We’ve figured out how to get Internet for as low as $5/month! Awesome, right?! Since Internet is just about essential these days, these programs are great for low income households.
In step one, you’ll choose a low income service. In step two, you’ll drive that cost even lower by applying for a $9.25 monthly subsidy through the Lifeline program. Easy, right?
THIS IS A TWO-STEP PROCESS.
You will not get the “after discount” price
UNLESS YOU APPLY FOR THE LIFELINE SUBSIDY!
Step 1: Choose a low income Internet service.
Fortunately, many major Internet providers already provide affordable Internet programs for low income customers. You can choose whether you’d like service through AT&T, CenturyLink, Comcast or other providers! Of course, not all services may be available in your area.
Here’s where the good and bad news begins. The good news is there are TONS of cheap Internet programs around the country! The bad news is that it’s getting very difficult to keep this post organized in a way that makes sense and is easy to use.
Here are the cheapest programs from the most popular Internet companies nationwide. We’ve ordered this list by price:
- Comcast Internet Essentials is just $9.95 per month before subsidy
(Subsidy is no longer available on Comcast Internet Essentials. Sorry!) - CenturyLink Internet Basics is just $9.95 per month before subsidy
(Subsidy is not available on CenturyLink Internet Basics. Sorry!) - Access by AT&T is just $5-$10 per month
(Subsidy may not be available on AT&T plans; I am investigating this) - Google Fiber is just $15 per month before subsidy
(Less than $6 after Lifeline discount!) - Charter Spectrum is just $15 per month before subsidy!
(Less than $6 after Lifeline discount!)
Here are the options from less well-known providers, in alphabetical order:
- Cox Communications is just $9.95 per month before subsidy
(Less than $1 after Lifeline discount!) - Eagle Communications is just $9.95 per month
(Subsidy may not be available on Eagle plans; I am investigating this) - Frontier Internet is just $19.99 per month
(Just $10.74 after Lifeline discount!) - Mediacom is just $9.95 per month before subsidy
(Less than $1 afters Lifeline discount!)
Here are even more ways to get free Internet (or low-cost Internet):
- See if your local library offers a take-home mobile hot spot for FREE Internet.
(Some libraries offer this – and some will give you tablets, too!) - Clarksdale High School (Mississippi) students get FREE home Internet!
Step 2: Apply for the Lifeline subsidy.
Get $9.25 off your monthly Internet bill by applying for the Lifeline subsidy!
You qualify for this subsidy if you receive any of the following!
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (aka SNAP, Food Stamps, EBT)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Tribal-specific programs
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Veterans Pensions
- Veteran’s Survivor Benefits
Once you get this subsidy, you’ll receive a $9.25 credit on your Internet bills. That may not seem like much…. but when you combine it with low income services that cost just $5-$15 themselves, that can give you internet service for less than $1 per month!
The catch? You can only receive ONE subsidy per household. If you’re already receiving it for your phones, you can’t use it for Internet also… but you can still keep reading this post to find out how you can get Internet for less than $20 per month!
Step 3: Save money on your Internet bill every month.
That’s all, folks! Please share this with anyone who can use it – and, if you know of a low cost Internet solution we’ve missed, please let me know in the comments!
Thank you I have found some good info here I ,m sick of overpaying for everything. I just moved in to a low income unit so I hope to get more help
I’m glad you were able to find some help here, Joe! I hope everything works out for you. 🙂
Hi! Im in illinois. How do you apply for lifeline subsidy?
Great question, Jem! You’ll need to contact your provider. The application process varies by provider, but basically your Internet provider applies on your behalf.
While this program has been out many many years now. People who would be eligible probably are also familiar with the Obamaphone benefits from years back too. It’s one or the other, not both. A prepaid mobile phone each month with 700 minutes is alot more value than a measly $10-$15 off one’s internet bill.
Very interesting ,as a healthcare professional I know it is sometimes hard to find resources for our low-income patients so I am eager to point them this direction now that I know you are here!
Thanks, Elsbeth! 🙂
I had no idea these programs existed! We’re in the middle of nowhere so satellite is our only option and my goodness is it expensive! As a teacher of low income students, I’m glad that there are options available to help them access the internet!
