The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) 

***IMPORTANT: ACP ENDING APRIL 2024***

The Affordable Connectivity Program has officially come to a close.

Congress has not set aside additional funding to keep the program going, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ended ACP for the time being. There are still some congressional efforts to revive the program, but until they receive funding, there are no more ACP benefits available.

Please read this ACP Wind-Down Fact Sheet to learn more about why the program is ending.

Consolidated Fiber members received their final ACP benefit on their April 2024 bill; their May 2024 bill will be the first without the $30 ACP credit. While it is possible that Congress could approve more funding and extend the program, it is unlikely at this time.

What is ACP?*

*Please note, all of information below is included for reference only. ACP is no longer accepting applications, and the program is expected to end in April, 2024.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households who need help affording internet service. This benefit provides a discount of $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households.

How do I know if I qualify?

  • Based on your household income
    • You are eligible for the ACP if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
    • 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.

    How do I apply?*

    *Please note, ACP stopped accepting applications on February 8, 2024.

    Eligible households must first apply for the program through ACP by visiting affordableconnectivity.gov, or by calling 877-384-2575. Once your application is approved through ACP, contact Consolidated Fiber (or your current internet provider) at 800-421-5863 to complete the opt-in process and start receiving your benefits.

    That the Affordable Connectivity Program is a federal government benefit program operated by the Federal Communications Commission and, if it ends, or when a household is no longer eligible, customers will be subject to the provider’s regular rates, terms, and conditions.

    The Affordable Connectivity Program is non-transferrable and limited to one monthly internet discount per household.

    Do I qualify? 

    Income requirements

    You are eligible for the ACP if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.

    The table below reflects the income limit by household size, which is 200% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

    Household Size 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories Alaska Hawaii 
    $27,180 $33,980 $31,260 
    $36,620 $45,780 $42,120 
    $46,060 $57,580 $52,980 
    $55,500 $69,380 $63,840 
    $64,940 $81,180 $74,700 
    $74,380 $92,980 $85,560 
    $83,820 $104,780 $96,420 
    $93,260 $116,580 $107,280 
    For each additional person, add: $9,440 $11,800 $10,860 

    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) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians)
    • 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.

    Tribal Assistance Programs

    If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you are eligible for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:

    • Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
    • Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

    • You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for the ACP. Learn more about the Tribal Benefit.

    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.

    Questions

    Visit the Affordable Connectivity Program Consumer FAQ to learn more about eligibility, applications, and more.