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What you need to know about changes to the ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program)

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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a public program offering discounted internet and mobile services to qualifying low-income households – is winding down unless Congress steps in with more funding. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing and steps you can take to stay online.

Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?

You are eligible for the ACP if you or someone in your household participates in government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and SSI. Eligibility can also be based on your household income. See full eligibility guidelines here.

What’s happening to the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The ACP is expected to run out of funding in April 2024 unless Congress approves additional funding. Current ACP recipients will likely lose their discount after April. If you are not yet receiving the ACP benefit, apply as soon as possible to take advantage of the program before enrollment closes.

I am not yet enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program. How do I apply in time?

If you are not already enrolled and are eligible to receive the ACP benefit, apply immediately at getinternet.gov to allow time for your application to be processed. It takes about 10 minutes to apply.

Once the government approves your application, you must sign up with an internet company by February 7, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. Use the government’s Companies Near Me tool to find ACP providers in your area like Xfinity, Verizon, Spectrum, and AT&T. After this deadline, the ACP benefit will not be available if you’re not already enrolled through an internet service provider.

I’m already enrolled. How am I impacted?

The government estimates that households already enrolled in the ACP will continue receiving discounted internet service through April 2024. Starting late January, your internet company will notify you about how your internet bill and service will be impacted, including the date of your last bill that will include the ACP benefit.

You may be charged the standard, undiscounted rate for your internet plan after the ACP ends. To avoid this, you will need to opt-out of continuing service if:

  1. You enrolled in an internet plan with your provider before enrolling in the ACP.
  2. You agreed to continue services post-ACP when you first enrolled in your provider’s ACP plan.
  3. You currently pay some amount of your ACP plan out-of-pocket.

You will also have the option to change your service to other low-cost plans or opt-out of services altogether with no fees or penalties. If you participate in the ACP, see if you qualify for the Lifeline Program, which could save you up to $9.25 each month on your phone and/or internet bills.

How can I stay updated?

  • Check your emails, texts, and physical mail: Your internet company will send updates about the ACP wind-down to the contact information associated with your account.
  • Contact your provider: Reach out to your internet company to understand how the ACP's conclusion will impact your bill and to discuss alternative internet plans.
  • Contact the government’s ACP helpline: You can also call the ACP Support Center directly at 877-384-2575 with any questions about the benefit.
  • Download Propel: We’ll know more about the future of the ACP in the coming months. Visit the Benefits Hub in the Propel app for the latest information.