The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024. The last fully funded month of the program is April 2024.
ACP enrolled households are strongly encouraged to carefully review written notices from their internet company and from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the ACP administrator, about the ACP wind-down.
Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to learn more about how the end of the ACP will impact their internet service and bill.
Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) was tasked to develop and maintain the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a federal program that offers eligible households a discount on their monthly internet bill and a one-time discount off the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. Over 23 million eligible households are currently enrolled and receiving the monthly discount. However, the $14.2 billion Congress initially made available for the ACP is running out. Due to the lack of additional funding for the ACP, the Commission has announced that April 2024 will be the last month ACP households will receive the full ACP discount, as they have received in prior months. ACP households may receive a partial ACP discount in May 2024. After May 2024, unless Congress provides additional funding, ACP households will no longer receive the ACP benefit and the ACP will end. As a result, the FCC has begun taking steps to wind-down the ACP.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program that offers eligible households a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal Lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating internet companies if the household contributes more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The funding initially made available for the ACP is running out. Without additional funding from Congress, April 2024 will be the last month that the ACP households will receive the full ACP discount, as they have received in prior months. ACP households may receive a partial discount in May 2024. Without additional funding from Congress, after May 2024 the ACP will end and ACP households will no longer receive the ACP benefit.
Wind-down refers to steps the Commission is taking to provide information to ACP households on ways to keep their internet connection after the ACP has ended, and to stay informed about changes to their internet bill and service.
The ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on Feb. 8, 2024. Both paper and electronic applications have been removed and are no longer available.
Without additional funding from Congress, after May 2024 the ACP will end and ACP households will no longer receive the ACP benefit.
Wind-Down - Households
What are the important dates I should be aware of regarding the ACP wind-down?
- January 11, 2024: The FCC released an Order detailing the wind-down process.
- January 25, 2024: By this date, households that were receiving the monthly ACP discount should have received their first notice from their internet company with information about the end of the ACP.
- February 8, 2024: The ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments. Both paper and electronic ACP applications were removed and are no longer available. Households approved and signed up with an internet company before this date and remain enrolled in the program will continue to receive their ACP discounts during the wind-down period until the ACP ends.
- March 4, 2024: The FCC issued a Public Notice announcing that April 2024 will be the last month for ACP households to receive the full ACP discount, as they have in prior months. ACP households may receive a partial discount in May.
- March 19, 2024: ACP households will receive their second notice from their internet company that the ACP is ending and the impact on their internet service and bills. The third notice will be included as part of the last bill or billing cycle in which the full ACP discount is applied.
- April 2024: If Congress does not provide additional funding, April 2024 will be the last month ACP households will receive the full ACP discount, as they have received in prior months.
- May 2024: If Congress does not provide additional funding, ACP households may receive a partial ACP discount from their internet company in May 2024.
- After May 2024: If Congress does not provide additional funding, the ACP will run out of funding and ACP households will no longer receive the ACP benefit.
What does the "last fully funded month of the ACP in April 2024" mean?
The last fully funded month of the ACP refers to the last month (April 2024) ACP households will receive the full ACP discount, as they have received in prior months.
What does "partial ACP discount in May 2024" to ACP households mean?
After providing the last full discounts in April 2024, ACP households may receive a partial ACP discount from their internet company in May 2024 if (1) they have opted in to continue to receive internet service after the end of the full ACP discount, and (2) their internet company decides to provide the partial discount. Internet companies will notify ACP households if the partial ACP discount would apply to them. ACP households can also contact their internet company to answer questions.
How will internet companies determine how much of a partial discount to provide ACP households in May 2024?
Internet companies will have the option of whether they want to provide a partial ACP discount in May 2024. If an internet company decides to provide a partial discount in May, it will be up to the internet company to decide the amount of the partial discount. The partial discount will only be provided to ACP households that have opted in to continue their internet service even if the ACP ends. Internet companies will notify ACP households if the partial ACP discount may apply to them. ACP households can also contact their internet company to answer questions.
How can ACP households opt out of their current internet service when the ACP ends?
ACP households can decide to no longer continue their current internet service after the ACP ends ("opt-out"). They do so by contacting their internet company and telling them that they do not wish to receive internet service from the company after the end of ACP.
