We’ve done our best to make it simple for you to learn about the various cheap internet programs for low-income Americans, but we understand that it can be confusing because there are so many plans, and they have different eligibility rules, different geographic availability, and not all are fully implemented yet.
We’ve written this page to help you more easily find the right plan for you. Please read the entire page to get a handle on what programs are available.
Low-Income Internet vs Cheap Internet Service vs Free Internet
There are three main links in the navigation menu above that represent the broad categories of low-cost internet programs available.
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Low-Income Internet: these are created specifically to provide high-speed internet access to people who are having financial difficulties. Some programs are government-sponsored, some are provided by industry, and others are smaller regional programs started by grass roots or non-profit organizations. All of the programs offer high-speed internet access for under $10 a month.
Non income-based, low-cost Internet Service: If you cannot qualify for a low-income internet program, you’re not out of luck yet. We’ve identified several companies that you can get connected through which are not as expensive as the typical cable or DSL internet companies. Click the menu link in the header named “More Cheap Plans.”
Free Internet: Believe it or not, you can get free internet from a few providers. They are meant for light usage, but maybe that’s all you need. The companies provide cheap, affordable Internet at no monthly fee, hoping to upgrade you someday to a paid account.
We cannot tell you which program you qualify for, either by need or by location. The only way for you to know is to go through the program pages we described above and if you think the program is for you, go to the the programs website and enter your address to see if it’s available at your location.
Finding an internet plan among all the options on CheapInternet.com can be mind-boggling. So here’s our recommended step-by-step approach to finding a plan you qualify for, listed with best options first:
Do you 1) receive food stamps (SNAP), public housing assistance, Medicaid, Section 8 housing, Supplemental Security Income, various Home Energy Assistance Programs, National School Lunch or other major government assistance program, or 2) earn 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Level?
- Try CenturyLink’s Internet Basics program, which offers broadband DSL wherever CenturyLink offers service.
Do you 1) receive food stamps (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or have a child that qualifies for a school lunch program?
- Try Cox Low-Income Internet plan program, which offers broadband cable wherever Cox offers service.
Do you have a child in your household that qualifies for, or is enrolled in, the National School Lunch program?
- Try Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which offers broadband cable wherever Comcast offers service.
- Try Cox Low-Income Internet plan program, which offers broadband cable wherever Cox offers service. SNAP or TANF also qualifies.
- Try Bright House Networks Low-Income Internet plan program, which offers broadband cable wherever Bright House offers service. Note, however, that their enrollment period is only around August and September when school starts after summer.
- Try Connect2Compete. While they also offer Internet Essentials, they may also be able to hook you up with other cable and wireless internet service providers.
If none of the above works, please call your child’s school and ask if they have any low-cost internet programs available to students. Often, these programs and others are promoted directly through the schools.
If you still didn’t find a provider:
- You’re out of options that use low-income as eligibility, but you still have some other good choices for low-cost internet: FreedomPop Home, FreedomPop Mobile, Netzero DSL and Netzero 4G Mobile Broadband.
Lifeline Internet program coming soon
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Lifeline Internet is going to be an expansion of the federal Lifeline Assistance program which provides free cell phones or discounted landline phones to low-income Americans. By already being on government assistance like SNAP and Medicaid, for instance, you will qualify. You can also qualify strictly on your income if it is below 135-150% of the Federal Poverty Level (depending upon state). Lifeline Internet is currently in a $30 million pilot program. Once they work out the details though the pilot, they will set the final rules and roll it out. We do not yet know if it will be free or if they will charge a minimal monthly fee. The FCC is really interested in this, and we think you could see availability by the end of the year. Keep checking back for updates.
New programs are rolling out all the time
Bridging the “Digital Divide” by helping low-income Americans obtain high-speed broadband internet is an important goal of the federal government, state government, cities, non-profits and private companies. There is a massive push to get everyone in America connected as inexpensively, and as quickly, as possible. You need to keep up to date on both the existing and upcoming programs. The #1 source of this information is CheapInternet.com, so be sure to bookmark the site and check back often. You can also keep updated on any important news by following us on Facebook or subscribing to our free email updates.
We’re here for you. And, please, tell your friends about us so that they to can get the broadband they need in today’s world.
Myra Grzebyk says
I would like lower priced internet service im on disability
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Here’s where you can find all the low-income plans and figure out which ones are best for you:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Sharon says
Help! I just tried to fill out your form to see if I can get AT&T Access but since I do not have a phone it wouldn’t let me continue.