I have contacted At&t in California. They do offer the internet for $10 but they insist that there is no option to purchase a comuter for $149.99. Who might I contact to verify the computer offer?
Sorry just noticed it was Comcast offering it.
No problem, Tina! Sorry about that. AT&T does refer people to EveryoneOn.org for assistance finding low cost computers. I’ve never used that website before but maybe they’ll have something available in your area. 🙂
NIcole,
What a wonderful person you are to help strangers as you do. A BIG shout out !!!!!.
Does Spectrum (TIme Warner) have any offers on their internet services ?
Thanks,
Bobby
Hi Bobby! Thank you so much! I’m always happy to help.
I did some searches and it looks like Spectrum does offer a $14.99 “Everyday Low Price” Internet plan. However, they don’t offer any information about the program on their website except for this blurb: “Our Everyday Low Price (ELP) Internet plan* is an economical way for customers to enjoy Internet access for light use such as email, surfing or shopping. It is best for customers who only have one or two devices that they want to connect to the Internet.
Basic and Everyday Low Price Internet plans are not available for purchase online.”
The most information I could find was in this article in the New York Post.
So, yes, they offer an affordable Internet option… but I don’t have any useful information about it. :\
Hi Nicole…and Bobby,
I just found this site and I hope the little bit of info I have helps. You may already have it because I started here. If so, I apologise.
I just moved into my home (Habitat for Humanity!), and About 3 weeks afterwards I received a letter from Spectrum offering me the $14.99 rate at no deposit, credit check, contract or fees if I later cancel. I called and spoke with a wonderful representative (David), who said he would look up the options via my address. Evidently plans can vary, I live in TN. I did qualify for the $14.99 high-speed internet and for $5.00 per month extra I was able to get the Wi-Fi and Mobile Hotspots. He went on to explain for a total of $106. and change (I forgot the change amount), I could get the TV/Cable, Home Phone and Internet/Wi-Fi service. That isn’t bad at all considering my cellphone service with AT&T unlimited turned out to run close to $253 a month and Direct TV varied between $80-90 per month. None of their bundling packages ever worked in the area. I actually retired early due to permanent disability from AT&T (over 10 years service) and could not get cheaper rates. They may have cheaper deals now but if you can get Charter Spectrum it is a wonderful deal and people I’ve spoken to said it is excellent. Since both my husband and myself are disabled we chose to go with the Home Phone and Internet/Wi-Fi plan that came to $39.98 a month and that is taxes, fees, everything. The only thing I have to pay extra is the one time service/installation fee of $34.99 for the technician to come and hook everything up. And that is included on my first statement. I feel like that is a wonderful deal!! It goes in Wednesday so I will update this if anything changes.
I do hope this helps. And when service is ordered they will probably ask for a good number to reach you and if not give them one anyway because as usual when I use my cellphone, I cut them off but he called me right back! Thank you for your wonderful site and help and I hope Bobby was able to get the service he needed.
That is great info! Thank you so much, Janie! I’m so glad you were able to get this service – and a Habitat home! That’s incredible! =D
Hi there Nicole I reside in Texas and need assistance with low cost electric. Currently I’m paying 80 or 90 a month. I am low income but I guess not low enough to qualify for food stamps. I got food stamps no problem when I lived in My. Please advise if u can refer me to low electric and low cable and internet as cable internet costs me 130 a month and cannot afford.
Hi Cari! I’m happy to help. I see you’ve left this comment on our post about affordable Internet options. They are all the Internet plans I’m aware of. However, I could look into potential energy savings and other programs for you. Texas is an awfully big place, though. Could you please tell me what city or county you are located in?
I would appreciate low cost energy information help as well. I live in NC in Guilford County. Our only provider is Duke Energy and according to them, they give no discounts nor do they have any type of assistance program. So they say. I live alone. I have energy efficient appliances. I use nothing. Absolutely nothing. I live in a really small home. Yet they tell me I’m using $360 a month in power. When I had my 3 boys living here, tv running full time, computers, electric guitars, you name it, my power was only about $80 a month. Since they went digital, they are saying I alone am using $360? Not even possible! Any ideas on energy programs? Thank you!
