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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.
The Enhanced Tribal Benefit is part of the Affordable Connectivity Program, an FCC initiative that provides financial assistance to eligible households so they can afford access to the Internet.
This portion of the ACP offers a higher discount on internet service for those living on qualifying tribal lands.
Let's take a quick look at what this benefit consists of and the eligibility criteria you need to meet in order to qualify.
What is the Enhanced Tribal Benefit?
Tribal consumers eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and residing in approved Tribal territories may qualify for:
- A monthly discount of up to $75 on internet services, plus
- A one-time device discount of up to $100 on the purchase of a computer, tablet, or laptop (with a co-payment between $10 and $50)
Each household is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount.
Am I eligible for the Enhanced Tribal Benefit?
You're eligible for the extra Tribal benefits if your family:
- Resides on qualifying Tribal lands
AND
- Either has an income at or under 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
OR includes someone who participates in government assistance programs like:
- Lifeline
- SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance (including multiple housing programs for Native communities), or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- WIC
- Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Free or reduced-cost school lunch program (or breakfast)
OR is a participant in specific Tribal assistance programs such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start (with income criteria met)
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
See full Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility criteria by heading over to our complete guide - Do you qualify for ACP?
What constitutes qualifying Tribal lands?
Your internet service provider can verify if your primary residential address is in a Tribal area. A national map is available that highlights the approved Tribal territories.
Both the ACP and the FCC's Lifeline program use the same criteria for defining Tribal lands, which include:
- Recognized Indian tribe reservations, pueblos, or colonies
- Historic reservations in Oklahoma
- Alaska Native territories as designated by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act
- Indian allotments
- Hawaiian Home Lands
- Other lands recognized by the FCC's Office of Native Affairs and Policy and Wireline Competition Bureau
Tips when applying for enhanced Tribal benefits
- Click "Confirm Tribal Qualification" when applying online.
- On the paper form, mark the "Tribal Lands" checkbox.
- Verify your identity by submitting the last four digits of your Social Security Number, your Tribal ID, or other acceptable ID documents.
- Make sure you understand the program's household definition, as several eligible families may live at the same location.
- If your address is unknown or unavailable, use the online application's pin-drop feature or offer a descriptive address.
See our how to apply for ACP guide for more details on required documents and alternative ACP application options.
What to do if you don't qualify for enhanced Tribal benefits
Whether you live on Tribal lands or not, there's still a great way to save money and get online.
You qualify for ACP but don't live on Tribal lands
If you qualify for the ACP, but your family doesn't live on eligible Tribal lands, you're still entitled to a standard non-tribal discount of up to $30/month on internet service and a one-time $100 device discount.
You live on Tribal lands but don't qualify for ACP
If you live on Tribal lands and aren't eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can still save money on your internet access by switching to a low-cost phone carrier.
These budget-friendly carriers, called MVNOs, run on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks. You get reliable internet access via your cell phone plan at a price that can save you up to $700 annually.
With a wide variety of flexible prepaid plans, including unlimited data plans, you can stay connected for work, school, and healthcare without sacrificing quality or coverage.
Enhanced Tribal benefit FAQs
Yes. You can learn more at the government's Tribal benefit page. Plus, you can stack your ACP and Lifeline program enhanced benefits to save even more money.
Enter your ZIP code into our convenient tool to find ACP companies in your area.
Yes, if the criteria are met for each family. The program recognizes that a single address may house multiple qualified families.
No. Anyone who lives on qualifying Tribal lands, and meets eligibility requirements, can receive the enhanced Tribal benefit. You don't need to be a member of a Tribe.
Recap
The ACP Enhanced Tribal Benefit provides additional funding above the standard benefit for households residing on qualifying Tribal lands.
There is a large variety of eligibility criteria, making it easy to qualify. The application process is simple, with step-by-step guidance throughout. Plus, your discount can be applied to home internet or to your cell phone plan with a participating provider.
