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ACP Ended: Low-Income Internet Options That Still Help
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024. It no longer pays a monthly internet discount. In 2026, Lifeline and some provider or local plans may still lower phone or internet costs.
No site can restart ACP for you. Treat an ACP sign-up fee or new-benefit promise as a warning.
What happened to the ACP?
Federal ACP funds ran out. The last fully paid month was April 2024, and the program ended after a short closeout.
An old ACP approval does not turn into Lifeline on its own. You must apply for Lifeline if you want that benefit.
A provider may still use the words “low-cost internet,” but that does not mean the plan is ACP.
What does Lifeline cover?
Lifeline is a federal benefit. It can lower the cost of phone, internet, or a bundle of both. The standard support is up to $9.25 a month.
People on qualifying Tribal lands may get up to $34.25 a month. One benefit is allowed per household, not one per person.
You may qualify through income. You may also qualify through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing help, or a VA pension benefit.
How do you apply for Lifeline?
- Go to the official Lifeline Support site.
- Use the National Verifier or follow your state's path.
- Send proof only through an official secure route.
- Choose a phone or internet company that takes Lifeline.
- Renew or answer proof requests when told.
Applying for Lifeline is free. A company can charge for the service or device under its plan, so read the full price before you agree.
Which low-cost provider plans still exist?
Some internet companies sell lower-cost plans to eligible homes. Examples include Access from AT&T, Xfinity Internet Essentials, and Spectrum Internet Assist.
Rules, speed, price, equipment, and service areas can change. Check the provider site with your home address. Ask these questions:
- What is the full monthly price?
- Is a router included?
- Is there a start fee or contract?
- What speed will this address get?
- Will the price rise later?
Our provider plan guide gives a longer comparison.
Can local programs help?
Yes. A school, library, housing agency, city, or nonprofit may lend a hotspot or pay part of a bill. These offers can be small and short-lived.
Call 211 and ask about digital access, a low-cost device, or internet help. A public library may offer free Wi-Fi, device loans, or computer time.
How can you spot an internet-benefit scam?
Stop if a caller says ACP has reopened, asks for a fee to release a benefit, or wants your account PIN. Do not send ID through a text link you did not seek.
Start at FCC.gov, LifelineSupport.org, or the provider's main site. Check the web address before you upload proof.
What is the best next step?
Check Lifeline first because it is a federal benefit. Then compare provider plans at your exact address. Add any equipment, tax, and start fees before you pick.
If phone service matters more, read our Lifeline phone guide. “Free phone” is a company offer, not a promise in the federal rule.
Run your numbers. The free Benefits Estimator shows the Lifeline and LIHEAP cut-offs for a home like yours in three questions. Nothing you type is saved. All calculators →