MoneySavingPro independently researches the products & services to bring you our recommendations. We may earn money when you click our links - disclosure policy.
URGENT UPDATE: As of April 2024, ACP will run out of funding and is no longer accept applications. This impacts 23 million Americans. However, switching to a low-cost carrier can save you more than $30 per month on your cell phone service. To help, we have compiled a list of the cheapest cell phone plans from the best MVNOs.
If you struggle to pay your internet or phone bill, you may be interested to know that the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can provide relief.
Boost Mobile - a low-cost carrier providing 4G LTE and 5G wireless coverage on the AT&T and T-Mobile networks - is a participating provider in the ACP.
Let's look at what the ACP is, the eligibility requirements, and how eligible households can use the Boost Mobile ACP benefit to access free or discounted cell phone plans.
What is the Boost Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is designed to offer qualifying families discounted internet services in the form of home internet or a cell phone plan.
This FCC initiative gives low-income households the opportunity to stay connected to employment opportunities, healthcare services, and online education.
The Boost Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program represents the carrier's participation in this government assistance program. By partnering with the ACP, Boost Mobile offers discounted and even free cell phone plans to eligible customers.
Boost Mobile ACP benefits
Eligible customers can benefit from:
- A monthly discount of up to $30 per household for applicable mobile broadband services
- A monthly service discount of up to $75 for households residing on federally recognized tribal lands
It's important to note that the subsidy is limited to one per household rather than one per individual.
Boost Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program plans
Qualified households can choose from various plans, which may be free with the ACP benefit or reduced cost, depending on the plan level. Some examples include:
- 5GB of high-speed data - free
- Unlimited data plan with 12GB mobile hotspot data - around $10
Prices and offerings may vary depending on when you apply. Check with your preferred participating service provider to verify qualifying ACP plans after you're approved.
Boost Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility
To qualify for the Boost Mobile ACP (previously known as Boost Mobile EBB), you or another household member must meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Household income at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Participation in a qualifying government assistance program, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Lifeline
- Participation in a qualifying Tribal-specific program, such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Participation in free and reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- WIC (Women, Infant, Children)
Remember, if you participate in any of these programs and also live on qualifying Tribal lands, you could receive a subsidy of up to $75.
How to apply for the Boost Mobile ACP
Choose from one of the following ways to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program with Boost Mobile:
- Go to Get Internet, click the Apply button, and follow the step-by-step instructions.
- Apply using the Boost Mobile ACP application.
- Check out Boost Mobile plans and apply directly online.
Documents you'll need to apply for the ACP
You may need to provide certain documents to prove your identity and participation in qualifying government assistance programs.
Required documentation may include:
- ID: Some options include a driver's license, passport, Tribal ID, military ID, or Green Card.
- Proof of income: Examples include paystubs, tax returns, or Social Security statements of benefits.
- Federal Pell Grant documentation: You may need to provide proof of your Pell Grant.
- Benefit verification letter: This can be a letter showing that you've been approved for a government program like Medicaid or SNAP.
For more details on required documents and the application process, see our guide on how to apply for ACP.
What to do if your ACP application is denied
If it turns out you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can still save up to $700 a year by switching to Boost Mobile or another low-cost carrier.
These smaller carriers, called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), use the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks. That means you pay about half the price without sacrificing quality or coverage.
MVNO advantages
Here are some of the benefits of switching to a low-cost carrier:
- Affordable plans
- No contracts
- Bring your own phone
- Add-ons like international calling & roaming
- Perks like mobile hotspot usage
- Freedom to switch any time
Find out more about Boost Mobile and see how much you can save on your cell phone bill just by switching.
Boost Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs
Yes. As long as you qualify according to the National Verifier requirements, you can use the program whether you're a new or current Boost Mobile customer.
For purposes of the program, a household is defined as individuals living at the same address and sharing income and expenses.
No. However, you can bring your own phone to Boost Mobile to save even more money.
There is no set end date for the Affordable Connectivity Program at the time of publication. As long as the government continues to provide funding, the program will stay running. If it does end, you'll receive a notification at least 30 days ahead of time.
Recap
Boost Mobile offers simplified ACP enrollment by providing an online application form on the Boost Mobile website.
Provided you meet the eligibility criteria, you can receive up to $30 a month off your cell phone plan or $75 if you live on designated qualifying Tribal lands.
Even if you don't qualify, saving money is easy by switching to a prepaid cell phone plan from a low-cost provider. Either way, you'll save big, and that's a win-win!
