ACP Helps Pay For Home Connectivity

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides $30 discounts on cell phone and internet service bills. This program works in tandem with the Lifeline free government phone initiative, allowing you to access unlimited talk, text, and data at no cost. These benefits are available nationwide, across 50 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico. Let's explore the key details of the ACP.

1. What Is The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The ACP is a permanent program that has replaced the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). Launched on March 1, 2022, the ACP is supported by $14.2 billion in federal funding to provide ongoing assistance for affordable internet and connectivity.

2. Household Internet Assistance

The ACP provides eligible households a monthly discount of up to $30 for internet service. For households on qualifying Tribal lands, the monthly discount can be as high as $75.

3. Device Discounts

The Federal Communications Commission states that eligible households can receive a one-time rebate of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from approved providers. To qualify for this assistance, households must contribute between $10 and $50 toward the total purchase price.

4. Eligibility For The ACP

To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, your household must meet at least one of the following criteria, as outlined by the FCC:

1) Income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines

2) Participation in assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Public Housing, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline

3) Enrollment in Tribal assistance programs like BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution on Indian Reservations

4) Approved for free or reduced-price school meals

5) Recipient of a Federal Pell Grant

6) Eligibility for a low-income program offered by a participating Internet provider

5. ACP Program Limits

Similar to the Lifeline government phone program, the ACP restricts households to one monthly service discount and one device discount. However, these programs are independent, so eligible households can participate in both simultaneously.

6. Annual Eligibility Renewal

Participants in the ACP will need to undergo an annual recertification process to confirm their continued eligibility for program benefits. This verification process mirrors the mandatory checks required for the Lifeline Free Government Cell Phone program.

7. Finding ACP Providers

The FCC website provides a comprehensive list of internet service providers across all states that are participating in the ACP. You can use this resource to identify the ACP-approved options available in your local area.