Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. A working phone is a lifeline. It's how a landlord calls you back, how you hear about a job, and how you reach your people. If yours is shut off or you're down to your last few dollars of data, let's fix that together.
Here is the easy first step: see if you qualify for Lifeline. It lowers your monthly phone bill. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, you may already qualify.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a phone, a discount or a spot in any program.
- Offers and prices change. Check with the company before you sign up.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for households that qualify. As of October 18, 2026, the FCC says Lifeline gives up to a $9.25 monthly discount, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands.
The FCC says you can qualify if you, or someone in your household, take part in programs like these:
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension Benefits
- Certain Tribal Assistance Programs
You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The FCC says only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. In Ohio, you can apply online with the National Verifier at https://getinternet.gov/apply or through a phone company that offers Lifeline. The Lifeline Support Center answers questions at 800.234.9473, 7 days a week, 9 am to 9 pm Eastern.
Sources: https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-help/
How to sign up, step by step
- Pick a phone company that offers Lifeline, or apply online at getinternet.gov/apply.
- Gather proof, like a SNAP or Medicaid letter, or proof of income.
- Fill out the application and send in your proof.
- Ask the company which phones or plans come with the discount.
- Write down your application number and the company's name.
- Keep using your service and renew when asked so you don't lose the benefit.
Proof you may be asked for
Lifeline rules to keep your discount
Lifeline for survivors. The FCC says survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may get emergency Lifeline support, and there is help separating your phone line from a plan shared with an abuser. Check the details at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/survivor-benefit/
Report Lifeline fraud to the FCC tip line at 855.455.8477.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
What to say when you call a phone company
"Hi. I'd like to sign up for Lifeline with your company."
"What plans or phones come with the Lifeline discount?"
"Is there any cost to me each month after the discount?"
"What happens if I move or my phone gets lost?"
Need help applying?
Call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 with application questions. Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish. Easy peasy!
How can I get low cost internet at home?
- Lifeline and internet. The FCC says Lifeline gives a monthly discount on qualifying phone, internet or bundled service from participating companies. Ask a company that offers Lifeline which services it has.
- Low cost plans. Some internet companies have their own lower price plans for households with low incomes or that take part in programs like SNAP. For example, AT&T says its Access from AT&T plan is for eligible households based on income or a qualifying government program. See section 7 for more.
- BroadbandOhio FINDER. The state's no cost tool helps you find affordable computers and devices, no cost internet hotspots, and digital skills training near you.
Sources: https://www.att.com/internet/access/ and https://broadband.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/broadband/highlights/finder/01-finder
Say you get SNAP and need a phone
Say you get SNAP and your phone was shut off. The FCC lists SNAP as one of the programs that can qualify you for Lifeline. You could apply online at getinternet.gov/apply, or ask a phone company that offers Lifeline, and have your SNAP letter ready.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
Staying connected keeps doors open. You deserve to be reachable, friend.
From the Bunklow team
Where can I get online at no cost?
- Public libraries. Libraries in the county list later in this guide can help you get online. Columbus Metropolitan Library says you can reserve a public computer at all of its locations, and no cost WiFi is available for your own devices. Cleveland Public Library says guest passes for its computers are available on request.
- Borrow a hotspot. Cleveland Public Library lends mobile hotspots with unlimited data for 28 days to cardholders 18 or older who live in Cleveland, Bratenahl, Newburgh Heights or Linndale. Akron Summit County Public Library lends hotspots to adults for two weeks at any of its 19 libraries.
- Day centers and shelters. Some have phones, computers or charging spots. Ask 211.
- OhioMeansJobs centers. See Guide 6 for job centers near you.
Sources: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ and https://cpl.org/service/computers-technology/ and https://www.akronlibrary.org/books-more/library-of-things/hotspot-lending
How can I stay reachable without a phone plan?
- Use a no cost email account. Check it at the library. Write the address on forms so people can reach you.
- Use WiFi calling and texting apps when you're on no cost WiFi, if your phone can.
- Ask a shelter or day center if you can get messages there.
- Write down your key numbers on paper, in case your phone dies.
Charge up
A small backup battery is a game changer. Libraries and many day centers let you charge your phone. Ask at the front desk. Happy charging!
Watch out for scams
- Lifeline is no cost to apply for. Be careful with anyone who asks you to pay to sign up.
