It’s no longer a question of whether or not you need internet service at home — it’s a necessity in the modern world. Unfortunately, the average internet bill can be tough to bear for low-income families.¹ Thankfully, several companies offer internet service for very little cost based on your income.
Government Internet Programs
There’s good news for those who are relying on the government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Congress recently created the Affordable Connectivity Program. The program provides eligible households with a monthly discount on their internet bills and a one-time discount on a tablet, desktop computer, or laptop.2
To qualify for the ACP benefit, you must meet one of the following three requirements:
- Your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Policy Guidelines
- You meet the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income programs.
- You or someone in your household already participates in a qualifying federal assistance program.
Xfinity Internet
Qualifying applicants can receive major savings on high speed internet through Xfinity. The Internet Essentials service is provided through the federal government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit. You can receive a temporary, monthly subsidy for Xfinity internet. Those in Tribal lands can receive more.3
You’re eligible to apply if you qualify for programs such as:4
- National School Lunch Program;
- Housing assistance;
- Medicaid;
- SNAP;
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and;
- Federal Pell Grant.
In addition to the internet, this plan gives you xFi Advanced Security, access to millions of Xfinity Wi-Fi hotspots, and even the option to buy a low-cost computer. To qualify, you must live in an area where Comcast Internet Service is available. The level of subsidy you receive will depend on your internet service plan. This money is put towards the actual internet service and leased internet equipment.
Optimum Advantage Internet
You may be able to receive discounted speedy internet service with Optimum Advantage Internet.5 This offer is available to new Optimum customers or those who disconnected internet service for a 60-day period.
With Optimum Advantage Internet, you’ll get:
- Up to 50 Mbps internet;
- Installation;
- Wi-Fi router;
- No data caps, and;
- No long-term contracts.
There are multiple groups that qualify for Optimum Advantage Internet. This includes:
- Households with students participating in the National School Lunch Program;
- Seniors 65 years of age or older and eligible for SSI, and;
- Veterans.
You can potentially receive this internet service through the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Qualifying individuals can receive a monthly subsidy toward their internet services.
Low-Cost AT&T Internet
Low-income individuals can enjoy up to 25 Mbps speed internet at an affordable rate with Access from AT&T. The cost of service will depend on the maximum speed available in your area.6 The company offers installation for your Wi-Fi, no annual contract, and no deposit.
Another perk of being an AT&T customer is waived overage fees. The company is temporarily waiving home internet data overage fees due to the ongoing health crisis. Find out how long this incentive is going on by checking online or speaking with an AT&T customer service representative.
To qualify for the Access from AT&T program, you will need to be eligible for one of the following four programs:
- Supplemental Nutritional Access Program;
- Supplemental Security Income (for California residents only);
- Household income (temporary), and;
- National School Lunch and Head Start Programs (temporary).
Discover More Ways to Get Low-Cost Internet
Everyone should have affordable access to high speed internet. This utility is necessary for school, work, streaming media, and just about everything else. If you’re unable to pay your monthly internet bill, it’s worth looking into help from the government or directly from internet providers.
Whichever internet provider you choose, make sure to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This government initiative could temporarily help pay your entire internet bill on a monthly basis. Find out if you qualify and submit an application online.
While some subsidies may be temporary, there are also low monthly internet rates that you may be able to sign up for with companies like AT&T or Optimum Advantage Internet. Find out if you’re eligible for various internet options by contacting providers. You can choose a plan that best meets your needs and gets you through tough economic times.