Discounted internet or phone service may appear available through carrier promotions or assistance programs when you apply for ACP and Lifeline program benefits. This often leads to questions such as whether these offers are truly free, and whether ACP and Lifeline refer to the same program.
Many households hear about free phones or internet access and are unsure which offers are legitimate. Depending on eligibility and the provider you choose, these programs may help reduce monthly service costs or be paired with limited promotional offers. Read on to learn how these programs work, what benefits are actually provided, and how to apply correctly.
1. What Are the ACP and Lifeline Programs?
Many people searching for internet or phone discounts asks what’s the difference between ACP and Lifeline, or whether the two programs work together. While both were created to support low-income households with connectivity needs, they are separate programs with different benefits, eligibility rules, and current availability.
Below is a clear overview of each program, starting with Lifeline, which remains active today.
Overview of Lifeline
The Lifeline program is a federal assistance program designed to help eligible low-income households lower the cost of phone or internet service. Qualified participants may receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on eligible services.
Households may qualify if their income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if they participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
In some cases, Lifeline eligibility may also extend to individuals facing qualifying hardships related to domestic violence, human trafficking, or similar circumstances, subject to program rules.
Overview of ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal program that helped eligible households reduce the cost of broadband internet service. It provided up to $30 per month toward internet bills and offered a one-time device discount of up to $100 when purchased through participating providers.
Important update: The ACP program was discontinued on June 1, 2024, after federal funding was exhausted. New ACP applications are no longer accepted.
Households that enrolled before the program ended may have continued receiving benefits for a limited period. Those seeking assistance today should review whether they qualify for Lifeline, which remains available.
2. Are ACP and Lifeline the Same?
Many people ask, “Is Lifeline and ACP the same program?”. They are not, although the confusion is understandable.
Both programs were created to help low-income households reduce the cost of internet or phone service. They shared similar eligibility requirements and were often discussed together, which led some households to assume they offered the same benefits.
The primary difference lies in the scope of support.
- ACP focused on broadband internet and device discounts, offering a higher monthly benefit.
- Lifeline provides a smaller monthly discount that may be applied to phone service, internet service, or both, depending on the provider.
Important update: The ACP program has ended, and Lifeline is currently the only federal connectivity assistance program still accepting new applications.
>>> Also read: AirTalk Wireless Lifeline: Eligibility, Benefits, eSIM Support & Complete Guide
3. How to Apply for ACP and Lifeline Program (and What the ACP Update Means)
If you are looking to apply for ACP and Lifeline program benefits today, it is important to note that only Lifeline is currently available. Since ACP has ended, eligible households should focus on enrolling in Lifeline to receive ongoing service discounts.
Applying for Lifeline does not involve an application fee and can be completed online. You can select a participating provider that applies the Lifeline discount to eligible phone or internet plans. Some providers may also offer optional promotional packages alongside Lifeline benefits.
The sections below explain how to apply online and how to make the most of your benefits.
Tips to Maximize Benefits with Lifeline
To make the most of your Lifeline benefit, it helps to take time to compare available options before enrolling.
Start by reviewing participating providers in your area and comparing service plans after the Lifeline discount is applied. Monthly costs, data allowances, and included services can vary, so choosing a plan that fits your usage needs can improve overall value.
In some cases, Lifeline benefits may be used alongside certain state or local assistance programs, depending on eligibility and availability. Combining programs allowed can help further reduce out-of-pocket service costs.
Finally, some providers offer optional promotional packages to Lifeline participants. These may include discounted or promotional smartphones, unlimited talk and text, or bundled data plans, subject to provider terms and eligibility.
Online Application for Lifeline
To apply for Lifeline online, follow these general steps:
- Visit the official Lifeline website and start the Lifeline application form online
- Choose a provider that participates in the Lifeline program and serves your location
- Select a plan that best matches your usage needs and budget
- Review available phone or internet plans offered
- Confirm eligibility by providing income details or proof of participation in qualifying government assistance programs, if requested
- Submit your application and wait for an eligibility decision
For example, as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC), AirTalk Wireless allows eligible customers to complete enrollment and apply their Lifeline benefits.
Depending on eligibility, availability, and provider terms, customers may receive a discount or promotional smartphone, along with talk, text, and data included in certain plans.
Selecting a provider that aligns with your needs can help maximize the practical value of your Lifeline benefit.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
ACP Application Status
The ACP program is no longer accepting applications. Funding ended on June 1, 2024, and new enrollments are closed.
Households that were approved before the program ended may have continued receiving benefits temporarily. Once those benefits expire, no new ACP discounts are issued.
If you previously relied on ACP benefits, reviewing your eligibility for Lifeline is the most appropriate next step. Lifeline continues to provide monthly service discounts through participating providers.
4. Income Requirements and Eligibility Limits
To qualify for Lifeline, households must meet income-based or program-based eligibility requirements established by federal guidelines.
Income based eligibility
Household income must be at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Example annual income limits for 2025 include:
- 1-person household: $20,120
- 2-person household: $27,214
- 3-person household: $34,307
Income limits increase with additional household members.
Program based eligibility
You may also qualify if you participate in one or more of the following programs:
- Medicaid or Medi Cal
- SNAP, Food Stamps, or CalFresh
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Tribally administered TANF
- Tribal Head Start
5. Conclusion
Although the ACP program has ended, eligible households can still apply for ACP and Lifeline program alternatives by focusing on Lifeline, which remains active nationwide. Understanding the differences between ACP and Lifeline helps households make informed decisions and avoid confusion.
When you apply for ACP and Lifeline program benefits, Lifeline is now the primary option available to help reduce monthly internet or phone service costs. By applying online and choosing a participating provider, households may access ongoing discounts and, in some cases, additional promotional options.
Applying correctly can support long term connectivity and more manageable monthly expenses.
>>> Read more: Top 5 Best Free Government Phone Plans for Low Income
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Lifeline and ACP the same program?
No. While both programs were created to help lower internet and phone costs for low-income households, they are not the same. ACP focused mainly on broadband and device related discounts and has ended. Lifeline remains active and continues to provide monthly service discounts through participating providers.
What’s the difference between ACP and Lifeline?
ACP provides up to $30 per month for broadband internet service and includes a one-time device discount. Lifeline offers a smaller monthly discount, up to $9.25, which may be applied to phone service, internet service, or both, depending on the provider. ACP has been discontinued, while Lifeline is still accepting applications.
Can I still apply for the ACP and Lifeline program?
New applications for ACP are no longer accepted because the program ended on June 1, 2024. However, eligible households can still apply for ACP and Lifeline program assistance by enrolling in Lifeline, which remains available nationwide.
What is the maximum income to qualify for Lifeline?
Household income must be at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, based on 2025 guidelines, a one-person household generally cannot earn more than $20,120 per year. Income limits increase with household size.
Where can I find the Lifeline application form online?
You can complete the Lifeline application form online through the official Lifeline support website. After approval, you may select a participating provider to apply your Lifeline benefit to eligible services.
Do Lifeline programs include free phones or the internet?
Lifeline provides monthly service discounts rather than free devices or internet service directly. Some participating providers may offer promotional or discounted devices as part of certain plans, subject to eligibility and provider terms, when you apply for ACP and Lifeline program related services through them.