Search for internet providers, phone carriers, and organizations that help people with disabilities receive low-cost internet, mobile plans and digital literacy courses.
- Applying for government assistance programs such as Lifeline is easy because you can do it online.
- Several internet providers offer their own low-cost programs, such as prepaid plans.
- Digital literacy programs are useful because most of them specialize in disability services.
Affordable and low-cost internet and phone options are a must in today's world, especially for people with disabilities who are more likely to be self-employed than employed across all age groups. Although internet and phone plans offered by providers aren’t strictly based on disability, they do provide budget-friendly options that can help people with disabilities stay connected. This guide aims to help people with disabilities find resources for low-cost internet, mobile plans and digital literacy courses.
Eligibility for many of the plans and services listed below is based on income or participation in a program such as SSI or SNAP. Disability by itself is not sufficient to qualify for the average program (it is for some, though, especially for digital literacy training). If you’re also a senior citizen or low-income, we recommend checking out two other guides (for seniors, for low-income).
Table of Contents
- What Internet Discount Programs Are Available for Me?
- What Phone Discount Plans Are Available for Me?
- Digital Literacy Training Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers for People With Disabilities
What Internet Discount Programs Are Available for Me?
Many internet service providers (ISPs) offer discount programs that can provide low-income users with internet on a budget. If available, they may also offer discounts on internet plans that can help users save even more money.
Lifeline Discounts
Established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline is a program that provides discounts on your phone or internet bill (but not both). Qualifications aren’t strictly based on disability, but rather on a number of factors, including but not limited to the following:
- Income: If your income is less than 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, you should qualify for Lifeline. Suppose you live in a three-person household in one of the 48 contiguous states. A household income of $35,98 or less would qualify for Lifeline discounts (as of June 2025). You'll need to provide proof of income, such as tax returns or pay stubs.
- Program participation: If you or your child receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI or Federal Public Housing Assistance, you should get into Lifeline. Similarly, you might qualify under the Veterans Pension, Survivors Pension or Tribal Programs.
- Different households: Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. However, you can take a look at the Household Worksheet to see if more than one household exists at your address. Living with roommates or in assisted living, for example, likely means you fall under separate households.
Pro Tip: You can apply online, via mail or through your phone or an internet company offering Lifeline. Applying online should be the fastest option and can lead to immediate approval. |
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Low-Income Plans From Internet Service Providers
A number of ISPs offer discounted internet services for qualified households. These plans typically don't require contracts or equipment rental fees. Similar to Lifeline, people with disabilities may qualify for these services based on participation in other programs like Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.
Internet provider | Monthly price | Download speeds |
|---|---|---|
$30 | Up to 100 Mbps | |
$9.95 | Up to 100 Mbps | |
$19.99 | Up to 200 Mbps | |
$19.95 | Up to 150 Mbps | |
$14.99 | Up to 100 Mbps | |
$25 | Up to 50 Mbps | |
$14.95 | Up to 75 Mbps |
Prepaid Home Internet Plans
Prepaid home internet plans, also called pay-as-you-go internet, are another great budget-friendly option that requires no contracts or credit checks. You can either purchase a router from the company or bring your own. The download and upload speeds are decent, too, providing speeds up to 200 Mbps.
Prepaid plan | Monthly price | Download speed |
|---|---|---|
$50, price guarantee for three years | Up to 100 Mbps | |
$45 | Up to 200 Mbps |
What Phone Discount Plans Are Available for Me?
A prepaid phone plan could save you serious money compared with accessibility phone plans. Although payment is required upfront, there are no contracts or hidden fees, and some plans even let you use your own phone. There are some providers that offer free plans with nice perks, but it's best to take a look at these in more detail before making your decision.
- Boost Mobile: Besides unlimited talk, text and data, Boost Mobile offers the first three months of its most affordable plan for $15 per month ($25 per month thereafter).
- FreedomPop: For $10 per month, FreedomPop's discounted plan provides features like nationwide coverage and international calling to 20 countries.
- Cricket Wireless: Nationwide 5G and 2 GB of cloud storage starting at $30 per month makes Cricket Wireless a good option for those who want to save photos, videos and other media.
- Mint Mobile: Starting at $15 per month for the first three months (requires $45 upfront payment), new Mint Mobile customers can experience high-speed data without any overage fees. These introductory offers also come in 6-month and 12-month plans.
- Straight Talk: With the Lifeline discount, any monthly phone plan on any device with at least 4.5 GB of data will only cost $10 per month (up to $35 per month on qualifying Tribal Lands).
- Tello: The Economy plan from Tello provides 2 GB of data with unlimited talk and text for only $10 per month without future price increases. As with all of their plans, Wi-Fi calling, hotspots and free international calls to over 60 countries are also included.
