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 Pennsylvania, 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 has a way to help survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking with emergency Lifeline support and separating a phone line from a plan shared with an abuser. Learn more 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

BUNKLY TIP

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. Every library in the county list later in this guide has no cost computers and internet. Many also have no cost WiFi you can use with your own phone or laptop.
• Day centers and shelters. Some have phones, computers or charging spots. Ask 211.
• PA CareerLink centers. Many have computers for job searching. See Guide 6.

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.

BUNKLY TIP

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/
• Spectrum Internet Assist. Spectrum says eligible customers may get it for $15 a month, and that being in a government program could qualify you. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist

BUNKLY TIP

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 Medical Assistance, or no cost or reduced price school lunch. A handwritten statement isn't accepted on its own.
• PA 211 keeps a list of computer distribution programs, plus programs that help pay internet bills for people at risk of losing service. Dial 211, text your ZIP code to 898211, or search on the PA 211 Digital Navigation page.
• In Philadelphia, the city's technology help page lists ways to get a low or no cost device.

Sources: https://www.pcsforpeople.org/eligibility/ and https://www.pa211.org/digital-navigation/ and https://www.phila.gov/services/education-learning/get-help-with-technology/

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. As of October 17, 2026:

• PA 211 lists no cost digital navigation help, including computer basics workshops at ten locations in Philadelphia for people 55 and older, digital navigation services for Delaware County residents through the Chester Education Foundation, and for Montgomery County residents through the Literacy Council of Norristown.
• In Philadelphia, the city's Digital Navigators can check your eligibility at no cost or low cost internet and help you find a provider. Dial 311 to reach one.
• Philadelphia families with a child in pre K to 12th grade can ask about PHLConnectED, which gives no cost mobile hotspots to income eligible households.

Sources: https://www.pa211.org/digital-navigation/ and https://www.phila.gov/services/education-learning/get-help-with-technology/get-free-or-low-cost-internet/ and https://www.phila.gov/programs/phlconnected/

BUNKLY TIP

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 Bucks County Free Library lists, as an example, as of October 17, 2026.

Other libraries are similar, but prices vary.

• Public computers. A library card and PIN are needed at most branches.
• Printing. Black and white is $0.20 a page and color is $1 a page. You can print from your own phone or laptop on the library WiFi.
• No cost scanners, to save documents as a PDF or photo and email them to yourself.
• Faxing, for $0.25 a page. That's handy for sending forms to benefit offices.
• Ask your local library about getting a no cost library card. Bring an ID or a piece of mail if you have one, and ask what else works if you don't.

Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://buckslib.org/technology/

Federal help (works in every state)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pennsylvania

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Philadelphia and Allegheny County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Philadelphia

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Allegheny County (Pittsburgh)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Montgomery County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Bucks County

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Delaware 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

BUNKLY TIP

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.

Affordable living. Simplified

Download the PDF

Last updated October 17, 2026