Application and Eligibility Resources
The FCC has announced that consumers can now begin applying for and enrolling in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Consumers looking for general information on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC’s) Affordable Connectivity Program should visit
fcc.gov/ACP or AffordableConnectivity.gov.
Consumers qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through participation in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program, having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, through participation in ACP-qualifying programs, such as the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program (including the Community Eligibility Provision), WIC, through award of a federal Pell Grant, or through participation in a participating service provider’s existing low-income program.
Only one ACP benefit and one device discount are allowed per household.
Consumers who are eligible for both the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline program can apply for and participate in both programs, up to the full cost of their monthly broadband service. Service providers should apply the Lifeline discount first, and then apply the ACP benefit.
Determine Eligibility with the National Verifier or an FCC-Approved Alternative Verification Method
Service providers may use the National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) to determine ACP eligibility for consumers. Service providers can also ask the FCC to approve their alternative verification process and use that approved process to check consumer eligibility for the program. Additionally, service providers may rely on a school to verify consumer eligibility under the free and reduced-price school lunch or school breakfast program, so long as service providers comply with certain document retention and certification requirements.
Consumer Eligibility
Consumers can apply for the ACP through the consumer portal at AffordableConnectivity.gov or by completing a paper application (application instructions are available in English).
Consumers Already in Lifeline or Other Service Provider Programs
Consumers who already participate in the Lifeline program are eligible for direct enrollment in the ACP and do not need to submit a new ACP application. Consumers who participate in other service provider low-income programs may also be eligible for direct enrollment in the ACP. For example, service providers who offer low-income programs who obtain FCC approval for their alternative eligibility verification processes can directly enroll consumers participating in those programs in the ACP. However, service providers must obtain affirmative consent from consumers before enrolling them in the ACP.
Income-Based Eligibility
A consumer may be eligible for ACP-supported service if they have a gross annual household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Visit our Income Eligibility page to review the income eligibility chart.
Program-Based Eligibility
A consumer may be eligible for ACP-supported service if they qualify for Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program, such as SNAP or Medicaid. A consumer may also be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if they participate in an ACP-qualifying program, such as the free and reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program. Visit the Program Eligibility page to see the full list of qualifying programs.
Eligibility for Enhanced Support
ACP subscribers that live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive a discount of up to $75 per month on their broadband service, in addition to any one-time device discount that may be available. They can receive the enhanced Tribal Benefit regardless of how they are eligible for the ACP. Consumers can learn more about the Enhanced Tribal Benefit on our consumer website.
One Service Benefit and One Device Benefit per Household
A household is anyone living at the same address who shares income and household expenses. USAC and the FCC recognize that there may be more than one household residing at the same address. Consumers can see examples on our consumer website.
A Household Worksheet (Spanish Household Worksheet) must be completed any time more than one subscriber at a single residential address receives ACP-supported service or a device reimbursement, or when a new consumer applies for service or a device at an address where there is already a subscriber receiving the ACP benefit.