Want to find out how you can save on internet each month? Get the answers to everything you need to know about the new ACP Internet Program for low-income households.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is benefit program that helps eligible households afford the internet they need for work, school, and healthcare.
Qualifying households can get a $30 discount each month on their internet service and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands.
Plus, households approved for the program can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
To learn more about this program and get the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the ACP Internet Program, then continue reading below.
ACP Internet Program FAQs
Have questions about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) available to low-income households? Check out our list of answers to the most frequently asked questions about the ACP Internet Program below.
What is the ACP Internet Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income households pay for the internet service needed for work, school, healthcare and more.
For more information about the Discounted Internet Program available to EBT Cardholders and government assistance recipients, click here.
How do I qualify for the $30 ACP internet discount?
Your household may be eligible to receive a $30 discount each month on internet service by meeting any one of the qualifications. Here are the ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
- Based on your household income
- If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
- If you or your child or dependent already receives a Lifeline benefit
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program internet credit?
A household is eligible for the $30 ACP internet credit if at least one member of the household meets any of the following:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;
- Participates in a government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating internet provider’s existing low-income program
Do I receive a check each month?
No, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount on internet service. This will come directly off your internet bill. You will not be sent a check in the mail or electronic transfer.
How much money will I receive towards my internet?
If your household is eligible for the ACP internet credit, you can receive up to a $30 per month discount on your internet service ($75 per month for Tribal Lands). Additionally, you can also qualify for a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
Can I receive more than one ACP benefit?
No, only one monthly service discount and device discount is allowed per household.
In addition, your household cannot get the ACP benefit from more than one company.
If more than one person in your household participates in the ACP, you are breaking the FCC’s rules and will lose your monthly benefit.
Can I give my ACP internet credit to someone else?
The ACP internet credit is not transferable. This means that you cannot give your internet discount to anyone else, even if they qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Can I receive both discounted phone and internet service?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is separate from the FCC’s Lifeline Program. If your household qualifies for both programs, you can apply to receive both phone and internet benefits.
For example, you could apply the Lifeline benefit to a mobile service and apply an ACP benefit to an internet service to your home. You could also apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to a single internet service from the same provider.
To learn more about how to save on your monthly phone bill with the Lifeline Program, check out our article here.
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If I already receive a Lifeline phone discount, will I automatically receive the ACP internet discount?
No, to receive the ACP internet credit you must opt-in with your existing phone provider. If your Lifeline provider does not participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, you must submit an application with a participating ACP internet provider.
You can choose to receive the monthly benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.
Can I sign up for the ACP internet discount if I am already an internet customer?
Yes, the Affordable Connectivity Program internet credit is available to eligible new, past and current customers of participating ACP internet providers.
This means if you are a Comcast internet customer, you can still apply for the $30 ACP internet credit with them.
What internet providers are offering the ACP internet credit?
Various national and local internet providers are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. This includes those offering both landline and wireless services.
You can check with the ACP internet service providers near you here.
Can I apply for the ACP internet discount if I have a past due internet bill?
Yes, eligible consumers with a past due balance or a balance in collections are eligible for the benefit.
What documents will I be asked to provide?
If an administrator is unable to determine if you qualify for the ACP internet credit, you will be asked to provide additional documentation. For example, you may be asked to provide an official documents that prove proof of:
- Participation in a qualifying government assistance program
- Your household income
- Identity of you and/or household members
- Current residence
Will I have to provide proof of my income?
Yes, to complete your ACP Application you may be asked to provide proof of your household income. Approved income documentation can include:
- The prior year’s tax return
- Three consecutive pay stubs
- Current income statement
- Social Security, Veterans Administration, Unemployment, Worker’s Compensation or Retirement statement of benefits
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How do I apply for the $30 ACP internet credit?
To submit an application for the Affordable Connectivity Program internet discount, there are three ways to apply – online, by phone, or with a participating internet provider.
- Apply Online – visit ACPBenefit.org to submit your online application.
- Apply by Mail – print out and complete the ACP Application then mail it to the ACP Support Center at PO Box 7081, London, KY 40742.
- Apply with an Internet Provider – Find an ACP Internet Provider near you and contact them on how you can apply for the $30 monthly credit.
Once approved for the Affordable Connectivity Program, the discount will automatically be applied to your monthly internet service bill.
For more help applying for the ACP Internet Program, read our complete article on how to apply here.
If my internet bill is only $25 per month, do I get the extra money from the ACP credit?
No, if your monthly internet service is less than the ACP credit amount you’ve been approved for, then you will not receive a check for the difference.
The internet provider is only reimbursed for the cost of the plan up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.
If my internet service is more than the $30 monthly discount, do I have to pay the rest?
Yes, if your monthly internet service costs more than the $30 ACP internet credit, then you are responsible for paying the remaining balance.
What happens if my income no longer qualifies for the ACP internet credit?
If you no longer qualify for the ACP benefit (such as your income exceeds the income level or you no longer participate in a qualifying benefits program), you must notify your ACP internet provider or the ACP administrator within 30 days.
Affordable Connectivity Program Overview [Video]
Check out this video from the FCC Chairman discussing the new Affordable Connectivity Program for low-income households.
ACP Internet Program Summary
We hope this post on the frequently asked questions about the ACP Internet Program was helpful to you! If you have any additional questions about the ACP internet credit, please let us know in the comments section below.
For more help finding out if your household is eligible or step-by-step instructions on how to apply, then check out our article here.
For more information on the ACP Internet Discount Program, check out our other articles:
- $30 ACP Internet Credit Eligibility & Application
- How to get a Free 5G Government Phone
- Discounted Internet for EBT Cardholders
- How to get $10 Internet with Food Stamps
Want to save on your monthly phone bill? Check out our complete State-by-State Guide on the Lifeline Program to find out how you can get discounted phone service.
Have an EBT Card? Find out how you can save with our complete list of discounts and freebies for EBT Cardholders!