Free Tablet ACP Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a government-sponsored program that provides discounts on internet service and connected devices for households which meet certain income requirements.

A few ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program

You may already be qualified for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you, your child, or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs.If you’re participating in a low-income program based on your household income then you’re already qualified!

How Do I Qualify for ACP?

What is ACP?

ACP stands for Affordable Connectivity Program. It is a government-sponsored program that provides discounts on internet service and connected devices for low-income households. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Eligible households can receive a monthly discount of up to $30 on their internet service bill. They can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to help cover the cost of a connected device, such as a laptop or tablet.

The ACP is a great way to help low-income households afford internet service.

ACP Requirements To qualify for the ACP, households must meet certain income requirements. They must also participate in one of the following government assistance programs:

• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) Your net income is your gross income minus any allowable deductions. And assets are “countable resources” like cash, money in a bank account, and certain vehicles. For fiscal year 2023 (Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 30, 2023), a two-member household with a net monthly income of $1,526 (100% of poverty) might qualify for SNAP.

  Because each state has a different application form and process, a member of your household must contact your state agency directly to apply. You can contact your state agency by visiting your local SNAP office, visiting your state agency’s website, or calling your state’s toll-free SNAP Information hotline.

• Medicaid Medicaid is a joint federal and state program providing health coverage to over 77.9 million Americans, including children, pregnant women, parents, seniors, and people with disabilities. It’s the largest health coverage source in the U.S.

  Eligibility

  1. Mandatory Coverage:

     • Low-income families
     • Pregnant women and children
     • SSI recipients

  2. Optional Coverage:

     • Home and community-based service recipients
     • Children in foster care

  Expansion and Eligibility Rules

  • Affordable Care Act: States can expand Medicaid to cover more low-income individuals under 65. Many states have done this.
  • Income-Based Eligibility: Uses Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI) to determine eligibility for most applicants, including children, pregnant women, and parents.
  • Non-Financial Requirements: Must be a resident of the state, a U.S. citizen, or a qualified non-citizen.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.

  The WIC program safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating, and referrals to health care.

  The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children - better known as the WIC program - serves to safeguard the health of low-income pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutritional risk by providing nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care.

  This website is maintained by the Food and Nutrition Service, a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for administering the WIC program at the national and regional levels.

  This website is maintained by the Food and Nutrition Service, a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, responsible for administering the WIC program at the national and regional levels.

  How to Apply for WIC

  The Food and Nutrition Service administers the WIC program at the federal level; state agencies are responsible for determining participant eligibility and providing benefits and services, and for authorizing vendors.

  To apply to be a WIC participant, you will need to contact your state or local agency to set up an appointment. Check out your state’s website or call the toll-free number. When you call to set up an appointment, someone will tell you the location nearest your home and what you need to bring with you.

  If you are already enrolled in WIC then you are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP.

• Pell Grants Federal Pell Grant Program with Free Internet Access The Federal Pell Grant Program is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduate students. It is designed to help low-income students pay for college. Pell Grants do not have to be repaid, which makes them a great way to help students reduce their student loan debt.

  Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. (In some cases, however, a student enrolled in a postbaccalaureate teacher certification program might receive a Federal Pell Grant.) You are not eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant if you are incarcerated in a federal or state penal institution or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or non-forcible sexual offense.

  To be eligible for a Pell Grant, students must:

  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment in an eligible institution.
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
  • Demonstrate financial need.
  • Have not earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree.

  The amount of a Pell Grant award depends on a student’s financial need, the cost of attendance at their school, and their status as a full-time or part-time student. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2023-2024 award year is $7,395.

  To apply for a Pell Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online at studentaid.gov.

  The Federal Pell Grant Program is a great way to help students pay for college. If you are eligible, be sure to apply for a Pell Grant.

• Free or reduced-price school lunch The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.

  All households with a child who was approved to receive free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or the School Breakfast Program (SBP) within the last 12 months, including children who attend schools participating in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), are eligible for ACP benefits. Households are also independently eligible if their income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($55,500 for a family of four); or a member of the household participates in certain other federal benefit programs—including, among others, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Medicaid, and Federal Public Housing Assistance.

  In order to participate in the program, schools must offer a variety of healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. They must also meet certain nutrition standards for calories, fat, and sodium.

  The NSLP is a valuable program that helps to ensure that all children have access to healthy meals. The program has helped to reduce childhood hunger and obesity, and it has also helped to improve academic performance.

  Additional Facts About The NSLP:

  • The program is administered by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  • The NSLP is funded by a combination of federal and state funds.
  • The program is available to all children in participating schools, regardless of their family income.
  • Children who qualify for free or reduced-price lunch are determined by their family’s income.
  • The NSLP has helped to reduce childhood hunger and obesity.
  • The program has also helped to improve academic performance.

  How to Apply for NSLP

  If you are interested in learning more about the NSLP, you can visit the USDA’s website at www.fns.usda.gov/nslp.

  To lower the cost of internet further, the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitment from internet service providers across the country to offer high-speed plans that are fully covered by the ACP. As a result, millions of working families can now get high-speed internet without paying a dime.

Do I qualify for the ACP?

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.

• To Qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
  • Your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
  • You must live in the United States.
  • You must not be incarcerated.
  • You must not have an outstanding Lifeline debt.
• Household incomes that would qualify for the ACP:
  • A household of one with an income of $26,500 or less.
  • A household of two with an income of $53,000 or less.
  • A household of three with an income of $79,500 or less.
  • You must not have an outstanding Lifeline debt. If you are already enrolled in any other programs above then you are eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP

Ways to Qualify for ACP

Ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) based on your household income or if you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs.

Prove Your Income for ACP

To prove participation in one of the qualifying programs, you must submit a document that, at a minimum, which includes, your name or the name of their benefit qualifying person (BQP). The name of the qualifying program, such as SNAP, WIC, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, etc.

If your household’s gross annual income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, then you qualify for the ACP Affordable Connectivity Program or ACP. The income chart below reflects the limit by household size, which is 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines

What documents does ACP require?

• Tax Return (state, federal or tribal)
• Current income statement.
• Pay stub from the employer.
• Social Security statement of benefits.
• Veteran’s statement of benefits.
• Unemployment or worker’s compensation statement.
• Divorce decree, child support, or similar document showing your income.

Why you should never let your ACP service expire.

If you don’t respond to your ACP recertification deadline:

• Your monthly bill may increase.
• Your free minutes may stop.
• Your service may be turned off.
• You may have to pay back any ACP benefits that you received after you were no longer eligible.

How long does the ACP credit last?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) credit is currently a long-term program. The government has committed $14 billion to this endeavor, and there is currently no end date. If you are enrolled in the ACP, you will be notified at least 30 days before the program ends. You will also be given the opportunity to reapply if you are still eligible.

How long does it take to hear back from the ACP?

Generally, within 10 business days of applying. If you have not heard back after 10 business days, you can contact the ACP to check on the status of your application or call 1-888-200-1076.

Tips for increasing your chances of hearing back from the ACP quickly:

• Make sure you provide all of the required documentation.
• Apply online, if possible, it’s faster.
• Since ACP is popular, it may take some time to process your application so be patient.