The Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP is a government assistance program by the FCC designed to ensure that low-income households can afford the broadband they need for work, education, healthcare, and more.

The ACP is a new program that has replaced the old, temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program on December 31, 2021. The old, temporary EBB program offered similar benefits as the ACP program and as it has proven to be vital for millions of Americans, the U.S. Congress has recently passed a bill to replace the short-term EBB program with a long-term program, which offers similar benefits.

Here are the ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):

• If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
• If you or anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefit
• Based on your household income

Note: You may qualify for the ACP through a participating provider’s existing low-income program. Visit our How to Apply page to learn more.

If You Participate in Certain Government Assistance Programs Such As SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or Other Programs

Federal Assistance Programs

You are eligible for the ACP if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• 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 in the current award year

You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the ACP.

If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit

Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. If you currently receive a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your ACP benefit and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services. Talk to your internet company to learn how to start receiving ACP discounts.

Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent

Any member of your household can make your household eligible if they participate in one of the programs above. For example, if your child or dependent participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or is enrolled in a USDA Community Eligibility Provision school, your household qualifies for the ACP benefit.