What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term, federal benefit program administered by the FCC. It helps ensure that households can afford the broadband internet they need for work, school, healthcare, and more. It replaced the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, offering a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Who Qualifies for the ACP Benefit? Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for ACP, at least one member of your household must meet specific eligibility requirements. Understanding these criteria is the first step in the ACP application process. A household is eligible if one member of the household:

• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• Participates in certain federal assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.
• Receives benefits under the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
• Participates in certain Tribal programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating internet service provider's existing low-income program.

Verifying your eligibility is crucial before you start to formally apply for the affordable connectivity program. Ensure all necessary documents are ready to prove your qualification.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Apply for ACP

The ACP sign up process typically involves two main steps:

Step 1: Get Approved Through the National Verifier

The first step is to confirm your eligibility through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) National Verifier. You can apply online or by mail.

1. Online Application: Visit the official ACP website and click "Apply Now." You'll be directed to the National Verifier's application portal. Be prepared to provide personal information such as your name, date of birth, Social Security Number (or other ID), and contact details. You will also need to upload documents to prove your identity and eligibility for one of the qualifying programs or income levels.
2. Mail-in Application: If applying online isn't feasible, you can download a paper application form from the ACP website, fill it out, and mail it with copies of your supporting documents to the address provided.

Once your application is submitted, the National Verifier will review your information. You will receive a notification regarding your eligibility status, usually by email or mail.

Documents You'll Need for Your ACP Application

To streamline the process, have these documents ready before you apply for affordable connectivity program:

• Proof of Identity: Government-issued ID (driver's license, state ID, passport), birth certificate, or tribal ID.
• Proof of Address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or mortgage statement.
• Proof of Program Participation or Income:
  • Benefit award letter from SNAP, Medicaid, or other qualifying programs.
  • Statement of benefits from SSI.
  • Recent income statements (pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security statement) if qualifying by income.
  • School enrollment letter or statement for Free and Reduced-Price Lunch/Breakfast programs.

Step 2: Contact a Participating Internet Provider

After receiving approval from the National Verifier, the next crucial step to get your ACP benefit is to contact an internet service provider that participates in the program. Not all providers offer the ACP discount, so it's essential to check the list of participating companies in your area.

You can find a list of participating providers on the official ACP website. Once you choose a provider:

1. Reach out to the provider: Inform them you have been approved for the Affordable Connectivity Program and wish to apply the discount to your internet service.
2. Select an eligible plan: The provider will guide you through available internet plans that qualify for the ACP discount.
3. Complete their application: You may need to fill out a separate application with your chosen provider to apply the ACP discount to your bill.

Many households find that a Fiber Ping Test can be very useful when evaluating different internet service providers, especially if considering a fiber optic connection, to assess the quality and latency of their potential service before committing. This can help ensure you select a provider offering reliable service along with the ACP discount.

Maximizing Your ACP Benefit

The ACP can significantly reduce your internet bill, and in some cases, make it free if your chosen plan's cost is equal to or less than the monthly discount. It's important to:

• Compare plans: Don't just stick with your current provider. Check what other participating providers offer, especially if they have plans specifically designed for ACP recipients.
• Consider device discounts: Remember the one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop, or tablet. This can be a huge help if you need a new device.
• Monitor your service: Once you have your service, you might want to understand your connection's path or diagnose any potential issues, for which a traceroute can be very useful.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Applying for ACP