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If you’re struggling with high-speed internet bills, you’re not alone. The good news is that instead of paying full price for internet, you can take advantage of programs that offer affordable or free internet options. How can I get cheap internet with food stamps?
Absolutely, you can. There are a few programs that help you save money and possibly even get a better deal. Let’s explore how you can use your EBT card to access cheaper internet.
1. Free Internet Service Through Government Programs
Besides food assistance, food stamps (SNAP) can also help you get discounted or free internet. It’s true. Qualifying for SNAP can open the door to other government programs that help low-income households stay connected.
When you’re enrolled in food stamps, you become eligible for two major government assistance programs: Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). That means you can get discounted or free government internet service.
However, which program is the best for you and how can you enroll?
2. Get Internet or Phone Service through Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that helps low-income individuals save money on phone or internet service. The idea behind it is wonderful: no one should miss out on opportunities, connection, or safety because they can’t afford basic communication tools.
Lifeline eligibility: Can you get free internet with food stamps in Texas, California, Kentucky, and other states?
Lifeline makes sure everyone in all 50 states, U.S. territories, and Tribal lands has access to affordable communication. Lifeline requires customers to qualify based on income or participation in government assistance programs:
Based on Income: Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
**Based on Participation in Government Assistance Programs: **If you (or someone in your household) are enrolled in programs like:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
Then you qualify for Lifeline, too.
And if you live on Tribal lands, there are even more paths available. These Tribal-specific programs also make you eligible:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal TANF
- Head Start, if you meet income requirements
So, yes, if you’re on food stamps (SNAP), you’re eligible for Lifeline. You could save $9.25 every month on internet service, and if you live on Tribal lands, the discount is $34.25 per month. In addition, you can receive a free government phone when applying for Lifeline through certain providers.
If you want to get affordable internet service, applying for Lifeline is one of the best ways.
Also check: Free Laptop with EBT: How To Claim One
How to get free government internet service through Lifeline
Once you qualify, you can sign up with a participating company or ask your current provider to apply the discount to your existing service, as long as they’re part of the Lifeline program.
Besides monthly discounted internet service, you can receive a smartphone, bundles, tablets, or smartwatches at no or little cost.
Let’s walk through it together to get free internet with food stamps through Lifeline:
Step 2: Choose Your Plan
Take a look at the plans they offer:
- Free Phone + Plan: Get a discounted or free device, plus a service plan that covers talk, text, and data — all at no cost to you.
- Bring Your Own Device (BYOD): You can keep it and still get the full benefits of free talk, text, and data with your new plan.
Step 4: Upload Your Proof
Upload your documents proving your food stamps enrollment to qualify for Lifeline.
If you’re in California and enrolled in food stamps/CalFresh, there are a few important things you should know:
Until April 30, 2025: You can upload a photo of your Golden State Advantage (EBT) card, plus a receipt showing a food purchase made in the past 7 days. Be sure to include both the front and back of your upgraded EBT card in your photo.
**Starting May 1, 2025: **EBT cards won’t be accepted anymore. Upload one of these documents, and it must be issued within the last 7 days:
- CalFresh Notice of Approval
- CalFresh Notice of Action
- CalFresh Verification of Benefits Letter
Other important documents required:
- Date of Birth
- Address
- Social Security Number or Tribal ID
- Duplicate Address
- Identity & Life Verification
Keep in mind that you’ll need to recertify once a year to keep your Lifeline benefits active and update your information if anything changes, like your address, income, or participation in other qualifying programs.
3. Can You Still Get Service with ACP?
The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP for short, made internet access more affordable for households with low income. What’s the differences between ACP and Lifeline?
The ACP offered $30/month off your broadband bill and $75/month off for residents living on Tribal lands. In addition, you could get a one-time discount of up to $100 to buy a device like a tablet, laptop, or desktop as long as you chip in a co-payment between $10 and $50.
ACP eligibility
You qualified for ACP if you or someone in your household was enrolled in food stamps (SNAP). The full eligibility requirements for ACP were as follows:
- Your household income was at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You were also eligible if you or someone in your household met any of the following criteria:
- Applicants must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Enrolled in a provider’s low-income internet program;
- Or, participating in certain government assistance programs, like:
- Lifeline
- SNAP/food stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
For Tribal lands, there are even more options.
Discontinued
The ACP is no longer active. As much as it helped, Congress didn’t approve more funding, and the program had to shut down in 2024.
Let’s check out the timeline:
- February 7, 2024: ACP stopped accepting new applications.
- April 2024: The last month the program was fully funded.
- June 1, 2024: Benefits officially ended.
Unfortunately, some internet providers haven’t updated their materials, and worse, a few are still asking people to sign up. If you see that, double-check before sharing your personal information.
Is the ACP program coming back?
There’s no definite answer yet. But as of the most recent updates, you can still apply for the Lifeline program to receive free internet service benefits if you’re on food stamps.
4. Can You Get Free Internet with Food Stamps? Other Ways
While the Lifeline program is the most well-known option, there are other programs offered to qualify for discounted or free internet service with your food stamps enrollment.
Many companies offer low-cost internet plans, and SNAP (food stamps) is often one of the eligibility requirements. Some providers even offer discounts, or in some cases, a free laptop with EBT card through SNAP.
Check out some of the common programs you might be eligible for based on your food stamps enrollment:
- Access from AT&T
- Xfinity Internet Essentials
- Spectrum Internet Assist
- Verizon Forward
For example, Xfinity Internet Essentials offers home internet starting at $14.95/month for qualifying customers. As long as you qualify through SNAP or another certain assistance program like SSI, Medicaid, and TANF, you can get discounted internet service every month. Besides, Internet Essentials allows you to purchase a laptop for just $149.99.
*These programs are separate from Lifeline or ACP, but they often have similar goals: helping people get online for less. *
Conclusion
If you have an EBT card, take advantage of the benefits while continuing to manage your budget wisely. Combining available support with smart spending habits can help you stay connected without added financial stress.