SKT partners with federal and state entities to provide financial assistance that can help you get free internet and discounted phone service.

NEW! For Affordable Connectivity Program participants, SKT is offering a supplemental financial assistance program to allow qualified applicants to receive free internet service! Applies to the entry-level internet speed of at least 25/3 Mbps. Qualified households will have the option to increase to a higher speed and pay the difference. Does not include Managed WiFi and other fees. Restrictions may apply. Call for details.

With the Lifeline program, you may be eligible to receive a monthly discount of up to $17.02 on phone and/or internet from SKT.

Eligibility Guidelines:

• Income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• You qualify for any of the following federal benefits:
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

For more information and to apply online, visit checklifeline.org/lifeline. For assistance, call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473.

Those eligible for Lifeline are also eligible for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (formerly Emergency Broadband Benefit), which provides up to $30 per month for broadband service. ACP has broader eligibility requirements, so you may qualify for ACP but not Lifeline.

Eligibility Guidelines:

• Income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• You qualify for any of the following federal benefits:
  • Medicaid, FPHA, SNAP, SSI, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

Visit acpbenefit.org for more information and to apply.

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has notified us that funding has nearly run out for this program and will likely be discontinued sometime in October 2022.

Renters may qualify for the Kansas Emergency Rental Assistance program, which provides up to $900 in internet assistance to households that have experienced financial hardships during the pandemic.

KERA Assistance Covers:

• Up to 18 months of current and past due household rent.
• Up to three months of prospective household rent at a time, even if the household does not have rental arrears.
• Past due residential utility or home energy expenses for tenants (electric, gas, water, sewer, and trash services), even if the household does not have rental arrears.
• Past due or prospective internet expenses for tenants, paid in one lump sum of $900, provided the tenant household is also eligible to receive assistance for past-due rental or utility bills.
• Additional fees associated with past-due rent or utility bills may be covered, including: reasonable late fees, rental security deposits, application or screening fees, pet fees, utility fees, parking fees, garage fees, and/or legal fees.

All expenses must have been billed or charged on or after April 1, 2020.

Eligibility Guidelines (must meet all):

• Tenant rents their home. 
• Tenant’s 2020 or 2021 income did not exceed 80% of their area’s median income.
• At least one member of the household:
  • experienced financial hardship during the COVID pandemic.
  • is uncertain where they will stay or may become homeless without housing assistance.
• Applicant can provide valid proof of identification.

To learn more about KERA or apply for assistance, go to the KHRC website or call 785.251.8043.