Phones and Internet

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.

What is Lifeline, and do I qualify?

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for households that qualify. As of October 17, 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 Illinois, 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/

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

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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.
• EveryoneOn. A no cost search tool to find low cost internet offers and computers near you, by ZIP code.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.att.com/internet/access/

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. Chicago Public Library says you can use a computer at any location, and if you don't have a library card, you can ask for a daily guest pass.
• Borrow a hotspot. Chicago Public Library's Internet to Go program lends WiFi hotspots for three weeks to CPL cardholders who live in Chicago and are 14 or older, at certain branches.
• Day centers and shelters. Some have phones, computers or charging spots. Ask 211.
• Illinois workNet centers. Many have computers for job searching. See Guide 6.

Sources: https://www.chipublib.org/use-a-computer-or-printer/ and https://www.chipublib.org/faq/internet-to-go-wifi-hotspots/

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.

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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.

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 two 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

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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 17, 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.
• Chicago Public Library also lends Chromebooks, which are checked out at the circulation desk. Ask your branch.
• 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://www.chipublib.org/faqs/does-cpl-offer-self-checkout-of-library-materials/

Who can help me learn to get online?

Digital Navigators are people who help at no cost with getting a device, getting connected, and using apps and websites. The Illinois Office of Broadband works with the Illinois Broadband Lab on a statewide Digital Navigator program.

As of October 17, 2026:

• Chicago Public Library has Digital Navigator tutors for no cost one on one help at certain locations, with computer basics, email, searching safely and filling out online forms.
• Lake County has no cost Digital Navigators, in English and Spanish, who help with computer basics, online forms, paying bills, applying for benefits and staying safe online. Call 847.377.3442 to make an appointment.
• Elsewhere, ask your library or dial 211.

Sources: https://broadband.uillinois.edu/illinois-digital-navigator-program/ and https://www.chipublib.org/faq/internet-to-go-wifi-hotspots/ and https://il-lakecounty.civicplus.com/5116/Technology-Support-Services

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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 Chicago Public Library lists, as an example, as of October 17, 2026.

Other libraries are similar, but prices vary.

• Public computers at any location, from opening until 10 minutes before closing. No card? Ask for a daily guest pass.
• Printing. The first $1.50 of printing each day is at no cost. After that, it's $0.15 a sheet one sided, or $0.25 two sided, cash only. Color isn't available.
• Print from your own phone by email or upload, then release it at the library.
• Scanners, to scan and email a document. CPL doesn't have fax machines.
• No cost library cards for Chicago residents. The City says a CityKey or other document with your name and address is enough.

Sources: https://www.chipublib.org/use-a-computer-or-printer/ and https://www.chipublib.org/faq/internet-to-go-wifi-hotspots/ and https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/office-of-immigrant-migrant-and-refugee-rights/home/city-services/documents-and-id-card.html

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.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/get-help/ and https://www.chipublib.org/use-a-computer-or-printer/

Who can I call in my county?

Here are public libraries and other places 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.

Other local groups may also help.

Illinois

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Chicago

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

DuPage County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Lake County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Will County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kane County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

McHenry County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Winnebago County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Madison County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

St. Clair County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Champaign County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Sangamon County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Peoria County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Neighborhood and other counties

Here are some places to start.

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!

Key numbers to keep

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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 17, 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.

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Last updated October 17, 2026