Jump to: Overview, Eligibility, Tips for Students, How to apply, What to Expect After Applying,  Outside Help.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal government program that provides a monthly discount on internet services and, some internet providers offer a one-time discount on an internet connected device for qualifying consumers.

Households can receive a monthly ACP benefit of up to $30 to cover the cost of internet service (up to $75 on qualifying Tribal lands). Through the program, the internet provider may also offer a one-time internet-connected device benefit of up to $100 for a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop with a co-payment between $10 and $50.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is separate from the FCC's Lifeline Program (monthly phone bill support). If your household qualifies for both programs, you can apply for and receive both benefits.

Eligibility is granted to entire households, not individuals. A household is a group of people who live together and share money even if they are not related to each other.

Eligibility

Eligibility for the ACP is determined by household income and limited to one internet provider per a household. Affordable Connectivity eligibility is $30,120 (200% of the Federal Poverty Level, 2024). Eligibility can also be determined by participation in other public assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and several other benefit programs automatically qualify.

When filling out the ACP application you will need to provide your email, and a form of identification.

Student Specific Tips

  • A student who receives a Federal Pell Grant and lives alone counts as a different household than his or her parents. Both the student and their parents may be eligible to receive their own benefits.
  • Students that do not share income, even if they pay rent together and live together can qualify as separate households. Each student can submit their approval code to their service provider to receive internet and device discounts.
  • Note that no internet company can force you to sign up for a lower quality internet plan. If the company recommends switching to one, it may not be in your interest to do so.
  • Through ACP, eligible households can receive significant discounts for home internet (up to 100%). The process of applying short and there is little downside to applying.
  • Applying with a social security number rather than other forms of ID will expedite the application process.

The Application Process

  • Apply through the Federal Communications Commission’s ‘get internet’ website. There is also a video guide to walk through the application process.
  • The initial application checks your eligibility. Once completed you will have to sign in or create an account to finish the application process.
  • If you have already applied for Lifeline, you do not need to apply for affordable connections, simply reach out to your internet provider to inquire about receiving benefits.

What to Expect After Applying

After applying, results may be available in 15 minutes, but it can take up to two days. Check your email for updates.

In your account on getinternet.gov you can see a section containing your approval status and information. Call your internet company and say that you “have been approved for the affordable connectivity program” and provide the approval code from your account. Make sure to ask your internet provider about options for discounted devices.

Outside Resources

The Basic Needs program can help with application questions pertaining to the ACP Program. Staff can be reached at basicneeds@montana.edu