I am at a library trying to apply since I have no car, no phone & no Internet.
I’m in my 1st hour session and can sign up for 2 more hour sessions today.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’d recommend that you phone AT&T’s customer service team to get your problem resolved.
Dropped Pin says
I have filled out paperwork many many times. All I am told is there is two applications
That fit me. I have a very unusual name plus my social security number. So I find this
Impossible. I don’t have the number that is asked for but I have application number. Please help. I dropped my phone in the washer and it doesn’t work. My fault so I bought a new phone. It is BLU.it is also unlocked. Do not use my name online.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
It would be very difficult for us to use your name online, Dropped Pin, because we have no idea what your name is, which company you are with, nor anything else about you and your account.
Elaine says
Do these providers charge for hookup fees, and if so how much do they charge? (Spectrum)
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We give complete info on any charges involved. So you can check out all the low-income internet service providers at this link to find the one that fits your needs best:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Sophia Winters says
I ordered and received two antennas. How do I find my order online?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t know who your provider is, Sophia, so it’s impossible for us to answer your question. But if we were you, we’d start by checking out your service provider’s website.
Eva Wambach says
i have a land line works off cable will phone still work with this wi-fi ?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re not tech experts, Eva, but we don’t see any reason why it wouldn’t. However, you may need to switch cable service providers to get a low-income internet plan. Check out all those low-income plans to see if your current provider is listed and to find the plan that works best for you:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Rebecca Herrera says
I receive SSI benefits in Sacramento, CA, what is there available for 95815, 95838
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cannot track it down to the zip code level, Rebecca, but you can check out all the low-income internet service providers at this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Cenetra Harrell says
I am low vision the zoom text program magnification helps me to see the laptop screen.I would like to continue emailing and following news sports etc. I am low income please advise me of the best internet programs that will work great for me.
Thanks
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Only you can determine which plan fits your needs best, Cenetra. The eligibility rules are a bit different for each of them, so you may qualify for some but not for others. And none of them are available everywhere, so it’s impossible for us to know which ones are availalbe where you live.
We’d suggest that you read about each of the plans and then make your own decision. Here’s where you can read about all of them:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Sandy says
I’m on disability looking to get internet
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Disability is generally not enough to qualify for low-income internet, Sandy, but you need to look closely at ALL the low-income plans to figure out which ones you qualify for and which ones are available in your area. Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the plans:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Chanell Wiggins says
I have a question. I already have cox bundle with phone, tv, internet. My daughter and I receive some of the services that you mentioned. I was wondering with this service do you get cox cable tv along with the internet. Thank you.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Keep in mind that Cox will not allow you to switch over from a full-price plan to the low-income plan without a 90-day break in service. With that in mind, you might want to consider moving to a different low-income plan offered by a different company. Here’s where you can check them all out to find the ones you qualify for that are available where you live:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Stacia says
I’m trying to figure out who to contact for moving to a new place. I’ve tried calling three times to talk to someone. We are moving across town Saturday morning.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Well, first of all, you clearly will not be eligible for your current low-income plan, if it’s even available in your new neighborhood. If it is available, you’ll need to re-apply. But there are lots of other plans and after you look through them, you may decide that one of them is better than the plan you’re giving up. Here’s where you can find all the low-income plans:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Latasha says
I live on county road 110 in jasper Texas I receive foodstamps and my kids are on Medicare . I need low income internet. For my family.can I get it inky area
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We can’t track things down to the local level, but you can take a look at all the plans on this page to see which ones are available in your general area. Then contact the companies to see if they are available in your specific area:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
subrina says
I want to kno how can I get internet with a low price…
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Each of the plans has different ways to qualify. Here’s where you can find all the low-income plans, how to qualify, where they’re available, and contact info:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Lorraine Dougherty says
I’m trying to get a obama phone and do not have a email I’m using a relatives email
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
If you want a free government cell phone (also known as an Obama Phone), you should visit our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. Here’s a link to our “Do You Qualify?” Page:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Lorraine Dougherty says
I’m trying to get an Obama phone but I do not have an email I’m using my relatives email
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
If you want a free government cell phone (also known as an Obama Phone), you should visit our other website, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. Here’s a link to our “Do You Qualify?” Page:
http://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Khup Hau says
How do I change my comcast essentials service to a new address?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Call customer service. We hope your new address falls within the Comcast service area.
