The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government initiative in the United States that aims to provide affordable internet connectivity and devices to eligible low-income households. The program provides eligible households up to $50 per month to cover the cost of broadband internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a connected device such as ACP tablet providers.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government initiative to provide eligible low-income households with affordable internet connectivity and devices. The program provides households up to $50 per month to cover the cost of broadband internet service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a connected device such as a tablet.
Qualify for the ACP Program
Here are the ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
- Based on your household income
- If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
- If you or anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefit
Note: You may qualify for the ACP through a participating provider’s existing low-income program. Visit our How to Apply page to learn more.
Based on Your Income
You are eligible for the ACP if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.
The table below reflects the income limit by household size, which is 200% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,160 | $36,420 | $33,540 |
| 2 | $39,440 | $49,280 | $45,360 |
| 3 | $49,720 | $62,140 | $57,180 |
| 4 | $60,000 | $75,000 | $69,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 | $87,860 | $80,820 |
| 6 | $80,560 | $100,720 | $92,640 |
| 7 | $90,840 | $113,580 | $104,460 |
| 8 | $101,120 | $126,440 | $116,280 |
| For each additional person, add: | $10,280 | $12,860 | $11,820 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs, when you apply for the ACP.
If You Participate in Certain Government Assistance Programs Such As SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or Other Programs
Federal Assistance Programs
You are eligible for the ACP if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Your Medicaid eligibility may be up for renewal. Learn more about how to renew (Spanish language information).
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the ACP.
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you are eligible for the ACP if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
When applying for the ACP, you may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document. Learn more about the Tribal Benefit.
If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit
Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. If you currently receive a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your ACP and Lifeline benefits to the same or separate services. Talk to your internet company to learn how to start receiving ACP discounts.
Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent
Any member of your household can make your household eligible if they participate in one of the programs above. For example, suppose your child or dependent participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or is enrolled in a USDA Community Eligibility Provision school. In that case, your household qualifies for the ACP benefit.
READ MORE: Qualify For a free Samsung tablet ACP Program
Best ACP Tablet Providers
While there is no specific list of ACP tablet providers, eligible households can purchase a connected device from any participating retailer or vendor that accepts the ACP device voucher. Some of the major retailers that have partnered with the program include:
- Best Buy
- Walmart
- Target
- Amazon
- Verizon Wireless
- T-Mobile
It’s important to note that eligibility for the program is based on income and other criteria, and households must apply through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). You can learn more about the program and check your eligibility at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
How to get the Best Buy tablet through an affordable connectivity program
To get a Best Buy tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you need to follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility: The ACP program is available to eligible low-income families in the United States. You can check your eligibility by visiting the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
- Apply for the program: If eligible, you can apply through the USAC website. You must provide proof of eligibility, such as income or participation in a qualifying program.
- Receive your device voucher: If your application is approved, you will receive a device voucher worth up to $100 that can be used to purchase a connected device, such as a tablet, from a participating retailer like Best Buy.
- Visit the Best Buy store: Bring your device voucher to the Best Buy store and choose a tablet that meets your needs and budget. Best Buy staff will assist you in selecting a suitable device.
- Complete your purchase: Present your device voucher at the time of purchase to receive the discount. You will be responsible for any remaining cost of the device and any associated fees or charges.
It’s important to note that the availability and terms of the ACP program may change over time, so it’s best to check the official ACP website or contact Best Buy directly for the most up-to-date information.
READ MORE: Get a Comlink Free Tablet | Apply Now
How to get a Walmart tablet through an affordable connectivity program
To get a Walmart tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you need to follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility: The ACP program is available to eligible low-income families in the United States. You can check your eligibility by visiting the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
- Apply for the program: If eligible, you can apply through the USAC website. You must provide proof of eligibility, such as income or participation in a qualifying program.
- Receive your device voucher: If your application is approved, you will receive a device voucher worth up to $100 that can be used to purchase a connected device, such as a tablet, from a participating retailer like Walmart.
- Visit a Walmart store: Bring your device voucher to a Walmart store and choose a tablet that meets your needs and budget. Walmart staff will assist you in selecting a suitable device.
- Complete your purchase: Present your device voucher at the time of purchase to receive the discount. You will be responsible for any remaining cost of the device and any associated fees or charges.
It’s important to note that the availability and terms of the ACP program may change over time, so it’s best to check the official ACP website or contact Walmart directly for the most up-to-date information.
How to get a Target tablet through an affordable connectivity program
To get a Target tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you need to follow these steps:
- Determine your eligibility: The ACP program is available to eligible low-income families in the United States. You can check your eligibility by visiting the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.
