A Complete Guide to $10 Internet with Food Stamps

$10 Internet with Food Stamps: Complete Guide to Lifeline and Low-Cost Plans

Quick Answer

Yes, you can get internet for around $10 per month with food stamps (SNAP) through two main methods. First, the federal Lifeline program offers a $9.25 monthly discount on internet service for SNAP recipients, bringing many plans down to $0–$15 per month . Second, participating internet providers like Comcast (Internet Essentials), AT&T (Access), and Spectrum (Internet Assist) offer low-income plans starting around $10–$15 per month for SNAP recipients . You can combine both benefits for maximum savings. The temporary $30/month Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 2024, but Lifeline and provider plans remain available .

Quick Facts

What Are the $10 Internet Programs for SNAP Recipients?

SNAP recipients can get affordable internet through two categories of programs: the federal Lifeline Program and discounted plans offered directly by internet service providers.

Lifeline Program

Lifeline is a permanent federal program managed by the FCC that provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for low-income households . The program has been active since 1985 and remains available after the temporary Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in 2024 .

Key details:

• Standard discount: $9.25 per month on your internet or phone bill 

• Enhanced Tribal discount: up to $34.25 per month 

• One discount per household (not per person) 

• Can be applied to internet, home phone, or wireless service—you choose one 

Provider Low-Income Plans

Many internet service providers offer their own discounted plans for low-income households. SNAP participation is a common qualification method for these plans.

Who Qualifies for $10 Internet with Food Stamps?

Automatic Eligibility Through SNAP

If you receive SNAP benefits, you automatically qualify for the Lifeline program . This means:

• You do NOT need to prove income separately

• Your SNAP participation serves as proof of eligibility

• You are eligible regardless of your income level 

Income-Based Eligibility

Even if you don’t receive SNAP or other qualifying programs, you may qualify for Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level .

2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines (135% level examples) :

(Note: Higher limits apply in Alaska and Hawaii) 

Other Qualifying Programs

Participation in any of these programs qualifies you for Lifeline <span class=””>:

• Medicaid

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Federal Public Housing Assistance

• Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit

• Certain Tribal programs

Who Does NOT Qualify

• Households with income above 135% FPL and no qualifying program participation

• One Lifeline benefit per household—multiple members in the same household cannot each receive the discount 

• Individuals already receiving Lifeline through another household member

• Non-citizens without qualifying immigration status

Who Qualifies: Examples

How to Get $10 Internet with Food Stamps

Method 1: Apply for Lifeline

Step 1: Check eligibility

Go to the Lifeline National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org to confirm you qualify .

Step 2: Gather documentation

You’ll need proof of your SNAP participation. Acceptable documents include:

• A letter or official document from your state SNAP agency

• Your SNAP benefits notice

• An official card or certificate showing you receive SNAP 

Step 3: Submit your application

Apply through one of these methods :

• Online: lifelinesupport.org (fastest option)

• By mail: Download the form and mail to Lifeline Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742

• Through a provider: Some ISPs can help you apply directly

Step 4: Choose a Lifeline provider

Find participating providers in your state at lifelinesupport.org.

Step 5: Activate your benefit

Once approved, your provider will apply the $9.25 monthly discount to your bill.

Method 2: Enroll in Provider Low-Income Plans

Contact participating providers directly to apply for their low-income internet plans:

• Comcast Internet Essentials: Call 1-855-846-8376 or visit InternetEssentials.com

• AT&T Access: Visit AT&T’s website to check availability in your area 

• Spectrum Internet Assist: Check availability at spectrum.com 

Method 3: Stack Programs (Lifeline + Provider Discount)

Some households can combine Lifeline with a provider’s low-income plan for even greater savings. While you can only receive one Lifeline benefit per household, the Lifeline discount can be applied to the already-reduced rate from some providers, potentially making your internet bill $0 or close to it .

What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a separate federal program that provided a $30/month discount on internet service (or $75/month on Tribal lands) . It was created during the COVID-19 pandemic through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (P.L. 117-58) in 2021 .

Current status:

• The ACP was funded with a one-time $14.2 billion appropriation

• Congress did not provide additional funding

• The ACP ended on June 1, 2024 

• No new applications are being accepted 

• The program served over 23 million households at its peak 

Important: The ACP is completely separate from Lifeline. Lifeline is a permanent program and remains active . Do not confuse the two programs.

