Nearly 23 million households lost internet discounts overnight when the Affordable Connectivity Program shut down on June 1, 2024 — a survey from PR Newswire found that many low-income Americans can no longer afford necessary internet services as a result. If you relied on ACP benefits or are searching for what replaced them, understanding the program's history and current alternatives is essential. For broader assistance, check out available free government benefits and options for free laptops for low-income families that may still be accessible in 2026. Let's get started!
Quick Answer
The ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program) was a federal program that provided eligible low-income households up to $30/month (or $75/month on qualifying Tribal lands) toward internet service costs. It ended June 1, 2024, leaving nearly 23 million households without discounts. Alternatives include Lifeline, ISP-specific low-income plans, and other government assistance programs.
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Summary Table
| Item Name | Price Range | Best For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Program Status | Ended (no benefit) | Understanding current ACP availability | See details |
| Previous Benefits | Up to $30–$75/month off | Households that received ACP discounts | See details |
| Eligibility Criteria | Was free to apply | Low-income households, benefit recipients | See details |
| Application Process | Was free | Those who applied before June 2024 | See details |
| Replacement Options | $0–$30/month | Households seeking affordable internet now | See details |
| Provider Lookup | Free tool | Finding ISPs with low-income plans | See details |
ACP Program 2026: Complete Guide to the Affordable Connectivity Program
Below you'll find detailed information about each option, including what makes them unique and their key benefits.
1. Program Status
The ACP program officially ended in June 2024 after the federal government exhausted its $14.2 billion in funding. Congress did not approve additional funding to continue the benefit, leaving approximately 23 million enrolled households without the discount they had relied on for broadband service. Understanding the program's closed status is essential before seeking alternative assistance.
Key facts:
- Final discounts were applied in April 2024; program fully stopped in June 2024
- No new enrollments are being accepted as of the shutdown date
- Some providers briefly offered grace periods, but these have since expired
2. Previous Benefits
When active, the Affordable Connectivity Program provided eligible low-income households up to $30/month toward internet service, or $75/month for those on qualifying Tribal lands. Participants could also receive a one-time $100 device discount toward a laptop, tablet, or desktop. According to a PR Newswire survey, many former recipients now report being unable to afford internet without these subsidies.
What the benefit covered:
- Monthly broadband discount applied directly by participating ISPs
- One-time device subsidy with a $10–$50 co-pay requirement
3. Eligibility Criteria
Though the ACP program is no longer accepting applications, understanding its eligibility rules helps when applying for successor programs like the FCC's Lifeline benefit. Households qualified if their income was at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if any member participated in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Pell Grants.
Common qualifying pathways were:
- Income-based: household income ≤ 200% of federal poverty level
- Program-based: enrollment in SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or Lifeline
- Veteran or survivor benefits recipients also qualified
4. Application Process
Applying for the ACP program required submitting proof of eligibility through the National Verifier system at ACPbenefit.org, which has since closed to new applicants as funding was exhausted in 2024. Households qualified by demonstrating income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or by participating in programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline. Applications could be submitted online, by mail, or directly through participating internet service providers.
Eligibility routes included:
- Income-based: household income ≤200% federal poverty guidelines
- Program-based: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Lifeline enrollment
- School-based: participation in free/reduced-price school lunch or breakfast programs
5. Replacement Options
Since the ACP program ended in June 2024, low-income households seeking affordable connectivity should explore alternative assistance programs. The Lifeline program still provides up to $9.25/month toward phone or internet service through federal funding. Some states have launched their own broadband subsidy initiatives, and several ISPs introduced their own low-income discount plans following the ACP expiration.
Current alternatives to consider:
- Lifeline Program: up to $9.25/month (up to $34.25 on tribal lands)
- ISP-specific plans: Comcast Internet Essentials (~$9.95/mo), AT&T Access (~$10/mo)
- State broadband programs: varies by location — check your state's broadband office
6. Provider Lookup
During the ACP program's active period, not every internet provider participated — households needed to verify which carriers in their area accepted the benefit before applying. The FCC maintained an official provider search tool at ACPbenefit.org where users could enter their zip code to find participating ISPs. Major participants included Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and hundreds of regional carriers. For current Lifeline-participating providers, the Lifeline support site offers an updated lookup tool by zip code.
How to find providers:
- Use zip code search tools to confirm local availability
- Contact providers directly — some offered enrollment assistance in-store
Final Words
Your best bet depends on your household needs, income level, and preferred provider — so compare carefully before enrolling. Pair your ACP benefit with low-cost home internet options to maximize your savings.