- Only give your Social Security number or benefits letter to the Lifeline program or a company you chose.
- If something sounds too good to be true, call 211 or the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 to check.
- To report a scam or a problem with a business in Ohio, call the Ohio Attorney General's Help Center at 800.282.0515, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm. The office says it can't give legal advice to individuals.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/About-AG/Contact
What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You may still see ads for the ACP. The FCC says the ACP and its monthly internet discount ended on June 1, 2024, because Congress did not add more funding.
- The FCC warns that some websites still advertise the ACP and even collect personal information. If you see one, you can file a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.
- If you gave your Social Security number, card or bank information to a site offering ACP enrollment, the FCC says to visit IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.
- Today, ask about Lifeline and low cost plans from internet companies instead.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/acp
Which internet companies have low cost plans?
Here are plans described on the companies' own pages. Each company decides who qualifies, and plans are only offered where the company has service.
- Access from AT&T. AT&T says you may be eligible if someone in your home takes part in a qualifying government program, like SNAP, or if your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Proof can include an EBT card or a benefit letter. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.att.com/internet/access/
- Xfinity Internet Essentials. Xfinity says plans start at $14.95 a month for up to 75 Mbps, for households in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance or the National School Lunch Program, where Xfinity serves. You can't have had Xfinity Internet in the last 90 days, or owe Comcast for an account less than a year old. Call 1.844.389.4681. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials
- Spectrum Internet Assist. Spectrum says this 50 Mbps plan is for qualifying households, from $25 a month. Households in the National School Lunch Program, its Community Eligibility Provision, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may qualify for $15 a month. Seniors 65 and older who get SSI are eligible. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist
How to sign up for a low cost plan, step by step
- Check which companies serve your address.
- Look at each company's low cost plan page for who qualifies.
- Gather proof, like your EBT card, a Medicaid letter or proof of income.
- Apply online or by phone, and write down your confirmation number.
- Ask about equipment fees, taxes and what happens after any promo period.
- Set a reminder to renew if the company asks you to.
No cost WiFi spots
Public libraries offer no cost computers and WiFi. Ask your branch about hours and time limits. Just ask!
How can I get a low or no cost computer?
- PCs for People sells low cost refurbished computers to people who qualify. As of October 18, 2026, it asks for a photo ID plus proof of income or of a program like Medicaid, or no cost or reduced price school lunch. A handwritten statement isn't accepted on its own.
- Xfinity says Internet Essentials customers can buy a new laptop or Chromebook for $149.99 plus tax.
- The BroadbandOhio FINDER lists affordable computers and devices and device donation locations near you.
- Dial 211 and ask about low or no cost computers near you.
Sources: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/ and https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials and https://broadband.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/broadband/highlights/finder/01-finder
Who can help me learn to get online?
No cost help is out there, one on one or in a class. As of October 18, 2026:
- Akron Summit County Public Library offers no cost hands on computer classes. For one on one help, you can fill out a request, and a Technology Trainer will set up a one hour appointment with you.
- Toledo Lucas County Public Library offers individual or group appointments for help with computers, email, internet, Microsoft products, job applications and more. It also has classes and no cost LearnFree video lessons.
- Cleveland Public Library offers hands on classes and one on one support.
- The BroadbandOhio FINDER also lists digital skills training near you.
- Elsewhere, ask your library or dial 211.
Sources: https://www.akronlibrary.org/services/computer-training and https://www.toledolibrary.org/technologyhelp/ and https://cpl.org/service/computers-technology/ and https://broadband.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/broadband/highlights/finder/01-finder
Ask about classes too
Many libraries and adult learning centers offer no cost computer classes. Learning a few basics, like email and saving a file, makes job and benefit applications much easier. You've got this!
What can I do at the library besides WiFi?
Libraries are a big help when you don't have a computer or printer at home. Here's what a few Ohio libraries list, as of October 18, 2026.
Prices vary by library.
- No cost printing at the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library. Print up to 20 pages in color or 33 in black and white per day at no cost at any of its 41 locations. After that, it's $0.15 a page in black and white or $0.25 in color.
- No cost faxing at all Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library locations. Staff can help if you need to fax papers to Job and Family Services.
- Toledo Lucas County Public Library cardholders get $1.50 of printing or copying a day. Outgoing faxes are at no cost.