How will ACP households know if they are opted in to continue internet service after the ACP ends?
ACP households may have been asked by their internet company if they wish to continue service (opt in) after the ACP has ended. ACP households may have been asked this when they signed up to receive the ACP discount with their internet company or more recently.
ACP households will continue to receive internet service after the ACP ends if they:
- Previously agreed to continue internet service from their internet company.
- Paid for internet service from their internet company BEFORE they started receiving the ACP discount.
- Currently contribute to the cost of their internet service even with the ACP discount applied.
- This includes households that contribute to the cost of any portion of bundled services (such as those offering voice, internet, and texting or video and internet) that include ACP-supported internet service.
ACP households will NOT continue to receive internet service after the ACP ends, if they:
- DID NOT previously agree to continue internet service after the end of ACP.
- Have not paid their internet company for service.
If a household is not sure if they previously opted in or opted out to receiving service from their internet company after the ACP has ended, the household should contact their internet company and discuss their options.
As a current household receiving the ACP discount, what will the notices from internet companies look like?
During the wind-down period, internet companies are required to send ACP households three (3) separate notices about the ACP ending and its impact on household internet bills and service. Internet companies are also required to send notices to ACP households in writing and in a manner that is accessible to persons with disabilities.
- First Notice: By January 25, 2024, ACP households should have received their first written notice from their internet company informing them that the ACP is ending and the impact on their service and bill.
- Second Notice: By March 19, 2024, ACP households should have received their second written notice from their internet company, informing them that April 2024 will be the last month to receive the full ACP discount, as they have received in prior months.
- Final (Third) Notice: This notice will be included as part of the last bill or billing cycle in which the full ACP discount is applied.
Are ACP internet companies allowed to send more than three (3) notices to their consumers?
Yes, the FCC encourages ACP internet companies to send more notices and to include additional information on any low-cost internet plans available. ACP households should closely review notices they get from their internet company.
What happens if Congress provides additional funding for the ACP?
If Congress provides more funding for the ACP, the FCC will share further information on how the ACP will continue at that time.
What other ways can ACP households get details about the end of ACP?
In addition to notices from internet companies, ACP households will also receive notices from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the administrator of the ACP. Households can also visit fcc.gov/acp and AffordableConnectivity.gov for more information about the status of the ACP.
What consumer protections are available to ACP households during wind-down and after the ACP ends?
During the ACP wind-down, ACP internet companies are still responsible for following the consumer protection requirements in the ACP rules. Some of the ACP rules will continue even after the ACP has ended. The ACP rules include, but are not limited to:
- Transferring ACP discount: During the ACP Wind-Down, households can continue to transfer their ACP discount to other participating internet companies who continue to accept ACP transfers.
- Terminating Service: ACP internet companies cannot end an eligible ACP household's internet service for failure to pay for service until 90 days has passed since the bill due date. However, with advance notice, ACP internet companies can switch the household to a lower-cost internet plan if the household enters a delinquent status after the bill due date. This rule will be in place for as long as the household continues to receive the ACP discount.
- Early Termination Fees: If a household applied their ACP discount to an internet plan that has a service contract, the internet company cannot charge the household an early termination fee for ending that service contract early, even after the ACP ends.
For more information refer to the ACP Wind-Down Order, the ACP Wind-Down 60-Day Public Notice, and the consumer guides located on the FCC's website at www.fcc.gov/acp.
If ACP households have more questions, who should they contact other than their internet company?
ACP households can contact USAC for questions about the ACP ending by reaching the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or by going to AffordableConnectivity.gov for information about the status of the program. Consumers can also file a complaint through the FCC's Consumer Complaint Center at https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov about ACP billing and service issues.
What should ACP households do to prepare for the impact of the ACP benefit ending?
After the ACP ends, ACP households will no longer receive the ACP discount on their monthly internet bill. To prepare for the end of the ACP, households are strongly encouraged to:
- Consistently check their emails, text messages, and mail for notices from their internet companies about the ACP ending and how it will impact their internet bill.
- Contact their internet company and ask whether the internet company has a lower cost plan and/or program available. When calling the internet company, households should make sure they have account and billing information available.
- Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov for more updates regarding the ACP.
