The Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs both support affordable access to essential communications services for low-income Americans. Both empower customers to choose the broadband connectivity (fixed or mobile, which can be bundled with voice and text) that best suits their needs.
There are a few key differences in their origins, offerings, and the criteria for eligibility.
7.4 million Americans participate
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Eligibility is determined by the National Verifier (run by USAC)
18.5 million households — representing nearly 60 million Americans — participate
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Eligibility is determined by the National Verifier (run by USAC), or by service providers with approved Alternative Verification Plans
*Offer subject to eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline. Offer may vary by location and ACP Terms & Conditions apply. GSM coverage required.
*All forms of ID must be valid and used before expiration date.
Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.
BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:
Head Start Award letter, should contain the following basic information:
TANF Award letter, should contain the following basic information:
Notice of Action (award letter) acknowledging eligibility for FDPIR benefits;
OR
FDPIR participation documents(e.g., a benefit card or copy of a benefit card);
Due to sharing many of the same eligibility requirements those currently enrolled in the lifeline program may qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also.
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:
Pension Grant Letter should contain the following basic information:
FPHA award letter should contain the following basic information:
Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA or on SSA letterhead.
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:
Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:
OR
Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information: