Do You Have Questions about ACP? We Have Answers!If you are unable to find answers to your questions on this page, do not hesitate to contact us! We understand that each person may have unique inquiries and concerns, and our team is here to provide the necessary assistance.
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General ACP Questions
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, is a federal benefit program that provides eligible households with a $30 discount (AND $75 discount for households on tribal land) toward internet bills.
Who is eligible for the ACP?
You are eligible for APC benefits if your total household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level.
You may also qualify if you or someone in your household receives:
If you are a Lifeline subscriber, you automatically qualify to receive ACP benefits. If your child or dependent, attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, your household may qualify for ACP benefits as well.
If you live on qualifying tribal lands, you are eligible for the ACP if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
You may also qualify if you or someone in your household receives:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- WIC
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefit
- A Federal Pell Grant
- Free or reduced-price school meals
If you are a Lifeline subscriber, you automatically qualify to receive ACP benefits. If your child or dependent, attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, your household may qualify for ACP benefits as well.
If you live on qualifying tribal lands, you are eligible for the ACP if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How do I apply for the ACP?
You can apply online, by mail, or by contacting your internet service provider directly.
You can contact us if you need assistance applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program. We have ACP-certified Enrollment Specialists that can help you at any stage of your application process.
If you are a Lifeline subscriber, you do not need to apply to the ACP since you automatically qualify for ACP benefits. Reach out to your Internet service provider to enroll in the program.
You can contact us if you need assistance applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program. We have ACP-certified Enrollment Specialists that can help you at any stage of your application process.
If you are a Lifeline subscriber, you do not need to apply to the ACP since you automatically qualify for ACP benefits. Reach out to your Internet service provider to enroll in the program.
Do I have to re-apply every year?
Typically, no action is required on your part for the USAC or internet provider to verify your continued eligibility for the benefit, but the USAC or internet provider may need to confirm if you still meet the benefits requirements.
If you have applied for ACP benefits based on your dependent's involvement in the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Program, attendance at a CEP school, or eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant, there is a possibility that you will be requested to undergo the recertification process to confirm your eligibility for ACP benefits
If you have applied for ACP benefits based on your dependent's involvement in the Free and Reduced-Price School Meals Program, attendance at a CEP school, or eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant, there is a possibility that you will be requested to undergo the recertification process to confirm your eligibility for ACP benefits
Can you provide a breakdown of a household's income at 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty level?
- Family of 1: $29,160
- Family of 2: $39,440
- Family of 3: $49,720
- Family of 4: $60,000
- Family of 5: $70,280
- Family of 6: $80,560
- Family of 7: $90,840
- Family of 8: $101,120
- For each additional person, add: $10,280
What documentation must I provide for the Affordable Connectivity Program Application?
If your eligibility cannot be verified automatically through a program eligibility database (such as Medicaid or SNAP) or social security number. You will be required to submit documentation as proof.
Identity Verification (at least one):
Address Verification (at least one)
Qualify Through Assistance Program Participation (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, WIC)
Qualify Through Household Income: (Documentation must include your annual income and/or your dependent's full name)
Identity Verification (at least one):
- Valid Government
- Military, State, or Tribal ID Birth Certificate
- U.S./Foreign Driver's License or Passport
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card/Green Card
- Government Assistance Program Document
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
Address Verification (at least one)
- Driver's License/Valid Government ID
- Utility Bill
- Mortgage or Lease Statement
- Most recent W-2 or Tax Return
Qualify Through Assistance Program Participation (e.g., SNAP, Medicaid, WIC)
- Rental Lease
- Benefit award or Approval letter
- Proof of Enrollment in a CEP School
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Letter
- Statement of Benefits
- Screenshot of studentaid.gov Dashboard
Qualify Through Household Income: (Documentation must include your annual income and/or your dependent's full name)
- Prior year's State, Federal, or Tribal Tax Return (e.g. 1040)
- Income Statement from an Employer or Paycheck Stub (3 months)
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
- Veterans Administration Statement of Benefits
- Unemployment or Worker's Compensation Statement
- Divorce Decree, Child Support Award, or a similar official doc
- Retirement/Pension Statement of Benefits
Do I need to reapply if I moved?
If you stay with the same internet service provider (ISP), no further action is needed. However, if you switch to a different ISP, contact them and provide your account number to transfer your ACP benefit to the new ISP.
Application Assistance
Is there someone that could help me with my ACP application?
Of course! If you require assistance with your ACP application, our certified ACP Enrollment Specialists at Computers for People are available to help you at any step of the application process. You can call us at (201) 669-3062 Ext. 107, or you can fill out this form to receive support.
Where can I find more information about the ACP?
For additional information about the ACP, you can visit fcc.gov/acp or educationsuperhighway.com. These websites provide further details and resources related to the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Internet Plans, Phone Bills, Bundle Services, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
Can I use my ACP Benefits for my existing internet plan?
Yes
Can I use my ACP Benefits to pay my phone bill?
No. However, ACP Benefits can be utilized for the internet portion of a bundled plan that includes services like cable and phone.
CAN I USE MY ACP BENEFITS TO PAY MY BundleD pLAN?
