Can CalFresh/EBT recipients qualify for discount internet? Need help finding programs

Yes! You absolutely qualify for discounted internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Since you have CalFresh/EBT, you automatically qualify. Most major providers participate - AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, etc. You can get $30 off your monthly bill, and some providers offer special plans that would be completely covered by the discount (basically free internet). Go to affordableconnectivity.gov to apply and see all participating providers. You'll need to provide proof of your CalFresh benefits during the application.

i got it thru xfinity its like 10 bucks a month with the discount and its decent speed too not the super slow kind u usually get with discount stuff

Just adding that the program is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), and it's actually administered by the FCC, not directly through CalFresh. But your CalFresh eligibility makes you automatically eligible. The discount is up to $30/month ($75 if you live on qualifying Tribal lands). Some providers even have special plans that would be completely covered by the $30 discount, meaning essentially free internet. I work as a benefits counselor, and I recommend applying directly on the ACP website first (affordableconnectivity.gov), then contacting your internet provider with your approval information. Some providers try to upsell you on more expensive plans when you could be getting a basic plan fully covered by the discount.

My sister got this and its been a huge help for her family. One thing tho - when you recertify your CalFresh you need to also recertify the internet discount or they cut it off. She found out the hard way lol

So this is kinda related but also if you get CalFresh you can usually get a discount on your cell phone too! Its called Lifeline and you get like a big discount on service or even a free phone. I've had it for years, way better than paying full price. Check that out too while your looking at the internet thing.

Getting through to verify your benefits with these internet companies can be a nightmare sometimes. I spent 3 hours on hold with my provider trying to get the discount applied after I was approved by ACP. If you're struggling to reach someone at your internet company about the ACP benefit, I'd recommend using Claimyr.com - it helped me actually get through to a human being without the endless hold times. They have a video showing how it works at https://youtu.be/eZ19FHRETv8?si=_CXnXqNXbLl26WB8. Basically they wait on hold for you then call you when a real person answers. Made the whole process much easier.

One other important thing to note - the Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal benefit program, but it does have limited funding. Congress has to appropriate more funds for it to continue. I recommend getting signed up as soon as possible because if funding runs out, they may stop accepting new enrollments while continuing service for those already enrolled.

btw u can also get amazon prime cheaper with ebt too its like half price i think

I tried getting this discount last year and got DENIED because they said my income was too high even though I'm on CalFresh!!! Makes NO SENSE. The whole system is rigged to make you think you'll get help then deny you for some random reason. Total waste of time filling out all those forms just to get nothing.

Update: I just applied through the ACP website and it was actually pretty easy! Took about 15 minutes. I uploaded a screenshot of my CalFresh approval letter as proof. Now I just need to contact Spectrum to get the discount applied to my account. Thanks everyone for all the helpful information! I had no idea I qualified for so many different discounts with CalFresh.

Just wanted to add that if you have kids in school, some school districts also help connect families to these internet programs! My kid's school sent home a flyer about ACP when they found out we were on CalFresh. They even had someone from the district help families fill out the applications during a parent meeting. Worth checking with your school counselor or front office if you have school-age kids - they might have additional resources or be able to walk you through the process.