I’m so sorry, Robin! I’ve heard lots of complaints about Duke Energy. Their representatives don’t seem to be very educated about the programs they offer. You can click right here to see everything I know about Duke Energy in NC – including how to get FREE LED light bulbs, winter moratoriums and more. All the information I provide here has been thoroughly researched and confirmed by the company. If you contact them and they deny offering any of these programs, let me know right away and I’ll sort it out.
Also, I would contact your local community action council regarding the amount you owe. Not only can they help you reduce your monthly bills with helpful programs like weatherization and LIHEAP, they can also advocate on your behalf to the company. You’ll find a link that will help you identify your local CAC under the “Get help from an outside agency” subheading. 🙂
I Weslie Gregory Brown is recieving SSI payments and presently get signal from my twin brother but would like to have my own connection if I qualify for I am low income until I recieve my pension from the City of San Diego in 2020.
Hello, Weslie! I received your second comment with your address. I will go ahead and mail you some information, including some local contact information for your area, but you will have to contact the companies I discussed directly for an application. I’m not actually affiliated with the companies who offer these deals. I’m just a blogger who researches and shares these programs so that people like yourself can find and use them.
We need unlimited free high speed internet for poor people or just $5/ month
I totally understand, Nimar! Were any of these programs able to help you? If you let me know where you’re located, I’ll see if I can find additional resources.
FYI, Comcast refuses to give any internet discount to seniors or disabled vets in NJ.
Comcast will only give discounts to those with children in the federal free school lunch program.
Comcast refuses to help low income seniors and disabled vets in NJ.
I’m very sorry, NJdisabledVET! Apparently, Comcast only offers a 10% discount on basic video service for qualifying seniors and disabled individuals in New Jersey. 🙁
What about GA Power?… I’m disabled, live on $735.00 a month. My power bill is $198. a month, it’s killing me!
Hey, Cheryl! I’m so sorry that it has taken me so long to finish this. One of my writers claimed to have submitted it but apparently never did. I just wrote it up and I wanted to make sure you got the link. Here’s everything I know about GA Power. Again, I’m so sorry about the delay. Please let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you.
Hi, Cari/others looking 4 energy assistance! Hope your day is going welll. Please check out your local Community Action, PRVO, (Associated w/Comm Action) Also, Catholic Charities, St.Paul De Lima, I wish u all much luck! It’s hard living low~income, I know! Also, shouting out 4 much prayers here on Ms Gulf Coast, La, Ala, Fla, 4 Hurricane Nate! THANKYOU 4 PRAYERS! MAY GOD BLESS US ALL! GOING 4 SANDBAGS! GODBLESS, LUCK!
Good advice! Thank you, Sophia! We’ll keep those affected areas in our prayers. <3
I am 50 yr old single female no kids living in low income housing. I have some health issues and have a hard time working on my feet but looking for a sit down job. I work at a healthcare job doing mostly cleaning and cooking in elderly homes. I don’t get many hours or much pay. I get some food stamps. I didn’t know I could get free or cheap internet. The food stamp place should let their recipients know these things. I didn’t even know fountain drinks are Ebt eligible. But our apt complex has a contract with a certain cable company they may not even let me have that provider. Its a shame that organizations and people don’t inform people of need about benefits. I live in Decatur, Alabama and any information from anyone is greatly appreciated. I’m thinking of filing for disability due to health but finding a good honest lawyer will sure be a task in this dishonest world today.
I’m so sorry, Karen! That sounds very frustrating. I’m happy to help with anything you might need! You can find ways to save on your power bill by clicking here and things you can do with your EBT card by clicking here. If there’s anything else we can help you find, please let us know!
I’m sorry for the delay, Karen. Here’s what we’ve found so far on Decatur Utilities.
Hi!I’m with AT&T fir 2yrs now.I’m receiving some form of public assitantance,could I still get free or subsidy enternet monthly if I let them know?
