What is the difference between Lifeline and the ACP?
Lifeline is an ongoing program giving up to $9.25/month off phone or internet with a 135% income limit. The ACP was a temporary internet program giving up to $30/month with a 200% limit. It ended in June 2024.
- Only Lifeline is active today
- ACP also offered a $100 device discount
- Households could use both at once
What are the key facts about Lifeline vs ACP?
| Lifeline | ACP | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active | Ended June 1, 2024 |
| Monthly benefit | $9.25 ($34.25 Tribal) | $30 ($75 Tribal) |
| Device discount | None | Up to $100 (ended) |
| Income limit | 135% FPG | 200% FPG |
| Services | Phone or internet | Internet (incl. mobile data) |
| Could combine? | Yes | Yes, with Lifeline |
Key differences explained
Lifeline, running since 1985, covers phone or internet with a smaller monthly benefit and stricter eligibility. The ACP was a temporary pandemic-era program that focused on internet with a larger benefit and broader eligibility. Many households used both together.
Not sure which option fits you?
Answer 5 quick questions and the Phone Finder matches you with programs, providers and deals.
What former ACP households should do
- Check Lifeline eligibility with the checker
- Ask your ISP about low-income plans. See free internet
- Use library hotspots for gaps
Lifeline eligibility
You qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways: someone in your household takes part in a qualifying assistance program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Qualifying programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
On federally recognized Tribal lands, these also qualify: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
Income limits
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Want an instant answer? Use the Lifeline eligibility checker. It takes under a minute.
Which is better?
Today there's no choice to make, because only Lifeline exists. If the ACP is ever refunded, eligible households could again use both. See our ACP status page.
Eligibility compared
| Qualifier | Lifeline | ACP (ended) |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP / Medicaid / SSI | Yes | Yes |
| Public housing / VA pension | Yes | Yes |
| WIC | No (CA only) | Yes |
| Pell Grant | No | Yes |
| Free school lunch | No (CA only) | Yes |
| Income limit | 135% | 200% |
Current income limits
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Timeline of the two programs
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Lifeline created for landline phone service |
| 2008 | Lifeline extended to wireless providers |
| 2016 | Lifeline expanded to broadband internet |
| 2021 | ACP launches (replacing the Emergency Broadband Benefit) |
| Feb 2024 | ACP stops accepting new enrollments |
| June 2024 | ACP ends when funding runs out |
How do you apply for Lifeline now?
Former ACP households often already have the documents Lifeline needs. Apply through a provider or at checklifeline.org, choose whether to put the benefit on a phone plan or home internet, and remember that one benefit is allowed per household.
- A current benefit letter or card (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension), or
- Income proof: last year's tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment statement
- Government photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport)
- Proof of address if your ID shows a different one (utility bill or lease)
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Tribal ID number
Frequently asked questions
Can I get Lifeline if I was on ACP?
Yes, if you meet Lifeline's eligibility rules.
Is ACP coming back?
Only if Congress funds it again.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.