Affordable Connectivity Program Wind Down

On Jan. 11, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an order detailing the wind-down process for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) due to the expectation that funding for the program will run out by May 2024, if Congress does not appropriate additional funding. On Jan. 10, 2024, the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act to allocate $7 billion to the ACP was introduced on a bi-cameral and bi-partisan basis; that legislation is pending.

The wind-down process establishes an enrollment freeze commencing Feb. 8, 2024.

We will be providing more information as it is released.  All current ACP subscribers will be receiving a letter explaining the potential end of the program and the impact to their monthly bill and can be Downloaded Here.

FAQs

Why can I not apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program after February 7, 2024?
Due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the Affordable Connectivity Program will not be able to accept new applications after February 7, 2024.

When will my ACP benefit end?
If you were receiving the ACP benefit prior to February 7, 2024, then you will continue to receive your benefit through the end of the program, if you stay enrolled. Funding for the program is projected to run through April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change.

Once the program ends, households will no longer receive the ACP discount on their monthly internet bill. It is anticipated that the FCC will announce the end date for the ACP in the coming weeks.

What if I applied for the ACP benefit before February 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET and am waiting to hear back about my application?
Applications will not be processed after February 7, 2024. If you have been asked to provide additional information or documentation, please make sure to do so as soon as possible to allow time for processing so that an eligibility determination can be made and you can sign up with an internet company by February 7, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET. You should provide the missing information online at GetInternet.gov to get your documents approved as fast as possible.

You may also qualify for Lifeline, which is another FCC program that offers an internet discount. Learn more at LifelineSupport.org.

ACP Household Eligibility

(Program available starting December 31, 2021)

Households can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program by showing that at least one member of their household meets one of the following criteria:

  • Qualifies for the FCC’s Lifeline Program, including those who are on Medicaid or receive SNAP benefits
  • Is approved for the free or reduced price school breakfast/lunch program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
  • Experienced substantial documented loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers
  • Received a federal Pell grant in the current award year, or
  • Receive's WIC Benefits currently
  • Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household.

  When can I sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

You can sign up for ACP starting December 31, 2021. Please check our website, www.acpbenefit.org, regularly for the latest information.

  Do I receive the funds directly each month?

No, the Affordable Connectivity Program Emergency Broadband Benefit provides a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). The participating broadband service provider will receive the funds directly from the Affordable Connectivity Program.

  Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

A household is eligible if one member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Qualifies for the Lifeline program
  • Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
  • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers’ existing low-income or COVID-19 program
  • If the individual receive's WIC Benefits currently
  • Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines: https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/

  Can I apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program if I have a past due balance with the provider?

Yes, eligible consumers with a past due balance or a balance in collections are eligible for the benefit.

  Can I sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program if I am already a customer or if I was a customer in the past?

Yes, the benefit is available to eligible new, prior and existing customers of participating providers.

  Can my roommate and I each get a monthly discount?

No. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount per household, which is defined as any individual or group of individuals who are living together at the same address and share income and expenses.

  If I already receive Lifeline benefits will I automatically receive the Affordable Connectivity Program?

No. You must opt-in with your existing provider or request enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program with a participating broadband provider and choose an eligible service plan. You can choose to receive the benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.

  Can I receive both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline benefits at the same time?

Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordable Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home broadband service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

  Everyone at my child’s school receives breakfast and lunch at no cost. Do we qualify?

Yes. Households with a student enrolled in a school or school district where every student receives this benefit are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

To learn about Lifeline Assistance, click here.