Can you get free internet with food stamps? Yes, it’s possible! The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline programs are available to help SNAP recipients get discounted or even free home internet.
The internet has become an essential part of our lives. We use it to stay connected with friends and family, learn new things, find jobs, and access important services. But for low-income families and individuals relying on SNAP benefits (food stamps), paying for home internet service can be a challenge.
If you receive SNAP benefits, you may qualify for free internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a government program that provides a discount on internet service up to $30 per month, or $75 per month on tribal lands.
How to Qualify for Free or Discounted Internet with Food Stamps
To get free or discounted internet through SNAP, you must first confirm your eligibility. The main programs that offer reduced or free internet for SNAP recipients are:
- The Lifeline Program – This federal program provides up to $9.25 off phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. SNAP participation makes you eligible for Lifeline.
- ISP Low-Income Programs – Major internet providers like AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more offer low-cost internet plans for low-income households and SNAP participants. Plans start around $10/month.
- Affordable Connectivity Program – This FCC benefit offers up to $30/month off internet service, covering it completely if the plan costs $30 or less after the discount. SNAP recipients are eligible.
To qualify for Lifeline or ISP low-income programs, you’ll need to show proof that you participated in SNAP and received benefits in the last 12 months. For that you need to show SNAP benefits letter or EBT card.
Learn more: How to get a free iPhone with food stamps!
Eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program is similar. You must participate in SNAP or meet income requirements. Use ACP’s National Verifier tool to confirm your eligibility.
How to Get Free Internet with Food Stamps
Once confirmed eligible, SNAP recipients have various options to get discounted or even free home internet service. Here are some top ways to get free internet with food stamps:
1. Use Your Lifeline Discount
Lifeline provides up to $9.25/month off internet or phone service. In most states, SNAP participation makes you eligible for Lifeline.
You can use your Lifeline discount with a low-cost internet plan from a participating Lifeline provider to lower your bill to $10/month or less.
For example;
You can get affordable home internet service with Access from AT&T and apply your Lifeline discount for as low as $5/month.
With Spectrum Internet Assist, you could get 30 Mbps internet for around $5/month after the Lifeline discount.
To start the process, apply for Lifeline online or contact a Lifeline provider directly.
2. Sign up for ISP Assistance Programs
Along with Lifeline, major internet service providers have assistance programs that offer low-cost home internet plans for SNAP beneficiaries:
- AT&T Access – Access from AT&T is a low-cost internet program for eligible limited-income households. Those who participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, SNAP, SSI, National School Lunch, or have a household income below 200% of federal poverty guidelines can enroll. Eligible households can get free internet with AT&T Internet plans or w/AT&T Fiber. A free Wi-Fi gateway/modem and installation are included.
- Spectrum Internet Assist – You could qualify for no-cost internet through the Affordable Connectivity program. You can save up to 30 Mbps/mo on other high-speed internet plans.
- Xfinity Internet Essentials – Up to 50 Mbps for $9.95/month. SNAP households can apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) with Xfinity.
- Cox Connect2Compete – It provides Low-cost student internet​ with wifi. They charge $9.95/month for 50 Mbps internet. SNAP families with K-12 students can apply for this offer.
- Optimum Advantage Internet – You may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you qualify for Optimum Advantage Internet. This program helps you stay connected at an affordable cost. If you’re approved, you could receive a monthly credit of $30, making your Internet FREE. You can enjoy fast internet speeds up to 50 Mbps at an affordable price or even free. Veterans, students, and seniors may qualify.
To get a discounted internet plan and free wifi, you need to fill out an application and wait for approval based on your eligibility. Combining the ISP discount with Lifeline savings gives you the lowest monthly cost.
3. Take advantage of the Affordable Connectivity Program
For possibly free internet service with SNAP benefits, the Affordable Connectivity Program should be your first stop. This FCC program provides up to $30/month off home internet service from participating providers.
Over 20 major internet companies like AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, and Verizon participate in the ACP and offer high-speed internet plans for $30/month or less. The full $30 ACP discount reduces your internet bill to $0/month.
To get ACP internet assistance, you must qualify based on income or participate in SNAP or other government assistance programs. Check your eligibility online and enroll with a participating provider to start receiving the monthly ACP benefit.
4. Connect with Local Assistance Groups
Along with the major nationwide programs, local community organizations and internet providers offer low-cost internet plans and devices for low-income families.
Search for “low-cost internet + your city/county” to find local groups providing internet access solutions. For example, PCs for People partners with Lifeline and wireless providers to distribute low-cost computers and internet plans to those in need across many states.
5. Use Free Public WiFi Hotspots
If you can’t get home internet service, utilize the free public WiFi hotspots can provide some connectivity:
- Public libraries – Most library systems offer free WiFi access. Some leave it on 24/7 to enable after-hours use.
- Community centers – Centers like the YMCA, boys & girls clubs, churches, etc. often have free WiFi.
- Businesses – Fast food restaurants, cafes, department stores, and more tend to offer free public WiFi.
- Public parks – Some city parks and recreation areas provide outdoor WiFi hotspots.
Sitting in your car or a public space to connect isn’t ideal. But it can work in a pinch if you have no home internet access.
Why Internet Access Matters for SNAP Recipients
Around 41 million Americans depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to afford groceries. Many of them do not have reliable internet access, so they can’t fully take advantage of food stamps and other services.
Here are some key reasons internet access empowers SNAP recipients:
- Applying for jobs and benefits – Most applications are online only now. Internet access at home makes the process easier.
- Accessing online SNAP portals – Many states now have online SNAP portals to manage cases. Internet access lets recipients conveniently check balances, report changes, upload documents, and more.
- Searching for community assistance – Those in need can find food banks, meal services, and other local resources online.
- Healthcare access – Virtual doctor visits, health apps, and insurance portals often require an internet connection. This is especially vital during the pandemic.
- Managing finances – Online banking, budgeting, and finding financial assistance is easier with home internet access.
- Online education – Adults can take online courses to gain career skills. Students can do research and complete assignments.
- Communication – Email, social media, and messaging apps keep people connected to family, friends, and services.
Clearly, having internet access provides significant benefits for SNAP recipients and low-income households overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about getting internet service with SNAP benefits:
How Can SNAP Participants Get Free Internet?
Yes, The federal Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline Assistance Program offer discounts from $9.25 to $30 per month on the internet bill of eligible individuals and families.
If you receive SNAP benefits, you can apply for these programs. Once approved, you can contact an internet service from one of the participating providers.
What internet service providers offer discounts for SNAP?
Major ISPs like AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, Cox, Optimum, and Mediacom all offer low-cost internet plans for SNAP households starting around $10-$15/month. You can also get discounted service through Lifeline carriers.
Can I Receive Both ACP and Lifeline Benefits at the Same Time?
Yes, you can receive both benefits at the same time.
What if I can’t get home internet service in my area?
If you live in an internet service dead zone, exploring alternatives like free public WiFi hotspots, using a mobile hotspot, or satellite internet may help provide some connectivity. Getting your name on provider waitlists for future service expansion can also help.
Conclusion
Families who receive SNAP benefits can qualify for free internet through ACP and the Lifeline program.
To get online and stay connected, it’s important to know how to get free internet with food stamps. it is also helpful to develop your digital skills to make the most of internet access. SNAP participants can easily access public services and improve their quality of life by using these resources.
