What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program Credit?
Learn how the Affordable Connectivity Program credit helps eligible households reduce internet costs and access crucial online resources.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal initiative designed to help low-income households afford essential broadband internet services and connected devices. The program officially ended on June 1, 2024, due to depleted funding.
Understanding the Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program was established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure eligible households could access affordable broadband internet. It provided a monthly discount on internet service, up to $30 for most households, and up to $75 for those on qualifying Tribal lands.
The program also offered a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. To qualify for this device discount, households needed to contribute between $10 and $50 toward the purchase price from a participating provider. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administered the program.
Determining Eligibility
To qualify for the ACP, a household needed to meet specific criteria, based on income or participation in federal assistance programs. A household’s income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines was one pathway to eligibility.
Alternatively, households qualified if at least one member participated in programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Participation in the Lifeline program, the Free and Reduced Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, or having received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year also conferred eligibility. Proof of enrollment or income documentation was required to verify eligibility.
Applying for the Credit
The application process for the Affordable Connectivity Program involved two main steps: submitting an application and then contacting a participating internet service provider. Applications could be submitted online through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website, or by mail using a printable application form. Some internet service providers also offered the option to apply directly through them.
After submitting the application, households would receive a confirmation notice regarding their eligibility status. Once approved, the next step was to contact a participating internet provider to select an eligible internet plan and have the discount applied to the monthly bill. The ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding.
Utilizing the Benefit
Once a household was approved for the Affordable Connectivity Program, the benefit was applied as a direct discount on their monthly internet bill. The participating internet service provider would apply this credit, reducing the household’s out-of-pocket cost for broadband service.
In addition to the monthly service discount, eligible households could also receive a one-time discount on a connected device, such as a laptop or tablet, from participating providers. Households could typically switch their ACP benefit to a different participating provider once per service month. However, with the program officially ending on June 1, 2024, enrolled households no longer receive the ACP discount, and they are encouraged to contact their internet companies to inquire about other low-cost plans or programs.