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Affordable Broadband Act
Low-cost plans for home internet
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What this program is
The Affordable Broadband Act makes it easier for people who receive benefits like SNAP or Medicaid to get discounted internet service at home.
Who can get it
You may qualify for low-cost home internet if someone in your household receives any of the following benefits:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program-snap/)
- Medicaid (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/medicaid/)
- Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/senior-citizens-rent-increase-exemption-scrie/)
- Disability Rent Increase Exemption (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/disability-rent-increase-exemption-drie/)
- Affordability benefit from a utility, such as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) (https://access.nyc.gov/programs/home-energy-assistance-program-heap/)
- Free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program
Not enrolled in any qualifying programs? You may still qualify based on household income. Contact your internet provider for income limits.
Heads up
- The Affordable Broadband Act is a permanent law guaranteeing discounted internet for eligible households, unlike the Affordable Connectivity Program which was a temporary COVID-19 pandemic benefit.
- The law requires large internet providers to offer 25 Mbps (or more) plans for no more than $15 per month. Internet providers can also comply with the law by offering 200 Mbps (or more) plans for no more than $20 per month.
- These reduced-cost plans already include taxes and equipment fees, so you dont pay more.
- Plans, speeds, and providers depend on your location.
- You dont have to buy any other services (sometimes called bundles) with the plan.
- Mobile and dial-up services arent included.
How to apply
Online
Find an internet service provider (ISP) (https://mapmybroadband.dps.ny.gov/) that serves your address.
Look for terms like "low cost," "reduced cost," or "Affordable Broadband Act" on provider websites. Popular programs include Spectrum Internet Assist (https://www.spectrum.net/support/account-and-billing/spectrum-internet-assist-and-internet-advantage-ny), Optimum Advantage (https://www.optimum.com/internet/advantage-internet), and Verizon Forward (https://www.verizon.com/discounts/verizon-forward/).
Verify your eligibility directly through the ISP to apply.
Get help
Call 311 for more information about low cost internet.
Source and last updated
- Source
- NYC Benefits Platform (kvhd-5fmu) View dataset
- Agency
- Department of Public Service
- Updated
- Source: August 19, 2026 · Synced September 7, 2026
How we verified this
Source record ID: P164
WayMakr shows only what this source publishes. Program details are not attached to specific facility listings unless a relationship has been verified.