Free WiFi for Low-Income Families: 2026 Programs That Are Still Active

When the federal ACP program ended, millions of families lost their $30/month internet discount overnight. The good news: provider-funded replacement programs filled most of the gap by mid-2025. Here is a current list of free or near-free WiFi programs for low-income families in 2026.

Qualifying Through SNAP, Medicaid, or WIC

If your household participates in any of these federal programs, you typically qualify for the cheapest tier from every major ISP without further income proof:

• Xfinity Internet Essentials Plus — $29.95 (or FREE with state subsidy)
• Spectrum Internet Assist — $24.99
• AT&T Access — $30
• Cox Connect2Compete — $9.95
• Mediacom Connect2Compete — $9.95

Programs Specifically for Families with Children

• T-Mobile Project 10Million — 100 GB/year of free 5G internet for K-12 students
• PCs for People — Refurbished computer + low-cost internet bundle
• EveryoneOn — Matches families to local low-cost internet programs

State-Funded Free Internet Programs

Some states added their own subsidies on top of provider discounts. Strong programs in 2026 include:

• California Internet for All — Up to $30/mo additional state credit
• New York Affordable Broadband Act — Cap on low-income internet pricing
• Massachusetts Digital Equity Initiative — Free devices + service
• Pennsylvania Broadband Authority — Subsidies for rural low-income households

What Documents You Will Need

• Photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport)
• Proof of program participation (SNAP/EBT card, Medicaid card, or award letter)
• Or proof of income (last pay stub, W-2, or tax return)

Most applications now verify SNAP/Medicaid status automatically using the National Verifier — so if you have an EBT card, the entire process usually takes under 5 minutes.