While the ACP benefits are not applicable to cable services, data overage fees, or other items unrelated to the internet, they can be utilized for the internet portion of a bundled plan that includes services like cable and phone. In such cases, the ACP benefits can be specifically allocated to cover the cost of internet service within the bundled plan.
Do I lose my ACP benefit if I change my Internet Service Provider?
No, you can change ISPs at any time and your ACP benefit would not be affected.
Can I upgrade my current plan?
You should inquire with your provider regarding the available plans under the Affordable Connectivity Program.
If the plan I choose is more than the monthly discount for internet service, will I have to cover the additional cost myself?
Correct. Any amount surpassing $30 per month (or $75 per month on Tribal lands) for internet service must be covered by you.
Which Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are participating in the ACP?
More than a thousand internet service providers participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). However, it is important to note that not all ISPs participate in this federal program.
You can use the FCC Companies Near Me Tool to determine whether your internet provider participates or to locate a participating provider in your vicinity.
You can use the FCC Companies Near Me Tool to determine whether your internet provider participates or to locate a participating provider in your vicinity.
If I change Internet Service Provider or Internet Plan, do I get another device discount?
No. The $100 device discount can only be used once per eligible household.
Why is my Internet Service Provider not accepting my device discount?
Not all internet service providers participate in the device discount program.
Eligibility through a child or dependent.What evidence can I provide to demonstrate that my child participates IN THE free & reduced-price school Meals program?
Acceptable documents may include a student's report card or an official letter from the school or school district confirming the student's enrollment. The required documentation should include:
You can learn more about the documentation you may need at: AffordableConnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/show-you-qualify. How can I find out if my child attends a CEP School?
The Food Reasearch & Action Center has a nationwide database of schools participating in the Federal Community Eligibility Provision program. To find out the list of CEP schools in your state, select your state and the “Participation School” option.
What if my child changes schools?
If your child changes schools, you will have to go through the ACP application process again and provide evidence that their child or dependent is still attending an CEP school or participating in the Free and Reduced-Price Meal Program.
Can undocumented individuals qualify for the ACP through their child or dependent?
Undocumented individuals may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program through their American citizen child or dependent. If the child or dependent of an undocumented individual participates in the Free or Reduced-Price Meal Program, receives a Federal Pell Grant, or attends a Community Provision Eligibility school, they may qualify through that child or dependent.
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Lifeline Program & Affordable Connectivity ProgramI am a lifeline subscriber, do i qualify for the affordable connectivity program?
Yes! If you receive Lifeline benefits, you are automatically eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Can I receive both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline benefits at the same time?
Yes!
HOW CAN I ACCESS MY ACP BENEFITS IF I AM ALREADY ENROLLED IN THE LIFELINE PROGRAM?
If you are already enrolled in Lifeline, applying separately for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is typically unnecessary. To select a service plan, you can contact your current Lifeline provider or another participating provider offering the ACP in your area.
Note: Certain participating providers may require alternative verification procedures for current Lifeline recipients. How is ACP different from Lifeline?
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are distinct programs. Lifeline provides a monthly discount for phone or broadband services. In contrast, the ACP offers a monthly discount, specifically for broadband services. If your household qualifies for Lifeline, you can receive a $9.25 discount ($34.25 if you live on tribal lands). On the other hand, if your household meets the eligibility requirement for ACP, you are eligible to receive a monthly discount of $30 ($75 if you live on tribal lands).
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Unhoused Individuals and highly Mobile Families
Do I qualify for the ACP benefits if I don’t have a home address or live in a shelter?
If you or your dependent receive SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefit, A Federal Pell Grant, and/or Free or reduced-price school meals, you may qualify for the ACP.
If you do not have a physical address or live in a shelter, you can use the address of a shelter or enter “123 Homeless.” The National Verifier may ask you to fill out the USAC’s household sheet and upload the sheet with your application.
If you do not have a physical address or live in a shelter, you can use the address of a shelter or enter “123 Homeless.” The National Verifier may ask you to fill out the USAC’s household sheet and upload the sheet with your application.
What kind of internet plan can I choose if I don’t have a home address or live in a shelter?
Unhoused individuals and highly mobile families can choose a plan that supports mobile internet. Keep in mind that if you choose a bundle plan, ACP benefits can be utilized only for the internet portion of a bundled plan.
Tribal Benefits
What benefits does the Affordable Connectivity Program offer people living in tribal lands?
$75 monthly discount on your internet bill
A one-time $100 device discount per household.
A one-time $100 device discount per household.
DO I LIVE IN QUALIFYING TRIBAL LANDS?
If you need to determine whether your address falls within Tribal lands, your internet company can assist you with that. You can also reference the USAC’s nationwide map and visit the USAC Enhanced Tribal Benefit website for more information.
I LIVE ON A TRIBAL LAND. DO I QUALIFY FOR THE AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM?
If you live on tribal land, you may qualify for the $75 monthly discount if your household total is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you or someone in your household:
- Is a subscriber of the Lifeline program.
- Participate in federal benefit programs such as:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- WIC
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Free or Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program
- Participates in a Tribal specific programs such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations,
- Receives a Federal Pell Grant.
- Attends a Community Eligibility Provision School.
DO I HAVE TO BE A TRIBE MEMBER TO RECEIVE THE ACP BENEFITS?
No. To qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you simply have to live in Tribal lands.