Understanding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. This program replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program in 2021.

Program Benefits

The ACP provides eligible households with:

• A discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service
• A discount of up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands
• A one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers (with a co-payment of $10-$50)

Eligibility Requirements

Your household qualifies for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if someone in your household:

• Participates in certain 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
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
• Participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program

Income Eligibility Guidelines

For the income-based qualification (at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines), here are the household income thresholds for 2023:

How to Apply

There are three ways to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program:

Option 1: Apply Online

Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application online.

Option 2: Mail in an Application

1. Download the application form from the ACP website
2. Print and complete the application
3. Include copies of proof of eligibility documents
4. Mail to: ACP Support Center, P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742

Option 3: Contact Your Internet Provider

Many participating internet providers can help you apply for the ACP. Contact your provider directly to see if they participate and can assist with the application process.

Required Documentation

When applying, you may need to provide documentation proving your eligibility, such as:

• Income documentation (tax return, pay stub, etc.)
• Proof of program participation (benefit award letter, statement of benefits, etc.)
• Personal identification (government ID, driver's license, etc.)

Participating Providers

Many major internet providers participate in the ACP, including:

• AT&T
• Comcast/Xfinity
• Charter/Spectrum
• Verizon
• Cox
• Frontier
• T-Mobile
• Many regional and local providers

To find participating providers in your area, use the provider search tool on the ACP website.

After You Apply

Once your application is approved:

1. You'll receive a notice of approval
2. Contact a participating provider to select an eligible plan
3. Have the provider apply the ACP discount to your bill

If you already have internet service, ask your current provider if they participate in the ACP and how to apply the benefit to your existing service.

Program Rules and Limitations

• The ACP benefit is limited to one monthly service discount per household
• The device discount is limited to one per household
• You must use your ACP benefit at least once every 30 days
• You must notify your provider within 30 days if you no longer qualify
• You must re-certify your eligibility annually

Getting Help

If you need assistance with your application or have questions about the program:

• Call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575
• Email ACPSupport@usac.org
• Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov

Additional Low-Income Internet Options

In addition to the ACP, many providers offer their own low-income internet programs:

• AT&T Access: Internet service starting at $10/month
• Comcast Internet Essentials: Internet service for $9.95/month
• Spectrum Internet Assist: High-speed internet for $17.99/month
• Cox Connect2Compete: Internet service for $9.95/month

These programs can often be combined with the ACP benefit for even greater savings.