Millions of Americans who rely on SNAP and EBT benefits may be significantly overpaying for internet — or going without it entirely. Internet for EBT recipients has become one of the most searched household topics of 2026, and this breakdown covers what programs exist and who qualifies.
The reality is stark. According to Pew Research Center, nearly one in four Americans with low incomes lacks home internet access. In 2026, that means being cut off from job applications, school assignments, telehealth appointments, and the very government portals used to manage benefits. Connectivity is no longer a luxury — it’s infrastructure. And for families stretching every dollar, finding affordable internet options tied to EBT or SNAP enrollment can make a meaningful difference in monthly expenses and daily quality of life.
What Happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
For millions of low-income households, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a critical resource. It provided monthly broadband subsidies that brought internet costs down to significantly lower levels for qualifying households. But according to the FCC, the ACP officially ended on June 1, 2024, after Congress did not renew its funding — eliminating those subsidies for every enrolled household overnight.1
The fallout was immediate and widespread. Families who had come to rely on ACP-supported plans suddenly faced full-price internet bills they couldn’t afford. Many canceled service entirely. The gap left by the ACP’s end has been felt most acutely by EBT and SNAP recipients, who were disproportionately enrolled in the program. The good news is that the policy landscape has continued to evolve, and several meaningful alternatives have emerged for households seeking affordable connectivity.
The Lifeline Program: A Federal Benefit Still on the Table
One of the most underutilized programs for internet for EBT recipients is the federal Lifeline benefit. Many SNAP enrollees don’t realize that their EBT card automatically qualifies them for Lifeline — a federal program that provides eligible low-income households a monthly reduction on their phone or internet bill, with enhanced benefits available for those residing on Tribal lands.3
Lifeline is administered through approved providers, and data allowances vary by carrier and state — ranging from 4.5GB to 25GB per month depending on which provider is selected. While it doesn’t fully replace what the ACP offered, it remains a real and accessible benefit for qualifying households. EBT recipients who were previously denied or never applied are being encouraged to recheck eligibility in 2026, as provider availability and program rules have changed and more households now qualify.
State-Level Programs Filling the Gap
In the wake of the ACP’s expiration, several states have moved aggressively to fill the void. California and Washington launched supplementary broadband assistance programs in 2025, designed specifically to help low-income residents — including those receiving SNAP benefits — maintain affordable internet access.2
New York went even further. The state’s Affordable Broadband Act, which took effect in early 2025, requires internet service providers with at least 20,000 customers to offer reduced-cost plans to qualifying households, including those enrolled in SNAP and Medicaid.5 This is a significant legislative development — it’s not a voluntary program or a limited pilot. It’s law, and it compels ISPs to participate.
EBT households in New York that haven’t yet explored this option may be missing out on meaningful monthly savings. Similar state-level broadband advocacy efforts are underway in other regions, making it worthwhile to research what broadband assistance programs your state currently offers.
Carrier Plans Built for Low-Income Households
Beyond government programs, several major internet providers have built low-cost plans specifically for households receiving government assistance — and EBT recipients often qualify automatically. These options are worth exploring:
- Xfinity Internet Essentials: This plan is available at a reduced monthly rate for qualifying households and delivers 75 Mbps speeds with unlimited data — a meaningful upgrade from prior tiers.4
- Cox Connect2Compete: Geared toward households with school-age children (K–12), this plan offers a lower entry cost and is designed to support educational access at home.
- AT&T Access: AT&T offers a low-cost internet plan for qualifying SNAP and SSI recipients, often at rates well below standard residential pricing.
Many EBT cardholders have never been made aware these plans exist — and as a result, they’re paying full market rates for internet when more affordable options may be within reach. A simple eligibility check with a provider using EBT card information can be all it takes to unlock access to a lower-cost tier. Comparing what each major carrier offers for assistance-program households is a practical first step.
Why This Matters More Than Ever in 2026
The stakes around internet access for low-income households have grown considerably. From renewing SNAP benefits online to completing job applications, attending virtual healthcare visits, and helping children complete school assignments — reliable home internet is no longer optional for full participation in modern life. For EBT recipients navigating an already stretched budget, even a meaningful monthly reduction in internet costs can free up resources for groceries, utilities, or transportation.
It’s also worth noting that eligibility for many of these programs is broader than most people assume. Households receiving Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension benefits may also qualify for carrier assistance plans and Lifeline — not just those on SNAP. Checking eligibility across multiple programs simultaneously can reveal options that weren’t previously on the radar.
The landscape of programs supporting internet for EBT recipients has shifted meaningfully since 2024, and what was unavailable or denied before may now be accessible. Whether it’s through Lifeline, a state broadband initiative, or a carrier assistance plan, there are more pathways to affordable connectivity today than most EBT households realize — and exploring those options is a worthwhile next step for anyone looking to reduce what they’re spending on staying connected.
Sources
- FCC — Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) End Notice
- Daily ICT Post — Broadband Access for Low-Income Households (June 2026)
- Propel — Federal Lifeline Program Guide (March 2026)
- CableTV.com — Low-Cost Internet Plans for Low-Income Households (February 2026)
- 211 New York — New York Affordable Broadband Act Overview
