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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.
In today's digital world, a dependable internet connection is necessary for various tasks, like work, education, and healthcare. However, the digital divide remains a harsh reality for families struggling to pay bills.
Fortunately, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is here to help. This FCC initiative assists low-income households in accessing affordable broadband service.
Keep reading for your guide to the ACP and how eligible households can get a discounted or free Cricket Wireless plan.
What is the Cricket Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a government assistance program administered by the FCC. The ACP replaced the EBB program (Emergency Broadband Benefit) as a way to provide affordable internet access to low-income households.
Cricket Wireless stands as an active participant in the ACP, enabling you to leverage your benefits toward a cell phone plan, as long as it includes data.
Here's what you'll gain if you qualify:
- A monthly service discount of up to $30 on a cell phone plan
- A monthly discount of up to $75 if you reside on qualifying Tribal lands
We should note that there's a limit of one ACP benefit per household. A household is defined as individuals sharing the same address and contributing to collective expenses and income.
Cricket Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility
Eligibility for the ACP is based on income, and multiple avenues are available to qualify.
You may be eligible if:
- Your household income falls at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Or if you or another household member participates in federal government assistance programs such as:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
- Federal Pell Grant in the current school year
- Lifeline program
Other Tribal-specific programs can automatically qualify households:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Income-based Tribal Head Start
For a comprehensive list of eligibility criteria, see our guide, Do You Qualify for ACP?
If you reside in qualifying Tribal lands, learn more about the Enhanced Tribal Benefit, which could grant you a monthly service discount of up to $75 if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Cricket Wireless ACP plans
Your Affordable Connectivity Program benefits are applicable to any Cricket Wireless plan that comes with data, including:
- 5GB of high-speed data - free with ACP
- 10 GB high-speed data - $10 a month with benefit
- Unlimited data plan - $25 per month with benefit
10 GB plans and above come with:
- International calling & roaming to Canada & Mexico
- Free international texting to 37 countries
- 2 GB cloud storage
Options if you don't qualify for ACP
If your ACP application is denied, you can still save up to $700 a year by switching to a low-cost carrier. With 4G LTE and 5G wireless coverage on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks, you get reliable service and save money.
These cheaper carriers, called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators), offer a range of flexible options, including unlimited data plans. You can find all your favorite features, too, like mobile hotspot data and international calling.
You can compare phone plans now to start getting a better value for your hard-earned money.
MVNO advantages
There are several benefits of switching to a low-cost carrier:
- Bring your own phone & keep your number
- No contracts
- Perks like mobile hotspot data
- Flexibility to switch carriers anytime
Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to pay more to get more. Enjoy reliable service on the networks you trust, at a fraction of the cost.
How to apply for the Cricket Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program
Follow these steps to apply for the ACP with Cricket Wireless:
- Visit Get Internet and click the Apply button.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the National Verifier application.
- Following approval, create or log in to your Cricket Wireless account.
- Select your plan.
- Fill out the Cricket Wireless ACP application.
If you're eligible, the benefit will be applied to your account by your next plan renewal date.
For more information on the application process, the required document checklist included, consult our detailed guide, How to Apply for ACP.
Cricket Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs
Yes. Eligible customers can visit the Cricket Wireless ACP application to enroll.
You will receive a notification in the form of a text message once enrollment is complete. Your benefit should appear on your account by the next billing cycle.
Yes. Once you've completed the government portion of the ACP application, visit your local Cricket Wireless store to finalize the enrollment process.
Recap
Cricket Wireless and the Affordable Connectivity Program combine to help you stay in touch with critical services, without breaking the bank.
If you're struggling to make ends meet but aren't eligible for the ACP, you still have the option to switch carriers and enjoy significant cost savings on your wireless service.
Take action to reduce your financial stress by applying for this helpful program now!
