Free Wifi With Food Stamps: The Internet has become one of the essential needs of today, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic. the internet is a doorway for a plethora of options starting from education, and entertainment, to employment and more. It can certainly help a person in improving and enhancing their lifestyle. However, the internet is quite expensive and cannot be afforded by everyone.
Many low-income families find it very difficult to get an internet or Wi-Fi connection at home. This further deepens the digital divide and keeps low-income families from getting out of the vicious cycle of poverty. As many people are kept from accessing internet services, they lose out on multiple opportunities that other people get.
To solve the problem of the digital divide and to help struggling families get access to the internet during the Covid-19 period, the government as well as many non-profit organizations, come forward to help low-income families by giving them access to internet connectivity, digital resources such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and so on.
So if you are from a low-income family or if you want to get free Wi-Fi with food stamps, then you can read the article below to know more.
Is it possible to get Free Wifi With Food Stamps?
Yes. You can get Free Wifi With Food Stamps, provided that you are a participant in the SNAP program. The Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline Program offer free internet services for low-income families. Anyone can be eligible for these programs and get free internet if they are already a participant in any other government assistance programs like SNAP, SSI, TANF, NSLP, Medicaid, etc.
How to get Free Wifi With Food Stamps?
In order to get Free Wi-Fi With Food Stamps, one must apply for the ACP or Lifeline Program. Eligible households will be given the benefits of these programs such as free internet services, free or discounted cell phone plans, free laptops, computers, tablets, smartphones, etc.
If you are below the poverty line or already a participant in any of the government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, SSI, NSLP, etc. then you automatically become eligible for free Wi-Fi with food stamps.
All you need to do is, while applying for ACP or Lifeline, make sure to apply through and select a network service provider that provides free Wi-Fi with food stamps (we have shared a list of such network providers below for your reference). You also need to ensure that it particular provider offers its services in your area.
Finally, when you apply for any of these programs, ensure that you submit official documents that prove your participation in SNAP program to get free WiFi connectivity with Food stamps.
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program ACP is a Federal government assistance program that helps low-income families get access to digital resources such as free government smartphones, tablets, laptops, etc., and even free internet services or discounted telecommunication service plans.
Many Network Service Providers like AT&T, Cox, Xfinity, Spectrum, etc. participate in ACP to offer free internet with food stamps and other services to low-income eligible households. They accept SNAP participants, like most other government assistance programs, and give free WiFi with food stamps to them.
You can find out more about this program and know how to apply for it with the help of this guide here: What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Lifeline Program
In 1985, the government introduced the Lifeline assistance program to provide low-income families with access to Information and Communication Technology. The program offers free high-speed internet data, free talk and text messages, and other needs to eligible low-income households.
Those who are below or at 135% of the poverty guidelines or participating in any of the government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Social Security Income, etc., can apply for the Lifeline-free internet program.
This means that low-income people who receive food stamps through the EBT program are also eligible for the program. To apply for the program, visit the official website of Lifeline. Eligible households can receive free or discounted monthly service plans that include high-speed internet and other features.
You can get more information about the Lifeline Program here.
Network Providers that offer free Wifi With Food Stamps
As mentioned before, the ACP and Lifeline Programs help low-income families in getting free WiFi and other services such as free or discounted cell phone plans, laptops, computers, smartphones, tablets, etc. on huge discounts.
The government offers these free services to eligible households through Network Service Providers that offer free Wifi With Food Stamps. You can reach out to these companies through their official websites and apply for free internet services.
If you are already a participant in any of the government assistance programs like SNAP, TANF, NSLP, LIHEAP, SSI, Medicaid, etc. then you directly become eligible for free internet with ACP and Lifeline.
Given below is a list of all the companies that offer free WiFi with food stamps. You can visit the official website of these ISPs and then find the one that meets your needs the most and whose services are available in your area.
AT&T
AT&T is one of the most well-known and reliable telecommunication services companies in the US that participates in the affordable connectivity program and the lifeline program to offer low-cost or free internet services to low-income eligible households.
AT&T has been a participant in the ACP and lifeline programs and offers up to a $30 discount per month to needy families. To apply for this program, all you have to do is apply for ACP and sign up for Access from AT&T. You can then enjoy your free internet services, once you have been approved.
Anybody who meets the income criteria for ACP or is already a participant in any of the government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, NSLP, LIHEAP, etc. can get free Wi-Fi with food stamps from AT&T.
You can reach out to AT&T at 866.986.0963 to get more information about how to get free WiFi with food stamps from AT&T.
Spectrum
Spectrum is one of the most well-known telecommunications companies in the US that offers various services such as the internet, mobile phone plans, TV, and more. Through their Spectrum Internet Assist program, this internet service provider offers high-speed reliable internet access to low-income families at an affordable price.
In order to get free Wi-Fi with food stamps Spectrum, one must be eligible either via income or be a participant of any of the government assistance programs such as SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid, etc.
Through this program, Eligible households can get high-speed internet data, a free internet modem without any additional cost, and even Security Suite. The best part about Spectrum is that you do not have to worry about any hidden charges or contracts.
They also do not have any data caps. If you wish to apply for spectrum internet assistance to get Spectrum free Wi-Fi with food stamps, then you can apply for it from their official website by filling out the online application form.