- Visit www.fcc.gov/acp to access the FCC's Wind-Down Order, 60-day Public Notice, consumer guides, and outreach materials about the ACP wind-down process.
What should I say when contacting my internet company about the ACP ending?
Here are some recommended questions that ACP households should ask when contacting their internet company to discuss options after the ACP ends:
- How will my internet bill change after April 2024?
- Will I continue to receive internet service after the ACP ends (did I opt in or out previously)?
- If so, what will be my out-of-pocket expense for my internet service after the ACP ends?
- If I did not previously opt-in to receive internet service after the ACP ends, what should I do if I decide I want to continue internet service?
- Are there other low-cost internet plans that will meet my household needs?
- If so, how can I sign up for a lower cost plan?
- Will the quality of my internet service change by switching to a lower cost plan?
- If yes, by how much?
- Will I notice a difference based on how I use my internet service today?
- Does the internet company have a program based on my income?
- If so, will I qualify automatically because I received ACP monthly discount?
- If I do not automatically qualify based on my ACP enrollment, how do I qualify for the internet company's program?
Households should prepare to discuss how their household uses internet service. For example, occasional or frequent teleworkers, students with homework, devices supported by internet connection. Ask how much the recommended internet plan will cost.
What other FCC federal programs are available to help households with their internet bill?
ACP households may also be eligible for the FCC's Lifeline program, which offers up to $9.25 a month off phone, internet, or bundled phone and internet services (up to $34.25 if you live on qualifying Tribal lands). Not all ACP recipients will qualify for Lifeline and not all ACP internet companies participate in the Lifeline Program. To learn more and apply, visit lifelinesupport.org.
Wind-Down - Outreach & Education
What resources are available to outreach partners to help inform households about the ACP ending?
The FCC has provided updated materials for consumers and outreach partners, including many that are available in multiple languages. For more consumer outreach materials, please visit www.fcc.gov/acp.
If outreach partners need assistance, what support can they expect from the FCC?
The FCC's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) is available to support our outreach partners in various ways.
- FCC Virtual Speakers: Educate ACP outreach partners and consumers on the ACP ending. E-mail requests should be sent to: acpspeakers@fcc.gov. As part of the e-mail request, information on the date and time of the event should be included as well as anticipated audience number.
- Print Requests: The FCC would like to ensure ACP wind-down consumer resources are as widely available as possible. As such, if outreach partners would like the FCC to print and ship these resources, the request can be sent to acpinfo@fcc.gov. See below for format for print requests. Allow for 2-3 weeks for UPS delivery.
Request 500 ACP Wind Down Fact Sheets (English)
Mary Smith
230 Main Street
Anytown, USA 90210
ACP Eligibility
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program.
Can I apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program if I have a past due balance with the provider?
Yes, eligible consumers with a past due balance or a balance in collections are eligible for the benefit.
Can I sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program if I am already a customer or if I was a customer in the past?
Yes, the benefit is available to eligible new, prior and existing customers of participating providers.
Can my roommate and I each get a monthly discount?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount per household, which is defined as any individual or group of individuals who are living together at the same address and share income and expenses. Learn more and find a household worksheet at AffordableConnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/what-is-a-household/
What is Lifeline and how do I qualify?
Lifeline is the FCC's program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs. Find out if you are eligible by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org (click "Do I Qualify?").
If I already receive Lifeline benefits will I automatically receive the Affordable Connectivity Program?
No. You must opt-in with your existing provider or request enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program with a participating internet provider and chose an eligible service plan. You can choose to receive the benefit from your current Lifeline service provider or another participating provider.
Can I receive both the Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline benefits at the same time?
Yes. You can also combine these benefits with other state and local benefits where available. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Affordable Connectivity Program service with the same or different providers. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile phone service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Everyone at my child's school receives breakfast and lunch at no cost. Do we qualify?
A household may enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program if its school participates in the Community Eligibility Provision or the household separately applied for and has been approved for benefits in the free and reduced price school lunch program or school breakfast program. If a school is offering lunch or breakfast free to all students regardless of income based on a program other than the Community Eligibility Provision - such as through COVID-19 waivers extending the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) or Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) - then the household would not be eligible through the free and reduced price school lunch program or school breakfast program by virtue of an extension of the SSO or SFSP.
