Ohio EBT Card Discounts

Free Internet for Low Income Families (2023)

Did you know that low income families in Ohio can qualify to receive free or discounted monthly internet? Yes, it’s true! There is a new program that offers Free Internet for Low Income Families called the Affordable Connectivity Program. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income Ohio households pay for the internet service needed for work, school, healthcare and more.

Households that qualify for the ACP internet credit will receive a $30 discount on their internet bill each month.

Your household may be eligible to receive a $30 monthly internet credit if you currently participate in a government assistance program, such as food stamps, or meet the income requirements.

To learn more about the Low Income Free Internet Program and $30 ACP discount, including how to qualify and apply with your Ohio EBT Card, then continue reading below.

In this article, we will cover:

  • Affordable Connectivity Program Overview
  • Free Internet for Low Income Families and Ohio EBT Cardholders
  • Discounted Internet Eligibility Guidelines for 2023
  • $30 ACP Credit Income Requirements
  • How to Apply for the Low Income Free Internet Discount in Ohio
  • Eligible Ohio ACP Internet Providers
  • Low Income Free Internet Program FAQs

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) that helped families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Changes to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program

In December 2021, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program was replaced with the Affordable Connectivity Program.

As a result, any EBB recipient automatically received their $50 monthly internet credit until March 1, 2022.

After that, EBB recipients are required to apply for the new Affordable Connectivity Program to continue receiving benefits.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a permanent, long-term $14 billion investment to support broadband internet affordability for low-income households.

This helps to ensure that all households can access and afford the internet service needed for work, school, and healthcare.

In addition, the maximum monthly benefit changed from $50 per month to $30 per month for eligible households.

How much of a discount will I receive on my internet?

If your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive:

  • Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
  • Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 towards the purchase of an eligible laptop, tablet, or desktop computer

To learn more about the Free Internet for Low Income Families and Ohio EBT Cardholders, including how to qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit, then continue reading below.

Low Cost & Free Internet Program for Ohio EBT Cardholders

There are three ways your household can qualify for low income free internet discount in Ohio.

To be eligible for the $30 ACP internet credit your household must meet one of the guidelines in order to receive the discount through your internet provider each month.

Here are the three ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program:

  1. Based on your household income
  2. If you or your child or dependent participate in Ohio Assistance Program such as SNAP, Medicaid or WIC
  3. If you or your child or dependent already receives a Lifeline benefit

To learn more about the three qualifications listed above and to find out if you are eligible, continue reading below.

Free Internet for Low Income Families – Eligibility Guidelines for 2023

We will walk you through each of the three ways you can qualify for the Low Income Free Internet Program in Ohio.

These eligibility guidelines will determine if you qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit.

#1 – Income Requirements for ACP Internet Discount

The first way to qualify for free or discounted internet is based on your household income.

You can qualify to get the $30 ACP Internet Credit if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

These guidelines are based on your state and household size.

Use the table below to see if your household income qualifies for the monthly ACP internet credit.

The table below reflects 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines:

2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Ohio Residents
Household Size Household Income
1 $29,160
2 $39,440
3 $49,720
4 $60,000
5 $70,280
6 $80,560
7 $90,840
8 $101,120
For each additional person, add: +$10,280

Please note, you may be asked to provide proof of income when applying for the low income free internet credit. This can include a current tax return or three consecutive pay stubs.

To learn more about income verification documents you may be asked to provide, continue reading this article. We will cover that information in the next section.

If you are currently receiving benefits from another government assistance program such as Ohio food stamps or cash assistance, you may automatically qualify for the $30 internet credit.

To learn more, continue reading below.

#2 – Ohio EBT or Assistance Program Participation

The second way to qualify for the ACP internet discount is through your current Ohio assistance benefits or EBT Card. If you are currently enrolled and receiving benefits through another government assistance program (such as Ohio food stamps), you may automatically qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit.