Low-Income Phone Programs From Cell Phone Carriers
A good number of ISPs offer discounted phone services for low-income households, with some providing free phones. Participation in other programs like Lifeline, SNAP, Medicaid, etc. can help determine eligibility for these plans. Note that you may need to sign up for Lifeline first before you can apply for these programs.
- Access Wireless: Free service
- Assurance Wireless: Free service
- Infiniti Mobile: Free service, free phone
- TAG Mobile: Free service
- Verizon Wireless: Up to $9.25 discount
Accessibility Pages From Cell Phone Carriers
Accessibility wireless plans are phone service plans for people with hearing, speech or auditory processing disabilities. Most features for these plans include the basics, including internet, video calling and text. Keep in mind that a Certification of Disability may be required.
It's not typical for carriers to offer accessibility plans, but a number of them do outline accessibility features and services that they provide on their websites.
- AT&T: Depending on which devices will be used, AT&T provides an accessibility plan suitable for phone and tablet users. It's a great option to consider, as it provides unlimited data, video calling and messaging in select countries.
- Verizon: Although Verizon doesn't explicitly provide accessibility plans, it does offer Unlimited plans that are good for customers with disabilities.
- T-Mobile: Many accessibility features are baked right into T-Mobile's products and services. Besides being a great workspace for people with disabilities, it also offers alternate billing options, real-time text and other accessibility options.
Digital Literacy Training Resources
Outside of ISP products and services, there are many online resources that offer digital literacy training and additional support for people with disabilities. These services can help people with disabilities learn how to use computers, find the best internet for their household and more.
State Digital Literacy Training
Some states may have a department specializing in literacy training for residents who have disabilities. California, for example, offers Access to Technology (ATT) by providing grants that help offset the cost of digital devices, service plans and training for people with disabilities. The state of Washington provides blindness and low vision skills training, along with other services for its residents with disabilities.
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs
VR programs offer assistive technology services that can help clients with all types of disabilities reach their employment goals. For instance, the state of Washington's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) provides a number of assistive technology evaluations and assessments for mobility devices, assistive technology, public transportation and more. The state’s VR also partners with Do-It programs for digital literacy assistance.
School Programs
Local school and college programs within different states can help people find resources, programs and organizations that teach digital literacy. Many public institutions and companies, including Microsoft and the Public Library Association, offer some form of digital literacy training program and resources.
Third-Party Programs
Human-I-T offers digital training and assistance with low-cost internet. Its services do include basic digital literacy training to teach people how to use computers and the internet, but it’s also a valuable resource for finding internet and technology for low or no costs.
Another great resource is EveryoneOn, which helps folks find low-cost computers, internet service and digital literacy training in their area.
Deaf-Blind and Blind Programs
The Helen Keller National Center for DeafBlind Youths & Adults (HKNC) offers on- and off-campus digital literacy services for deaf, blind and deaf-blind individuals. Assistive technology programs can help clients assess their technology skills, get devices through iCanConnect, and minimize workplace and communication obstacles. Clients can also learn how to use smartphone and computer apps, screen readers, wearables, magnification and enlargement software and much more.
The Perkins School for the Blind also offers resources that anyone can access digitally. Its technology curriculum is online and includes information on Gmail and JAWS, Narrator and so on.
State Device Programs
Many states have programs that distribute telecommunications equipment to qualifying individuals with disabilities. For example, New York's Technology-Related Assistance for Individuals with Disabilities (TRAID) program offers access to assistive technology through its regional TRAID centers. Device loans and hands-on training are also provided for residents with disabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Internet Providers for People with Disabilities
What is the best internet service for people with disabilities?
The best internet service for people with disabilities depends on a number of factors, such as budget, internet use time and the number of people in a household. It's best to assess those first before committing to a service provider.
How can people with disabilities get free internet?
People with disabilities may qualify for low-income internet plans based on participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid and Lifeline.
Which internet providers offer discounted internet?
Carriers like Spectrum, AT&T and Xfinity offer discounted internet plans for qualifying low-income consumers. Discount eligibility is based on participation in programs like SNAP, Medicaid and Lifeline.
Which internet providers offer prepaid internet plans?
Xfinity and Cox offer prepaid internet plans. These plans don’t require contracts or credit checks and provide customers with download speeds up to 200 Mbps.
Which phone carriers offer discounted phone plans?
Discounted phone plans are available through carriers like Mint Mobile, Cricket Wireless and Tello. Most of these plans come with unlimited talk, text, and data and some offer introductory prices for the first few months of service.
Which phone carriers offer free services and phones?
TAG Mobile and Access Wireless offer free service and phones to qualifying households. Some features and services include high-speed data and free international calling to select countries and territories.
Where can I find Digital Literacy Training in my area?
The Rehabilitation Services Association (RSA) has a website where you can find contact information on different services provided per state.