Low Income Cable & Internet

The Lifetime Assistance Program provides discounts on telephone and Internet services for qualified families. The savings depends on the state where the recipient lives, but the minimum is $10 per month. The federal program started in 1997 to aid low-income families with discounted land-line telephone charges, but was expanded in 2000 and 2004 to include Internet and cell phone services. The program does not pay 100 percent of the recipient's bill. Total savings is dependent upon the family's income. Those living on federal native lands are eligible for an additional $25 per month.

Link-Up helps low-income families pay for their telephony services. The Link-Up program will pay up to 50 percent, or up to $30, of the installation or activation fees for both land-line and wireless telephone services. It further allows a scheduled deferral of payments for the remaining fees and permits the customers to borrow up to $200 with no interest to pay for extra costs. Those living on native tribal land can get an additional $70 above the standard assistance.

The Lifeline and Link-Up programs both have income requirements. To be eligible, a family's income must be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, and the number increases to 150 percent for state programs. Low-income families may also qualify for the programs if they are enrolled in other programs such as Medicaid, food stamps, Social Security Disability Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, State Disability Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), National School Lunch Program or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. Many states offer assistance within their jurisdiction for various state-run programs.

Internet companies such as Netzero and Juno offer free, restricted dial-up services. The plans often include maximum usage times with additional costs for exceeding the limit, or extensive use of advertising windows once a connection is made. Some areas do not have local access numbers, so check with the service before signing up or long distance charges may accrue. Many towns have cafes, bookstores, hotels and restaurants with free wireless hotspots, but they require a wireless connection device such as a laptop, netbook or smartphone. Furthermore, many local branches of non-profit organizations such as the United Way have programs to help low-income families with their telephone and Internet charges.