Ohio Programs that qualify for the Free Internet Discount

You can get free internet for low income families if you or someone in your household participates in one of the following Ohio benefits programs:

  • Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid (MA)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit (DVS)
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program (NSLP)
  • School Breakfast Program (SBP)
  • USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

Please note, you may be asked to provide proof of enrollment in any of the following programs listed above.

This can include a card, letter, or official document that shows your participation in one of the programs.

To learn more about this, continue reading and skip to the next section.

#3 – If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit

The third way you can qualify for the monthly low income free internet credit is through the Lifeline Program.

If you already receive a Lifeline benefit for discounted monthly phone service, you can automatically qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit.

You will be able to receive both the Lifeline phone and ACP internet credit at the same time.

Additionally, you can apply for the ACP internet benefit through the same or separate company you are using for the Lifeline Program.

Contact your internet company directly to learn more about adding the ACP internet discount. 

ACP Tribal Assistance Program

Additionally, if you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you can get an increased ACP internet credit through the enhanced tribal benefit program.

ACP Tribal Benefit recipients can get up to a $75 per month credit on their internet service.

To qualify, your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Additionally, you can also qualify if you or someone in your household participates in:

  • Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
  • Head Start Program (only households meeting the income qualifications)
  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Please note, you will be asked to provide proof of participation in any of the programs listed above.

To learn more about the enhanced Tribal Benefit through the Affordable Connectivity Program, click here.

Low Income Free Internet Program Application

If you believe you qualify for the $30 ACP Internet Credit based on the eligibility standards listed above, your next step is to submit your application.

If you want to submit an Free Internet for Low Income Families Application, you will be asked to provide the following information:

  • You full legal name
  • Phone Number
  • Date of Birth
  • Email Address
  • Social Security Number
  • Home & Mailing Address
  • Information for Household Members
  • Household Income
  • Government Assistance Information (if applicable)

Be sure to have this information ready prior to completing your application for discounted internet.

How to Apply for the $30 ACP Internet Discount in Ohio

There are three ways to apply for discounted internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program – online, by mail, and through your local internet provider.

We will walk you through the step-by-step process on how to apply using each of the three methods below.

Already a Lifeline participant?

If you are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program, you do not have to apply again for the ACP internet discount.

You can apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services.

To do this, reach out to your internet company directly to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Option #1 – Apply Online

The quickest and easiest way to apply for the ACP internet credit is online.

To complete your free internet application online, visit the ACP Application page on the Lifeline website or go to ACPBenefit.org.

Complete the information and proceed to login or create a Lifeline online account.

Option #2 – Submit your Application by Mail

The second way to complete the ACP Application is by mail. To submit your application for the $30 internet credit, print out the application here.

Once you’ve completed your application and Household Worksheet, mail both to the ACP Support Center.

Mail your completed ACP Application to:

ACP Support Center Address

PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742

To ensure faster application processing, be sure to include copies of your verification documents.

Option #3 – Contact your Internet Provider

The last option to apply for the ACP internet discount is directly through your internet provider.

If you already have an internet provider, contact them to see if they participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Additionally, you can use this online tool to find an ACP provider near you.

If you are already enrolled and participating in the Lifeline Program for discounted phone service, contact your provider to take advantage of the ACP internet discount.

Congratulations! You’ve now successfully submitted your application to receive a monthly $30 internet credit!

If you apply online, you may receive an immediate approval. If your eligibility can not be approved automatically, you will receive an email or letter requesting additional documentation.

To learn more about what happens after you apply, including verification documentation, continue reading below.

After you’re Approved for ACP Internet Discount

Once your ACP application has been approved for $30 internet credit each month, here’s what you need to do:

  1. Submit any requested Verification Documentation
  2. Find the local ACP participating companies near you.
  3. Choose an eligible internet provider.
  4. Sign up for internet service.
  5. Find out what additional services are available for ACP recipients.

Once you’ve completed these steps, the $30 ACP internet credit will automatically be deducted from your bill each month.

Verification Documentation

If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you may be asked to submit documentation to verify your identity, address, income, and assistance program participation.

