If you are looking to get wi-fi access at an affordable rate, there are many options available for low-income households. The key to getting the best price on internet access is by shopping around to see which companies offer the most significant discounts. In some cases, you may be able to combine assistance from various programs and organizations to help pay for your internet access.

The quickest way to determine if you qualify for low-income internet access in your local area is to check if you are eligible for benefits for other government assistance programs. Generally, beneficiaries of government assistance programs such as SNAP, LIHEAP, SSI, and more. Veterans who are considered low-income and receive assistance from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are also qualified for low-income internet.

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How do I qualify for low-income internet?
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There are other groups of people that may qualify for low-income wi-fi access if they are beneficiaries of certain government assistance programs. Those who are currently receiving assistance from the following programs will automatically be eligible to receive internet access at discounted prices from major internet providers:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing
  • Medicaid
  • National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI)

Additionally, indigenous peoples who live in reserves will be eligible for Lifeline internet assistance. They will also qualify to receive an extra $20 for being a protected government group. This adds up to a total of $29.25 in savings on monthly internet costs compared to the standard $9.25 discount. Although this additional discount is helpful, beneficiaries will need to pay the remaining balance for their internet bill.

Certain companies such as Spectrum offer low-income internet plans for their customers. Additionally, they also provide additional assistance for students and educators such as free internet for 60 days as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the benefits of this program are only temporary.

The best way to find out what discounts and low-cost plans are available to you; you should contact your local internet provider and see what they are offering. Many major internet providers such as AT&T offer internet prices as low as $10 a month for low-income families with school-age children that rely on internet access for schoolwork.

However, if there are no providers in your local area that are offering low-income internet options, you may be eligible to receive assistance through Lifeline. Lifeline is a program established by the federal government to help low-income families get internet access at discounted prices.

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