Hi, Sheila! You’ll need to apply for the Lifeline subsidy and then inform AT&T that you qualify for (and want to switch to) their low-cost Internet program. That should be all it takes! 🙂
what happens if you have had a previous account with at&t
Hello, Melissa! Thanks for asking! As long as you don’t have an unpaid debt to AT&T for regular service within the last six months (or any debt if you were previously enrolled in the discounted program), you’ll be fine. You can find the exact requirements by clicking here.
You mentioned only one subsidy per household. Do you know any of the lifeline programs that offer cellphone service and home broadband internet? Or programs that are not associated with the lifeline program but for low income? I’ve been doing research but not quite understanding. I need free or very low cost home internet for job searching, to keep my 2 yr busy with disney channel jr. and I need my cellphone in case I’m out running errands and I can get calls for job interviews. Your help would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!!
Hello, Diamond! I’m glad you asked. Unfortunately, you have to decide whether to apply your subsidy to your cell phone service or your Internet… but you can sign up for any of these low-cost Internet programs without the subsidy and still pay the low rate! Personally, I would choose to get a free phone and cell service and then pay the $5-10 rate for one of these low-cost Internet plans. I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful! :\
What if you owe Comcast for an existing bill?
It depends on how old the debt is. If the debt is recent (less than 12 months old), you’ll need to resolve it before you apply for this program. If it’s more than a year old, you may be eligible to apply without paying it.
Hi Nicole – just a quick comment to let you know how refreshing it is to see someone acting with such altruism. Thank you for doing so much for a segment of the population that, for one reason or another, have more challenges financially and can rely on your help to ease the burden. It seems your ethics are well intact and it’s inspiring to see. It seems Ayn Rand was wrong! 🙂
Thanks, Jerry! I appreciate your kind words. 🙂
Hi Nicole,
How do I try to get lower cost Internet in WA state? I did get a free phone. Also do you know any programs for low cost computers?
Thanks for your help,
Jenny
Hi, Jenny! I’m a Washingtonian, too! 🙂 You should be able to get low-cost service from Comcast or CenturyLink. If you’re receiving the Lifeline subsidy on your phone, you’ll just pay the regular low income rate ($10 or less). Both of these services offer low cost computers, as well… but I’ll see if I can find some other ways to get low cost computers as well. 🙂
We’re can I get low income interet inx. Deweyville tx. Everyone I hallways they don’t cover my area..
Hi, Cristy! I’m working on expanding our list of low income internet service providers. I’ve added several in the last few days but none seem to serve Deweyville. I’ll keep looking and let you know when I find a company that offers low-cost internet in your area. I’m so sorry for the delay!
What if you have a govt. phone and yes his connected to the Internet but your phone will not allow the use because it’s to old or to slow to show Internet pages .Are you disqualified then to receive Internet service ?
Hi, Donald! 🙂 You can sign up for any of the low income Internet programs listed! The only catch is that you can only receive ONE Lifeline subsidy, so if you have the phone you’ll pay the before-subsidy rate for the Internet service. For most of these, that’s just $10 per month! 🙂
I need help obtaining a low cost internet provider. I’m trying to publish a novel during my spare time and I can’t afford to keep going down to the library every week to use the internet. It’s impossible! I’ve been trying to publish a completed work for over 3 months now with no success.
I need help, as I’ already half way through my next novel. Please help! Stephen Elliott
Hi, Stephen! Have you tried obtaining service through the low-cost Internet programs I’ve listed in this article? 🙂 If none of them offer service to your address, please let me know what city you live in and I’ll see if I can find more options for you. 🙂
The link to the lifeline subsidy does not work, i did however find myself to this page which listed the companies that qualify for subsidy
Comcast internet essentials is not listed on that site
Am i doing something wrong?
I use a cell phone that is free to people on government programs. Does that mean I cannot get the internet service as well?
Hello, Rose! You cannot receive the Lifeline subsidy twice. I would recommend keeping the free phone and using one of the cheap Internet programs ($10-$15/month). You can still use whatever discount Internet programs you qualify for. You just won’t receive the additional $9.25 subsidy. Free phone + cheap Internet seems like the best deal to me. 🙂
I live in Cookeville, TN. There is no tv service without cable. I am on fixed income and everything here is very expensive. How and where can I get the benefits you suggest in this small town. Spectrum is way too costly. We don’t even have bps here.
