Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): Program Ended — What to Do Now

Status Update (Important)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended. Per the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the program’s monthly discount ended on June 1, 2024 due to a lack of additional funding from Congress.

Be careful: some websites and provider pages still advertise ACP or ask for personal information to “enroll.” The FCC has warned consumers about this. If a site claims it can enroll you in ACP today, treat it as a red flag.

This page is kept as a practical guide to what ACP offered, what the key end dates mean, and the best current alternatives you can use to lower your internet bill.

Affordable Connectivity Program at a Glance (Historical)

What ACP Offered (And Why People Still Mention It)

ACP was one of the biggest U.S. affordability programs for home broadband. When it was active, it provided:

• Up to $30/month off qualifying internet service for eligible households.
• Up to $75/month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
• A one-time device discount up to $100 (with a required co-pay) for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

It mattered because the discount applied directly to the bill, and many households could reach a near-$0 plan depending on the provider and location.

What To Do Now (Post-ACP Alternatives)

Even though ACP has ended, there are still legitimate ways to reduce your bill:

1) Check Lifeline (Still Active)

Lifeline is an FCC benefit that can apply to phone, internet, or bundled service from participating providers.

• Standard discount: up to $9.25/month.
• Tribal lands: up to $34.25/month.

Official consumer guide: fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers

2) Ask Your Internet Provider About Low-Income Plans

Many large ISPs have their own “Internet Essentials” / “Access” style programs. Ask:

• What is the lowest-cost plan in your area with no contract?
• Are there discounts for SNAP/Medicaid/SSI/Free School Lunch?
• If you previously had ACP, what was the “wind-down” plan and what options exist now?

3) Look for Local Digital Equity Programs

Cities, counties, libraries, schools, and nonprofits sometimes offer device lending, digital navigator help, or discounted service referrals. If you don’t know where to start, your local library is often the fastest path to a real person who can point you to local programs.

Who Would Have Qualified (Useful for Lifeline/Provider Discounts Too)

The same signals that made a household likely eligible for ACP are often relevant for Lifeline or provider-run low-income programs. Examples include:

• Household income at or below a program threshold (varies by program).
• Participation in benefits programs like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and certain Tribal assistance programs.
• Students receiving Pell Grants or children receiving free/reduced school meals may also help for certain provider programs.

How to Apply (Now)

You cannot apply for ACP anymore. Instead, start with Lifeline:

1. Read the official FCC consumer guide: fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
2. Apply online, by mail, or through a participating provider (the FCC/USAC guide explains the paths).
3. If you live in California, Texas, or Oregon, use your state’s process as described in the FCC guidance.

If you need help applying, libraries and local “digital navigator” programs can often help you upload documents and find a participating provider.

If You See ACP Enrollment Ads Today (Avoid Scams)

The FCC has warned that some websites still advertise ACP and may collect personal information even though the program has ended.

• If you see a site claiming it can enroll you in ACP, file a complaint: fcc.gov/complaints
• If you entered sensitive personal information for “ACP enrollment” after early February 2024, review the steps at: identitytheft.gov

Required Materials and How to Prep Them

To keep things moving smoothly, you will want to assemble a mini “ACP packet” before you apply. Typically, you will need:

1. Proof of identity

   This can be a driver license, state ID, passport, Tribal ID, military ID, or other government-issued photo ID. Make sure the name is current — if you changed your name recently, have your court order or marriage certificate handy in case of questions.

2. Proof of address

   Internet service is tied to your physical address, so you must show where you live. Common options include:

   • Utility bill (electric, gas, water)
   • Lease or mortgage statement
   • Official letter from a government agency with your name and address
   • For shelters or transitional housing, a letter from the facility

3. Proof of eligibility

   This depends on your route:

   • Program-based: SNAP/Medicaid/WIC/Section 8/SSI/Tribal program approval or benefit letters
   • Education-based: Pell Grant documentation or school/district letter about free or reduced-price lunch
   • Income-based: Tax return, pay stubs, Social Security benefit letters, or similar

4. Household worksheet (if needed)

   If multiple households are at the same address (roommates, multi-family homes, basement apartments, etc.), the ACP “household worksheet” helps you show you are separate households. Fill this out clearly if any system message mentions duplicates at your address.

Scan or photograph everything clearly, save them as PDFs or high-quality images, and keep them together in a folder on your computer or phone. That way, if the system times out or a document fails to upload, you are not hunting through 20 different apps and email chains.

What Makes an ACP Application Stand Out (and Get Approved Quickly)

The ACP is not competitive, but there are still two things the system absolutely needs to see: clear eligibility and clean documentation.

