What these programs actually do

Government internet programs give you a monthly subsidy toward your internet bill, not a separate service. You pick an internet provider that participates in the program, and the government pays part of your bill directly to that provider each month. You still choose your own speed and plan — the subsidy just reduces what you pay out of pocket.

The largest program is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), run by the Federal Communications Commission. It covers households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. A second program, Lifeline, serves lower-income households and has been running since 1985. Both programs work the same way: you find a participating provider, sign up through them or through the program directly, and the subsidy starts on your next bill.

These are not loans. You do not repay them. The money goes to the provider, not to you, so you cannot use it for other bills. The subsidy lasts month to month as long as you stay within income limits and the program continues to fund it.

Key Takeaways

  • The Affordable Connectivity Program covers households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty line and pays up to $30 per month toward internet service, or $75 per month if you live on tribal land.
  • Lifeline is a separate program for households at or below 135% of the federal poverty line and covers up to $9.25 per month, though some states add extra money.
  • You must use a provider that participates in the program you choose — not all providers take part in both programs.
  • You will need to prove your income using tax returns, benefit statements, or other documents that show your household earnings for the past year.
  • The subsidy continues month to month only if you stay within income limits and recertify your information when the program asks you to.

Income limits and what counts as household income

The Affordable Connectivity Program serves households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning up to about $28,200 per year, or a family of four earning up to about $57,720 per year. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty line updates, usually in January.

Lifeline has a lower threshold: 135% of the federal poverty line, which is roughly $19,000 for a single person or $39,000 for a family of four in 2024. Some states run their own Lifeline programs with higher income limits, so check with your state's public utility commission.

Household income includes wages, self-employment earnings, Social Security, unemployment benefits, child support, and veteran's benefits. It does not include tax refunds, one-time payments, or money from selling an asset. If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or LIHEAP, you automatically meet the income requirement for ACP — you do not have to prove your income separately.

You will need to document your income using a recent tax return, a pay stub, a benefit statement from Social Security or unemployment, or a letter from your employer. The program will ask for documents from the past 12 months. If your income has changed recently, bring the most recent proof you have.

How to find participating providers in your area

Not every internet provider takes part in these programs, and participation varies by location. The FCC maintains a searchable database on its ACP website where you enter your address and see which providers near you participate. You can also call providers directly and ask if they take ACP or Lifeline.

For Lifeline, your state's public utility commission or public service commission keeps a list of participating providers. You can find your state's commission through the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners website, or search "[your state] public utility commission Lifeline providers."

Some providers offer their own low-cost plans alongside the subsidy programs. Before you sign up, compare what you would pay out of pocket after the subsidy. A $50 plan with a $30 ACP subsidy costs you $20 per month. A $25 plan with the same $30 subsidy would cost you $0, but you need to check if that plan is available in your area and if the provider offers it to program participants.

Documents you need to bring and how to submit them

You will need proof of identity, proof of income, and proof of address. A driver's license or state ID works for identity. For income, bring a recent tax return, a pay stub, a benefit letter, or a statement from your employer. For address, a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency works.

If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or LIHEAP, you can use your benefit letter or statement instead of a separate income document. Some programs accept a screenshot of your online account showing your benefit amount.

You can submit documents in person at the provider's store, by mail, by email, or through an online portal — it depends on the provider. Ask the provider which method they prefer and whether they have a important date. Most providers process documents within one to two weeks.

Keep copies of everything you submit. If the program asks you to recertify later, you will have the documents ready. Recertification usually happens once a year, though some programs ask more often.

How much you pay and how the subsidy reaches your bill

The Affordable Connectivity Program pays up to $30 per month toward your internet bill, or up to $75 per month if you live on tribal land. The subsidy applies to any internet plan the provider offers, so you can choose a faster or more expensive plan and pay the difference yourself.

Lifeline covers up to $9.25 per month. Some states add extra funding, so your state's Lifeline benefit might be higher — check with your state public utility commission. A few states offer $15 to $20 per month through state-funded add-ons.

The subsidy is not a separate payment to you. Instead, the provider deducts it from your bill before sending you an invoice. If your bill is $45 and your ACP subsidy is $30, you pay $15. If your bill is $25 and your subsidy is $30, you pay $0 — the provider does not refund the extra $5.

The subsidy continues as long as you stay within income limits and the program has funding. The Affordable Connectivity Program has faced funding cuts and closures in some states, so check the FCC website or call your provider to confirm the program is still active in your area.

Recertification and what happens if your income changes

Most programs ask you to recertify your income once a year. The program will send you a notice by mail or email asking you to confirm your household size and income. You submit the same documents you used when you first signed up — a recent tax return, pay stub, or benefit statement.

If you miss the recertification important date, your subsidy stops. You can restart it by submitting your documents, but there may be a gap in your coverage. Set a reminder on your phone or calendar when you receive the recertification notice.

If your income rises above the program limit, you are no longer covered. You can still buy internet from the provider at their regular price, but you lose the subsidy. If your income drops back below the limit later, you can reapply.

If your household size changes — someone moves in or out — tell the program. Your income limit may shift, and the program needs accurate information to process your recertification correctly.

What to do if you are denied or if the program closes

If the program tells you that you do not meet the income requirement, ask for a written explanation. Double-check that you submitted the correct documents and that your household income calculation is accurate. If you believe there was an error, contact the program and ask them to review your case.

Some states have paused or closed their Affordable Connectivity Program due to lack of federal funding. If ACP is not available in your area, Lifeline may still be. Lifeline has a lower income threshold but covers $9.25 per month in most states. Check your state public utility commission website to see if Lifeline is active.

If both programs are closed or you do not meet the income limits, some providers offer their own low-cost plans. Call providers in your area and ask about plans under $20 per month. Some also offer discounted rates for seniors or people receiving certain benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the subsidy with any internet plan I want?

Yes, the subsidy applies to any plan the provider offers. You can choose a faster or more expensive plan and pay the difference out of pocket. The subsidy does not limit you to a specific speed or plan type — only to the providers that participate in the program.

What if my provider is not on the list?

Not all providers participate. If your current provider does not take part, you would need to switch to one that does. Before you switch, confirm the new provider serves your address and offers speeds you need. Some areas have only one or two participating providers.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. The subsidy starts on your next bill after you are approved. You do not pay a fee to join the program or submit documents. You only pay your regular internet bill minus the subsidy amount.

What happens if I move?

Tell your provider and the program that you are moving. Your new address may be in a different service area with different providers. You may need to switch providers or reapply if your new location is not covered. The subsidy does not transfer automatically — you have to update your information.

Can I use the subsidy for phone service or cable TV?

No. Both programs cover internet service only. The subsidy cannot be used for phone, mobile service, cable television, or bundled packages that include those services. It applies only to the internet portion of your bill.