Hello, Lorraine! I’ve reached out to all the Internet providers I can identify as serving your area and I’m still awaiting a response from Twin Lakes. However, I’ve found that you may be able to get Frontier or Charter Spectrum service for $20/month or less. If you know of an Internet provider that I haven’t researched yet, please let me know and I’ll see what else I can find.
Spectrum formerly BrightHouse cable has a $15 a month, if you re a NSLP student (school lunch) with a letterhead from the school saying you are, and you are not a current customer within 30 days, and do not owe them anything. Inhome wifi is $5 extra.
Thanks for the tip, Jim! That’s wonderful. I’ll add that to the list as soon as I can! 🙂
Where do i apply for low income internet and how?
Hey, Karita! Just click the green links in the bullet points of this article to learn more about the various low income programs. Just follow the links in the articles or contact the company directly to apply. 🙂
Hey there Nicole! I’ve been approved by Comcast for the 9.95 discount but I’m having a hard time finding the link for the less then a dollar discount. Can you please help me?
Hey, Jeff! I’m sorry. I’ll make some clarifications to this article right now so it’s easier to find. In the meantime, I just talked to Comcast Customer Service and they said that you need to call (855) 846-8376 (855-8-INTERNET) to get in touch with their special subsidy team. You can see the screenshot of my discussion with the Comcast rep in this article.
Hi Nicole Do any of these providers offer satalite internet?
I’m so sorry, Nicole. I haven’t been able to find any programs like this from satellite Internet providers yet. 🙁
Please help me im trying to apply for the lifeline subsidy but i am not able to find it. If i can lower anything please point me to it. Is there a website i need to go to first
Hey, Takida! I’m so sorry for the confusion. You can contact your Internet provider directly to apply for the Lifeline subsidy. As far as I understand it, they apply for it on your behalf.
Hi, I am wondering if you know of any low income internet plan for someone single, without kids, who is on ssdi and isn’t on food stamps?
Thanks!
I’ve asked about the low income discount with Comcast (Springfield, Illinois) and they told me it would be useless to me that it’s too slow. I can’t afford cable so I have Hulu to watch tv. They said it would be too slow to be able to stream I think they called it. I know they are known for telling people they need a faster speed than necessary just so people spend more money. Do you know anything about the speed on the low income one and if I’d be able to still watch Hulu and stuff? Thanks so much! So glad I found your page! So much helpful information!!
Hi, Alvia! Thank you so much for letting me know! You should be fine with Comcast Internet Essentials unless you have a 4K Ultra HD TV and regularly stream 4K Ultra HD content.
Comcast Internet Essentials is offers 10 Mbps download speeds. Hulu only requires 3-6 Mbps to stream regular HD (720p or 1080p) content. If you are streaming 4K Ultra HD content, they recommend 13 Mbps.
I live in a low income apartment complex but the only internet provider they accept is xfinity. Will I be able to get the services threw xfinity?
And I also had services with xfinity before so will I be able to get the low income help from them with and old debt from a year ago?
Hi, Erica! As long as the debt is more than 12 months old and you haven’t had Comcast service in the last 90 days, you should be fine! 🙂
Hi, Erica! As long as you qualify, you shouldn’t have a problem getting the discount from Xfinity! 🙂
I am in Indiana and have metro net. I have multiple sclerosis and the state says I’m not disabled enough to get disability! We have four children and I home school them. My husband is the only income and we would benefit so much from these programs especially in Indiana. Thanks for putting this list of help together
Hey, Amanda! You may be able to get the Lifeline Subsidy on your MetroNet service. I tried to find even more low income Internet options for you but I haven’t been able to find any. I have put together a list of homeschool discounts you might be interested in, though! 🙂
Hi so how do I go about getting this low cost internet. I have ebt
Hi, Nece! Getting the low cost Internet is a two-step process. First, pick your company from the list below and signup for their low income service. Once you have service, contact them and ask for the Lifeline Subsidy to be applied to your account. The Subsidy gives you $9.25 off the price of your service.
