Lifeline Phone and Internet Discounts After ACP Ended

The short version: The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, ended in June 2024. Lifeline is a different program that still provides qualifying households with a phone or internet discount. Former ACP enrollment is not automatic Lifeline enrollment. Check eligibility through Lifeline's official site, then choose a participating provider.

A discount is only useful if the remaining service fits the household. Compare the total bill, coverage, data allowance, equipment costs, and any promotional pricing before moving an essential phone number or cancelling an existing connection.

Do not apply for a program that has ended

The FCC's ACP consumer advisory warns that outdated offers may continue to advertise enrollment or collect personal information. ACP's monthly discount ended June 1, 2024.

Use Lifeline Support, operated by the Universal Service Administrative Company, to begin the current process. If another website uses ACP language, verify what benefit it is actually offering before entering a Social Security number, identity document, or payment details.

A company's own discounted internet plan can also exist outside either federal program. Ask whether an offer is Lifeline, a provider promotion, or a separate low-income plan. The answer determines its eligibility rules and what happens when the promotion ends.

Check a qualifying benefit or the income route

USAC's eligibility page lists qualifying programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit. Eligibility can be based on a qualifying child or dependent in the household as well.

Under the standard income route, household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The current dollar limit depends on household size and location; Alaska and Hawaii have different figures. Use the current table rather than the income test from the former ACP program.

There are additional pathways for eligible Tribal households and a specific emergency-support process for qualifying survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes. Follow USAC's instructions for those circumstances rather than forcing them into the standard application route.

Understand what one household means

Lifeline generally allows one discount per household. USAC defines a household by people living together who share income and expenses, not simply by the number of phone lines or adults.

Before applying, ask whether anyone in the household already receives Lifeline. Applying for a second discount without checking can create a duplicate-benefit problem. Conversely, sharing an address does not necessarily settle whether two people form one economic household; use the program's household instructions if the situation needs clarification.

The Lifeline rules page explains the standard discount of up to $9.25 per month and up to $34.25 for qualifying Tribal lands. These are maximum program discounts, not a promise that any particular plan or device is free.

Apply, then activate the benefit with a provider

Follow the official application link from Lifeline Support. Its current instructions direct Oregon and Texas residents to their state processes. Provide the requested identity and eligibility evidence using the official application method.

Keep the application result and any request for more information. Approval establishes eligibility for the benefit; it does not by itself connect a phone or place a discount on an existing bill. USAC instructs approved applicants to contact a participating phone or internet company.

Before selecting that company, ask:

• Does this exact plan accept the Lifeline discount?
• What will the monthly bill be after the discount and any promotion?
• Are there activation, equipment, or other charges?
• What data, minutes, coverage, and speed does the plan provide?
• How will an existing phone number or service be transferred?

Keep essential service active until the transfer or new connection is confirmed. A benefits approval and a successful service transfer are separate events.

Keep the discount from lapsing

USAC or the relevant state checks eligibility annually. If a recertification response is required, follow the notice and its deadline. USAC also tells customers to notify their company within 30 days of changes such as an address change, loss of eligibility, or duplicate household benefits.

For service with no monthly out-of-pocket payment, usage rules also matter: USAC describes a requirement to use the service at least once every 30 days. Read the provider's notices rather than assuming an unused line stays active indefinitely.

If the household is also applying for Medicaid or SNAP, keep those applications moving separately. A program award may support Lifeline eligibility, but the phone discount still needs its own enrollment steps.