How to Qualify for the ACP Internet Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government initiative designed to help make broadband internet more affordable for eligible households across the United States. This program aims to ensure that more Americans can access the internet for various essential needs, including work, school, healthcare, and staying connected with family. By providing a monthly discount on internet service, the ACP seeks to bridge the digital divide, making high-speed internet a more accessible utility for those who might otherwise struggle to afford it. The program is a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to digital resources nationwide.

Determining Your Eligibility

Households can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program through two main pathways: based on income levels or participation in certain government assistance programs. Understanding these criteria is the first step in determining if your household is eligible for the benefit.

A household is eligible if its income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines are updated annually and vary based on household size and geographic location, providing a specific financial threshold for eligibility. You can find these guidelines on official government websites, which outline income limits for different household compositions.

The second method for qualification involves participation in specific government assistance programs. If at least one household member participates in any of these programs, your household automatically meets the ACP eligibility criteria. These include Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Medicaid.

Other qualifying programs include:
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Households with a child enrolled in the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including those through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
Existing Lifeline subscribers
Certain Tribal-specific programs like Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and Tribal Head Start

Gathering Required Information

Before initiating the application process for the Affordable Connectivity Program, collect specific documents and information. Having these materials ready in advance can streamline your application and help prevent delays. The types of documents needed will depend on how your household qualifies for the benefit.

For identity verification, you will need to provide documents such as a driver’s license, a state identification card, a passport, or a birth certificate. Proof of your current residential address is also required, which can be demonstrated with a utility bill, a lease agreement, or official mail received from a government agency. These documents confirm your identity and residency for the program.

If your household qualifies based on income, you will need to provide documentation. Proof includes the previous year’s tax returns, recent pay stubs, statements from Social Security benefits, or official statements regarding unemployment benefits. These documents must clearly show your household’s gross income to determine if it falls within the program’s guidelines.

Alternatively, if your household qualifies through participation in a government assistance program, you will need to provide proof of that enrollment. This can be a benefit award letter, a recent statement of participation from the program, or, for school-based programs, an official enrollment letter. Ensuring these documents are current and clearly indicate active participation is important for a smooth application.

Applying for the Benefit

Once you have determined your eligibility and gathered all the necessary documents, the next step is to submit your application for the Affordable Connectivity Program. There are several channels available for applying, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your preference.

One common way to apply is online through the official National Verifier website, ACPBenefit.org. This platform guides you through the application process. You will be prompted to enter your personal details, select your method of eligibility, and upload scanned copies or clear photos of your supporting documents. The online portal is designed to securely process your information and attachments.

For those who prefer a physical application, a printable form is available for download from the same official ACP website. You can fill out this form by hand, attach copies of your required documents, and then mail the complete package to the designated address provided on the form. This mail-in option ensures accessibility for individuals who may not have consistent internet access or prefer paper-based processes.

Many internet service providers (ISPs) that participate in the ACP can assist with the application process. You can contact a participating provider in your area to inquire about their application procedures. Some providers may have streamlined systems to help verify your eligibility and submit your application on your behalf, often integrating the application with their service sign-up process.

After submitting your application, processing times can vary, but applicants are notified of their approval or denial within a few business days to a couple of weeks. Notifications are sent via email or postal mail. If your application is denied, the notification will include the reason for the denial and information on how to appeal the decision, providing an opportunity to correct any errors or submit additional documentation.

Using Your ACP Benefit

Upon approval for the Affordable Connectivity Program, the next action is to connect with a participating internet service provider to apply your benefit. This final step allows you to begin receiving the monthly discount on your broadband service.

To use your benefit, you will need to choose an internet service provider that participates in the ACP in your area. The official ACP website maintains a list of participating providers. Selecting a provider from this list is important as not all ISPs offer the program’s discount.

Once you have selected a participating provider, contact them. The provider will then verify your approval status with the National Verifier system. The monthly discount, which can be up to $30 per month or up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands, will be directly applied to your internet bill. This reduces your monthly out-of-pocket cost for broadband service.

In addition to the monthly discount, some participating providers may offer a one-time discount on a connected device, such as a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. This device discount is applied directly by the provider at the time of purchase, further reducing the cost of essential technology. The ACP benefit is limited to one per household and is non-transferable, ensuring that the assistance is directed to the qualifying household.