How to get discounted internet with SNAP benefits
If you get SNAP (also called food stamps or EBT) you may be able to get discounted high-speed internet too.
Internet access is essential for applying to jobs, doing homework, going to virtual appointments, and managing your benefits. But it can also be expensive, especially for low-income families.
There are programs that can help you access affordable internet and some internet companies also offer special low-cost internet plans for people who receive government benefits like SNAP.
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Getting cheap internet through Lifeline#getting-cheap-internet-through-lifeline
Lifeline is a federal benefit that gives eligible low-income households up to $9.25 off their monthly phone or internet bill. If you live on Tribal lands, you may qualify for even more savings.
You’re automatically eligible if you get SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other government benefits.
If you don’t already receive benefits, you can still apply for Lifeline if you can show proof that your household income is under 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Only one person per household can get a discounted Lifeline plan (remember that anyone you live with and share money with counts as part of your household, even if you’re not related).
State and local internet assistance programs#state-and-local-internet-assistance-programs
Many states, counties, and cities also offer their own low-cost internet plans or device support programs. These programs are often funded by grants or local partnerships.
For example:
- Some school districts provide free hotspots or data plans to students whose families receive SNAP benefits
- Local libraries or community centers may help residents sign up for internet deals or offer free digital literacy classes.
- State utility commissions sometimes partner with internet providers to offer additional discounts
To find what’s available near you:
- Contact your local SNAP or social services office
- Call 211 or visit 211.org to search for programs in your ZIP code
Companies that offer discounted internet plans#companies-that-offer-discounted-internet-plans
Some internet providers offer special low-cost plans to families who receive SNAP, Medicaid, or other government benefits. These programs often waive credit checks, and include free equipment, and no long-term contracts.
Xfinity Internet Essentials#xfinity-internet-essentials
With Xfinity Internet Essentials you can get discounted internet with speeds up to 100 Mbps.
You may be eligible for Xfinity Internet Essentials if you get benefits through SNAP, Medicaid, Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or if you have a child in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).
The cost varies depending on the speed you choose:
- Internet Essentials: 75 Mbps internet service for $14.95 a month
- Internet Essentials Plus: 100 Mbps internet service for $29.95 a month
Other benefits:
- Option to purchase a discounted laptop
- Access to free internet training online, in print and in person
- A wireless gateway, delivering in-home Wi-Fi at no additional cost
- Access to Xfinity Wi-Fi Hotspots
Access from AT&T#access-from-at-and-t
Access from AT&T offers low-cost internet service for eligible households. You are eligible if your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or if you get SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, Housing Assistance, or TANF benefits.
The standard Access from AT&T plan costs $30 a month for speeds up to 100 Mbps and comes with unlimited monthly data.
Eligible households whose maximum available speed at their home is 50 Mbps or less and who do not need unlimited monthly data may qualify for even more discounts.
Other benefits:
- Includes Wi-Fi & installation, with no equipment fees
- No deposit and no annual contract
Cox Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist#cox-connect2compete-and-connectassist
Families with school-age children who participate in SNAP, the National School Lunch Program, or other benefits programs may be eligible for internet from as low as $9.95 a month through Connect2Compete from Cox.
Connect2Compete provides internet at speeds up to 100 Mbps and 1.25 TB of monthly data with no overage charges.
Cox also offers the ConnectAssist Plan, which costs $30 a month, for individual households that receive benefits.
Spectrum Internet Assist#spectrum-internet-assist
Spectrum Internet Assist provides affordable internet at speeds of 50 Mbps to low-income individuals and families for $25 a month. You can get speeds up to 100 Mbps for an additional $5 per month with Spectrum Internet Advantage.
You may be eligible for Spectrum Internet Assist if you or a member of your household participates in the National School Lunch Program or receives SSI.
Other benefits:
- In-home Wi-Fi service available
- Modem and Security Suite included
- No data caps and no contracts
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Other ways to get low-cost internet#other-ways-to-get-low-cost-internet
Whether you’re using the internet to apply for jobs, do schoolwork, or manage your benefits, the right resources can help make the internet affordable for your household.
Here are some other tips for finding low-cost internet options:
- Some programs, like Lifeline, require recertification every year. Be sure to keep your information up to date with your internet provider to keep your discounts active
- You may qualify for more than one program. For example, you can use Lifeline for your cell phone and an Internet provider discount for your internet. Shop around and figure out what’s best for your household
If you don't know where to begin, ask your local library or SNAP office for help, or call 211 or visit 211.org.