State and Local Programs

Beyond Lifeline and provider plans, some states and municipalities offer additional connectivity assistance:

• Some states provide grants, voucher programs, or free hotspot initiatives through state broadband offices 

• Many libraries and schools loan Wi-Fi hotspots or provide free access

• Some school districts distribute hotspots or data plans to students whose families receive SNAP 

• California, for example, has additional state-level connectivity programs 

To find state-specific programs: Visit the NTIA State Broadband Map at ntiastatebroadbandmap.ntia.gov .

Important Rules and Limitations

One Benefit Per Household

Lifeline provides one discount per household, not per person . A “household” is defined as a group of people who live together and share income and expenses . Roommates who are financially independent may each qualify by completing a household worksheet.

Choose Phone OR Internet

Lifeline applies to one service per household—you choose either phone service OR internet service, not both .

Service Standards

The FCC has established minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported services :

Renewal Requirements

Eligibility is reviewed periodically. Benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet requirements .

Common Questions

1. Can I get $10 internet with food stamps?

Yes. SNAP recipients automatically qualify for the Lifeline $9.25 monthly discount, which can reduce many internet plans to around $10 or less. Provider programs like Comcast Internet Essentials also offer ~$10 plans for SNAP recipients <span class=””>.

2. Is the $30 internet discount still available?

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that provided $30/month discounts ended on June 1, 2024, when its $14.2 billion funding ran out. No new applications are being accepted .

3. What is the Lifeline discount for internet?

Lifeline provides a $9.25 monthly discount on internet service for eligible households. On Tribal lands, the discount is up to $34.25 per month .

4. How do I apply for Lifeline with SNAP?

Go to lifelinesupport.org, use the National Verifier to check eligibility, gather your SNAP documentation, and submit an application online, by mail, or through a participating provider. SNAP participation is automatic proof of eligibility <span class=””>.

5. Does SNAP automatically qualify for Lifeline?

Yes. SNAP (food stamps) is one of several federal programs that provide automatic eligibility for Lifeline. You do not need to prove income separately .

6. Can I combine Lifeline with a provider discount?

Yes. You can combine the Lifeline discount with a provider’s low-income plan in many cases. This can potentially make your internet service free or very low cost <span class=””>.

7. What internet providers offer $10 plans for SNAP recipients?

Comcast Internet Essentials offers ~$10/month service for SNAP recipients. AT&T Access and Spectrum Internet Assist also offer low-cost plans, though prices vary by location. Check directly with providers for current offers .

8. Is Lifeline only for internet?

No. Lifeline can apply to internet service, home phone service, or wireless (cell phone) service. You choose one service per household .

9. Can I get a free phone with Lifeline?

Lifeline itself is a service discount, not a device benefit. However, many wireless carriers serving Lifeline customers include a basic phone as part of signing up. Ask your provider .

10. What if I live on Tribal lands?

Residents of federally recognized Tribal lands may qualify for an enhanced Lifeline benefit of up to $34.25/month (standard $9.25 + $25 additional support) plus a separate Tribal Link-Up discount for initial service setup .

11. Can more than one person in my household get Lifeline?

No. Lifeline provides one benefit per household, where a household is defined as people who live together and share income and expenses .

12. How do I find Lifeline providers in my state?

Use the “Companies Near Me” tool at lifelinesupport.org to find participating Lifeline providers in your state .

Key Takeaways

• **$10 internet is possible** with SNAP through the Lifeline $9.25 discount or provider low-income plans

• SNAP automatically qualifies you for Lifeline—no separate income proof needed 

• The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 2024—it is not available 

• Lifeline is one discount per household—choose phone OR internet, not both 

• Provider plans like Comcast Internet Essentials (~$10/month) are separate from Lifeline and can sometimes be combined 

• Apply online at lifelinesupport.org or through your provider 

• Eligibility is reviewed periodically—benefits stop when you no longer qualify 

• Enhanced benefits up to $34.25/month are available on Tribal lands 

• State and local programs<span class=””> may offer additional assistance—check your state’s broadband office

• Service standards include minimum speeds (25/3 Mbps for home internet) and data allowances 

Related Government Benefits

Official Government Resources

• Lifeline Program Application: lifelinesupport.org

• FCC Lifeline Information: fcc.gov/lifeline

• USDA SNAP: fns.usda.gov/snap

• National Verifier: lifelinesupport.org/national-verifier

• Benefits.gov: benefits.gov

• USA.gov: usa.gov

• NTIA State Broadband Map: ntiastatebroadbandmap.ntia.gov