- Apply for the program: If eligible, you can apply through the USAC website. You must provide proof of eligibility, such as income or participation in a qualifying program.
- Receive your device voucher: If your application is approved, you will receive a device voucher worth up to $100 that can be used to purchase a connected device, such as a tablet, from a participating retailer like Target.
- Visit a Target store: Bring your device voucher to a Target store and choose a tablet that meets your needs and budget. Target staff will assist you in selecting a suitable device.
- Complete your purchase: Present your device voucher at the time of purchase to receive the discount. You will be responsible for any remaining cost of the device and any associated fees or charges.
How to get an Amazon tablet through an Affordable connectivity program
To get an Amazon tablet through the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can follow these steps:
- Determine if you are eligible: The Affordable Connectivity Program is designed to help low-income households access affordable internet and devices. You may be eligible if you participate in specific government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline, or if your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. Check with your internet service provider or the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to see if you qualify.
- Find a participating internet service provider: The Affordable Connectivity Program is being administered through participating internet service providers. You will need to find a provider in your area offering the program. The FCC maintains a list of participating providers on their website.
- Apply for the program: Once you have found a participating provider, you must apply. The application process will vary depending on the provider, but you may need to provide proof of eligibility, such as proof of income or participation in a government assistance program.
- Choose your device: Once approved for the program, you can choose your device. Participating providers may offer a variety of devices, including Amazon tablets, at a discounted price or for free.
- Complete the purchase: After you have chosen your device, you will need to complete the purchase process with the provider. This may involve paying a discounted price or signing a contract for internet service.
Keep in mind that the availability and terms of the Affordable Connectivity Program may vary depending on your location and the participating providers in your area. Be sure to check with the FCC or your internet service provider for more information on how to participate in the program and get an Amazon tablet at an affordable price.
How to get a Verizon Wireless tablet through an Affordable connectivity program
Verizon Wireless is one of the participating providers in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers affordable internet and device access to eligible households. Here are the steps to get a Verizon Wireless tablet through the program:
- Check your eligibility: To be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you must have a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in specific government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline. Check with Verizon or the FCC to see if you qualify.
- Choose a Verizon Wireless plan: Verizon offers several affordable plans for low-income households, such as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) plan or the Lifeline program. Choose the plan that fits your needs and budget.
- Apply for the program: You can apply online through Verizon’s website or by calling customer service. You must provide proof of eligibility, such as a recent tax return, a benefit statement, or proof of participation in a government assistance program.
- Choose your device: Once approved for the program, you can choose a tablet. Verizon offers several options, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite and the Apple iPad (8th generation), at a discounted price or for free.
- Complete the purchase: After you have chosen your device, you will need to complete the purchase process with Verizon. You may be required to pay a discounted price or sign a contract for internet service.
Keep in mind that the availability and terms of the Affordable Connectivity Program may vary depending on your location and the participating providers in your area. Be sure to check with Verizon or the FCC for more information on how to participate in the program and get a Verizon Wireless tablet at an affordable price.
READ MORE: Get AirTalk Wireless Free iPad For Low-income Families
How to get a T-Mobile tablet through an Affordable connectivity program
T-Mobile is one of the participating providers in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which offers affordable internet and device access to eligible households. Here are the steps to get a T-Mobile tablet through the program:
- Check your eligibility: To be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you must have a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in specific government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or Lifeline. Check with T-Mobile or the FCC to see if you qualify.
- Choose a T-Mobile plan: T-Mobile offers several affordable plans for low-income households, such as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) plan or the Lifeline program. Choose the scheme that best fits your needs and budget.
- Apply for the program: You can apply online through T-Mobile’s website or by calling their customer service. You must provide proof of eligibility, such as a recent tax return, a benefit statement, or proof of participation in a government assistance program.
- Choose your device: Once approved for the program, you can choose a tablet. T-Mobile offers several options, including the Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 Lite and the Alcatel Joy Tab 2, at a discounted price or for free.
- Complete the purchase: After you have chosen your device, you will need to complete the purchase process with T-Mobile. You may be required to pay a discounted price or sign a contract for internet service.
Keep in mind that the availability and terms of the Affordable Connectivity Program may vary depending on your location and the participating providers in your area. Be sure to check with T-Mobile or the FCC for more information on how to participate in the program and get a T-Mobile tablet at an affordable price.
Bottom Line
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers eligible households access to affordable internet and tablets through participating providers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, and others, helping bridge the digital divide and increasing access to education, job opportunities, and essential services.
