A government program called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food stamps to low-income households to help them buy groceries. There is a way to use SNAP benefits to get free internet service. SNAP households can sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service. To qualify for the ACP, SNAP households must meet certain income requirements. For example, a household of four must have a gross income of less than $55,500 per year. SNAP households can apply for the ACP online or by mail. If approved, they will receive a monthly credit that can be used to pay for internet service from participating providers.
Government Assistance Programs for Internet Access
Several government programs provide assistance with internet access to low-income households. These programs offer various benefits, including discounted internet service, free Wi-Fi hotspots, and computers or tablets. To determine your eligibility, you can visit the official websites of these programs or contact their customer support. Additionally, you may need to provide documentation of your income and household size to prove your eligibility.
Benefits of Government Assistance Programs for Internet Access:
- Discounted internet service
- Free Wi-Fi hotspots
- Computers or tablets
- Digital literacy training
- Access to online resources and services
Government Programs Providing Internet Assistance:
| Program Name | Benefits | Eligibility Requirements | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | Discounted internet service | – Household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level – Participation in certain government assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, SSI) | – Visit Lifeline’s website or contact their customer support – Provide proof of income and participation in qualifying programs |
| ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) | Discounted internet service and/or free devices | – Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level – Participation in certain government assistance programs (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, SSI) – Qualify for Lifeline | – Visit ACP’s website or contact their customer support – Provide proof of income, participation in qualifying programs, and Lifeline eligibility |
| Emergency Broadband Benefit | Discounted internet service or free devices | – Household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level – Lost income due to COVID-19 or received a federal Pell Grant during the 2020-2021 school year | – Visit the Emergency Broadband Benefit website or contact their customer support – Provide proof of income, job loss, or Pell Grant eligibility |
Qualifying Internet Service Providers
To use your Food Stamps to pay for internet services, you must choose a provider that accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards as a form of payment.
- Contact your local Department of Human Services (DHS) office to get a list of participating providers in your area.
Enrolling in the Program
Once you have chosen a provider, you need to enroll in the program by providing them with:
- Your Food Stamps EBT card number
- Your Social Security number
- Your current address
- Your phone number
Using Your Food Stamps to Pay for Internet
Once you are enrolled, you can use your Food Stamps EBT card to pay for your internet service.
- When you make a payment, swipe your EBT card at the point of sale.
- Enter your PIN number.
- Select the amount you want to pay.
- Confirm the payment.
Benefits of Using Food Stamps to Pay for Internet
There are several benefits to using Food Stamps to pay for internet service, including:
- Affordability: Food Stamps can help you pay for internet service that you might not otherwise be able to afford.
- Convenience: You can use your Food Stamps EBT card to pay for internet service at participating providers just like you would use it to buy food.
- Access to Resources: Having internet access can help you find jobs, apply for benefits, and connect with family and friends.
Who is Eligible
To be eligible to use your Food Stamps to pay for internet service, you must be a recipient of Food Stamps benefits and have a household income that is at or below 130% of the federal poverty level.
Other Options for Getting Free or Low-Cost Internet
If you are not eligible to use your Food Stamps to pay for internet service, there are other options available to help you get free or low-cost internet.
- The Lifeline program provides a discount on internet service for low-income households.
- Some internet service providers offer free or low-cost internet to low-income families.
- Public libraries and community centers often offer free Wi-Fi access.
Contact Information
For more information about using Food Stamps to pay for internet service, contact your local DHS office.
Free or Low-Cost Internet Options for Low-Income Households
There are several programs and initiatives that provide free or low-cost internet to low-income households. These include:
- The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): This program provides a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service to eligible households. To qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You participate in certain government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
- Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- You live on Tribal lands and meet certain income requirements.
- Internet Essentials from Comcast: This program provides low-cost internet service to qualifying households. To be eligible, you must meet the following criteria:
- You have a child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
- You live in a Comcast service area.
- Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications: This program provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service to eligible households. To qualify, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- You participate in certain government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
In addition to these programs, there are a number of other ways to get free or low-cost internet. These include:
- Checking with your local library or community center: Many libraries and community centers offer free or low-cost internet access to the public.
- Using a mobile hotspot: If you have a smartphone, you can use it as a mobile hotspot to connect your other devices to the internet. This can be a good option if you don’t have a home internet connection.
- Signing up for a free trial: Many internet service providers offer free trials of their service. You can take advantage of these trials to get free internet for a limited time.
- Asking your internet service provider about low-income plans: Some internet service providers offer low-income plans that can help you save money on your monthly bill.
| Program | Eligibility Requirements | Monthly Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) | Participate in certain government assistance programs, have a household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or live on Tribal lands and meet certain income requirements | Up to $30 |
| Internet Essentials from Comcast | Have a child who is eligible for the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) and live in a Comcast service area | $9.95 |
| Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications | Participate in certain government assistance programs or have a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level | Up to $9.25 |
Eligibility Requirements for Government Internet Assistance Programs
There are a number of government programs that provide free or low-cost internet access to low-income families and individuals. Depending on your income, household size, and other factors, you may be eligible for one or more of these programs:
- Lifeline: This program provides a discount on monthly internet service for qualifying low-income households. Lifeline is available to households that participate in certain government assistance programs, such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, or SSI.
- ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program): This program provides a discount on monthly internet service and a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet for qualifying low-income households. ACP is available to households that participate in certain government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. You can also qualify for ACP if your income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Emergency Broadband Benefit: This program provides a temporary discount on monthly internet service for qualifying low-income households. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is available to households that participate in certain government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. You can also qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit if you lost your job or experienced a significant loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To apply for any of these programs, you will need to provide proof of your income, household size, and participation in a qualifying government assistance program. You can apply online or by mail. Once you are approved, you will receive a discount on your monthly internet service bill.
| Program | Eligibility Requirements | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeline |
| Discount on monthly internet service |
| ACP |
| Discount on monthly internet service and a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet |
| Emergency Broadband Benefit |
| Temporary discount on monthly internet service |
If you are having trouble paying for internet service, you may be eligible for one of these government assistance programs. Contact your local internet service provider or visit the websites of the programs listed above to learn more and apply.
Thanks a bunch for taking the time to learn how to score some gratis internet with your food stamps. I know, I know, it’s pretty sweet, right? So if you’re sitting there thinking about all the epic cat videos and never-ending hours of TikTok scrolling that await you, don’t waste another second. Get on it! And hey, while you’re basking in the glorious glow of your new-found, no-cost internet connection, be sure to swing by again sometime. I’ll be here, cooking up more ways to help you save money and live large on a budget. In the meantime, keep calm and connect on!