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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 world, having a reliable internet connection is essential for important tasks, like work, school, and healthcare. For families struggling financially, paying for internet can be a strain.
Fortunately, the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) can help. This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), helps low-income households access affordable internet service.
In this guide, we'll take a deep dive into the ACP and the eligibility requirements and how you can use your benefit for a discounted or free TracFone plan.
What is the TracFone Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP has taken over the role of the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) in providing affordable internet access to low-income households.
TracFone participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program, allowing eligible customers to use their benefits toward a cell phone plan that includes data.
Affordable Connectivity Program benefits
Eligible households may receive:
- A monthly service discount of up to $30 on a cell phone plan
- A monthly discount of up to $75 if you reside in qualifying Tribal lands
It's important to note that ACP discounts are limited to one per household, with a household defined as individuals sharing the same address and sharing income and expenses.
TracFone Affordable Connectivity Program eligibility
There are a number of ways your household may qualify for the ACP. You may be eligible if your total household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You may also qualify if you or someone in your household participates in certain federal government assistance programs, like:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Free or reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Federal Pell Grant (in current award year)
- Lifeline program
Some Tribal-specific programs automatically qualify households, including:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Income-based Tribal Head Start
- Tribal TANF
Check out our guide to the Enhanced Tribal Benefit, which can provide a monthly service discount of up to $75 to eligible households.
TracFone Affordable Connectivity Program plans
TracFone's ACP plans include several options:
- 2, 3, or 5GB of high-speed data (free with ACP)
- 10GB of high-speed data ($10 a month with benefit)
TracFone ACP plans come with free unlimited talk and text, as well as unlimited data at 2G speeds.
Options if you don't qualify for ACP
Are you discouraged because you don't meet the eligibility criteria for the ACP benefit? We've got an insider tip for you to save money anyway - switch to a prepaid phone plan with a low-cost carrier.
MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) offer reliable 5G and 4G LTE wireless coverage on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks. Choose from all the options you're used to - unlimited data plans, international service, and perks like mobile hotspot access.
MVNO advantages
Switching to a low-cost phone carrier comes with several benefits:
- Bring your own phone
- No contract required
- Premium features like international calling & roaming
- Switch carriers whenever you choose
When you compare and contrast the major carriers with MVNOs, practically the only difference is in the price (as in, theirs are a lot higher!).
How to apply for the TracFone ACP
Get started by following these steps:
- Go to the TracFone ACP website.
- Follow the step-by-step instructions to complete the application.
- Choose your plan.
- Wait up to two days to be notified of your approval.
For more detailed information on the application process, including a required document checklist, consult our comprehensive guide, How to Apply for ACP.
TracFone Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs
It depends. If your plan, including taxes and fees, is more than your benefit, you'll be responsible for anything above the benefit amount. If it's less with taxes and fees, then you'll pay nothing.
Yes. If you've already qualified through the National Verifier, you can contact TracFone at 1-800-867-7183, and they'll apply your benefit to your account. Be sure to have your ACP application ID ready.
You may be required to provide certain documents to prove that you qualify. These could be a state ID, tax return, benefit verification letter, etc. You'll be notified if additional documentation is required.
Yes. You can apply them both to one plan or to different services. You can even use them with separate providers.
Recap
Key takeaway: TracFone, in collaboration with the Affordable Connectivity Program, strives to ensure that you can stay connected to essential services without straining your budget.
If you need to lower your wireless bill but don't qualify for the ACP, remember that you can switch to a low-cost carrier without sacrificing quality or coverage.
Take action today to reduce your financial stress by applying for this easy-to-use program!
