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:
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.
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.
If your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive:
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.
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:
To learn more about the three qualifications listed above and to find out if you are eligible, continue reading below.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Be sure to have this information ready prior to completing your application for discounted internet.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Once your ACP application has been approved for $30 internet credit each month, here’s what you need to do:
Once you’ve completed these steps, the $30 ACP internet credit will automatically be deducted from your bill each month.
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:
Some examples of approved ACP verification documents may include:
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.
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 | |
Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Free Internet for Low Income Families in Ohio.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, eligible Ohio households with a past due balance or a balance in collections are still eligible for the ACP Internet benefit.
Yes, to complete your ACP Application you may be asked to provide proof of your household income.
Approved income documentation can include:
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.
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.
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.
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!
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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