You can select a low income program from the following companies (click their name for more info):
Hi. Can you tell me specifically who to contact in the Greensboro NC area for free/discounted internet? I am handicapped and do receive ebt. I desperately need the internet but don’t have it. I have no way at this moment to call around asking different companies. If you could tell me who I need to contact, that would be wonderful! I’m sorry for asking you. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Robin
Hey, Robin! You never have to be sorry asking us for anything. That’s what we’re here for! 🙂 I wasn’t able to confirm everything, but it looks like you may be able to get service from Comcast, Spectrum, AT&T and CenturyLink in Greensboro. Of course, service may vary depending on your actual address.
You can click here for more information about how to apply for those services. Some, like Comcast, have to be applied for online. You’ll have to call in for others.
(Less than $1 after Lifeline discount!)
(Less than $1 after Lifeline discount!
(Subsidy may not be available on AT&T plans; I am investigating this)
(Less than $6 after Lifeline discount!)
I’m sorry I couldn’t be more helpful, Robin! Let me know if there’s anything else I can do for you!
Hi my name is Priscilla I live in Texas bexar county wanted to know if spectrum had low income services I had a account with them but it’s beem over a year already. Could I get internet with them again or no.
Hi, Priscilla! Spectrum does have a low income service! You should be able to sign up since it’s been more than 30 days since you subscribed. 🙂
AT&T CHARGED ME FOR A SERVICE I NEVER USED FOR 18 YEARS @ $35 A MONTH
top of that they charged me like $58 with tax n stuff so total nearly 100 a month for NET
this phone service was just it n had anothr line which got lifeline service on ‘so lower price’
but still ended up havin 3 bills for 18 yrs and the att tech comes over n mention about 3 BILLS DEALY N HE SAID WOW THEY USED TO DO THAT WAY BACK LIKE 9 YEARS AGO ….
imagine living on social security n feeling at time over the last 9 yrs MANY TIMES ….sad how little money I have and unable I am to get anything new and alot is cause they was over charging me so they gave me pain and sufffering without a doubt for 18 years ..THEY CAN ARGUE WHETHER HAD SOME RIGHT BY LAW ‘break up their company say we now send diff envelopes for ‘each ..this is att VOICE ..this is att DIGITAL ….dont let anyone know we are ATT come on BUT EVEN DIFF ENVELOPES YA DONT NEED TO CHARGE ME FOR PHONE SERVICE WHICH IS A THING ONE GETS TO MAKE PHONE CALLS and ‘THE INTERNET ……just one or another …IT WAS NEVER USED FOR BOTH
Oh, Sparky, I’m so sorry! It drives me absolutely crazy that companies do that to their customers. >:(
anyway THEIR TECH FROM AT&T TOLD ME just call them and ask for tech n then tell em ya want to keep the phone number with DSL but its not used for phone so turn off the voice part of it …in 10 mins IT ENDED A BILL THAT THEY SENT ME FOR 18 YEARS ….we think we just need to fear illegals or criminals but we need to worry about PEOPLE IN NICE LUSH OFFICES TOO 🙁 BIG CORPS THAT DONT CARE!
So true! There are so many big companies that just don’t care about their customers. I am so glad you were able to resolve that but I’m so sorry they basically stole from you for all that time. That is so frustrating!
HI! I LIVE ON LI NEW YORK AND USE THE EBT CARD! I’M DISABLED AND LIVE IN A FIXED INCOME! HOWEVER I DO HAVE A GOVERNMENT PHONE FOR FREE!! IS THERE A WAY I CAN GET CHEAP OR DISCOUNTED INTERNET OR CABLE FOR MY APARTMENT! ANY INFORMATION WOULD BE YSEFUL! CABLE WANTS TO CHSRGE ME)230 MO THLY AS OF OCTOBER 2017. CAN’T AFFORD CABLE ANYMORE. PLEASE HELP! THANKS!!!!
