Can you still apply for the ACP?
No. The ACP stopped taking applications in February 2024 and ended on June 1, 2024, when its funding ran out. Lifeline, internet providers' low-income plans and library hotspots are the main alternatives.
- ACP gave up to $30/month ($75 Tribal) off internet
- It also offered a one-time $100 device discount
- Many former ACP households qualify for Lifeline
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available?
No. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications in February 2024 and ended on June 1, 2024, when its funding ran out. Proposals to restart it have been introduced in Congress, but as of this update the ACP is not active.
If you see an ad offering an “ACP free tablet” or “ACP free iPhone” today, it's outdated or misleading.
What the ACP offered
- Monthly internet discount
- Up to $30
- Tribal lands
- Up to $75
- One-time device discount
- Up to $100
- Enrolled households
- 20+ million at peak
- Ran
- Dec 2021 – June 2024
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What are the alternatives to the ACP now?
| Alternative | What you get | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | Up to $9.25/mo on phone or internet | Lifeline program |
| ISP low-income plans | Discounted home internet | Free internet for low income |
| Library hotspots | Free borrowed internet | Free hotspot |
| Device programs | Free or cheap tablets/laptops | Government tablet |
Were you on the ACP? Check Lifeline
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.
Lifeline vs ACP
ACP eligibility was broader (200% of the poverty line vs Lifeline's 135%). Many ACP households still qualify for Lifeline. Compare them in Lifeline vs ACP.
Scam check: No real program asks for a gift card, a “processing fee” to release a free iPhone, or your full Social Security number over text. Genuine Lifeline applications go through the National Verifier.
Who was eligible for the ACP?
ACP eligibility was wider than Lifeline's. Households qualified with income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if a member received SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Federal Pell Grants, free or reduced-price school lunch, public housing, Veterans Pension, Lifeline, or an internet provider's own low-income program.
Because Lifeline's income limit is lower (135%), some former ACP households don't qualify for Lifeline on income. Many still qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, though.
| ACP (ended) | Lifeline (active) | |
|---|---|---|
| Income limit | 200% of FPG | 135% of FPG |
| Monthly benefit | $30 ($75 Tribal) | $9.25 ($34.25 Tribal) |
| Device discount | Up to $100 | None |
| WIC / Pell / school lunch | Qualified | Not federally (CA exceptions) |
Current Lifeline 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.
Frequently asked questions
Will the ACP come back?
It would require new funding from Congress. Check the FCC's website for official updates.
I was on ACP. Do I need to do anything?
Your ACP discount has ended. If you also had Lifeline, it continues. If not, check whether you qualify for Lifeline.
What happened to ACP tablets?
The $100 device discount ended with the program. Some providers still sell discounted tablets.
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.