Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a U.S. government program that helped low-income families access affordable broadband by bridging the gap between those who had access to the internet and those who did not.

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What was the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a U.S. government program that gave low-income families a discount on internet service so they didn't have to decide between paying for broadband or other necessities.

The program also offered a one-time discount on a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.

What did the Affordable Connectivity Program provide?

These benefits are no longer available.

  • Up to $30 per month to help households afford high-speed internet service.
  • Up to $75 per month if the household was on qualifying Tribal lands.
  • A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
  • One Affordable Connectivity Program benefit per household. A household could also get a Lifeline Program benefit at the same time.

What is Lifeline and how do I qualify?

The Lifeline Program is the FCC's program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. It is still available.

To qualify for the Lifeline program, you must meet one of these rules:

  • Have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. See the Lifeline income limits.
  • Participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Supplemental Security Income.

Learn more and see how to apply on our Lifeline Phone Program page.

Who was eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

These were the rules while the program was running. They no longer apply, because no one can join the ACP now.

  • Households with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
  • Households that met the eligibility criteria for a participating internet provider's existing low-income program.
  • Households that received one or more of the benefits below
    • A Lifeline Phone Program benefit; OR
    • A Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; OR

      • For those living on qualifying Tribal lands, one of the following assistance programs: OR

      • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
      • Tribal TANF
      • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
      • Tribal Head Start (income based)

      Certain assistance programs, such as one of the following:

      • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
      • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called Food Stamp
      • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
      • Medicaid
      • Federal Housing Assistance Program (Section 8)
      • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
      • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

What documents did the ACP require?

The ACP is closed, so you don't need these documents for it now. While the program was running, applicants could be asked for:

  • Documentation that verified their identity (birth certificate, driver’s license, passport, green card, e.g.)
  • A document that verified their address (utility bill, lease statement, W-2, e.g.)
  • If they qualified through income, a document showing annual income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • If they participated in qualifying programs, a letter or official document as proof.
  • If they were emancipated minors, court documents or a certificate of emancipation.

Lifeline has its own rules. See what documents Lifeline may ask for.

Where to Get Help Now That the ACP Has Ended

1

Check if You Qualify for Lifeline

See if your household meets the Lifeline eligibility rules. Lifeline is a separate program with a lower income limit than the ACP had.

2

Check if someone else at your address gets Lifeline

Use the Lifeline Household Worksheet if someone else at your address gets a Lifeline benefit.

The answers to these questions will help you find out if there is more than one household at your address.

3

Look at Your Lifeline Options

See how Lifeline works and how to use it.

See Lifeline Options

Are you already enrolled in the Lifeline Program? The end of the ACP did not end your Lifeline benefit, as long as you still qualify.

4

Ask Internet Companies About Low-Income Plans

Some companies may have their own low-income plans. Start with the provider list below, or find Lifeline companies with the official Companies Near Me tool.

Federal Poverty Guidelines

The ACP limit was 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. This table shows recent guideline amounts for reference only. The Lifeline limit is lower, at 135%. See the Lifeline income limits to check whether you may qualify today.

POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Persons in Family Poverty Limit(100%) Poverty Limit(200%)
1 $15,960 $31,920
2 $21,640 $43,280
3 $27,320 $54,640
4 $33,000 $66,000
5 $38,680 $77,360
6 $44,360 $88,720
7 $50,040 $100,080
8 $55,720 $111,440
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,680 for each additional person.

Former Affordable Connectivity Program Providers

These companies are no longer able to offer an ACP discount. Some may have their own low-income plans, so ask them directly.

See the full list of former Affordable Connectivity Program providers.

Who can I contact with questions or concerns?

ACP Questions :

The ACP has ended. USAC, which ran the program for the FCC, takes questions about it by email.

Lifeline Help :

For help with the Lifeline program, which is still available, contact the Lifeline Support Center.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What was the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The ACP was a U.S. government program, run by the FCC, that gave eligible low-income households a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service, or up to $75 per month on qualifying Tribal lands. It ended on June 1, 2024.

2. When did the Affordable Connectivity Program end?

The ACP ended on June 1, 2024. The FCC stopped new applications and enrollments on February 8, 2024, and households no longer receive an ACP discount. If you need help with internet costs, you may qualify for the Lifeline Phone Program.

3. Why did the Affordable Connectivity Program end?

The ACP ran out of money, and Congress did not provide more funding. The program had received $14.2 billion under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

4. Was the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) legitimate?

Yes. The ACP was a legitimate U.S. government program from the FCC that helped low-income households pay for broadband service and internet-capable devices. It has ended, so be careful with any website that offers to sign you up for it today.

5. Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) the same as the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB)?

The ACP took the place of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB). Congress extended and changed the EBB and renamed it the Affordable Connectivity Program. Both programs have ended.

6. When did the ACP program start?

The ACP launched on December 31, 2021.

7. Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available, and can I still sign up?

No. The ACP ended on June 1, 2024, and no one can sign up. If you need help with phone or internet costs, the Lifeline Phone Program is still available and provides monthly discounts of up to $9.25 (or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands) for eligible households.

8. What replaced the Affordable Connectivity Program?

No program fully replaced the ACP. Lifeline is a separate federal program that offers a smaller discount on phone or internet service, and not every former ACP household will qualify. Some internet companies may also offer their own low-income plans.

9. Who was eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

Households were eligible if their income was at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if a household member received SNAP, Medicaid, Lifeline, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or a Federal Pell Grant, among other qualifying programs. These rules no longer apply, because the program has ended.

10. Did households receive the ACP money directly each month?

No. Participating internet companies applied the ACP discount of up to $30 per month to the household's bill.

11. What was the ACP benefit amount for residents of Tribal Lands?

Eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands could receive a monthly discount of up to $75. That benefit has ended. Lifeline offers up to $34.25 per month on qualifying Tribal lands for eligible households.

12. Can I get the ACP if I have a past due balance with my provider?

No. The ACP has ended, so it is not available to anyone. If you have a past due balance, ask your provider about payment options.

13. Can I get the ACP if I am already a customer or was a customer in the past?

No. The ACP has ended, so it is not available to new, past, or existing customers. Ask your provider whether it has any low-income plans of its own.

14. Could my roommate and I each get a monthly ACP discount?

The ACP was limited to one monthly service discount per household, which was defined as any individual or group of individuals living together at the same address who shared income and expenses.

15. If I already receive Lifeline benefits, can I still get the Affordable Connectivity Program?

No. The ACP has ended, so no one can get it. The end of the ACP did not end your Lifeline benefit, as long as you still qualify.

Need help with phone or internet costs now? See the Lifeline Phone Program.