- Columbus Metropolitan Library lets you send print jobs from your phone or computer to any location, for $0.10 a page in black and white.
- No cost library cards. Dayton Metro Library says any Ohio resident can get a card at no cost. Cleveland Public Library cards are at no cost to permanent Ohio residents and people who go to school or work in Ohio.
Sources: https://chpl.org/services/fax-print/ and https://www.toledolibrary.org/printing-copying-and-faxing/ and https://www.columbuslibrary.org/printing/ and https://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/ask-me/ and https://cpl.org/library-cards/
Can I still sign up for the ACP?
No. The FCC says the ACP ended on June 1, 2024. Be careful of websites that still advertise it.
How much is Xfinity Internet Essentials?
Xfinity says plans start at $14.95 a month for qualifying customers.
How much is Spectrum Internet Assist?
Spectrum says from $25 a month, or $15 a month for households in the National School Lunch Program or SSI.
Who qualifies for Access from AT&T?
AT&T says you may qualify through a qualifying government program, or if your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
How much is the Lifeline discount?
As of October 18, 2026, the FCC says up to $9.25 a month, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands.
Who do I call about Lifeline in Ohio?
Call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473, or apply at getinternet.gov/apply.
Can more than one person in my home get it?
The FCC says only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Is printing no cost at the library?
At the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library, yes, up to 20 color or 33 black and white pages a day. Other libraries charge a small fee per page.
Sources: https://www.fcc.gov/acp and https://www.att.com/internet/access/ and https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/internet-essentials and https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist and https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-help/ and https://chpl.org/services/fax-print/
Here are public libraries near you that can help you get online. Call ahead for hours, and ask about computers, WiFi, printing and getting a library card.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
Lifeline Support Center
What it offers Answers to questions about applying for Lifeline.
How to reach Call 800.234.9473. Press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish.
Source https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-help/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Ohio
Here are some places to start.
Ohio Attorney General Help Center
What it offers Help with consumer complaints and scams. The office can't give legal advice to individuals.
How to reach Call 800.282.0515, Monday to Friday, 8 am to 6 pm.
Source https://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/About-AG/Contact
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Franklin County (Columbus)
Here are some places to start.
Columbus Metropolitan Library
What it offers Public computers you can reserve at all locations, no cost WiFi, and printing from your phone or computer to any location, $0.10 a page in black and white.
How to reach Call 614.645.2275.
Source https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ and https://www.columbuslibrary.org/about-your-card/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland)
Here are some places to start.
Cleveland Public Library
What it offers No cost computers, internet and classes, with guest passes on request. Hotspots for cardholders 18 and older who live in Cleveland, Bratenahl, Newburgh Heights or Linndale.
How to reach Call 216.623.2800.
Source https://cpl.org/service/computers-technology/ and https://cpl.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hamilton County (Cincinnati)
Here are some places to start.
Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library
What it offers No cost printing, up to 20 color or 33 black and white pages a day, and no cost faxing at all 41 locations.
How to reach 800 Vine Street, Cincinnati. Call 513.369.6900.
Source https://chpl.org/services/fax-print/ and https://chpl.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Summit County (Akron)
Here are some places to start.
Akron Summit County Public Library
What it offers Public computers for two hours a day with a library card, no cost WiFi, and no cost computer classes and one on one help.
How to reach Call 330.643.9000.
Source https://www.akronlibrary.org/services/library-computers and https://www.akronlibrary.org/about/contact
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Montgomery County (Dayton)
Here are some places to start.
Dayton Metro Library
What it offers No cost WiFi at all locations, plus printers, scanners and copiers that can send faxes. Library cards are at no cost for any Ohio resident.
How to reach 215 E. Third St., Dayton. Call 937.463.2665.
Source https://www.daytonmetrolibrary.org/ask-me/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Lucas County (Toledo)
Here are some places to start.
Toledo Lucas County Public Library
What it offers One on one or group help with computers, email, internet and job applications. Cardholders get $1.50 of printing or copying a day, and outgoing faxes are at no cost.
How to reach 325 Michigan Street, Toledo. Call 419.259.5200.
Source https://www.toledolibrary.org/technologyhelp/ and https://www.toledolibrary.org/printing-copying-and-faxing/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My connection plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Stay connected, friend. Make it a great day!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 18, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Affordable living. Simplified
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