How the Affordable Connectivity Program Works
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal subsidy that pays part of your internet bill each month. The program gives you a voucher worth up to $30 per month (or up to $75 per month on tribal lands) that you use toward an internet plan from a participating provider. You do not receive cash — the discount applies directly to your bill.
The program is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered through internet service providers across the country. When you sign up, you choose a provider that participates in ACP, and that provider deducts your monthly benefit from what you owe. You pay the difference between the plan cost and your benefit amount.
ACP is different from other internet assistance because it is a voucher system, not a grant. The money goes to the provider, not to you. This means you must have an active account with a participating company to use the benefit.
Key Takeaways
- The ACP provides a monthly voucher of up to $30 (or $75 on tribal lands) that reduces your internet bill with a participating provider.
- You must meet income requirements: your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, or you must already receive certain benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
- You need to enroll directly with a participating internet provider — the FCC does not process applications, and you cannot apply through a government office.
- Participating providers include major companies like Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and Charter, as well as smaller regional providers and some fixed wireless services.
- The program has a limited budget and can close to new enrollments when funds run low; you can check the FCC website to see if enrollment is currently open.
Income Limits and Who Qualifies
To use ACP, your household income must fall at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person earning $28,860 per year or less, or a family of four earning $59,160 per year or less. These numbers change each year when the federal poverty line is updated.
You do not have to prove your income if you already receive one of these benefits: SNAP (food assistance), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), WIC (Women, Infants, and Children), LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), Pell Grant, or Tribal assistance programs. If you receive any of these, you are automatically considered to meet the income requirement.
If you do not receive one of those benefits, you will need to show proof of income. Acceptable documents include recent tax returns, a pay stub, a Social Security statement, or a letter from your employer. The provider will tell you which documents they accept when you enroll.
How to Enroll With a Participating Provider
You enroll directly with an internet provider, not through a government office. First, find a provider that participates in ACP. You can search the FCC's list of participating providers on their website, or call 211 to ask which providers serve your address.
Once you have chosen a provider, contact them and tell them you want to enroll in ACP. They will ask you to provide proof of income or confirmation that you receive a may have access to benefit. You can submit this by mail, email, or in person, depending on the provider. Some providers let you upload documents online during signup.
After you submit your information, the provider verifies your income and enrolls you in the program. This usually takes one to two weeks. Once you are enrolled, the $30 (or $75) discount appears on your next bill. You will see it as a line item showing the ACP benefit amount.
If the program is currently closed to new enrollments, the provider will tell you when you contact them. You can check the FCC website to see the current enrollment status before you call.
What Plans Cost After Your ACP Benefit
The cost of your internet after the ACP benefit depends on which provider and plan you choose. Most participating providers offer plans that cost less than $30 per month, which means your bill would be $0 or close to it after your benefit is applied. Some providers offer plans that cost more, in which case you pay the difference.
For example, if you choose a plan that costs $50 per month and you receive a $30 ACP benefit, you pay $20 per month. If you choose a plan that costs $25 per month, you pay $0 after the benefit is applied (though you may still owe taxes or fees, depending on your provider).
Different providers offer different speeds and data limits. Some offer unlimited data, while others have data caps. The FCC website lists participating providers and their plan options so you can compare before you enroll.
Documents You Will Need to Enroll
If you receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, Pell Grant, or Tribal assistance, you only need to tell the provider which benefit you receive. They will verify it through their system, and you do not need to submit documents.
If you do not receive one of those benefits, you will need to show proof of income. Acceptable documents usually include:
- A recent pay stub (from the last 30 days)
- A recent tax return (from the last two years)
- A Social Security statement or SSA award letter
- A letter from your employer on company letterhead stating your income
- A bank statement showing regular deposits
- A benefits letter from unemployment, workers' compensation, or pension programs
Ask the provider which documents they accept before you submit anything. Different providers may have slightly different requirements.
What Happens If the Program Closes or Your Benefit Ends
The ACP has a limited federal budget. When enrollment reaches the funding limit, the program closes to new applicants. It may reopen later if Congress approves additional funding. You can check the FCC website to see whether the program is currently open or closed.
If you are already enrolled, your benefit continues as long as the program has funding. If the program runs out of money, the FCC will notify you before your benefit ends. You will still have internet service, but you will pay the full plan price without the ACP discount.
Your benefit also ends if you move to a provider that does not participate in ACP, if your income rises above the limit and you no longer receive a may have access to benefit, or if you stop paying your bill. If your circumstances change, contact your provider to update your information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ACP with any internet provider?
No. You can only use ACP with providers that participate in the program. Most major providers like Comcast, Verizon, AT&T, and Charter participate, but not all do. Check the FCC's list of participating providers or call 211 to find out which providers serve your address and accept ACP.
Do I have to enroll in person, or can I do it online or by phone?
Most providers let you enroll by phone or online. Some also accept in-person enrollment at their stores. Call the provider you choose and ask how they handle ACP enrollment. You can submit your income documents by mail, email, or online upload, depending on the provider.
What if I receive multiple benefits — do I still may have access to?
Yes. If you receive any one of the may have access to benefits (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, Pell Grant, or Tribal assistance), you meet the income requirement. You do not need to receive more than one benefit to may have access to.
Can I switch providers while I am enrolled in ACP?
Yes, but you will need to enroll separately with the new provider. Your benefit does not transfer automatically. Contact the new provider and provide proof of income or your may have access to benefit again. There is usually no gap in service if you coordinate the switch, but confirm the timing with both providers before you switch.
What if my income goes up — do I lose the benefit immediately?
No. Your provider will verify your income periodically, usually once a year. If your income rises above 200% of the federal poverty line and you no longer receive a may have access to benefit, your provider will notify you that you no longer meet the requirements. Your benefit will end on a date they specify, giving you time to plan.