Cox
Cox is yet another telecommunications company that has launched its program Connect2Compete in order to provide affordable internet services to low-income families so that they can get access to various opportunities that come with an internet connection.
Through the Connect2Compete program, Cox provides home internet services to eligible households that have school-aged children. You can get high-speed internet service with speeds of up to 100 Mbps for just $9.95 per month.
One can also get a 1.25 TB (1280 GB) monthly data plan with no data overage charges, easy access to over 4M wifi hotspots along with a free Wi-Fi modem and free installation.
In order to be eligible for this program, one must be a participant in any of the government benefits programs such as the National School Lunch Program NSLP, SNAP, TANF, Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), etc.
Internet First
Internet First is one affordable option to get Internet at home for free. Low-income families can easily sign up for their program and get free internet WiFi service along with other benefits such as free or discounted telephone service plans, and free smartphones, desktop computers, tablets, or laptops.
You can apply for their service either online or via mail. One can get up to 50 Mbps for only $9.95 per month. They do not require you to sign any contracts nor do they do a credit check. The best part is that you get WiFi installation for free.
Anyone who lives in an area where Internet First offers their service, and is a participant in any of the government assistance programs like the National School Lunch Program, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, and others, can apply for free WiFi with food stamps from this service provider.
Just keep one thing in mind, in order to apply for their program, you must not have subscribed to their services within the 60 days period immediately prior to applying for the program.
They provide their services in the states of California, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Texas, and Washington state.
Comcast Xfinity
Last but not least, Comcast Xfinity is yet another internet service provider that offers free WiFi with Food stamps for low-income eligible households. If you are eligible for the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program, you can get a monthly credit of up to $30 toward your internet and mobile services.
Since they accept people who participate in government benefits programs like SNAP, TANF, SSI, Medicaid, etc. you can get free WiFi with food stamps from them. You can get 200 Mbps internet with free WiFi equipment on the Xfinity 10G Network — $25 per month for 2 years.
They do not require you to sign any annual contracts or pay any hidden charges. They also do not conduct any credit checks. They also do not charge any monthly bills. You can easily pay only for the internet that you need. They have a prepaid option for internet services.
Non-Profit Organizations that offer Free Wifi With Food Stamps
Many Non-Profit Organizations come forward to help people in need in different ways. Similar to the government, the majority of NGOs also realize the importance of digital resources, especially for low-income people.
The problem of the digital divide is real and has been affecting many low-income families negatively. Due to the high cost of the internet, less fortunate people cannot afford Wi-Fi and internet services. Thus, they are unable to access the umpteenth number of opportunities that Internet services bring, be it education employment, or anything else.
Thus, to Bridge this digital Divide and help low-income families get access to free or affordable internet services, many NGOs provide free Wi-Fi with food stamps for eligible households. Given below is a list of all the NGOs that offer free Wi-Fi with food stamps, that we know of.
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The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a global organization that works for the betterment of people worldwide. Through its network of partners and volunteers, the organization strives to make the lives of low-income families and needy people easier by providing them with food, clothing, shelter, bed, furniture, and more.
The organization also offers free WiFi to such people to help them access education and employment, which can lead to a significant transition in their lives. To get more information about how to get a free WiFi connection with food stamps, visit the official website of the Salvation Army or their nearby office.
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PCs for People
PCs for People is a non-profit entity that offers low-cost internet services, computers, laptops, tablets, and affordable or free internet WiFi for needy people. The organization participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program funded by the Federal government.
They also receive generous donations from individuals and corporates in the form of electronic items, which they refurbish to use for a better purpose. Eligible households can apply for help from this entity and get free WiFi with food stamps.
PCs for People provides computers, internet service, digital skill training programs, and technical support for the needy to ensure that everyone gets an equal opportunity to leverage digital technology. To get more information about the organization, visit its official website at https://www.pcsforpeople.org/
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Human-I-T
Another non-profit organization that focuses on empowering people with digital tools and resources while reducing e-waste is Human-I-T. The organization helps businesses and enterprises divert their e-waste and reuse them to help those in need.
Human-I-T is a registered Microsoft Refurbisher, which means they take e-waste, old and used computers, refurbish them, and install genuine Microsoft software. These registered refurbishers offer these laptops and computers to NGOs, charities, and individuals in need.
The organization collaborates with the Affordable Connectivity Program to provide free internet plans and high-speed internet with food stamps at low cost to eligible households. To learn more about Human-I-T, visit their official website at https://www.human-i-t.org.
Concluding Thoughts
That was all about How to get Free Wifi With Food Stamps. We hope that you have found the above article useful. As you might have understood by now, there are various network service provider companies out there such as AT&T, Cox, Internet First, Spectrum, etc. that offer free WiFi with food stamps for low-income families.
It is quite obvious today that internet and Wi-Fi connection are one of the most essential needs of human beings, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic when schools and offices shifted to online mode.
Many low-income families, as it is already finding it difficult to meet their ends and needs. That is why many less fortunate people face the digital divide and do not get access to digital resources such as the internet and devices like computers and laptops, etc.
This is where the government comes to help needy people by offering free or discounted internet services and Wi-Fi connections to eligible low-income households through various network service provider companies, as mentioned above.
Not just that but also many non-profit organizations aim to help low-income families get access to technology, digital resources, and even skills training when required. You can either apply for ACP and Lifeline through any of the ISPs mentioned above or contact any of the above non-profit organizations.
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