FCC operates the Affordable Connectivity Program(ACP) to aid low-income households, seniors, and the unemployed to stay connected to the telecommunication world. This is achieved by funding telecommunication companies to give free Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) phones. However, you must meet the income and participation criteria to receive benefits from ACP phone providers. Some ACP phone providers offer to bring your own device program, which is convenient for low-income households.
Eligible customers enjoy unlimited calls, texts, and data. These ACP phone benefits vary depending on the telecommunication company of your choice and the plans you choose. Moreover, you can enjoy a discount of up to $100 for purchasing a device like a tablet or laptop. To realize this, you must pay less than $50 or more than$10 towards the buying price. Eligible consumers receive a free monthly internet discount of up to $30. For those qualifying by tribal land, you will have $75 per month of broadband ACP benefits.
For ACP phone eligibility, you must have an income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guideline. Furthermore, it would be best to participate in any government-aided program like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). You will also be required to provide legal documentation as proof of eligibility. To receive your phone, you must apply through participating ACP phone providers. Some of the best ACP phone providers include Safelink Wireless, and Simple Wireless, among others. Stay put to know more about ACP phone providers.
Eligibility To Enroll With ACP Phone Providers
You must enroll in an ACP program to start with the ACP phone provider application. The requirement for ACP is as discussed below.
- Income Based Criteria
You must have an annual income of 200% or less of the federal poverty guideline.
- Based on the lunch program
You are eligible if you benefit from a reduced or free lunch program.
- Based On Tribal Lands And Participation In Government-Aided Programs
You are eligible if you reside in tribal land and participate in the following programs.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Income-based Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Based on participation in government-aided programs.
- Federal Pell Grant in the ongoing award year
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veteran’s Pension and Survivors Pension Program
- Medicaid
Legal Documents For Proof Of Eligibility To Acp Phone Providers.
You need to provide documents as proof of identity, and they include:
- Birth certificate
- A U.S naturalization/ citizenship certificate
- Green card
- driver’s license
Based on income, you will provide the following documents as proof of eligibility when applying with ACP phone providers.
- A recent income statement from your employer or paycheck stub
- Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefit
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
- Veteran Administration Statement of Benefits
- The previous year’s state, tribal, or federal tax return
- Child support award or divorce decree
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
Based on participation in a government-aided program, you need to provide the following documents:
- School documentation
- A benefit verification letter
- approval letter
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit award letter
How To Apply For ACP Phone via a Participating Wireless Provider
You can apply for an ACP phone through a provider by following these simple steps. Visit ACP’s official website and ensure you are eligible. Then the next step is where you click on the “Apply Now” button. Then choose your desired ACP phone provider at FCC webpage depending on the availability in your area and the plans and network they operate on. After successful application, you will receive a notification with details of your device delivery.
Alternatively, you can download the application form, fill it out and mail it to ACP headquarters. You must attach the required legal documents. The other option is to call your desired ACP phone provider customer care agent and be guided on the application process.
It’s advisable to check your application status because you may be waiting for a notification, yet it was rejected. Depending on the service provider, promptly follow the steps to check your ACP phone provider application status.
Bring Your Own Device Program ACP Providers
Some ACP phone providers offer this program that allows you to keep your device when you subscribe to their ACP plans. This program is economical because it cuts down on the cost of a new phone.
However, your mobile device must be unlocked and compatible with the ACP phone provider network. Moreover, some network providers allow you to bring your device when upgrading your phone.
The Best ACP Phone Providers
1. Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is an ACP phone provider owned by TracFone. Eligible customers enjoy unlimited talk, text, and monthly high-speed data of 25GB. You also enjoy free calls to Mexico and Canada and 5GB hotspot data. There are two ways to apply for SafeLink wireless ACP phone provider.
Firstly, you can apply online by visiting SafeLink Wireless’s official website and entering your zip code. Then navigate to “Start” and click it. Be ready to provide legal documents as proof of eligibility. Alternatively, you may contact customer care service and receive directions from SafeLink wireless ACP phone provider agent. You can reach the agent at through1-800-378-1684.
2. Assurance Wireless
It is a telecommunication service provider powered by T-Mobile. Assurance Wireless is an ACP phone provider whose eligibility differs based on the state you reside. Qualified customers enjoy excellent phone plans and unlimited text, data of 4.5 GB, and talk.
To apply, you will visit Assurance Wireless’s official website and enter your zip code. Legal documents will be required as proof of eligibility. Ensure you fill out the correct information to prevent rejection of your application.
3. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless is a telecommunication service provider that offers a monthly discount of $30. In addition, as a tribal land resident, you will get a discount of $75 each month. As an ACP phone provider, it also offers up to a $100 discount on the purchase of tablets with a co-pay of$10.01. Eligible customers also enjoy free 1000 talk minutes, text, and data.
To enroll, visit Qlink Wireless’s official website and enter your email address and zip code. Then you will navigate to “Get Now” and tap on it. You will also provide legal documents as proof of eligibility as you submit your documents. Proofread the information before submitting.
4. AT&T
AT&T is among the top three wireless carriers in the United States. Besides, it’s also an ACP phone provider whose eligible members receive free phone and internet discounts each month. It provides a monthly discount of $30 and up to $75 for eligible customers on tribal lands. You will also enjoy unlimited talk, tests, free 5GB of data, and a free phone.
To apply, you will visit AT&T’s official website and enter your zip code. Fill out the document with the correct information and attach the required documents.
5. Boost Mobile
This telecommunication service provider offers eligible members enrolled in ACP unlimited talk, text, and data devoid of contract. Eligible members enjoy a monthly discount of $30. Those who qualify based on tribe lands receive a monthly discount of $75.
To apply for Boost mobile ACP phone provider, go to their official website and submit your zip code. Ensure you give correct information and attach legal documents.
6. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a mobile virtual network operator(MVNO) whose eligible customers enjoy a free monthly discount when they qualify. All eligible ACP subscribers benefit from a $30 monthly discount and a free phone. Moreover, it is an HTH Communications LLC-powered company using a T-Mobile network. In addition, When you qualify for this ACP phone provider, you will enjoy 8GB of high-speed data and unlimited text and talk.
To apply, you will visit Cintex Wireless’s official website and enter your zip code. You will also fill out your data and attach legal documents as proof of eligibility. Ensure you go through the document before you submit it.
7. TruConnect Wireless
This is a telecommunication service provider that ensures low-income households have access to the Internet. It is an ACP free phone provider whose members enjoy unlimited talk, text, and an up to 8GB of high-speed data. Furthermore, you will get a free smartphone, excellent plans, and 14GB of monthly data. You will also enjoy a one-time discount of $100 on a tablet purchase at a co-pay of $10.01.
To enroll, visit TruConnect Wireless’s official page and enter your zip code. Ensure you provide complete and correct information before you submit. You will also attach legal documents as proof of eligibility.
Final Thought
ACP phone providers’ are the authorized carriers by the Federal Communication Commission to participate in Affordable Connectivity Program. These providers offer free phones and internet services to eligible low-income families. The eligibility requires you to meet the income criteria and the participation criteria. It would help if you also chose an ACP phone provider based on its availability in your area of residence. You are also required to provide legal documents as proof of eligibility.