If you or someone you know needs help paying for internet service, you may qualify for a monthly discount on a new or existing internet service plan through a government program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
You may also qualify for a one-time device discount of up to $100, to buy a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Do I Qualify?
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 anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefit
Note: You may qualify for the ACP through a participating provider’s existing low-income program. Visit our How to Apply page to learn more.
Based on Your Income
You are eligible for the ACP if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for the ACP.
If You Participate in Certain Government Assistance Programs Such As SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or Other Programs
Federal Assistance Programs
You are eligible for the ACP if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the ACP.
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you are eligible for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for the ACP. Learn more about the Tribal Benefit.
If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit
Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. If you currently receive a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your ACP benefit and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services. Talk to your internet company to learn how to start receiving ACP discounts.
Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent
Any member of your household can make your household eligible if they participate in one of the programs above. For example, if your child or dependent participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or is enrolled in a USDA Community Eligibility Provision school, your household qualifies for the ACP benefit.
To apply, visit AffordableConnectivity.gov or call 1-877-384-2575 to request an application. Once your application is approved, you can contact a participating internet service provider to start receiving your monthly discount. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household.
Research suggests increased broadband Internet access is associated with improved health outcomes. Broadband makes it easier for people to take advantage of information on Medicare.gov, like comparing the quality of nursing homes and hospitals, or finding the health plan that’s best for you.