I live in a multi-unit dwelling (for example, an apartment building) and we pay the property manager/landlord a monthly fee for our internet. Can I get the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit?
Yes. If you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, talk to your property manager/landlord and ask that they work with their internet service provider to learn more about the benefits that might be available to you and other eligible residents.
I previously participated in a provider's low-income program, but I am no longer enrolled in that program. Does my past participation in that program qualify me for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Check with the provider for more information about whether you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Will I be able to use the service and the device if I have a disability?
The services and devices will be accessible to and usable by people with disabilities. If you have any concerns about whether your internet service and equipment is accessible, contact the FCC's Disability Rights office at 202-418-2517 for a voice phone call, at 844-432-2275 by videophone, or by email at DRO@fcc.gov.
How to Apply
How do I get started with my application for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You can go to GetInternet.gov to check your eligibility and start the application online. Eligible households can also enroll through an approved provider.
Which internet providers are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Various internet providers, including those offering landline and wireless services, will participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Depending on where you live, you may have a choice of providers. Check with the internet service providers in your area to learn about their plans for program participation. You can find participating providers in your area using the Companies Near Me Tool. You can search internet service providers by city, state/territory, or zip code.
Two Steps to Enroll
- Go to GetInternet.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
- Contact your preferred participating provider to select a service plan and have the discount applied to your bill.
How do I get started with my application for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Some providers may have an alternative application they will ask you to complete.
Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.
Can I apply directly with a provider?
Some participating providers have received approval from the FCC to use an alternative verification process and will be able to approve and enroll eligible households directly. Contact your preferred provider directly to learn about their application process.
Do I need to contact my preferred provider after my application is approved?
Yes, if you applied online at GetInternet.gov or by mail and have been approved, you need to contact your preferred service provider and select a service plan in order to begin receiving the monthly discount off your bill. If you want to apply the discount to service with your current internet service provider you will need to contact your provider after your application is approved.
If I submit an application by mail how will I know if I was approved and when can I contact a provider to start receiving the benefit?
If you submit an application to the Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center by mail, you will receive updates by mail regarding your application status (or by email if you provided an email address on your application). For example, USAC will contact you if additional information or documents are needed and if your application has been approved. Once you receive notification that you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can sign up for service with a participating provider following the instructions provided in the email or letter confirming your approval.
If I currently receive Lifeline benefits, do I need to apply?
If you are currently enrolled in Lifeline, you generally do not need to apply separately for the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can contact your current Lifeline provider or a different participating Affordable Connectivity Program provider serving your area to choose a service plan. Some participating providers may require that current Lifeline recipients complete an alternative verification process.
How is "household" defined for purposes of the Affordable Connectivity Program?
"Household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. An "economic unit" is defined as "all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household." The Affordable Connectivity Program support is available to eligible low-income subscribers living in group living facilities. Applicants may be asked to complete a one-per-household worksheet, which asks questions about your household to determine if there is more than one household at your address. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one connected device discount per household. Learn more at AffordableConnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/what-is-a-household
What documentation do I need to provide when I apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Consumers will need to provide documentation if their eligibility cannot be confirmed automatically by checking a program eligibility database (SNAP or Medicaid, for example). Documents you can use to prove your eligibility include:
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit verification letter
- For federal Pell Grants, documents must include the student's first and last name, be from the student's school (college or university, community college, or career school) or the Department of Education, and show the student has received a Pell Grant for the current award year.
Applicants may also need to provide documentation to confirm their identity or address.
You can learn more about the documentation you may need to provide and how to submit it by visiting: AffordableConnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/show-you-qualify.
How can I prove my child is approved for the free and reduced-price school lunch or school breakfast program?
There are two different ways to prove your child is approved.
If your child attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school, select "Free and Reduced Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program" when applying online on the "Confirm You Qualify" page, then select the name of the school from the drop-down menu. Next, upload official school documentation that demonstrates that your child is enrolled at that school.
The documentation must include:
- The enrolled student's (benefit qualifying person's) name
- Name of the school
- The school year for which the student is enrolled
- School address and school contact information (phone number or email)
Examples of acceptable documentation include a student's report card or an official letter from the school or school district indicating the student's enrollment. The report card or official letter must meet the above requirements. Generic school notices that do not include the student's name and other required information are not sufficient to enroll in the program based on the CEP.
