In the coming days, millions of U.S. households' risk being kicked off their internet plans or face skyrocketing bills that force them to pay hundreds more per year to get online, according to the Federal Communications Commission.

The looming disaster could affect nearly 1 in 5 households nationwide, many of which are older adults.

This crisis is linked to a critical government program expected to run out of funding in May. Known as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the benefit provides discounts on internet service valued at up to $30 per month to qualifying low-income households, or up to $75 per month for eligible recipients on tribal lands.

The ACP was initially born out of a pandemic-era program called the Emergency Broadband Benefit in 2021 and replaced six months later by the longer-term ACP when Congress devoted $14.2 billion to the program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

More than 23 million households are currently enrolled in the ACP which has significantly helped close the digital divide, as affordability has been the primary barrier that has kept most ACP beneficiaries from getting home internet services. But funds are almost out, and a sharply divided Congress has chosen not to continue funding the program, unless they change their mind in the 11th hour.

What to Do Now?
A good first step in securing affordable home internet services is to contact your current provider to find out if they offer any other discounts or low-cost services that fit your budget.

If not, you should shop around. The nonprofit organization EveryoneOn has a National Offer Locator Tool that can help you find low-income discounted internet services from providers in your area. Just go to EveryoneOn.org/find-offers, type in your ZIP code and answer a few questions regarding your household financial situation so the internet services you're eligible for can be located.

Check Lifeline Benefit
If you haven't already done so, you also need to find out if you're eligible for the Lifeline program. Unlike the ACP, Lifeline is a permanently funded federal assistance program that provides a $9.25 monthly subsidy that can help pay your home internet, phone or bundled services (up to $34.25 if you live on Tribal lands). Only one benefit is available per household.

To qualify, your annual household income must be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, which is $19,683 for one person or $26,622 for two. Or, if you're receiving certain types of government benefits such as Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, public housing assistance, veterans' pension or survivors pension benefit, or live on federally recognized Tribal lands.

You can apply for Lifeline online at LifelineSupport.org, via mail or through your internet or phone provider. Or, if you need assistance call their support line at 800-234-9473.

Other Options
If you find that you aren't eligible for any of the lower-income services, you may still be able to save on your internet by shopping and comparing. The best way to do this is at websites like InMyArea.com, which provides a list of internet providers in your area, along with pricing and download speeds. Most providers offer plans under $50 monthly, and you can often find additional discounts for things like bundling with a cellphone plan or signing an annual contract.

Another way to save some money is to buy your own equipment. Most internet service providers charge around $15 per month to rent a modem and router from them. But you can buy your own for as little as $100, which will pay for itself within the first year.