Documentation must include your:

  1. First name
  2. Last name
  3. Date of Birth

Some examples of approved ACP verification documents may include:

  • A valid government, military, state or Tribal ID
  • Birth Certificate, U.S. Driver’s License or Passport
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
  • Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
  • Government assistance program document
  • Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document
  • Prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
  • Mortgage or lease statement

Once you have successfully submitted all verification documentation, you can proceed by finding an ACP internet provider near you.

To find an eligible Ohio ACP internet provider near you, continue reading below.

ACP Free Internet Providers in Ohio

Currently, Ohio has 138 ACP internet providers offering low income free internet.

We’ve provided a list of all the Ohio companies offering discounted internet to EBT Cardholders below.

Ohio Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Internet Providers
Internet Provider Name Phone Number Type of Service Free with ACP? Discounted Device?
AT&T 866-986-0963 Home Internet Yes
MetroNet 877-407-3224 Home Internet
Spot On Networks, LLC 877-768-6687 Home Internet
Viasat 855-463-9333 Home Internet
Sycamore Telephone Company* 419-927-6012 Home Internet
Comcast (Xfinity) 1-800-XFINITY Home Internet
Bascom Mutual Telephone Company 419-937-2222 Home Internet
Consolidated Fiber, Inc. 800-421-5863 Home Internet
SWA Connect, LLC 866-350-0222 Home Internet Yes
Telephone Service Company* 800-831-6099 Home Internet
Erie County Cablevision, Inc, 419-724-9800 Home Internet
FairlawnGig 330-668-3300 Home Internet
Belmont County Gig and Logan County Gig, Ohio Gig Holdings 513-375-9993 Home Internet
GreatWave Communications* 440-593-7140 Home Internet
TOAST.net Internet Service 419-292-2200 Home Internet
Windstream Communications, LLC* 866-445-8084 Home Internet
Maxsip Telecom Corporation 866-629-7471 Home Internet Yes
EARTHLINK, LLC 888-327-8454 Home Internet
altafiber* 866-565-2210 Home Internet
Massillon Cable TV, Inc. 330-833-4134 Home Internet
Buckeye Cablevision, Inc. 419-724-9800 Home Internet Yes
Midwest Energy Cooperative 800-492-5989 Home Internet
Verizon Wireless 800-922-0204 Home Internet
Wabash* 419-942-1111 Home Internet
Imagine Networks 877-677-0001 Home Internet
Amplex Internet 419-837-5015 Home Internet
Brightspeed 833-692-7773 Home Internet
TDS Telecommunications Corporation 888-225-5837 Home Internet
Frontier Communications Corporation 877-847-6091 Home Internet
The Benton Ridge Telephone Company* 800-589-3837 Home Internet Yes
Armstrong Utilities Inc. 800-734-1146 Home Internet
Telephone Service Company 800-831-6099 Home Internet
Point Broadband Fiber Holding, LLC 844-407-6468 Home Internet
W.A.T.C.H. TV Company 800-589-3837 Home Internet Yes
Twigby ACP Home Int Home Internet
GMN Wireless Broadband 740-472-2003 Home Internet
U2 CONNECT NOW 844-679-0909 Home Internet
altafiber 866-565-2210 Home Internet
Armstrong Telecommunications, Inc. 800-734-1146 Home Internet
Spectrum (Charter Communications Operating, LLC) 866-980-3107 Home Internet Yes
TM Telecomm Corp 305-471-8467 Home Internet Yes
MetaLINK Technologies, Inc. 888-999-8002 Home Internet
WOW! Internet Cable and Phone 888-530-2711 Home Internet
Windspeed Broadband, LLC 800-282-4650 Home Internet
Cox Communication 866-439-1289 Home Internet Yes Yes
Integrated Path Communications LLC 888-224-6958 Home Internet Yes
RAA Data Services, Inc. 330-271-9693 Home Internet
Southern Ohio Communication Services, Inc. 740-947-2409 Home Internet
Synergy Internet 855-779-6374 Home Internet
Ohio Transparent Telecom, Inc. 833-464-4688 Home Internet
Suddenlink 866-200-7610 Home Internet
Culture Wireless 404-254-6236 Home Internet Yes
The Chillicothe Telephone Company* 866-436-7163 Home Internet
Ayersville Telephone Company* 419-395-2222 Home Internet
ECOMOBILE, INC. 855-825-8855 Home Internet Yes
Lingo 866-405-4646 Home Internet
DigitalC 216-777-3859 Home Internet
PCs for People 651-354-2552 Home Internet Yes Yes
Cathect Communications, Inc 866-961-9941 Home Internet Yes
Zito West Holding, LLC 800-365-6988 Home Internet
Medina Fiber 330-366-2008 Home Internet
JB-Nets Broadband Services 740-446-2975 Home Internet
Wabash Communications 419-942-1111 Home Internet
IgLou Internet Services 502-966-3848 Home Internet
Starry, Inc 888-231-9403 Home Internet Yes
Middle Point Home Telephone Company* 800-831-6099 Home Internet
Cogeco US Finance, LLC d/b/a Breezeline 888-536-9600 Home Internet Yes
Hughes Network Systems, LLC 844-737-2700 Home Internet
Nelsonville TV Cable Inc. 740-753-2686 Home Internet
Mercury Broadband 800-354-4915 Home Internet
Clear Wireless, LLC 888-341-3471 Home Internet Yes
Foundation for California Community Colleges 866-325-3222 Home Internet
Mediacom LLC 855-330-6918 Home Internet Yes
Crystal Broadband Networks, Inc. 877-319-0328 Home Internet
Dailytel Inc. 883-999-0427 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Assurance Wireless* 888-321-5880 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