Hi, Ellen! I’m happy to help. I haven’t looked into cable yet but I’ve done quite a bit of research on cheap Internet programs. Just click on the Internet company name below for more information… and thanks for visiting LowIncomeRelief.com! Have a wonderful day. 🙂
I currently have Access by AT&T for $10/month but I don’t see where to sign up for the Subsidy to have the bill lowered to $1. Am I missing something?
Hi, Joe! The last time I checked, you have to contact your provider directly to sign up for the Lifeline subsidy. Comcast and most other providers have a special department that handles these requests. I’m not sure what AT&T’s process is, though. If you call them, they should be able to guide you through the application process.
How do you apply for Lifeline subsidy????
Hi, Shovan! You’ll need to contact your Internet Service Provider directly. They handle the application process and file the paperwork with the FCC. Several of the ISPs I’ve dealt with have a specific department dedicated to assisting with these claims. If you call your ISP, they should be able to assist you with the application. 🙂
Hi there- i live in a small town south of eugene oregon and unfortunately centurylink is the only provider we have available. Ive been with them for almost five years, and am currently paying about $60 a month for their SLOWEST SPEED. (was just upgraded from 1.5 mbps to 3- both are pretty much unheard of nowadays speed wise) its absolutely ridiculous and i struggle EVERY month to pay it, but like you said its almost impossible to go without internet nowadays. Im currently unemployed so again, internet is vital for job searching etc but i live off of $400 a month. I have contacted centurylink MANY times over the years to try to sign up for internet basics, and they have always denied me because i am a current customer. Which seems incredibly unfair- i wasnt told about the program when i signed up, and would have been eligible then. But they say you have to have not had an account with them for at least six months. If i qualify financially, how is that right?? Id love to hear what they have to say about that. Please help!!
Hey, Angela… I *hate* that about these programs! It doesn’t seem fair at all… like they just want to keep your prices high once they trick you into signing up at the higher rates. I went ahead and called them out on Twitter. Sometimes, being called out on social media by someone other than the customer can make a difference. We’ll see what happens. Hopefully they’ll make this right for you.
Good news, Angela! Are you on Twitter? @CenturyLinkHelp just tweeted back to me and Kevin said that if you reach out to them on Twitter or Facebook, they’ll set this right. If they don’t, let me know and I’ll get on their case again. 🙂
Wow, that is sooo great thank you!!! Im not familiar with twitter but i am with facebook so ill contact them thru there. Thank you so much for your help, i really didnt expect much to happen so this is AWESOME!!!!!
You’re very welcome, Angela! If they don’t cooperate with you, let me know and I’ll get back on their case about it. I can’t promise anything but I’m happy to do whatever I can to get this sorted out for you. 🙂
Do i need to reference something when i contact them at all? Or ask for a specific person?
Hello, Angela. Unfortunately, we can’t add Internet Basics on an active account. I’m sorry that they gave you incorrect information but there is no way to add it onto a live account. -Ynegwie
Aaaaanndd….. This was the exact reply i got from them. They will do ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Seriously?!?!?! I went back on Twitter. Hopefully Kevin will be more helpful. You should be able to see my three part response by clicking here.
This his great but can anyone tell me how to find housing as I am homeless even though I am. Employed full time I can’t afford much for rent and no one is willing to work with me
I am so sorry, Julie! I know that can be such a difficult situation to get out of. The absolute best resource I know for finding help with housing is your local United Way. They often offer a helpful live chat with a resource specialist that can help you find affordable and low income housing in your area. Just Google “United Way 211” and then your zip code or city/state. 🙂
You should have a donarion page for all of the good helpful information you give out.I live on va and receive ebt you think that i can get internet service at a discount rate?
Thanks, Joe! I think there’s a good chance you’ll qualify. You’ll need to check the eligibility requirements of each program to be sure, though. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this. There are soooo many online jobs available but due to not having the internet, I didn’t even qualify. Thanks again!!
You’re so welcome, Trina! Good luck with your job search! 🙂
Can’t find low cost internet in Norfolk VA. Have EBT, SSDI at lower than poverty rate. Need no start-up costs. You’re an angel. Thank you.
