The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit program that helped over 22 million households afford the broadband needed for work, school, healthcare and more. Eligible households were provided a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The program also offered a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contributed more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. However, the Federal government has announced that the program is winding down.
Here’s all you need to know about the end of the program and how to find other programs that make internet access more affordable.
Why Is the Affordable Connectivity Program Going Away?
The program, which launched in December 2021, will run out of money in April 2024, and Congress has not allocated additional funding to continue it. In October, more funding was requested to carry the ACP through the end of 2024, but the bi-partisan bill has not been brought to a vote.
When Is ACP Officially Ending?
The ACP stopped accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024, and the last fully funded month of the program is April 2024. ACP households are not required to stay with their current internet service provider or continue to receive the same internet service after the end of the program.
Are There Other Programs Besides ACP?
Lifeline* is another federal initiative dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. Eligible residents can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services each month.
How Do I Qualify for Lifeline Support?
There are four ways to qualify for Lifeline support. You may qualify through your income, usage of federal programs, tribal assistance programs, or a child or dependent. See below for more information on how to qualify.
Based on Your Income
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
| Household Size | Annual Household Income (48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories) | Annual Household Income (Alaska) | Annual Household Income (Hawaii) |
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
Usage of Federal Assistance Programs
If you or someone in your household participates in one of these programs, you are eligible for Lifeline support:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you live on Tribal lands, you can get Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of the following programs:
- 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
Qualifying Through Your Child or Dependent
If your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above, you can also get Lifeline support.
Get Started with Lumos Fiber Internet
At Lumos, we believe in making high-speed fiber internet accessible to urban centers, rural communities and everywhere in between. When you switch to Lumos, you can do so for as little as $40 per month5 without a contract. Explore our plans and call us at 844.316.8835 to learn more about our services.
*Lumos participates in the Lifeline program in some service areas, but not all. Please contact Lumos at 844.316.8835 to find out more.