Sarver Wireless 888-744-8950 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Insight Mobile, Inc. 866-330-0902 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Excess Telecom, Inc. 800-615-0898 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Rural4G 870-451-0373 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Comlink Total Solutions Corp 833-526-0200 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
Gen Mobile, Inc 833-528-1380 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Selectel Wireless 877-218-5744 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
North American Local, LLC 888-247-3903 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Cintex Wireless, LLC 800-931-0141 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Tone Communication Services LLC 800-515-8182 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
Straight Talk, Total Wireless, Simple Mobile, Walmart Family Mobile, TracFone, Net10, Page Plus & Go Smart* 833-333-9227 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
TM Telecomm Corp 305-471-8467 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Q Link Wireless LLC* 855-754-6543 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Life Wireless* 888-543-3620 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Comcast (Xfinity) 1-800-XFINITY Mobile Internet (WIFI)
Ztar Mobile, Inc 800-416-3003 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
IDT Domestic Telecom, Inc. 800-689-0617 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
UVNV, Inc. 888-777-0446 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
PCs for People 651-354-2552 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Rogue Mobile Inc. 407-686-1026 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
SafetyNet Wireless 888-224-3213 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Global Connection Inc. of America* 800-544-4441 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
InterConnection 206-633-1517 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Sage Telecom Communications, LLC 800-430-0443 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Boost Mobile 866-402-7366 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Red Pocket, Inc 888-993-3888 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Tempo Telecom, Inc.* 833-998-3676 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Boftech 248-905-1907 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Galaxy Distribution LLC 833-942-5299 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
SurgePhone Wireless LLC 855-578-2677 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Boomerang Wireless, LLC* 866-488-8719 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
T-Mobile USA, Inc. 888-863-8768 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
Hello Mobile Telecom LLC 888-854-3556 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
AT&T Mobility LLC 866-986-0963 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Sano Health LLC 866-970-7299 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Verizon Wireless 800-922-0204 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
NewPhone Wireless, LLC 855-204-3667 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Whoop Connect Inc. 888-200-1076 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
US Connect 877-732-7987 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Upward Mobile LLC 404-487-0931 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Airtalk Wireless* 855-924-7825 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
Culture Wireless 404-254-6236 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Unity Wireless Inc. 800-701-3231 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
ECOMOBILE, INC. 855-825-8855 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
American Assistance and Your Call Wireless* 877-266-7212 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
K20 Wireless 717-400-5573 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Torch Wireless 877-998-6674 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Easy Wireless 877-476-3451 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Go Technology Management, LLC 877-223-1978 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Consolidated Communications, Inc. 844-968-7224 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Xchange Telecom LLC 646-722-7200 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Access Wireless* 866-594-3644 Mobile Internet (WIFI)
human-I-T 888-268-3921 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Hoop Wireless, LLC 833-367-4667 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
Clear Wireless, LLC 888-341-3471 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
LTE Wireless 877-388-2232 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Wireless Brands Co 877-863-5911 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Boomerang Wireless, LLC 866-488-8719 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Infiniti Mobile 214-323-8000 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes Yes
AT&T 866-986-0963 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
H2O Wireless 888-543-3620 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes
Cricket Wireless 844-246-8364 Mobile Internet (WIFI) Yes