Carol Scholtz says
I don’t know what 611 is. I seem to remember that number when I had a phone, but not for low income internet service from T-Mobile. I have no internet service now and I already qualified for the program here in Maryland. What should I do now? This T-Mobile thing just stopped, how can they be allowed to be a part of this program?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
6-1-1 is the (nearly) universal customer service number for all cell phone companies.
Eva says
When the Lifeline Internet Program is introduced to the public, will the government use independent agents to help enroll the qualifiers? Thanks for your reply.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
No, the individual service providers will still enroll customers, but there will be an instantaneous check of the National Lifeline Assistance Databased (NLAD) that will tell immediately if you qualify or not. No more waiting.
Carol Scholtz says
I was getting the low income internet service from T-Mobiles Basic Internet and when I tried contacting them they hung up every time my voice started to talk. This happened over 25 times. I contacted the FCC, but haven’t heard anything back. I am here at my local library using my computer and their free internet service. On the 15th T-Mobile will attempt to take money from my account for service that I have not received in over three weeks. I do not want them to take my money, but am unable to contact them as they hang up always. I do not know what to do.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
This sounds like a technical problem, Carol. Try calling 6-1-1 to speak to customer service. Maybe calling that number instead of the main number will work for you.
kathy ledford says
I am wondering how i can get this service in seymour indiana. Can you please send the information to Kathy Ledford, 104 E Laurel St, Seymour IN 47274
812 707 **** or 812 581 ****
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cannot track the plans down to the zip code level, Kathy. But you can find a list of all the low-income Internet plans available here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Check them all out closely because each one varies a bit regarding eligibility requirements and where it’s available. You should be able to check availability in your area by calling each service provider’s customer service team or visiting its website and plugging in your zip code.
Christine says
I’m on social security and my income is less than 11,000 a year and I can’t afford the Internet. So is there internet service available to me in Halifax Va area. Zip code 24558
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We cannot track the availability of the various plans down to the zip code level, Christine. But we list all the low-income Internet plans in this article:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Check them all out to find out which ones you qualify for and then for which ones are available in your area. It may require phone calls to the companies’ customer service teams or visits to their websites.
If you don’t have kids, your best bet is probably the plan from PCs for People.
Debbie says
Thank you for this website, I’m sure it is a labor of love. My husband and I are both financially struggling and considered low income. We live in on some land that is very rural – so rural that it has no electric, cable, or telephone lines! We do have some solar, a generator, etc. but obviously cannot do either DSL or Cable. Do you know if there are any providers of Dish internet, for low-income people? Thank you!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Unfortunately, Debbie, there isn’t. Can you get cell service where you live? If so, maybe PCs for People will work for you. Check it out here:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
ELINAH says
Hi do you provide Essentials Internet for families that reside in Everett MA
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ll need to contact customer service at Internet Essentials to get an answer to your question, Elinah.
Laura says
My name is Laura. I would like to.talk to someone about a.few questions that I have. Please call me at (814)241-****. As soon as possible would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You need to contact your service provider’s (or potential service provider’s) customer service team, Laura. They can answer all your questions.
marc says
hi i would like to contact someone by phone
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Check out the link below, Marc. You’ll find a list of all the low-income Internet plans and each of them has contact info. Check them all out because they’re available in different areas of the country and have different ways to qualify. Good luck.
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Tonia L Gaylor says
Hello my name is Tonia Gaylor I live in New Bern NC. I have an 9 year old adopted daughter I am a single mother. I recently got employed however I am unable to afford internet, for me to seek better employment or for my daughter to complete school work from home any information regarding possible help provided in my residency would be much appreciated thank you in advance.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ve come to the right website, Tonia. Check out all the plans at the following link. We say to check them all out because they are all different — different ways to qualify, availability in different parts of the country, etc. Hopefully, one of them will work in your situation:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Regenia Loveace says
Hi my name is Regenia Lovelace. My address is 197 Clay Little Road. I worked owning my beauty Salon until I becme disabled 2 years ago. Then I was found disabled two years back before I filed for disability. I have through centurylink but cannot afford the Internet service. I live alone . I owe every body mostly the hospital and doctors. I pay utilities and Internet service but barely afford groceries. Ny help will be appreciated.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We’re very sorry to hear about your health issues, Regenia. The good news is that there are a lot of cheap Internet plans available for low-income folks. Here’s where you can find them all listed:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
You should check them all out because each plan is a little different. They’re all available in different geographic areas and have different qualification requirements. If you live in an area served by the Sprint cell phone network, the PCs for People plan sounds like a solution for you.
