The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024, after exhausting its $14.2 billion in federal funding. Congress did not renew it. As of April 2026, there is no federal replacement program. The 23 million households that relied on the ACP's $30 monthly internet discount lost that benefit, and an estimated 5 million households lost internet access entirely as a result. If you are searching for ACP status or a successor program, the short answer is: the original program is gone, no direct replacement exists at the federal level, but several alternatives can still lower your internet bill significantly.
What Was the Emergency Broadband Benefit and How Did ACP Replace It?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) launched in May 2021 as a temporary COVID-era relief measure administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provided up to $50 per month toward household internet service, with households on qualifying Tribal lands eligible for up to $75 per month.
When the EBB transitioned into the Affordable Connectivity Program at the end of 2021, the subsidy dropped to $30 per month (up to $75 for Tribal lands). The ACP also offered a one-time $100 device discount for eligible households purchasing a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer from participating providers.
The ACP ran until its funding was depleted. Congress did not pass the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act despite bipartisan support in both chambers. Funding ran out, and the program formally closed June 1, 2024.
ACP vs. Emergency Broadband Benefit: Key Differences
| Feature | Emergency Broadband Benefit | Affordable Connectivity Program |
|---|---|---|
| Active dates | May 2021 to Dec 2021 | Dec 2021 to Jun 2024 |
| Monthly discount (standard) | Up to $50/month | Up to $30/month |
| Monthly discount (Tribal) | Up to $75/month | Up to $75/month |
| Device discount | Up to $50 one-time | Up to $100 one-time |
| Households served | ~9 million peak | ~23 million peak |
| Funding source | COVID relief bill | Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act |
| Status | Ended | Ended |
Both programs were administered through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and required enrollment at GetInternet.gov (which now redirects to the FCC's ACP informational page).
What Is the Current Status of the ACP in 2026?
The ACP has been closed to new enrollments since April 2024, with all benefits ending June 1, 2024. There is no waiting list and no reapplication process. The program does not exist in active form.
Legislation to revive or replace the ACP has been introduced in Congress multiple times. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act has circulated in both the House and Senate. As of early 2026, none of these bills have passed. The current administration has not indicated plans to create a new federal broadband subsidy program of similar scale.
What Replaced the ACP? Current Alternatives in 2026
No single program replaced the ACP. However, several options can reduce your internet costs, some significantly.
Lifeline Program
Lifeline is the federal government's longest-running telecommunications subsidy program, predating the ACP by decades. It remains active. The program provides $9.25 per month toward phone or internet service for qualifying households.
Income eligibility: Gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
| Household Size | 135% FPL (2026 estimate) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | approximately $20,331/year |
| 2 people | approximately $27,594/year |
| 3 people | approximately $34,857/year |
| 4 people | approximately $42,120/year |
| Each additional person | add approximately $7,263/year |
Program-based eligibility: You automatically qualify if you participate in any of the following:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal programs
Lifeline's $9.25 benefit is smaller than the ACP's $30, but it stacks with ISP low-income plans. Applying a Lifeline credit on top of a provider's reduced-rate plan can bring your monthly bill very close to zero.
ISP Low-Income Internet Plans
Several major internet service providers offer reduced-rate plans for qualifying low-income households. These plans exist independently of any federal benefit program.
| Provider | Plan Name | Price/Month | Speed | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast/Xfinity | Internet Essentials | $9.95 | 75 Mbps | SNAP, Medicaid, housing assistance, others |
| AT&T | Access | $10 to $30 | 10 to 100 Mbps | SNAP participants |
| Spectrum | Internet Assist | $24.99 | 30 Mbps | SNAP recipients |
| Cox | Connect2Compete | approximately $9.95 | 25 Mbps | SNAP households with K-12 students |
These plans generally require participation in SNAP or another qualifying federal assistance program. No income documentation is required if you can show program enrollment.
Combining a Lifeline credit with Comcast Internet Essentials, for example, can reduce a $9.95 bill to approximately $0.70 per month.
State-Level Programs
Some states have moved to fill the gap left by the ACP. Notable examples:
- New York: Requires internet providers to offer a $15/month plan to households earning below 200% of the federal poverty level
- California: Has proposed similar affordability mandates through the California Public Utilities Commission
- Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut, Maryland, Minnesota: Have introduced or are considering state-level broadband affordability requirements
State programs vary significantly. Check your state's public utilities commission website for current local options.
