Affordable Connectivity Program by Spectrum - What Is It & Who Qualifies?

The Internet is no longer just a luxury — it’s an important lifeline. Low-income individuals and families need affordable Internet service for work, school, play, and staying connected with loved ones.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government-sponsored benefit program designed to help those individuals and families. Most Internet service providers (ISPs) participate in the ACP, including Spectrum.

With Spectrum, eligible households can save up to $30 per month on monthly Internet costs. That amount goes up to $75 for those living on tribal lands.

ACP Spectrum Internet plans start at just $19.99 a month with up to 300 Mbps. With the ACP discount, you can even get Spectrum Internet 100 at no cost. Just make sure you have a modem capable of high-speed Internet.

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program Legit?

Yes, you can rest assured that the program is legitimate. The ACP is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), an agency of the U.S. federal government.

Though if you still have concerns, you can visit www.affordableconnectivity.gov or contact the ACP Support Center by calling 877.384.2575.

Eligibility Criteria for ACP

There are several ways to qualify for ACP. The main qualification is if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Low-income households enrolled in any of the following assistance programs are also automatically eligible:

• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• Community Eligibility Provision
• WIC
• The Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Those who receive reduced-price school lunches or breakfast through the School Breakfast Program via the USDA Community Eligibility Provision are eligible as well.

Other potential candidates include those enrolled in the Lifeline Program or recipients of the Federal Pell Grant, the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), or Federal Public Housing Assistance.

Has the Affordable Connectivity Program Ended?

ACP benefits have not ended and are still available for those who meet the eligibility criteria.

You may have heard that the ACP has ended, but that information seems to have gotten confused with the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which transferred those eligible for the Broadband Benefit Program into the ACP.

How Long Will the ACP Program Last?

The legislation behind the ACP allows it to continue as long as it receives adequate funding, which means it will be reliably and readily available for at least the next few years. Still, if you want to receive ACP benefits while they’re available, you should enroll right away.

How to Apply for the ACP Program With Spectrum

ACP-qualified customers who can get Spectrum service will have access to one monthly qualifying credit per household. To get started, current Spectrum customers can fill out this application. You will be notified through email if you’re approved.

Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs

How many times can you use ACP?

Once you’ve completed your ACP program application and successfully enrolled in the program, you can use your ACP benefits at any time, as long as your income meets the minimum threshold.

The ACP requires you to receive your Internet service through a participating ISP. If they decide to unenroll you, they will be required to give you a 30- to 60-day notice beforehand.

Does Social Security count as income for ACP?

Social Security does not count as income when it comes to qualifying for the ACP. Furthermore, the government does not count your ACP credit toward your Supplemental Security Income, which means eligible households can take advantage of both benefits without having to worry about them impacting their income threshold.

What is considered a household?

As defined by affordableconnectivity.gov, a household is “a group of people who live together and share money even if they are not related to each other.”

Each household can only receive a maximum of one ACP benefit. However, if the people living together do not share money (such as roommates), each person is considered their own household, meaning they are each eligible for the ACP.

Find Better Broadband Service with SmartMove

If you are eligible for ACP, consider how Spectrum can benefit you. SmartMove can connect you with ACP-partnered providers so you can compare offers and get the best monthly price.

Whether you want access to basic WiFi coverage or simply need a reliable source of high-speed Internet, the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program with Spectrum can make sure you get the best deal.

Contact SmartMove today to see how you can take advantage of the ACP’s benefits.