Affordable Connectivity Program

Quick Facts

Benefit value: Up to $30 per month toward home internet service, or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. A one-time discount of up to $100 is available toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet when purchased through a participating provider with a required co-payment of $10 to $50.
Administering agencies: Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
Application portal: Affordable Connectivity Program application (National Verifier) or through participating internet providers.
Eligible services: Fixed broadband, mobile broadband, bundled internet/phone packages, or certain connected devices.
Household cap: One monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household.

Program Overview

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is the cornerstone of the federal government’s response to the digital divide. Created by Congress in 2021 and administered by the FCC through USAC, the program replaces the earlier Emergency Broadband Benefit and offers long-term support for families that struggle to afford reliable internet. ACP funding flows directly to participating internet service providers, which pass the discount through as a credit on the customer’s bill. Because the discount is applied at the provider level, recipients never have to wait for reimbursement or tax season—they see the savings as soon as the discount is activated.

Reliable broadband is increasingly essential for work, education, telehealth, and accessing public benefits. The ACP targets families whose budgets make internet bills a constant trade-off against rent, utilities, and groceries. By subsidizing home connections and providing a device stipend, the program helps households that otherwise rely on public Wi-Fi or mobile hotspots. The initiative coordinates with other federal programs like Lifeline, meaning households can stack benefits for deeper savings and redundant connectivity in emergencies.

Since the program’s launch, millions of households have enrolled, but large numbers remain eligible and unserved. Outreach partners—schools, libraries, community-based organizations, ISPs, and municipalities—play a major role in helping residents navigate the application process, choose service plans, and stay compliant with program requirements. The ACP also supports digital equity planning at the state and local level, enabling jurisdictions to build durable broadband adoption strategies.

Eligibility Pathways

Households qualify for the ACP in multiple ways. Understanding every qualifying pathway ensures you do not leave money on the table.

Income-Based Eligibility

Household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines qualifies. Poverty guidelines vary by state (higher thresholds in Alaska and Hawaii) and by household size.
Applicants can submit proof using the prior year’s tax return, three consecutive months of pay stubs, or other official income documentation such as Social Security benefit statements.
Irregular income households—gig workers, tipped employees, seasonal workers—can use a written statement of income combined with supporting documentation like bank statements. Uploading multiple forms of proof reduces the chance of denial.

Program-Based Eligibility

Participation in any of the following automatically qualifies a household:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Head Start (income-based)
Lifeline Program

Education-Based Eligibility

Households with a student who received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year qualify automatically. Obtain a screenshot of the Pell Grant award from the student’s FAFSA portal.
Students participating in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program (including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision) qualify their households. Letters from the school district or state agency suffice as proof.

Other Considerations

A household is defined as individuals who live together and share finances. Roommates with separate financial arrangements can each qualify if they complete the household worksheet verifying separate households at the same address.
Undocumented residents can apply using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) or other approved identity documentation; citizenship is not required.
College students living on campus can apply if they meet income or program criteria and pay for their own internet service.

Application Options

ACP enrollment flows through the National Verifier. Applicants can choose the pathway that fits their comfort level and local support network.

Option 1: Apply Online Through USAC

Create an account on the ACP application portal.
Complete the digital application, upload eligibility documents, and electronically sign required certifications.
Receive immediate confirmation or instructions to provide additional documentation. Save the application ID—providers will request it.

Option 2: Mail-In Application

Download the English or Spanish paper application and household worksheet.
Complete the forms, attach copies of eligibility documentation, and mail them to the ACP Support Center.
Allow two to four weeks for processing. Applicants receive a determination letter with next steps.

Option 3: Provider-Assisted Enrollment

Contact a participating ISP and request ACP enrollment support.
Providers may submit the application on your behalf or guide you through their own portal linked to the National Verifier.
Some local ISPs and community organizations host in-person enrollment events where staff scan documents and expedite approvals.

Document Checklist

To avoid processing delays, gather the following documents before applying:

Identity: Driver’s license, state ID, passport, Tribal ID, military ID, or other government-issued identification.
Address: Utility bill, mortgage statement, rental agreement, or official letter with your name and address. For shelters or transitional housing, a letter from the facility confirming residency works.
Eligibility proof: Benefit approval letter, statement of benefits, school district letter, Pell Grant award notice, or income documents.
Household worksheet: Required when multiple households share an address.

Scan documents clearly, ensuring legible text and visible signatures. When taking photos with a smartphone, place the document on a flat, contrasting surface and use good lighting to avoid glare.

Choosing the Right Plan

The ACP discount applies to any qualifying service offered by a participating provider. Evaluate your household’s needs before locking in a plan.

Fixed broadband: Ideal for households that need stable speeds for remote work, gaming, or streaming on multiple devices.
Mobile broadband/hotspots: Useful for renters or individuals who move frequently and cannot install wired service.
Bundles: Some providers bundle voice, television, or security services. Confirm the ACP discount applies to the internet portion and that you can downgrade later without penalties.
Data caps and throttling: Review the fine print. Choose plans with adequate data allowances to avoid surprise fees or slowdowns.
Equipment fees: Ask whether the ACP discount covers modem or router rentals. Some providers waive equipment fees for ACP households; others require purchase or rental.

Before signing up, verify the provider’s ACP policies, such as whether autopay or paperless billing is required and how to cancel service without termination fees. Document every interaction, including the name of customer service agents and confirmation numbers.

