Eligibility Criteria for Free Government Internet
Who Qualifies for Free Government Internet?
Government internet programs help low-income households stay connected, supporting access to jobs, education, and healthcare. As of May 2025, the Lifeline program is the main option, offering up to $9.25 off your monthly bill, or $34.25 on Tribal lands. You may qualify if:
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or someone in your household participates in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
- You’re a veteran receiving VA pension or benefits.
- You live on qualifying Tribal lands and meet specific Tribal program criteria.
These programs target those who need help the most, with rules set by the FCC for fairness. Read below for details on each eligibility pathway.
Lifeline Program Eligibility
Lifeline offers a discount on internet service for eligible households. You qualify for Lifeline if:
- Your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (e.g., $42,120 for a family of four in the contiguous U.S. in 2025).
- You participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
- You live on Tribal lands and participate in programs like Food Distribution on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) or Tribal TANF.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. You’ll need to provide proof of eligibility, such as income documents or program participation letters. See our How to Apply page for more details.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Status
The ACP ended on June 1, 2024, due to lack of funding. It previously offered up to $30 off monthly internet bills, or $75 on Tribal lands.
Advocates are pushing for the ACP to return in 2025, potentially with expanded eligibility up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (e.g., $62,400 for a family of four). For now, Lifeline is the active program to apply for.
Stay updated on ACP news via our blog. We’ll let you know if it comes back.
Income-Based Eligibility for Lifeline
You may qualify for Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below shows the 2025 income limits by household size for the contiguous U.S. (Alaska and Hawaii have different thresholds):
| Household Size | Maximum Income (135% of FPG, 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 |
| 2 | $27,594 |
| 3 | $34,857 |
| 4 | $42,120 |
| 5 | $49,383 |
| 6 | $56,646 |
For each additional person, add $7,263. See the state-by-state table below for Alaska and Hawaii guidelines. You’ll need to provide proof of income, such as tax returns or pay stubs, when applying.
State-by-State Income Eligibility for Lifeline
Income limits for Lifeline vary by state and household size. The table below shows 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a family of four in 2025, along with Lifeline discounts and Tribal lands eligibility:
| State | Income Limit for Family of 4 (135% FPG, 2025) | Lifeline Monthly Discount | Participating Tribal Lands | State-Specific Program Participation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Alaska | $52,650 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | Yes |
| Arizona | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| Arkansas | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| California | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | Yes |
| Colorado | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Connecticut | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Delaware | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Florida | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Georgia | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Hawaii | $48,438 | $9.25 | No | Yes |
| Idaho | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Illinois | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Indiana | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Iowa | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Kansas | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Kentucky | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Louisiana | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Maine | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Maryland | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Massachusetts | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Michigan | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Minnesota | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Mississippi | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Missouri | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Montana | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| Nebraska | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Nevada | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| New Hampshire | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| New Jersey | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | Yes |
| New Mexico | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| New York | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | Yes |
| North Carolina | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| North Dakota | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| Ohio | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Oklahoma | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| Oregon | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Pennsylvania | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Rhode Island | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| South Carolina | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| South Dakota | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
| Tennessee | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Texas | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Utah | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Vermont | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Virginia | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Washington | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Washington, D.C. | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | Yes |
| West Virginia | $42,120 | $9.25 | No | No |
| Wisconsin | $42,120 | $9.25 | Yes | No |
| Wyoming | $42,120 | $34.25 (Tribal) | Yes | No |
Tribal Lands Eligibility
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you may be eligible for an enhanced Lifeline discount of $34.25 per month. You qualify if you meet the income or program participation criteria above, or if you participate in one of these Tribal-specific programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start (if income criteria are met)
Qualifying Tribal lands include reservations, pueblos, and other federally recognized areas. See the state-by-state table above for states with participating Tribal lands. You’ll need to provide proof of residency and program participation when applying.
Other Important Eligibility Rules
Keep these rules in mind when determining your eligibility:
- Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, not per person.
- Your household cannot receive Lifeline benefits from multiple providers.
- You must recertify your eligibility annually to continue receiving the discount.
These rules ensure the program remains fair and sustainable. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, use our eligibility checker tool on the homepage.
Ready to Check Your Eligibility?
Not sure if you qualify for Lifeline? Use our eligibility checker tool on the homepage. It takes just a few minutes to find out if you’re eligible.
You’ll need income details or proof of program participation. Once you confirm your eligibility, visit our How to Apply page to begin your application.
Have questions? Reach out via our Contact Us page for support. We’re here to help you every step of the way.