Verizon Forward program is a reduced-cost internet initiative that offers free and discounted broadband service to new or current home Internet users. Households that meet the eligibility requirements for government assistance programs like Lifeline, SNAP, WIC, and others, are offered this low-cost solution to ensure that they continue to receive basic broadband connectivity for an equitable digital future. 

The program provides a monthly discount on broadband services (Fios or 5G Home/ LTE Home Internet plans) to qualifying homes. 

In the likelihood of the Affordable Connectivity Program’s (ACP’s) demise, the Verizon Forward program serves as the beacon of hope for millions of families around the country who are struggling to find affordable internet services in their areas.  

Verizon Forward Program: Free Home Internet 

Eligible new customers of Verizon Forward who apply for the program before September 30, 2024, can receive free internet for the first 6 months. 

The Verizon Forward program offers a monthly discount of up to $20, bringing the cost of some plans down to as little as $19.99. But when new customers, also enrolled in the Lifeline Program by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), subscribe to the Fios 300 or 5G Home/ LTE Home plan, they get the service for $0 for 6 months. However, from the 7th month onwards, they will be charged a regular rate of $20 per month. 

Moreover, Verizon Fios customers are required to cover the $99 installation fee, and Verizon Forward’s free internet service can be availed of as promo credits, which are applied within 1-2 billing cycles. 

Verizon might also provide special discounts or benefits, like price breaks on specific plans or extra savings on things like Auto Pay, Mobile + Home Discount, Military & Veterans Discount, and more. However, these deals can change and should be verified with Verizon directly.

Verizon Forward Program – Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility requirements of the Verizon Forward program are quite similar to the qualification criteria of the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) assistance programs like the ACP and Lifeline. Previously, qualifying for any of these programs meant automatic enrollment in the Verizon Forward program. 

However, the uncertainty around the future of the ACP has led to a few changes in how the Verizon Forward program works. To qualify for Verizon Forward, you must: 

  • Have received a Federal Pell Grant within a year before applying. 
  • Have received assistance through one of these programs within 180 days before the application:
    • Lifeline Program (your household income level must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines). 
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Medicaid 
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
    • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

The current customers of Verizon can also avail of the discount if they have qualified for any of the above programs or are receiving a $30 subsidy through the ACP initiative. (Your ACP benefits will also apply to the Verizon Forward program).

Apply for the Verizon Forward Program

After confirming the eligibility and meeting the prerequisites, the next step is to apply for the Verizon Forward program. You can follow these steps to successfully submit an application.

Once your home internet service has been set up:

  • Click the “Get Started” button and select “Existing Customer”. 
  • To confirm your eligibility, enter the required data in the on-screen verification forms (e.g., documentation such as tax records, wage receipts, or letters from approved assistance programs).
  • If you qualify, you will receive a confirmation email, and the Verizon Forward discount will be added to your bill in 1-2 billing cycles. 

It must be noted that the Verizon Forward discount is applied to only one application per household.