ACP Eligibility Requirements

Your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) a few ways including: 

• Based on your household income.
• If you, your child, or other dependent participant in certain government assistance programs.
• If you or anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefits.

Based on Your Income

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

You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for the ACP.

Federal Assistance Programs

• You are eligible for ACP if you (or someone in your household) participates 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. 

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.