The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is among the government-supported program that subsidizes the eligible customer’s broadband internet service bill. However, one discount applies per qualified household and is non-transferable across households.
Additionally, eligible consumers may get a one-time device discount on a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer through qualifying wireless providers. Some companies don’t offer such devices but instead provides Affordable Connectivity Program free phone.
Most importantly, you may transfer ACP benefits to another participating provider at any time. For more details on the ACP program, proceed to the FCC ACP website. Through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the FCC implemented the ACP Program.
Also, this program resembles the framework of the Lifeline program that gives free government cell phones for low income. Lifeline is an ongoing FCC program that provides affordable voice and broadband service to low-income consumers.
On the other hand, the ACP Program follows the Lifeline systems such as the Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier and the National Lifeline Accountability Database for applicants’ eligibility and enrolment on ACP free phone.
The maximum monthly benefit amounts to $30 per month for households not living on qualifying Tribal lands for qualified households. However, the monthly benefits remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Qualifications For ACP Free Phone
1. Federal Government Programs
You can qualify for the ACP program through participation in the same government programs. You can receive ACP if you (or a household member) participate in one of the below programs:
- Food Stamps currently Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- School Breakfast Program, or Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 academic year
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
However, you may have to show a letter, card, or official document to prove participation in one of the above programs when applying for the ACP.
2. Tribal Assistance Programs
If you reside on qualifying Tribal lands, you can receive ACP if your household income remains at or less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you (or a member in your household) participate in:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (for only households with the income qualifying standard)
- (Tribal TANF) or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Notably, you may have to submit proof of participation, such as a benefits letter or official document, when applying for ACP.
3. If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit
Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission program that makes communications services more affordable and accessible for low-income consumers. If you are currently enjoying a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP. However, you can get both benefits at the same time.
You can enroll in similar or separate services for your ACP and Lifeline benefits. Learn more about the free phones for seniors on social security, a government discount given to elderly persons under the Lifeline program.
4. Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent
Any household member can make your household qualify upon participation in one of the programs above. For instance, if your child or dependent benefits from the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or participates in a USDA Community Eligibility Provision school, your household is eligible for the ACP benefit.
- Additionally, you may qualify if your household income equals to or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or if you are currently unemployed.
- When applying for ACP, you may need to show proof of income, such as a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs.
- A household qualify when attaining the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.
Application for ACP Program Free Phone
First, to apply for an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free phone, you must follow the simple guidelines below:
1st Step
Confirm your ACP eligibility. Before you enroll for ACP benefits, ensure you qualify.
2nd Step
Find an ACP provider that provides services and ACP-free phones and devices in your state of residence. You can check the state’s complete list of ACP participating providers at FCC gov affordable connectivity program providers.
Notably, Some ACP providers only give discounts on monthly internet services, and not all providers offer discounts on connected devices that offer free phones.
Some providers offer one-time discounts on tablets, computers, laptops, or even smartphones instead. Thus, check out the ACP program benefits from participating ACP providers with a ‘tick’ under ‘Offering Connected Devices.’
3rd Step
Immediately you find a provider that provides Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free phones in your state of residence, proceed to its website and complete their ACP application form. Fill out the provider’s application form by submitting all the required information and documentation that shows your eligibility.
If you have any probe, you can contact the provider’s customer support service. Alternatively, you can apply for ACP benefits directly at acpbenefit.org and then go to your preferred participating provider to choose a service plan and get the discount applied to your bill.
4th Step
After forwarding the application, give several days for the provider to inform you if you have successfully enrolled and when to get your Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free phone.
Benefits of Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives not only free phones and tablets, laptops but also offers other great benefits that include:
- A one-time discount of about $100 on other connected devices, including laptops and desktops: however, only one unit of connected device discount applies per eligible household. You must give more than $10 and less than $50 toward the device purchase price to receive the discount.
- ACP also gives discounts on monthly broadband internet services. The ACP-eligible customers can receive a monthly service discount of up to $30 or $75 for qualified customers on qualifying Tribal lands.
You can get free government smartphones along with the provider’s Lifeline program and free monthly cell phone services featuring free talk, text, and data along with the provider’s Lifeline program.
Our Recommended Best ACP Free Smartphone Providers
1) Qlink Wireless
The fastest and easiest method to apply for Qlink Wireless services is online. Proceed qlinkwirelss.com/signup/, and input your zip code and email address to get started. Then, follow the easy steps to finish your application. If you get Lifeline with a provider other than Q Link Wireless, you can transfer your Lifeline benefits to QLink Wireless by enrolling. Then, you can receive both the Lifeline program and the ACP through Q Link Wireless.
On the other hand, ensure you state that you wish to opt-in for the ACP with QLink Wireless when prompted. This will ensure you get free unlimited talk, data, and text every month. Since the ACP is a federal program, you may be requested to offer documents to proceed with your ACP enrollment. You may have to submit proof of participation in a government program, a copy of your proof of identity, or proof of income based on how you’re qualifying for the ACP.
2) Cintex Wireless
ACP-eligible customers will get a FREE 4G/5G LTE Smartphone device from high-end flagship brands such as Samsung, Apple, Motorola, LG, and more in the Affordable Connectivity program. However, Cintex is the only wireless provider in the United States that gives its subscriber’s phones free at its own cost.
However, these mobile devices are a limited-time offer and depend on product availability. The Affordable Connectivity or ACP Program is a limited-time program that offers discounts on broadband service. Cintex Wireless is an ACP provider, and all qualifying individuals receive FREE Service and a 4G/5G Smartphone.
Benefits of ACP Offer to Qualified Customers
However, the ACP is a federal program that offers subsidized internet service for qualified customers that includes:
- Up to one $30/month subsidy for each eligible household
- Up to one $75/month subsidy for each eligible household on Tribal lands
Learn more on cell phone plans with free phones if you don’t qualify for the affordable connectivity free phones.
Already a Lifeline Subscriber
Contact your internet company directly to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free phone program. If you are currently participating in the Lifeline program, you do not have to re-apply for the ACP. You can sign up for your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services.
Most importantly, talk to your Lifeline provider concerning their services as part of the ACP. Ask about options to apply the discounts to your ongoing Lifeline service or contact a different internet company taking part in the ACP to apply for the benefit through a separate internet service.
Already in a low-income program through a non-Lifeline provider
Suppose you do not participate in Lifeline Program but get service from a participating company with its own low-income program. In that case, you may not have to apply for the ACP benefit again.
This option is only available if the provider obtained approval for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) application process. You can talk to your preferred provider for more information through its website or phone call.
Bottom line
ACP program offers monthly service discounts and device discounts on select free phones and tablets/laptops/desktop computers. However, the benefits of ACP apply to eligible households. With a discount on monthly broadband service of up to $30 and $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
Additionally, the eligible customers receive a one-time discount of up to $100 towards purchasing a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer and free smartphones from qualifying providers. For tablets, laptops, and computers, you must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 on the purchase price.