Our analysis of whether internet relief programs are delivering real results found that many replacement options now exist but remain significantly underused by the households that qualify for them. When the ACP closed, roughly 23 million households lost their monthly internet discount overnight. Major internet service providers launched their own low-income plans in response to the closure.

These provider plans typically offer speeds between 50 and 100 megabits per second at prices ranging from 15 to 30 dollars per month. Participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other federal assistance programs generally qualifies a household for enrollment. State-level internet programs have expanded as well. Several states allocated their own funding to bridge the loss. Checking your state broadband office website is the most reliable way to find state-specific assistance available in your area right now.

The Federal Lifeline Program

The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount of up to 9.25 dollars on phone or internet service for qualifying households, and has been available since 1985 through the Federal Communications Commission.

Lifeline is available in every state, territory, and on tribal lands where the enhanced benefit reaches up to 34.25 dollars per month. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, not per person. Eligibility requires household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or participation in one of the following programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as SNAP
• Medicaid health coverage in your state of residence
• Supplemental Security Income, referred to as SSI
• Federal Public Housing Assistance programs
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit programs

Apply through your preferred participating provider or through the national eligibility verifier at checklifeline.org. The application takes about 15 minutes and requires proof of identity, proof of income or program participation, and your current home address. Approval is typically processed within a few business days of submission.

Watch the video below to learn more about lifeline programs:

School, Library, and Veteran-Specific Options

Families with school-age children and veteran households often have access to additional connectivity discounts beyond the general Lifeline and ISP programs that most people know about.

Many school districts continue lending hotspot devices and laptops to students whose families cannot afford home internet service. Public libraries in most communities offer free internet access, computer workstations, and sometimes loaner devices with no income verification required at all. Some internet providers partner directly with school districts to offer free or very low-cost plans to families whose children participate in the free or reduced-price lunch program.

Veterans receiving Pension or Survivors Benefits qualify for Lifeline automatically, and many internet providers offer military discounts that stack with or replace the standard low-income plan. Senior citizens on Medicaid or SSI automatically meet the eligibility criteria for Lifeline and most ISP discount plans as well. Some states offer senior-specific internet packages with simplified interfaces and dedicated technical support lines.

Staying connected should not drain your household budget every month. The programs described in this guide already exist and are funded by federal, state, and private sources. The gap between eligible households and enrolled households is primarily about awareness, not availability. Take 15 minutes to check whether your household qualifies for Lifeline, an ISP low-income plan, or a state discount program. That small investment of time could save your family several hundred dollars per year.