- If the student applied for and is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program, you can apply online by selecting "Free and Reduced Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program" on the "Confirm You Qualify" page. You will also be required to submit documentation, such as a letter from a school or school district confirming approval.
To qualify for the ACP, the documentation must be dated for the current school year or the school year immediately preceding your application for the ACP.
To qualify for ACP based on participation in the free or reduced price school lunch or breakfast program, including the CEP, the household's child or dependent must be a current student at the time the ACP application is submitted.
You can learn more about the documentation you may need to provide and how to submit it by visiting: AffordableConnectivity.gov/how-to-apply/show-you-qualify.
Who do I contact if I have a disability and need help applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
If you are a person with a disability and need assistance with your Affordable Connectivity Program application, contact the Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center via email at ACPSupport@usac.org or call 877-384-2575.
If you have a question about whether your Affordable Connectivity Program service and equipment is accessible, contact the FCC's Disability Rights Office at 202-418-2517 for a voice phone call, at 844-432-2275 by videophone, or by email at DRO@fcc.gov.
Where can I find more information on the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Both FCC.gov/ACP and AffordableConnectivity.gov provide detailed information about the Affordable Connectivity Program for consumers and digital navigators.
The information previously available at GetInternet.gov will continue to be available by accessing whitehouse.gov/getinternet.
Discounts
How much does broadband service cost?
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount for internet service up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands. The discount will be applied to your internet service, but the ultimate cost to you will depend on the service plan you select from a participating provider.
Do I receive the funds directly each month?
No, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a monthly discount on internet service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). The participating broadband service provider will receive the funds directly.
Can I upgrade my current plan to take advantage of the full $30 per month (or $75 per month on Tribal lands)?
You may be able to do so. Ask your provider about the plans they have available as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program.
If the service plan I pick is $25 per month, do I get the extra money?
No. The provider is only reimbursed for the cost of the plan up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands.
If the plan I pick is more than the monthly discount for internet service, do I pay the extra myself?
Yes. You are responsible for any amount over $30 per month (or over $75 per month on Tribal lands) for internet service under the Affordable Connectivity Program.
I currently subscribe to a bundle of services that includes internet, TV, and phone. Can I apply the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit to my monthly bill?
The Affordable Connectivity Program benefit can be applied to the cost of a bundle of services that include internet, voice, texting and/or associated equipment. If your bundle also includes a TV service, you will be responsible for that portion of your bill, as well as any services that are above the monthly discount.
Devices
How does the $100 device benefit work?
Participating internet service providers can be reimbursed up to $100 if they supply a connected device to a household, provided the household pays more than $10 but less than $50 for the device. In other words, to take advantage of this benefit, it must be done through your participating internet service provider, and you must contribute a portion of the cost. The device benefit is limited to a laptop, a desktop computer, or a tablet. It does not include cell phones, large phones, or "phablets" that can make cellular calls.
If my child and I are part of the same household, can we each get our own connected device through the Affordable Connectivity Program?
No. Each household is limited to a single device discount.
Tribal
What is the enhanced benefit amount for residents of Tribal Lands?
Eligible households on Tribal lands can receive a total monthly discount of up to $75. You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands at AffordableConnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/enhanced-tribal-benefit/.
Do individuals have to be Tribal members to qualify for the enhanced Tribal benefit?
No. Anyone living on eligible Tribal lands can receive the enhanced Tribal benefit. They do not need to be a member of a Tribe.
How do I know if my household is eligible for the enhanced Tribal benefit?
You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands at AffordableConnectivity.gov/do-i-qualify/enhanced-tribal-benefit/.
Can I receive both the enhanced Tribal Lifeline Benefit and the $75 Affordable Connectivity Program each month?
Yes. An eligible household on Tribal lands can receive both the $34.25 Lifeline Tribal benefit and the $75 Affordable Connectivity Program benefit. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and internet service with the same or different providers as long as the provider is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. For example, an eligible household could have a Lifeline-supported mobile service and a separate home internet service that is supported through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