I’m sorry, Suzie! Unfortunately, this article includes everything I know about low-cost Internet. I’m not aware of any other programs at this time. 🙁
Please double-check the CenturyLink Internet Basics deal. I believe that:
1) The $9.95/mo includes the Lifeline discount (which is why they ask you to qualify by being on Food Stamps or some other gov’t subsidy program)
2) That rate is for the first year only. It jumps to $14.95 for years 2 through 5.
3) You are only allowed to have it for 5 years (60 months) max.
4) You cannot be/have been a CL internet customer in the past 90 days. If you have been getting internet from them at the regular price and you ask for the low income price, they will tell you they can’t do it, “it’s programmed in the system that way”. So just do what I did, say “Fine, then cancel my service right now and MAYBE I will come back later for the discount.” Ignore them when they tell you that you can’t. Then mark 91 days on your calendar and call back then. It worked just fine for me!
(Unfortunately, I have now used up my 5 yrs. I moved and it’s been several months so I hope the system won’t catch it–I am going to try re-applying…wish me luck!)
The Comcast deal is only for po’ folks with school-age kids. Nothing for the rest of us, and they’re not in every area anyway.
There MAY be a cheap internet option through the nonprofit that sells refurbished computers to low income folks: Interconnection in Seattle.
Hey, Nancy! I’ve updated the article accordingly. Thank you so much for your insight! =D
This link does not work
http://http://lowincomerelief.com/category/usa
Thanks for catching that, Kathi! I fixed it. 🙂
My son is disable and has no tv or internet service due to him living way out in the country. Is there satellite internet service out there for low income people? Thank You.
Hey, M! Satellite services are usually very expensive and I haven’t been able to find any low income programs for them. Unfortunately, they don’t qualify for the Lifeline subsidy either. It’s very frustrating. 🙁
Hi Nicole – I’m researching options for my mom who lives in a rural area in Mississippi (Zip – 39744). She receives Medicaid and Social Security. I contacted AT&T and the Access Program is for SNAP recipients. I’m wondering, can she signup for the Lifeline Supplement only or does she have to part of the Access Program too?
I’ve only been able to find ATT&T service provider in her area that participates in the Access Program. However, with your research ability, do you know of any other options for her? Thank you so much for any help and info you can offer.
Hey, Rachel! As long as she qualifies for the Lifeline subsidy, she should able to get that at least. All the options I’m aware of are already listed here. 🙁 Sorry!
Hey guys I just applied & got approved for $10 internet through the at&t access program.. I noticed that there is also computers offers at discounted rates.. I saw a desk top with computer that includes everything but the desk for only $110 which is a great deal.. thy also have laptops ! I plan on purchasing one soon so that my young ones can use ABC mouse . I hope this is helpful to some of you
Looking for low income internet and cable options for my mother in zip code 58104.
She has received SSDI for many years. Has applies for SNAP, awaiting response.
Thanks for any information you can pass along.
Hi! Everything I know about low-cost Internet can be found on this page. This is everything I know about saving money on
Nicole, Please date your articles. It is important to be able to determine how up to date the information is.
Hey, H! Thank you for the suggestion. I had hidden the dates because I update these articles frequently and the original publish date didn’t always reflect how up-to-date the information was. However, I’ve re-enabled the publish dates and added a “last updated on” date as well. I hope that helps! 🙂
In my area (zip 34604), there is absolutely NO low cost internet unless you have kids who qualify for the school lunch programs. I am legally blind and my only income is disability. I cannot drive and our public transportation is pathetic (ends by 6 pm and no service on weekends), so I have to do at least some shopping online. The cheapest service I can find is AT&T wireless internet and phone, which costs around $66. Apparently my County thinks only people with kids deserve low cost internet, despite being one of poorest counties in Florida. And what is even more ridiculous is many services (such as food stamps) can now ONLY be applied for online!
Oh, Lynn, that’s so frustrating! I’m sorry about that. Are you at least able to apply for the $9.25 Lifeline subsidy on your account? That could help reduce your bill. The application for the federal subsidy has to be completed by your ISP, though, so you would have to contact them to get the process moving. :\