Jen says
I recently applied for reduced-price internet and was curious about the waiting time for approval or denial? I have 2 school-age children at home along with a desktop.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Visit the website of the company you applied with, Jen. Check to see if it has a “Your Status” link you can click. If not try calling the customer service team.
415235[redacted] says
Hi…I have been on perm. Disability over 5 years. I have been hit with I’d theft in 2014. My credit and account still compromised. Nobody in any department offered me information for these services. I was with Comcast then fraud. Lost account and at&t were also hit hard. I now am trying so hard to find service for cable through Comcast. Since I was told there were options but when I signed on I am stuck. Please help. I receive in home support medical and Medicare and s
Social security. I am 55. Thank you Suzanne Janes. San Francisco California 94122. I also receive assurance wireless for last four years.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Please clarify something for us, 415. Are you saying that you are a current Comcast client and, therefore, are ineligible for Internet Essentials? If not, please clarify.
Sheila Nivens says
Will be applying for Lifeline Verizon, can you have Internet Service with Verizon Land line for your home phone?
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Remember, Sheila, that Verizon only offers “discount” Lifeline plans. That is, it charges you its regular monthly rates minus a $9.25 subsidy. Do you qualify for any of the Low Income Internet plans? There are some excellent plans and you should check them all out before you make any decisions:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
maggie says
We are seniors, both working and raising my grandson and live in Upstate rural NY. There is only 1 wired phone company (Frontier ) No Wired Cable providers, only DISH or Direct TV (neither can I afford). We watch TV with digital signals pulled from the air ,nothing in severe snow or rain ! I pay for a broadband wireless modem thru Verizon at slow speeds which is all I can afford right now but at least it connects me to the outside in severe weather ( hurricane Sandy anyone). And I don’t know how much longer I will be able to afford even this.
It seems all of the low cost,Low income plans are in the mid west,the south,and highly populated areas (LA) What’s up with that ? Cant the government and These internet companies cut some rural New Yorker’s working and living below the poverty level a break too !
I repeat I have only 1 wired phone company to chose DSL from. No Cable wired in this area, Satellite too expensive @ $60.00 a month, and cant afford Dish or Direct TV,and the internet modem ,no free phones either,so we don’t have TV,so much for free enterprise and working your butt off.
When I click on your website for providers in Upstate NY I get page not found ! Guess that’s about how I’M feeling ,not found!
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
We don’t break New York into various geographic regions, Maggie, but our listings for each company and program show the cities covered. You can see all the major “Low Income Internet” programs by clicking on this link:
https://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet
Click through all the programs to see if you can find one that covers your area.
You’re not the first person who’s complained that they cannot find service in rural areas. It’s clearly a problem for a lot of people, but we hope you can find a program that works for you.
Nancy says
Helli,
I am 54 yrs old. Living in Kent, WA.
I am on food stamps,SSI, and Medicare.
Di youbhave any programs for me?
I am thinking about finishing my BA in Human Services, Online classes.
I need a program that will help me with low-income intrnet and laotop or tablet.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
You’ve come to the right place, Nancy. You can find a comprehensive list of programs by clicking on the “Low-Income Internet” link at the top of this page. That page has a handy chart that will show you which programs are available in each state. You can find that information in a different format if you click on the “States” link. Good luck.
Heather Wagner says
HI I live in Pa and I know that I qualify for the lifeline phone program and for the lifeline Internet program. My question is are you allowed to have both programs at the same time? I’m disabled w/ a lot of medical problems so I need the phone in case of an emergency especially if I would be driving somewhere and something happens. However, I am raising my 8 year old grandson who needs the Internet for schoolwork. If I go through Comcast Internet Essentials would I still be able to qualify for a lifeline cell phone and service through a different company?
WENDY C. YOUNG says
I LIVE IN VENTURA I HAVE. CALLED ALL INTERNET CO.S AND THEY ALL SAY THE SAME THING. NO ONE HAS HEARD OF LOW INCOME INTERNET FOR BELOW POVERTY LEVEL. MY. INCOME IS 500.00 A MONTH. ATT. U-VERS. CHARGES ME 51.50 A MONTH. I. AM GOING TO HAVE TOO SHUT IT DOWN . IS THERE ANY WHERE IN VENTURA CO. CITY OF SAN BUENA VENTURA. IN CALIFORNIA THAT WOULD BE OF ANY HELP. Thanks. W. YOUNG.
