In 2026, the average American household pays $75 per month for internet service — and for families living paycheck to paycheck, that cost can be the deciding factor between staying connected and falling behind. Internet access is no longer optional. You need it to apply for jobs, access government benefits, help your kids with homework, communicate with doctors through telehealth, and manage your finances. The good news is that dozens of internet assistance programs exist at the federal, state, and provider level that can reduce your monthly internet bill to $10 or even zero. The challenge is knowing which ones you qualify for and how to stack them for maximum savings.
Getting connected at low cost is the first step. What you do once you are online determines whether that connection pays for itself. With platforms like I am Beezy, your internet connection becomes an income generator — spending just 20 to 30 minutes per day viewing content earns $5 to $15, which means your low-cost internet pays for itself many times over. But let us start with getting you the cheapest connection possible.
Federal Internet Assistance Programs
What happened after the Affordable Connectivity Program ended
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided $30 monthly internet discounts to over 23 million households, exhausted its funding in 2024. However, its termination triggered a wave of replacement programs at the federal, state, and provider level. In 2026, low-income households have more options than you might expect. The FCC continues to push for new federal broadband subsidies, and many of the major internet providers voluntarily maintained ACP-level pricing for former participants. The landscape has changed, but the savings are still available if you know where to look.
Lifeline broadband benefit
The Lifeline program — best known for free phones — also applies to internet service. Eligible households can receive a $9.25 monthly discount on broadband internet instead of (or in addition to) phone service. While $9.25 does not sound like much, combined with provider discounts it can reduce your bill to nearly nothing. You qualify for Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance. Apply at checklifeline.org.
E-Rate and library hotspot programs
While E-Rate is a federal program that subsidizes internet for schools and libraries, many libraries use E-Rate funding to offer free Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs. In 2026, thousands of public libraries across the US let you check out a portable Wi-Fi hotspot — just like you would check out a book — and take it home for 2 to 4 weeks at a time. This provides free home internet with no application, no income verification, and no monthly bill. Contact your local public library to find out if they participate.
| Program | Monthly Savings | Who Qualifies | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline (broadband) | $9.25 discount | Income below 135% FPL or SNAP/Medicaid/SSI | checklifeline.org |
| Comcast Internet Essentials | Full plan for $9.95/mo | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Public Housing | internetessentials.com |
| AT&T Access | Full plan for $5-10/mo | SNAP or SSI recipients | att.com/access |
| Spectrum Internet Assist | Full plan for $17.99/mo | SSI, NSLP, or Community Eligibility | spectrum.com/assist |
| T-Mobile Home Internet | Plans from $25-30/mo | SNAP, WIC, Medicaid participants | t-mobile.com/isp |
| Library hotspot lending | 100% free | Library card holder | Visit your local library |
Internet Service Provider Discount Programs
Comcast Internet Essentials — $9.95 per month
Comcast's Internet Essentials is the most widely available low-income internet program in the country, serving over 10 million people since its launch. The plan costs $9.95 per month for speeds up to 50 Mbps — fast enough for video calls, streaming, homework, and general browsing. There is no credit check, no contract, and no installation fee. You qualify if anyone in your household participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, WIC, or several other assistance programs. Comcast also offers a free option for eligible families — Internet Essentials Plus provides the first 60 days free, and some community partnerships extend free service for up to a year.
AT&T Access — as low as $5 per month
AT&T offers its Access program (also branded as AT&T Value plans) to SNAP and SSI recipients for $5 to $10 per month depending on available speeds in your area. Plans start at 5 Mbps and go up to 100 Mbps in areas with fiber infrastructure. Like Comcast, there is no credit check or annual contract. AT&T Access is available in AT&T's 21-state service area. Check availability and apply at att.com/access.
Spectrum Internet Assist — $17.99 per month
Spectrum's low-income plan offers 30 Mbps service for $17.99 per month with no data caps and a free modem. Eligibility is based on participation in SSI, the National School Lunch Program, or Community Eligibility Provision programs. While it is pricier than Comcast or AT&T's options, Spectrum serves many areas where those providers are not available, making it a valuable alternative for millions of households.
Making Your Internet Connection Pay for Itself
When $10 internet earns you $300
Here is the math that changes everything: you pay $10 per month for internet through a program like Comcast Internet Essentials. You then use that internet connection to earn money with I am Beezy, generating $5 to $15 per day by viewing content on your phone or computer. Even at the low end — $5 per day, 30 days per month — that is $150 in monthly earnings from a $10 internet connection. At the higher end, you are looking at $300 to $450 per month. Your return on investment is 1,500% to 4,500%. No savings account, no side hustle, and no investment portfolio delivers that kind of return.
The referral multiplier
I am Beezy's referral program adds another layer of income. Share your referral link with friends, family, neighbors, or anyone else who could use extra money. Every person who signs up through your link generates additional earnings for you. In a household or community where multiple people are using low-cost internet, the referral network effect can push monthly household earnings well above $300. The internet connection you nearly could not afford is now funding other expenses.
| Internet Cost | Monthly Beezy Earnings | Net Monthly Gain | Annual Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| $0 (library hotspot) | $150-$300 | $150-$300 | $1,800-$3,600 |
| $5 (AT&T Access) | $150-$300 | $145-$295 | $1,740-$3,540 |
| $9.95 (Comcast Essentials) | $150-$300 | $140-$290 | $1,680-$3,480 |
| $17.99 (Spectrum Assist) | $150-$300 | $132-$282 | $1,584-$3,384 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get help with internet if I do not qualify for government programs?
Yes. Many internet providers offer their own discount programs with broader eligibility. T-Mobile Home Internet offers competitive pricing without income verification. Some local ISPs and community broadband networks offer reduced rates. Additionally, library hotspot programs require only a library card — no income documentation needed. Check with your local providers and library for all available options.
What internet speed do I actually need?
For one or two people doing standard tasks — email, web browsing, video calls, streaming, and using apps like I am Beezy — 25 to 50 Mbps is more than sufficient. For households with multiple users, students doing homework, and simultaneous streaming, look for plans offering 50 to 100 Mbps. The low-cost programs from Comcast (50 Mbps) and AT&T (up to 100 Mbps) cover these needs comfortably.
Is there a free internet option in 2026?
Truly free options include library Wi-Fi hotspot lending programs, certain community broadband initiatives, and some nonprofit partnerships with ISPs. In select areas, providers offer free plans to low-income seniors or families in public housing. Stacking the Lifeline broadband discount with a provider's low-income plan can also reduce costs to near zero. The best starting point is calling 211 to ask about all free internet options in your specific area.
Will these low-cost plans have data caps or throttling?
Most low-income internet plans from major providers do not have data caps. Comcast Internet Essentials, AT&T Access, and Spectrum Internet Assist all offer unlimited data. Some wireless-based home internet plans (like T-Mobile) may deprioritize speeds during network congestion but do not impose hard data limits. Always confirm the data policy before signing up.
Get Connected for Less and Earn More
Internet access should not be a luxury — and in 2026, it does not have to be. Apply for Lifeline broadband at checklifeline.org, check your eligibility for Comcast Internet Essentials or AT&T Access, and visit your local library to borrow a free hotspot. Once you are connected, make your internet work for you. Sign up for I am Beezy for free and start generating $5 to $15 per day from the connection you are already paying pennies for. Your internet bill becomes an investment, not an expense.
