How To Qualify For ACP Benefits & How to Stay Connected After the Program Ends 

In 2021, the Affordable Connectivity Program was established to help families stay connected, for work and study, during financial difficulties. It’s a great benefit with a lot of interest from low-income households. But who qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program? If you’re looking for information on eligible households and how to qualify for ACP, you’re in the right place.  

Use this article to learn how to qualify for ACP and what to do now that the ACP program is entering the wind-down process. From opting into low-cost plans to transferring to the Lifeline benefit, there are options for low-income households who meet ACP qualification requirements and wish to stay connected. 

What You Need To Know About Enrollment In ACP

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government-funded program that provides discounted Internet access to low-income houses. The program was introduced after the COVID-19 pandemic, with millions of households forced to work and study from home. 

Because low-income households were the most severely affected by the pandemic, ACP aimed to keep them connected and assist families without disposable income for Internet service. Participating households that match the qualifications for the Affordable Connectivity Program may receive bundled services at a discount, including phone and internet access. 

With the ACP program, beneficiaries receive a monthly $35 discount on their Internet expenses. This discount is increased to $75 for families on qualifying tribal lands. The ACP also offered a one-time $100 stipend for beneficiaries to purchase a laptop, tablet, or desktop, provided they contribute between $10 and $50.

Is The ACP Accepting Enrollments? 

Since the program’s inception, the ACP has helped 23 million US households stay connected with its $14.2 billion budget. Unfortunately, since 2022, that budget has been depleted, and there is no indication that the ACP will be awarded more funds to continue the program.

Because the budget is running dry, the ACP program has entered a wind-down period that will continue unless Congress provides more funds. 

The wind-down period has already started, with no new enrollments being accepted after February 8th, 2024. Anyone who applied before that deadline still qualifies for their discounted rates, which should continue until April 2024. 

For others, the enrollment period is unfortunately over, and the ACP is no longer accepting new applications. However, you can still take advantage of ACP benefits transfers. 

Who Qualifies For ACP?

In order to receive the ACP benefit, qualifications must be met. The ACP only applies to beneficiaries who meet one of the following requirements: 

• Part of financial assistance benefits: People already part of government benefit programs can apply for ACP. Examples of benefit programs that qualify are the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Lifeline, Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and tribal assistance programs.

• Low-income household: Households who fall under the Federal poverty guidelines can apply for ACP. The exact annual household income to qualify for ACP differs from state to state and is available here. However, there might be extra stipulations for the ACP income qualification depending on your state. Always double-check your state website for the exact guidelines before applying.

• Part of a school program: If one or more of your children are on a free or reduced-cost school lunch program, you could qualify for ACP benefits. If you’re not sure whether your current school program qualifies or if your school offers a lunch program, contact the school for additional information regarding the exact procedures.

• Pell Grant beneficiary: If you’re part of the Pell Academic Grant in the year of your ACP application, you could qualify for ACP benefits.

• Low-cost plan eligible: Internet service providers like Comcast and Spectrum offer low-cost plans for low-income families. If you qualify for these low-cost programs, you qualify for ACP. Contact service providers for more information on their low-cost plans and to inquire about eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

If you meet one or more of these criteria, you are eligible for ACP benefits. 

How Does The ACP Wind-Down Affect Enrollees?

The ACP beneficiaries will no longer receive their discounted monthly internet rates when the program comes to a close in April.

ACP members will either need to:

• Pay the full fees for their Internet service (which is not an option for most families)
• Switch to a lower-cost plan with their Internet service providers, or
• Transfer their benefit to another program, one that offers reduced or free service to low-income families.

After the last fully funded month, leftover federal funds may be offered to families most in need. However, the discount rates will be less. The program will likely offer reduced amounts instead of the usual $30 or $75. 

The exact procedures will only become public knowledge closer to the end of the program. 

Losing this benefit will have a huge impact on low-income households, especially for families who have come to rely on the connectivity but don’t have the funds to pay for even the low-cost plans offered by Internet service providers. 

If that’s the case for you, it’s essential to recognize the ACP wind-down process and transfer your benefit to the option that fits your budget the best before the ACP officially goes offline. Consumers who are in the program are strongly encouraged to seek further information to learn whether they can receive additional funding now that the program stopped accepting new applications.

Recognize The ACP Wind Down Process 

The FCC published a docket outlining the wind-down process of the Affordable Connectivity Programs. The docket highlights important details, allowing beneficiaries to recognize the end of the program. It aims to provide ample time for ACP members to find a suitable alternative.

Again, while the ACP is estimated to come to an end in April, the funds may allow the program to continue for another few months. 

Keep an eye out for these wind-down notifications to catch deals and make plans before the program comes to a close. 

• End date notification: The estimated end date for the ACP is April 2024, with the possibility of change based on fund availability. The FCC will send a notice 60 days before the shutdown date to inform ACP beneficiaries and allow them enough time to make necessary arrangements.
• Opt-in notification: Following the official announcement, ACP households will be given the choice to opt in with their service provider to avoid unexpected expenses. 
• Secondary notifications: The FCC mandates that beneficiaries receive at least three notifications within the last 60 days, with the first notice sent out in the initial 14 days. The FCC is collaborating with the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) to ensure ACP users are informed about the wind-down through written and verbal notifications.

Benefits Transfers For ACP Enrollees

Earlier, we mentioned a benefit transfer. The ACP benefit transfer allows beneficiaries to another Internet service provider or program similar to the ACP. 

First, before you agree to pay the full amount to your Internet service provider, ask about any low-cost plans and their eligibility. Also, get quotes from other internet companies that offer the same option and compare prices. 

Because you are part of the ACP, you can cancel your Internet package with no penalty fees if the monthly costs are too high. 

Your other option, and the one we recommend, is to take advantage of the Lifeline program. Lifeline offers low-income households with low-cost to completely free mobile service and connectivity. Similar to the Affordable Connectivity Program qualifications, the program is for families already on benefit programs. You can check if you qualify here. 

To get started, log into your ACP account. Once you’ve logged in, navigate to the Manage My Benefit tab for more information. 

Final Thoughts

The ACP benefit offers discounted internet service rates for low-income households, with a monthly discount of $35 and $75 for people on tribal lands. To qualify, beneficiaries must be part of a government assistance program, meet the Federal poverty guidelines criteria, or qualify for a low-cost plan by an Internet service provider. 

However, the ACP program is running out of funding and is coming to a close. Fortunately, you can transfer your benefit to another internet service provider with low-cost plans or to other programs like the Lifeline program

To learn more about the Lifeline program and how it can benefit you, visit enTouch Wireless and start your enrollment today!