Keeping the Benefit Active

ACP participation comes with ongoing responsibilities:

Use the service: Providers can de-enroll customers who do not use their service for 30 consecutive days. Keep the connection active by sending an email, streaming a show, or logging into your provider account monthly.
Respond to recertification requests: USAC conducts periodic revalidations. Watch for emails or letters instructing you to reconfirm eligibility. Missing the deadline leads to benefit termination.
Report changes: Notify your provider within 30 days of any address change, eligibility change, or if someone in the household applies for a separate ACP benefit.
Stay within one benefit per household: Attempting to claim multiple ACP discounts can trigger audits and repayment obligations.

Maximizing Value and “Winning” the ACP

Savvy households treat ACP enrollment as part of a broader strategy to secure affordable, resilient connectivity.

Layer Benefits Strategically

Combine ACP with the Lifeline program for deeper monthly savings. Lifeline covers voice or broadband up to $9.25 per month ($34.25 on Tribal lands). Many providers apply Lifeline first, then ACP, shrinking bills to zero for modest plans. On Tribal lands, households may even upgrade to higher-speed tiers without out-of-pocket costs.

Negotiate with Providers

Even though the ACP discount is fixed, you can still negotiate promotional rates. Mention competitor offers, ask about loyalty discounts, or request fee waivers. Document promises and follow up in writing through email or provider chat transcripts.

Tap Community Support

Libraries, community colleges, and digital navigator programs often host ACP enrollment clinics and device distribution events. These partners can help you troubleshoot applications, scan documents, and understand provider offers. They may also provide digital literacy classes, which strengthen your ability to use the internet for work or education.

Build a Redundancy Plan

If your household depends on connectivity for employment or medical devices, consider using ACP to subsidize a secondary connection, such as a mobile hotspot. Although you cannot receive two ACP discounts, pairing a low-cost mobile plan with a discounted home broadband plan offers backup in case of outages.

Monitor for Program Changes

Congress reviews ACP funding periodically. Subscribe to FCC and USAC email alerts to learn about updates, sunset notices, or transitions. If the program winds down, providers must give at least 30 days’ notice before billing you the full rate. Use that time to switch plans, apply for hardship programs, or leverage municipal broadband alternatives.

Coordinate with Education and Telehealth Programs

Many school districts provide additional support, such as loaner laptops or hotspot lending libraries. Telehealth providers sometimes offer discounts or free equipment for ACP households to ensure remote monitoring. Ask your school administrators, healthcare providers, and local government offices about layered resources.

Build Credit with On-Time Payments

Some ISPs report payment histories to credit bureaus. Paying the reduced bill on time can improve your credit profile. If your provider offers an opt-in for reporting, evaluate the benefits and potential downsides (such as late-payment marks). Maintaining positive credit can unlock better loan rates and housing opportunities.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even well-prepared applicants encounter bumps. Use these strategies to overcome hurdles quickly.

Application Denied for Identity Mismatch

Double-check that the name and address on the application match supporting documents exactly.
If your name recently changed, upload proof such as a marriage certificate or court order.
Contact the ACP Support Center to escalate the issue and request manual review.

Provider Says You’re Not Eligible

Provide the National Verifier approval letter or application ID to the provider. Some front-line representatives are unfamiliar with ACP; ask for a supervisor if necessary.
Confirm the provider is listed in the official ACP provider list. If not, select another provider.

Benefit Suddenly Removed

Verify whether you missed a recertification request or your provider flagged non-use. Reapply through the National Verifier and call the provider’s ACP team.
If you moved, submit updated address documentation. Providers must reverify eligibility for new addresses.

Device Discount Confusion

Device discounts require purchasing through participating providers. Ask for inventory lists and delivery timelines before paying the co-payment.
Keep the receipt and the ACP device disclosure form. These documents prove you used the one-time discount.

If you share a subscription with another household, clarify who will claim the ACP benefit. Only one discount applies per account. Consider splitting the bill proportionally after the discount.

Insider Tips to Win the Affordable Connectivity Program

Pre-qualify before shopping for plans. Completing National Verifier approval first gives you leverage when negotiating with providers.
Use the household worksheet proactively. If multiple households share an address, submitting the worksheet with your initial application prevents denials for suspected duplicates.
Scan documents as PDFs. Clear, legible files reduce requests for resubmission and speed up approvals.
Ask providers about zero-cost plans. Many ISPs offer ACP-specific plans where the discount covers the full bill, meaning your monthly cost is $0.
Enroll in autopay carefully. If a provider requires autopay for ACP plans, use a bank account with low fees. Set reminders to ensure funds are available and avoid overdrafts.
Track recertification dates. Create calendar reminders or text alerts using services like Google Calendar so you never miss the annual check-in.
Keep proof of benefit stacking. If you combine ACP and Lifeline, retain copies of both approval letters. This documentation is vital if audits question dual enrollment.
Engage in digital skills training. Completing courses offered by libraries or nonprofits can open doors to remote jobs and telehealth that make the most of your connectivity.
Plan for program sunsets. Maintain a savings buffer equivalent to one month of full-price service. If ACP funding lapses, you can cover the gap while exploring new discounts.
Spread the word. Referring friends and neighbors not only helps your community but also strengthens the program’s political support, which protects it from budget cuts.