How to Qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal initiative designed to help eligible low-income households afford broadband internet service. This program ensures more families can access reliable internet, a foundational tool for education, employment, healthcare, and staying connected. Understanding qualification pathways is the first step to accessing this benefit.

Eligibility Criteria

Households can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program through several pathways. Meeting just one criterion is sufficient. A primary method is based on household income, which must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These guidelines vary by household size and are updated annually, providing a clear benchmark for income-based qualification.

Eligibility can also be established through participation in certain federal assistance programs. These include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA). Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit are also eligible. Households with a member who received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year, or who participate in the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program (including those at schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)), can qualify.

For households on Tribal lands, specific tribal programs also confer eligibility. These include the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Tribal Head Start (for households meeting income qualifying standards) also provides a pathway to eligibility. Existing subscribers of the Lifeline program, which provides discounted phone or internet service, are automatically eligible for the ACP.

Required Information and Documentation

To apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program, applicants must provide specific information and documentation to verify identity and eligibility. Proof of identity is a standard requirement, satisfied with a government-issued identification, a birth certificate, or a Social Security Number.

The specific documents needed depend on the qualification pathway. For income-based eligibility, acceptable documentation includes:

• Tax returns
• Pay stubs from the last three months
• Social Security statements
• Unemployment benefit statements

If qualifying through a federal or tribal assistance program, applicants need to submit official documentation from that program. This might include an award letter, a benefit statement, or a program-specific card like a SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card or a Medicaid card. A Pell Grant award letter or official school verification for Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program participation also serves as proof. All documentation must be current and verifiable.

Applying for the Benefit

Once a household gathers all necessary information and documentation, there are two primary methods for applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit. One approach is to apply directly through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) National Verifier. This can be done online via the ACP website or by printing a paper application and mailing it.

The online application process involves creating an account, entering personal and household information, and uploading digital copies of required documents. For mail-in applications, physical copies of documents are sent with the completed form. After submission, applicants receive a confirmation. They may be contacted for additional information if anything is unclear or missing.

Alternatively, some internet service providers (ISPs) participating in the ACP can assist customers directly with the application process. These providers may have internal processes to verify eligibility or guide applicants through the National Verifier system. Contact a preferred internet provider to inquire if they offer this direct application assistance. Following review, applicants receive a notification of approval or denial from the National Verifier.

Using and Maintaining Your ACP Benefit

Upon approval for the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible households can select a participating internet service provider to apply their monthly discount. The program provides a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service for eligible households, and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Many households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider, provided they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

To continue receiving the benefit, households must undergo an annual re-certification process, which confirms ongoing eligibility. The National Verifier sends reminders when it is time to re-verify, and this process can be completed online or by mail. Failure to re-certify results in the loss of the ACP benefit.

Should a household switch internet providers, the ACP benefit is transferable to a new participating provider. This flexibility allows households to choose the internet service that best meets their needs while continuing to receive their discount.