BEAD Program
The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program allocates federal infrastructure funding to expand broadband networks into unserved and underserved areas. BEAD is not a household subsidy program and does not reduce your monthly bill directly. However, it may bring higher-speed options to areas that currently have limited or no service.
How to Apply for Lifeline: Step-by-Step
Lifeline is the most widely available federal alternative to the ACP. Here is how to enroll.
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Check eligibility. Go to lifelinesupport.org and use the eligibility checker. You'll need to confirm income or program participation.
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Gather your documents. Depending on your eligibility path, you will need either proof of income (pay stubs, tax return, or employer letter) or proof of program participation (a benefits letter or approval notice from SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or another qualifying program).
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Apply online or by mail. Apply at lifelinesupport.org/apply or request a paper application. You can also apply directly through a participating Lifeline provider.
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Choose a provider. After approval, select a Lifeline-participating phone or internet provider in your area. Available providers vary by state. Your benefit is applied through the provider.
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Verify annually. Lifeline requires annual recertification. You'll receive a reminder. If you miss it, your benefit is removed.
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Stack with an ISP plan. If your chosen provider offers both Lifeline support and a low-income internet plan, you can apply both discounts to the same account. Confirm this with the provider before enrolling.
Checking Your Eligibility for Multiple Programs
If you lost ACP benefits or are looking for internet assistance, you may qualify for additional programs you haven't checked yet. Programs like SNAP and Medicaid also serve as gateway qualifications for Lifeline and ISP low-income plans.
Use the Benefits Navigator screener at /screener to check your eligibility across SNAP, Medicaid, Lifeline, and other programs in a single step. Entering your household size, income, and state takes about 3 minutes and shows you which benefits you likely qualify for.
What Congress May Do Next
Several legislative proposals for a new broadband affordability program remain in circulation as of 2026. The Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act would restore the ACP at its original benefit levels. The Digital Equity Act provisions under the Infrastructure Law provide funding for digital inclusion efforts, though not direct household subsidies.
Whether Congress acts on broadband affordability remains uncertain. For now, Lifeline and ISP-specific plans are the primary federal and provider-based options available to low-income households.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still active in 2026?
No. The ACP ended on June 1, 2024, when its funding was exhausted. Congress did not extend or replace it. There is no ACP benefit available as of 2026.
Can I still apply for the ACP?
No. The ACP is closed to new applications and no longer provides benefits to any households. GetInternet.gov, which was the application portal, no longer processes ACP applications.
What is the best replacement for the ACP in 2026?
The closest available replacement is the Lifeline program, which provides $9.25 per month toward internet or phone service. Combined with an ISP low-income plan like Comcast Internet Essentials, eligible households can get internet for well under $5 per month or sometimes close to free.
Does Lifeline cover home internet?
Yes. Lifeline can be applied to home broadband internet service through participating providers. Check lifelinesupport.org to see which providers in your area accept Lifeline for home internet.
What income qualifies for Lifeline?
Households with gross income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines qualify. For a family of four in 2026, that is approximately $42,120 per year. You also qualify automatically if you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or several other federal programs.
Is there a new federal internet subsidy program coming?
As of April 2026, no new federal household internet subsidy program has been enacted. Legislation has been introduced but not passed. The situation may change if Congress acts, but there is no confirmed replacement program in effect.
What if I live in a state with its own broadband assistance program?
New York currently requires providers to offer a $15/month plan to qualifying low-income residents. A handful of other states have proposed similar rules. Check your state's public utilities commission or broadband office for current local options.
Can I get free internet without the ACP?
Some households can get very low-cost internet, though fully free service is rare. By combining a Lifeline credit ($9.25/month) with Comcast Internet Essentials ($9.95/month), qualifying households reduce their bill to approximately $0.70 per month. Some Lifeline-only mobile providers offer free voice and data plans, though home broadband free plans are uncommon.
Do I lose Lifeline if my income goes up?
Yes. Lifeline requires annual recertification. If your income exceeds 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines and you no longer qualify for a program-based exception, you will lose the benefit at your next recertification.
Where do I report fraud related to ACP or Lifeline?
You can report suspected fraud to the FCC at fcc.gov/consumers/guides/filing-informal-complaint, or contact the FCC's Consumer Center at 1-888-225-5322. USAC also has a fraud hotline for Lifeline-specific concerns.
