The Affordable Connectivity Program paused new enrollments in spring 2024 and is not currently accepting applications
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped taking new applications in May 2024 when federal funding ran out. If you were already enrolled before that date, your subsidy may continue through the end of 2024 or into early 2025, depending on when you signed up and your state's rules. If you were not enrolled by May 2024, you cannot join the program now.
Congress has not yet approved new funding to restart the program. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has said that without additional money from Congress, the program cannot reopen. This means the timeline for when or whether new enrollments will resume is unknown.
If you need internet right now and cannot wait for the program to reopen, other programs and discounts exist through individual internet providers and state-level information. Your next step depends on whether you were already in ACP or are looking for help for the first time.
Key Takeaways
- The Affordable Connectivity Program stopped accepting new members in May 2024 and has no restart date yet.
- If you were already enrolled before May 2024, your subsidy may continue through the end of 2024 or into 2025, but you should check your account status on the FCC website.
- Internet providers including Comcast, Verizon, Charter, and others offer their own low-income plans that do not require ACP and may still be available in your area.
- State and local programs, community nonprofits, and 211 referrals can point you to current discounts and information that do not depend on federal ACP funding.
What happened to the program and why
The Affordable Connectivity Program launched in December 2021 with $14.2 billion in federal funding. It paid internet providers directly to reduce monthly bills for households earning up to 200 percent of the federal poverty line. By early 2024, the program had enrolled about 23 million households.
In spring 2024, the FCC announced that the fund was depleted and new applications could no longer be processed. The program did not end entirely — existing members kept their subsidies — but the door closed to new enrollments. The FCC has stated that Congress would need to pass new legislation and appropriate new money for the program to reopen.
As of now, no bill to fund ACP has passed Congress. This means there is no official date when new enrollments might resume. Some advocacy groups have called for Congress to restore funding, but that is a legislative decision, not an FCC decision.
If you were already enrolled in ACP
Your subsidy did not stop when ready when the program paused. The FCC extended benefits for existing members through the end of 2024. Some states negotiated with providers to extend subsidies into early 2025, but this varies by location and provider.
To check your account status, visit the FCC's ACP website and enter your phone number or service address. You will see whether your subsidy is still active and when it is scheduled to end. If your subsidy has already ended, the website will tell you that as well.
Before your subsidy ends, contact your internet provider to ask about their low-income plans. Many providers offer discounts to customers whose ACP subsidy expires. These plans are separate from ACP and do not require federal funding, so they may still be available after your ACP benefit ends.
Internet discounts available now through providers
Most major internet providers have their own low-income plans that work independently of the Affordable Connectivity Program. These plans are still open to new customers and do not depend on federal funding.
| Provider | Program Name | Typical Monthly Cost | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast | Internet Essentials | $9.95 to $14.95 | 25 Mbps read |
| Charter/Spectrum | Spectrum Internet information | $14.99 | 30 Mbps read |
| Verizon | Fios Quantum Internet | $34.99 (with discount) | 200 Mbps read |
| AT&T | Internet Air | $10 | 10 Mbps read |
| CenturyLink | Lifeline | $14.95 | 12 Mbps read |
To enroll in a provider's low-income plan, contact them directly by phone or visit their website. You will usually need to provide proof of income (a recent pay stub, tax return, or benefit letter) and proof of address (a utility bill or lease). Processing typically takes one to two weeks.
Income limits for these plans vary by provider and state. Most require household income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, which is similar to ACP's threshold. Some providers also accept enrollment in certain government benefit programs (like SNAP or Medicaid) as proof of income, without requiring additional documents.
State and local information programs
Many states and cities have created their own internet information programs to fill the gap left by ACP's pause. These programs vary widely in what they cover, who they serve, and how much they pay toward your bill.
Call 211 or visit 211.org to search for internet information in your area. You can also contact your local housing authority, community action agency, or nonprofit that focuses on digital inclusion. These organizations often know about programs that are currently open and can tell you whether you meet the income or other requirements.
Some states have used federal broadband funding (from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act) to create their own subsidy programs. Others have partnered with nonprofits to offer device programs or training alongside internet discounts. The programs available depend on where you live, so a local search is the fastest way to find what exists near you.
What to do if you need internet now
Start by calling your current internet provider and asking about their low-income plan. If you do not have internet now, call 211 or search online for "low-income internet [your city or state]" to find programs and discounts in your area.
Bring proof of income (a recent pay stub, tax return, SNAP letter, or Medicaid card) and proof of address (a utility bill, lease, or bank statement) when you explore. Most providers and programs can process your request within one to two weeks if your documents are complete.
If you are waiting for a program to process your request and need internet urgently, ask whether the provider or program can give you temporary access or a reduced rate while they verify your information. Some do, though it is not may provide.
When the Affordable Connectivity Program might reopen
There is no official timeline for when or whether Congress will fund ACP again. The FCC has said it cannot reopen the program without new appropriations from Congress. Advocacy groups continue to push for funding, but legislative decisions move slowly and are not predictable.
If you want to stay informed about changes to ACP, you can check the FCC's ACP website periodically or sign up for updates from organizations that track broadband policy. However, do not wait for ACP to reopen if you need internet now — the provider discounts and state programs described above are available today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still use my ACP subsidy if I already have it?
Yes, if you were enrolled before May 2024, your subsidy continues through at least the end of 2024. Some states extended it into early 2025. Check the FCC's ACP website with your phone number or service address to see your end date. Before it expires, ask your provider about their low-income plan so you have a backup.
What if my provider does not have a low-income plan?
Not all providers offer low-income programs. If yours does not, call 211 or search for state and local internet information in your area. Community nonprofits, libraries, and local government agencies sometimes offer subsidies, device programs, or free public Wi-Fi. Your city or county may also have broadband funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that supports internet discounts.
Do I have to prove my income to get a provider's low-income plan?
Yes, most providers require proof of income. You can use a recent pay stub, tax return, benefit letter (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI), or enrollment in a government benefit program. Some providers accept enrollment in SNAP or Medicaid alone without asking for additional documents. Ask your provider what they accept before you explore.
Will I have to pay a setup fee for a low-income internet plan?
Most low-income plans waive or reduce setup fees, but this varies by provider. Ask about the total cost, including any installation, equipment rental, or set up fees, before you commit. Some providers also offer free or discounted equipment (modem and router) for low-income customers.
Can I switch providers if my current one does not have a low-income plan?
Yes, if another provider serves your address and has a low-income plan, you can switch. Check what providers are available at your address by visiting broadbandmap.fcc.gov or calling providers directly. Switching usually takes one to two weeks. Ask your new provider about any early termination fees your current provider might charge.