What low-income internet programs actually are

Low-income internet programs are run by internet service providers (ISPs) and funded partly by the federal government through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs offer internet service at reduced rates — typically $30 per month or less — to households that meet income thresholds. The programs are not grants or one-time payments; they are ongoing discounts on your monthly bill that you keep as long as you stay enrolled and remain within income limits.

The ACP is the main program available right now, though it has faced funding challenges and Congress has had to reauthorize it multiple times. Some states and cities also run their own programs with different names and different income limits. The fastest way to find what is available in your area is to enter your zip code at fcc.gov/BroadbandData or call 211 and ask what internet programs serve your address.

Key Takeaways

  • The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers discounted internet to households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line, which is roughly $2,900 per month for a single person as of 2024.
  • You do not need to be on any other government program to join the ACP, though being on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Veterans benefits can speed up the process.
  • You will need to contact an internet provider directly — the government does not sign you up — and the provider will verify your income using tax returns, pay stubs, or benefit statements.
  • The discount applies to your monthly bill only; you still pay for equipment rental or purchase, taxes, and any add-on services separately.
  • Your enrollment must be renewed each year, and you should report any income changes to your provider to stay enrolled.

Income limits and who counts as a household

The ACP uses 200% of the federal poverty line as its income limit. For 2024, this means a single person can earn up to roughly $2,900 per month and still be within the limit. A household of two can earn up to roughly $3,900 per month. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty line is updated, usually in January.

Your household includes everyone living in your home who shares income and expenses — typically a spouse, adult children living with you, and dependents. It does not include roommates who pay their own share of rent and buy their own food. If you are unsure whether someone counts, ask the internet provider when you call; they will ask you the household size and income during the verification step.

Income includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, pensions, rental income, and unemployment benefits. It does not include one-time payments like tax refunds or insurance settlements. If your income varies month to month, most providers will average it over the past 12 months or use your most recent tax return.

How to find providers in your area and start the process

Not every internet provider participates in the ACP, and participation varies by region. Start by going to fcc.gov/BroadbandData, entering your address, and looking for the list of providers that serve your area. The site will show you which ones offer ACP discounts. You can also call 211 (a free helpline) and ask which providers near you have low-income programs.

Once you know which providers serve your address, call them directly. Tell them you want to know about their low-income internet program. They will ask your household size, income, and whether you receive any government benefits. If you may have access to based on income, they will ask you to send proof — usually a recent tax return, a pay stub, a benefit statement from Social Security or SNAP, or a utility bill showing your name and address.

The provider will verify your information and, if everything checks out, will add the discount to your account. This usually takes one to two weeks. You will still need to choose a plan (speeds and data limits vary by provider), and you may need to pay for a modem or router if you do not already have one — the discount does not cover equipment.

What the discount covers and what it does not

The ACP discount covers the base monthly service charge only. For most providers, this means you get $30 off your bill each month. If your plan costs $50 per month, you pay $20. If your plan costs $25 per month, you pay nothing — the discount does not create a credit or refund.

The discount does not cover equipment. If you need to rent a modem or router, that rental fee is separate and you pay it in full. If you own your own equipment, you have no equipment charge. Some providers offer low-cost modems or routers for people in the ACP program, but you still pay something — usually $10 to $15 one time or per month.

Taxes and fees are also separate. Your bill will still show taxes, regulatory fees, and any other charges your state or locality adds. The ACP discount applies only to the service itself. If you add services like premium channels or faster speeds, those cost extra.

Income verification and what documents to have ready

When you call a provider, have one of these documents ready to send or show:

  • A recent tax return (last two years)
  • A recent pay stub (from the last 30 days)
  • A benefit statement from Social Security, SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, or Veterans benefits
  • A utility bill or lease showing your name and current address
  • A letter from your employer stating your income

If you are retired and live on Social Security, a benefit statement from the Social Security Administration is the easiest proof. You can print one from ssa.gov by logging into your account, or you can call 1-800-772-1213 and ask them to mail you a statement. If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, a recent award letter or benefit statement works just as well.

You do not need to be on any government program to join the ACP, but being on one can speed things up. If you are on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or Veterans benefits, the provider can sometimes verify your income directly with the government agency instead of asking you for documents. Ask the provider if they offer this when you call.

Keeping your enrollment active and what to report

Your ACP enrollment lasts one year from the date you are approved. Before it expires, the provider will send you a notice asking you to recertify — meaning you confirm that your household size and income have not changed. You will need to send updated proof of income, just as you did when you first enrolled.

If your income changes during the year, you should tell your provider right away. If you start earning more and go over the income limit, you will lose the discount. If you earn less, you stay enrolled. If someone moves out of your household or passes away, report that too, because it changes your household size and may affect your income calculation.

If you move to a new address, you will need to contact your provider and let them know. Some providers serve only certain areas, so your new address might not be in their service zone. You may need to switch to a different provider that serves your new location.

What to do if you are turned down or if the program is paused

If a provider tells you that you do not meet the income limit, ask them to explain exactly why. Sometimes there is a mistake in how they calculated your household size or income. Ask if you can send additional documents or if there is a way to appeal their decision. Different providers have different appeal processes, so ask what yours offers.

The ACP has faced funding challenges, and Congress has paused enrollment at times while deciding whether to continue funding it. If you are told the program is not currently open in your area, ask the provider when it might reopen. You can also check fcc.gov/BroadbandData periodically to see if enrollment has resumed.

If the ACP is not available or you do not meet the income limit, ask the provider if they offer any other low-income programs. Some providers have their own programs separate from the ACP. You can also call 211 to ask about state or local internet programs that might have different income limits or different rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be on Social Security or Medicaid to get low-income internet?

No. The ACP is based on household income alone. Being on Social Security, Medicaid, SNAP, or Veterans benefits can make verification faster because the provider can check your benefit status directly with the government, but you do not have to be on any program. If your household income is below the limit, you can enroll.

What happens to my discount if I move?

You will need to contact your provider and tell them your new address. If your new address is still in their service area, your discount continues. If it is not, you will need to switch to a provider that serves your new location and enroll in their low-income program. The process takes one to two weeks at the new provider.

Can I use the ACP discount with any internet plan?

The discount applies to the base service charge of any plan your provider offers. You can choose a slower, cheaper plan or a faster, more expensive plan — the $30 discount works the same way. Equipment, taxes, and add-on services are not discounted.

What if my income goes over the limit during the year?

You should report the income change to your provider. Once your income exceeds the limit, you will lose the discount. If your income drops back below the limit later, you can enroll again when your enrollment period comes up for renewal.

How do I know if the ACP is still funded?

Check fcc.gov/BroadbandData or call 211. Both sources will tell you whether the program is currently open for new enrollments in your area. You can also call your internet provider directly and ask whether they are currently accepting new ACP enrollments.