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Everyone needs internet in today's world. If you struggle with paying your internet bill, you may be happy to know you could qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The ACP is a federal government subsidy that helps low-income customers get - or keep - their internet service, either with a cell phone plan or home internet.
Keep reading, and I'll guide you through what the ACP is, who's eligible, and how to sign up.
What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program, administered by the FCC, was started in 2021 to replace the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit), which assisted customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program offers the following benefits:
- Monthly discounts up to $30
- Monthly discount of up to $75 for households located on eligible Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for buying a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from a participating vendor, with a minimum copay of $10 and a maximum of $50 toward the cost
Note that eligible households may receive one monthly service discount and one device discount through this program.
Qualifying for the Affordable Connectivity Program
You may be eligible for the ACP if your household income is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You'll also qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you or a family member participates in one of the following government assistance programs:
- SNAP
- WIC
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Pell grant
There are other ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity program, including an enhanced Tribal benefit if you live on qualifying Tribal lands.
See our complete guide – Do you qualify for the ACP? – for full ACP eligibility criteria.
How to Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program
It's easy to apply online for the ACP. Simply go to Get Internet and click the Apply button. The website walks you through the application process step-by-step.
If you can't access the ACP application online, you can apply by mail:
- Print the application or call 1 (877) 384-2575 to request a copy by mail.
- Mail your completed application to:
USAC
ACP Support Center
P.O. Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
Benefits of the Affordable Connectivity Program
There are many advantages to taking part in the ACP. Reliable internet can help you:
- Submit job applications
- Keep in touch with friends and family
- Ensure you can access online schoolwork
- Reduce stress from bills
What if I don't qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
There are still ways to save money on your internet access, even if you don't meet the program requirements.
One of the most effective ways to stay connected at a lower price is to switch to a cheap cell phone plan from an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator).
These low-cost carriers operate on the AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon networks yet cost up to half of what the major carriers charge.
Even if you qualify, switching to a budget phone carrier means you could reduce your phone bill to almost nothing or even get a free cell phone plan.
Check out the best MVNOs to decide which low-cost carrier is right for your needs.
Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs
Yes, you can, as long as your chosen company is a participating provider and is available in your area. Check out ACP companies in your area to enter your ZIP code and see which participating companies you can choose from.
If you apply for the ACP online, you may receive instant approval. In some cases, you may need to provide documentation of your eligibility, which could take a few days for the National Verifier system to approve. Once you're approved, just contact your chosen ACP participating provider to enroll and choose an internet or phone plan.
Yes, you can. You can choose to apply your ACP and Lifeline benefits to the same service, or you can use them on different services. For example, you could use the ACP benefit for your home internet and Lifeline for your cell phone plan.
Recap
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides qualifying customers with a monthly service discount on your choice of cell phone service or home internet.
Applying is simple and fast and could provide you with a totally free cell phone plan if you apply the benefit to a participating low-cost carrier.
You've got nothing to lose and potentially hundreds of dollars a year to put back in your pocket!