Athia begum says
I need help because my husband is heard problem. i have three kids they are going to school. they needs internet for has homework. i have food stamp (SNAP)card and Medicaid. plz help me for free internet program.
Paul Shapiro says
What telephone and high speed internet options are available for
a 69 year old senior living alone?
carmia says
i am also disabled with a zero income and would like to know how do i also qualify for free cable, internet and home phn service. could you please guide me in the right direction, i saw a article about president obama and google fiber but i do not know where to apply.
carmia says
i leave in kansas city kansas, how do i know if i qualify for the new free google fiber internet service that president obama just signed off on?
Carolyn Price says
Need help getting a low income cable tv and internet program. Age 72 and can’t get a reasonably priced program I can afford. My phone company in my area is CenturyLink. If I could qualify I receive energy assistance and food stamps and Medicaid help. Please help.
Јоѕh says
Му nаmе іѕ Јоѕh. І аm а fоrmеr mаrіnе, 74-уеаrѕ оld, rеѕіdе іn Ваltіmоrе, МD. Му wіfе раѕѕеd аwау twо уеаrѕ аgо аnd оur оnlу сhіld аnd hеr huѕbаnd dіеd іn а саr сrаѕh ѕhоrtlу аftеr thеіr wеddіng. І ѕtіll nееd tо рау mаnу dеbtѕ аnd thаnkѕ tо Мr. Оbаmа іѕ саѕh-ѕtrарреd. Іѕ thеrе аnу frее оr сhеар fаѕt Іntеrnеt ассеѕѕ іn mу аrеа? Evеrуthіng І ѕее іѕ $6О оr mоrе реr mоnth. І uѕеd tо gо tо а рublіс lіbrаrу fоr thе Іntеrnеt, but nоw mу hеаlth јuѕt dоеѕ nоt реrmіt thаt.
CheapInternet.com Administrator says
Thank you for your service, Josh. If it were up to us every single veteran would get cheap or free internet. Unfortunately, you’ll have to check with each provider that we have to check on the local availability. We’re working on a page for each state, and we’re almost up to Maryland. That should be very soon, and perhaps it might help.
misty watterson says
It won’t let me sign up for cheap internet help please
Ann says
You need a link for Seniors who qualify. Trying to figure out if all these companies you list take people without kids is confusing. At least put NO KIDS QUALIFIES in bold to it is easy to see on the page.
So the question is, What Companies people without kids?
amber says
where do I find the “offer code”? I have searched for hours & nothing! Ty in advance
doug wilcox says
you are offering free downloads music on your phones and i have not received it yet ,its been 48 hours ,,,whats up !!!!pls help…??
Cheap Internet Administrator says
We don’t offer anything, we’ rejust an informational website.
Marsha gamez says
Plz help me .back in April I call to get lifeline cuz I was on welfair . She said they had a great deal homeliness,cable cellphone internet unlimited for under $70.00 a mo she lied all together with out internet cuz I didn’t have a computer.bill was around 400$. Plz help me .
EstherDoyle says
Iam on dial-up now and can not get on the internet at most times I would love to have High Speed Inas soon as possible. I am 73 andneed to keep in touch with my family..
VJust Me says
I have a free cell phone from assurance wireless , I however would prefer to have the discount on my home phone.. Can i keep my cell phone if i already pay the unlimited monthly price for the cell each month.
Cheap Internet Administrator says
No, you cannot. Only one per household total.
Don says
I can’t believe you guys still recommend Freedompop this company is not a cheap internet service. after spending $107.00 and some change and also switching internet providers I used them for one day and used half of the service they offered it didn’t take me long to learn that I needed to cancel there service. You read there Forum page and it all looks good and then you try to post a comment on there and if it is something they don’t like you never see it. So people if you are reading this Freedompop is very misleading. Thanks from Don
Rocky Roberts says
I live in Wichita, KS 67214 is there anything avaliable in this area my mobile is *** *** ****
angela says
trying to see if we qualify for cheap internet. My brother is on food stamps. I can’t get past the Captcha question! How else can we communicate with you?????
audrey says
I am disable and on very low income I would like to know how I can get low income internet service