The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024, after Congress did not approve additional funding. As of 2025, there is no direct federal replacement for the ACP. The closest remaining federal program is Lifeline, which provides up to $9.25 per month toward phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. Several states and internet providers have also launched their own discount programs to partially fill the gap left by the ACP. Use our free benefits screener to check which programs you may qualify for based on your income and household size.
What Was the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP was a federal benefit that provided up to $30 per month toward internet service (up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands). It also offered a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. At its peak, over 23 million households were enrolled, making it the largest broadband affordability program in U.S. history.
The program was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Funding ran out in early 2024, and the program officially stopped providing benefits on June 1, 2024.
Is There an ACP Replacement in 2025?
No. As of early 2026, Congress has not passed legislation to replace the ACP. Several bills were introduced in 2024 and 2025, including the Affordable Connectivity Program Extension Act, but none have been signed into law. The FCC has urged Congress to act, but no replacement program has been funded.
The main federal option that remains is the Lifeline program, which existed before the ACP and continues to operate.
What Is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a long-running federal program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). It provides eligible subscribers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25 toward phone or internet service. Households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month.
Lifeline Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for Lifeline if:
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- You or someone in your household participates in one of these programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, Tribal Head Start)
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
ACP vs Lifeline: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | ACP (Ended June 2024) | Lifeline (Active) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly discount | Up to $30 | Up to $9.25 |
| Tribal lands discount | Up to $75/month | Up to $34.25/month |
| Device discount | Up to $100 (one-time) | None |
| Income threshold | 200% of Federal Poverty Level | 135% of Federal Poverty Level |
| Qualifying programs | SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, SSI, FPHA, Pell Grant, free school lunch, and more | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension |
| Households enrolled (peak) | Over 23 million | Approximately 7 million |
| Status | Ended | Active |
| Can be combined | Was stackable with Lifeline | Can be used alone |
How to Apply for Lifeline in 2025
Applying for Lifeline is free and can be done online, by mail, or through a participating service provider.
- Check your eligibility. Visit our benefits screener to see if you qualify based on your income or program participation.
- Gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (government-issued ID) and proof of eligibility (benefit award letter, tax return, or program participation documentation).
- Apply online. Go to GetInternet.gov and complete the National Verifier application.
- Choose a provider. Once approved, select a participating Lifeline service provider in your area. You can search for providers at GetInternet.gov.
- Activate your service. Contact your chosen provider to start receiving your discounted service.
The application process typically takes a few minutes online. Approval can happen instantly if your eligibility is verified through a database match.
What Other Internet Discount Programs Exist in 2025?
While no federal program fully replaces the ACP, several other options may help reduce your internet costs.
ISP Low-Income Programs
Many major internet service providers offer their own affordable internet plans:
| Provider | Program Name | Monthly Price | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast/Xfinity | Internet Essentials | Around $9.95/month | Up to 50 Mbps |
| AT&T | Access | Varies by area | Up to 100 Mbps |
| Spectrum | Spectrum Internet Assist | Around $17.99/month | 30 Mbps |
| T-Mobile | Project 10Million (students) | Free for eligible students | Varies |
| Verizon | Verizon Forward | $30/month (discounted) | Varies |
Eligibility for these programs typically requires participation in a government assistance program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Some programs also accept Lifeline participants. Check with your local provider for the most current pricing and availability.
State and Local Programs
Several states have launched or expanded their own broadband assistance programs since the ACP ended:
- California: The California Teleconnect Fund provides discounts to qualifying organizations, and some local programs assist residents directly.
- New York: NY Broadband Program has invested in expanding access and affordability.
- Oregon: The Oregon Broadband Office has grant programs for underserved communities.
- Various states: Some states use federal BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment) program funds to support affordability, though BEAD primarily focuses on infrastructure rather than monthly subsidies.
Check with your state's broadband office or use our benefits screener to find programs available in your area.
FCC Efforts and Proposed Legislation
The FCC continues to advocate for a new affordability program. Key developments to watch include:
- Congressional proposals to restore ACP funding or create a successor program
- FCC rulemaking that could expand Lifeline benefits
- State-level broadband affordability initiatives funded through federal infrastructure grants
As of March 2026, no replacement legislation has been enacted.
How Much Can You Save with Available Programs?
| Scenario | Potential Monthly Savings |
|---|---|
| Lifeline only | Up to $9.25 |
| Lifeline + ISP low-income plan | Up to $9.25 off an already reduced rate |
| ISP low-income plan only | Varies (plans starting around $9.95 to $30/month) |
| Lifeline on Tribal lands | Up to $34.25 |
For comparison, the ACP provided up to $30 per month, which often covered the full cost of a basic internet plan. The current Lifeline benefit of $9.25 covers significantly less, but combining it with an ISP discount program can still result in very low or near-free internet service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still apply for the ACP in 2025?
No. The ACP stopped accepting new applications and providing benefits on June 1, 2024. If you were previously enrolled, your ACP benefit has ended. The closest alternative is the Lifeline program.
What is the income limit for Lifeline in 2025?
Lifeline eligibility is set at 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For 2025, this means a single-person household with annual income at or below approximately $20,385 may qualify (guidelines are updated annually in January). You can also qualify through participation in programs like SNAP or Medicaid regardless of income. Check the latest guidelines for your household size.
Can I get both Lifeline and an ISP discount program?
Yes. Lifeline can typically be applied on top of an ISP's own low-income internet plan, further reducing your monthly cost. For example, you could use Lifeline's $9.25 discount on a Comcast Internet Essentials plan.
Will the ACP come back?
There is no guarantee. Multiple bills have been introduced in Congress to restore or replace the ACP, but as of early 2026, none have passed. Advocacy groups and the FCC continue to push for renewed funding.
How is Lifeline different from the ACP?
The biggest differences are the benefit amount ($9.25 vs $30 per month), the income threshold (135% vs 200% of the Federal Poverty Level), and the number of qualifying programs. The ACP also offered a device discount that Lifeline does not provide. See the comparison table above for a full breakdown.
Where can I check if I qualify for internet discounts?
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Lifeline and other assistance programs in minutes. You only need your ZIP code, household size, and income to get started.
Key Takeaways
- The ACP ended in June 2024 with no direct replacement as of 2025 or early 2026.
- Lifeline remains the primary federal internet discount program, offering up to $9.25 per month.
- Many ISPs offer their own low-income internet plans starting around $10 to $30 per month.
- Combining Lifeline with an ISP discount program can significantly reduce your internet costs.
- Congressional efforts to replace the ACP are ongoing but have not yet succeeded.
- Check your eligibility for all available programs using our free benefits screener.