Reviewers and automated checks are essentially asking:

1. Can we confirm who you are and where you live?
2. Can we see, in one or two documents, that you meet the income or program criteria?
3. Is it clear that your household is not already getting ACP somewhere else?

Applications that sail through tend to share these traits:

• The name and address on the application match exactly with the uploaded documents.
• The eligibility document clearly shows:
  • The program name (SNAP, Medicaid, Pell, etc.)
  • The person’s name
  • Recent dates (ideally within the last 12 months, or clearly current for school-year programs)
• For income-based applications, the documents line up to tell a coherent story — not one pay stub from last year and another from a different job.
• If multiple households are at the same address, the household worksheet is filled out and uploaded from the start, not after a denial.

Think of it this way: your application should make it extremely easy for a stranger to say, “Yes, this checks out” in under two minutes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them)

You are not fighting other people for “spots” in ACP. You are fighting bureaucracy. These are the most common ways people lose that fight temporarily — and how you can avoid them.

1. Ignoring mismatched details

Tiny inconsistencies in name spellings, middle initials, or addresses can cause headaches. Before you click submit, compare:

• The name and address on your application
• Your ID
• Your eligibility documents

Make them match as closely as possible. If you have changed names, include proof of the change in your uploads.

2. Uploading unreadable documents

Crooked, half-lit photos where half the page is cut off are basically a denial request. If you cannot read it clearly on your own screen, neither can the reviewer. Retake photos until you can easily see your name, the date, and the program or income info.

3. Forgetting the one-household rule

If more than one person at your address applies without the household worksheet, the system may flag your address as suspicious and slow everything down. If you share the address with another household that already uses ACP, talk first and decide who will claim the benefit, or use the worksheet to show separate finances.

4. Letting the benefit lapse by accident

Once you are in, the job is not totally over. People lose ACP because they:

• Ignore annual recertification emails or letters
• Stop using the internet service for more than 30 days
• Move and never tell the provider or ACP

Set a calendar reminder for a quick “ACP checkup” once a month:

• Log into your provider account or run a quick speed test to show usage
• Glance at your email and mail for any notices
• Confirm the ACP discount line still appears on your bill

5. Saying yes to a terrible plan out of exhaustion

After a couple of calls, it is tempting to say “Sure, whatever, just sign me up.” Some providers will happily stick you in a long contract with fees you do not need. Ask clearly:

• Is there a contract? For how long?
• Are there early termination fees?
• If the ACP ends, what will my bill be?

If the answer sounds bad, keep shopping. The discount is portable — you can use it with different providers.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Affordable Connectivity Program

Is this really free money, or do I have to pay it back later?
It is not a loan. You do not pay ACP back. It is a federal benefit, similar in spirit to SNAP or Medicaid, designed to help with internet costs as long as the program exists and you are eligible.

Can my household get more than one ACP discount?
No. ACP is limited to one monthly discount and one device discount per household. Remember, a household means people who share finances, not just people under one roof. Separate-roommate finances can count as separate households with the right paperwork.

What if I already have Lifeline for my phone or internet?
Good news: you can stack Lifeline and ACP together. Many providers apply your Lifeline discount first, then ACP, which can bring your bill down to zero, especially for basic plans.

We only use mobile hotspots. Does that count?
Yes. Mobile broadband and hotspot plans from participating providers are eligible, just like traditional home internet. For some renters or very mobile households, this is the better option.

Do I have to be a US citizen to apply?
No. Citizenship is not required. You do need valid identification (which might include an ITIN or other accepted documents) and proof that you live in the US.

Can college students apply?
Yes, if they meet the income requirements or qualify through a program like Pell Grants or SNAP. Students in dorms who pay for their own internet can apply as their own household.

What happens if Congress changes or ends the program?
If funding changes, providers must give you at least 30 days’ notice before charging full price again. If you get that notice, use the month to compare plans, ask about hardship options, or explore local municipal or nonprofit providers.

Can I switch providers later and keep ACP?
Yes. The benefit is attached to you and your household, not to a specific company. You may need to re-confirm some details, but you can move the discount when you switch providers.

Practical Next Steps

1. If you previously had ACP, review your ISP’s notices (or call billing support) and ask what your current rate is and whether there is a low-income plan.
2. Check whether you qualify for Lifeline and apply using the FCC guide.
3. If you’re comparing providers, ask for the cheapest plan with no contract and verify the “real” monthly bill after taxes and equipment.

Official ACP information and consumer warnings: fcc.gov/acp