What is Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a government-backed effort in the United States that supported lower-income households by reducing the cost of internet services and certain connected devices. Overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and managed through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP was part of the national push to improve digital access for under-resourced communities.

What Did the ACP Offer

Eligible participants could receive the following benefits through the program:

  • Monthly Internet Discount
    A monthly discount of up to $30 was provided to help cover internet service fees.
  • Increased Support for Tribal Households
    Families living on qualifying Tribal lands could get a larger discount of up to $75 each month for their internet service.
  • One-Time Device Support
    The program also included a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet from authorized providers. To qualify, the household had to contribute a minimum of $10 and no more than $50 toward the device cost.

Only one monthly service discount and one device benefit were allowed per household.

Who Was Eligible for ACP?

Households could qualify through income or by being enrolled in certain government assistance programs.

What is Affordable Connectivity Program ACP

Income-Based Eligibility

If the total household income was at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, the family qualified based on income.

Qualifying Public Programs

Households also met eligibility if at least one member took part in any of these programs:

  • SNAP (food assistance)
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
  • WIC (nutrition support for women and children)
  • Lifeline (subsidized phone/internet program)
  • Received a Pell Grant in the current academic year
  • Free or reduced-price school meal programs, including those under the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
  • Specific Tribal programs such as:
    • Tribal TANF
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Documents Required to Apply

Applicants had to submit documents that proved both their identity and eligibility. This included:

  • Income Proof – such as pay stubs, tax returns, or other government documents showing household income
  • Proof of Program Enrollment – such as benefit letters or official notices from qualifying programs
  • Identification – a government-issued photo ID
  • Proof of Address – such as a lease agreement or recent utility bill

How to Apply

People interested in the program could apply through one of the following ways:

  • Online Application – By visiting the official website and submitting the form through the National Verifier
  • Mail Application – By downloading the form, completing it by hand, and sending it in with required documents
  • Through Internet Providers – Many participating internet companies helped users apply directly through them

Program Closure

The ACP officially ended on April 30, 2024, after funds ran out and no further budget was approved by Congress. This means participating households are no longer receiving discounts through the program.