Free Internet Program FAQs

Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Free Internet for Low Income Families in Ohio.

Will I receive a check each month?

No, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount on internet service.

This will come directly off your internet bill. You will not be sent a check in the mail or electronic transfer.

Can I receive more than one ACP benefit?

No, only one monthly service discount and device discount is allowed per household.

In addition, your household cannot get the ACP benefit from more than one company.

If more than one person in your household participates in the ACP, you are breaking the FCC’s rules and will lose your monthly benefit.

Can I sign up for the ACP internet discount if I am already an internet customer?

Yes, the Affordable Connectivity Program internet credit is available to eligible new, past and current customers of participating ACP internet providers.

This means if you are a Comcast Xfinity internet customer, you can still apply for the $30 ACP internet credit with them.

Can I apply for the ACP internet credit if I have a past due internet bill?

Yes, eligible Ohio households with a past due balance or a balance in collections are still eligible for the ACP Internet benefit.

Will I have to provide proof of my income?

Yes, to complete your ACP Application you may be asked to provide proof of your household income.

Approved income documentation can include:

  • The prior year’s tax return
  • Three consecutive pay stubs
  • Current income statement
  • Social Security, Veterans Administration, Unemployment, Worker’s Compensation or Retirement statement of benefits

Can I receive both discounted phone and internet service?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is separate from the FCC’s Lifeline Program. If your household qualifies for both programs, you can apply to receive both phone and internet benefits.

For example, you could apply the Lifeline benefit to a mobile service and apply an ACP benefit to an internet service to your home. You could also apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to a single internet service from the same provider.

To learn more about how to save on your monthly phone bill with the Lifeline Program, check out our article here.

Can I give my ACP internet credit to someone else?

The ACP internet credit is not transferable. This means that you cannot give your internet discount to anyone else, even if they qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

What happens if my income no longer qualifies for the ACP internet credit?

If you no longer qualify for the ACP benefit (such as your income exceeds the income level or you no longer participate in a qualifying benefits program), you must notify your ACP internet provider or the ACP administrator within 30 days.

Ohio EBT Discounts & Free Admission

Want to save even more with your Ohio EBT Card and food stamp benefits?

Check out the complete list of Ohio EBT Discounts for 2023 available exclusively with your Ohio SNAP EBT Card.

Discounts include discounted Amazon Prime, home and cell phone service, and more.

Plus, check out the list of places that you can get FREE admission at with your Ohio EBT Card.

There are over 60 locations that offer free or discounted admission in Ohio including museums, zoos, botanical gardens, aquariums and more!

Free Internet for Low Income Families Summary

We hope this post about the Free Internet Program for Low Income Families and Ohio Direction EBT Cardholders was helpful to you!

If you have any questions about the $30 ACP internet program, including how to apply or eligibility, please let us know in the comments section below.

In addition, if you have any questions about the Ohio food stamps or SNAP EBT Program, please let us know.

In the meantime, for more help on with your Ohio Food Stamp benefits, check out our other articles here:
Ohio Food Stamps FAQS
How to use Ohio EBT Online at Amazon
Ohio Food Stamps Calculator for 2023
Ohio EBT Deposit Schedule – 2023

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