The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal initiative created to help eligible households afford internet service and connected devices. Through participating providers, millions of Americans gained access to discounted broadband service, reduced technology costs, and improved digital connectivity for education, healthcare, employment, and everyday communication.

Today, the Lifeline Program remains active nationwide and continues to provide communication assistance to qualifying households.

What Was the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program was a federally funded broadband assistance initiative designed to help low-income households stay connected to essential online services.

The program provided monthly discounts on internet service and offered eligible participants access to discounts on connected devices such as tablets, laptops, and desktop computers through participating providers.

ACP helped reduce barriers to digital access by supporting:

• Affordable broadband service
• Device assistance programs
• Remote education access
• Telehealth services
• Online job searching
• Workforce development
• Digital communication

For many families, ACP provided an important pathway to internet connectivity and technology access.

Current Status of the ACP

The Affordable Connectivity Program is currently paused and is not accepting new applications.

Due to funding limitations, the program stopped enrolling new participants. While ACP benefits are no longer available for new applicants, many households continue to explore alternative options through the Lifeline Program and other digital inclusion initiatives.

Individuals searching for a Free Tablet, affordable internet service, or communication assistance should consider reviewing currently available Lifeline benefits.

Why ACP Was Important

Reliable internet access is no longer a luxury. It is essential for:

• Education and online learning
• Healthcare and telemedicine
• Employment opportunities
• Government services
• Financial management
• Family communication
• Emergency information

ACP helped millions of Americans participate fully in today’s digital economy by making broadband service more affordable.

Who Qualified for ACP?

The program offered several qualification pathways, making it accessible to a wide range of households.

Program-Based Eligibility

Applicants could qualify through participation in programs such as:

• SNAP (Food Stamps / EBT)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension Benefits
• Veterans Survivors Pension Benefits
• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
• Federal Pell Grant recipients
• Certain Tribal assistance programs

Because SNAP and Medicaid were among the most common qualifying programs, many households searching for a Free Tablet with EBT or Free Tablet with Medicaid previously qualified through ACP eligibility rules.

Income-Based Eligibility

Households could also qualify based on income if their earnings met established federal guidelines.

Income limits were based on household size and federal poverty standards.

ACP Device Benefits

One of the most popular features of the program was its support for connected devices.

Depending on provider participation and availability, eligible households could receive assistance toward:

• Tablets
• Laptops
• Desktop computers
• Internet-connected devices

Many applicants searched for ACP because of opportunities to obtain a Free Government Tablet or significantly discounted technology needed for work, school, and communication.

Device availability varied by provider and location.

Free Tablet with EBT Through ACP

SNAP recipients were among the largest groups of ACP participants.

Because SNAP enrollment served as a qualifying factor, many households receiving EBT benefits gained access to internet discounts and device assistance through participating providers.

A Free Tablet with EBT helped families:

• Access educational resources
• Manage benefits online
• Apply for jobs
• Complete school assignments
• Communicate with service providers
• Attend virtual appointments

Free Tablet with Medicaid Through ACP

Medicaid participants also qualified for ACP benefits in many cases.

A Free Tablet with Medicaid provided valuable support for individuals who needed access to:

• Telehealth services
• Healthcare information
• Prescription management
• Government resources
• Educational programs
• Employment opportunities

Many seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low-income families benefited from ACP eligibility through Medicaid participation.

Benefits Previously Available Through ACP

Broadband Discounts

Eligible households received monthly assistance that reduced the cost of internet service.

Device Assistance

Participants could receive support toward purchasing connected devices through approved providers.

Educational Access

Students gained improved access to virtual learning, research tools, and educational platforms.

Healthcare Connectivity

ACP supported telehealth appointments and online healthcare resources.

Employment Opportunities

Reliable internet access helped job seekers search for positions, submit applications, and participate in virtual interviews.

Communication Services

Connected devices made it easier for families to communicate and access essential services.

How ACP Applications Worked

When the program was active, applicants generally followed these steps:

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Applicants qualified through:

• SNAP / EBT
• Medicaid
• SSI
• WIC
• Federal Pell Grant
• Housing assistance programs
• Income eligibility

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Typical documents included:

• Government-issued ID
• Proof of address
• Benefit participation records
• Income verification documents

Step 3: Complete Verification

Eligibility was reviewed through the official verification process.

Step 4: Choose a Participating Provider

Applicants selected a provider offering ACP-supported services in their area.

Step 5: Receive Benefits

Approved households received internet discounts and, where available, device assistance.

ACP and Lifeline: Understanding the Difference

Many people confuse ACP and Lifeline because both programs supported connectivity.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

• Broadband-focused assistance
• Included internet discounts
• Offered device support through participating providers
• Currently paused

Lifeline Program

• Communication assistance program
• Provides service discounts through participating providers
• Available nationwide
• Currently active

While ACP is no longer accepting new enrollments, Lifeline continues to serve eligible households across the country.

Alternative Programs Available Today

If you were interested in ACP benefits, several alternatives may still provide assistance.

Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program remains the primary federal communication assistance program available today.

ConnectHomeUSA

Some communities participate in digital inclusion initiatives that help residents access affordable internet and technology resources.

Local Digital Equity Programs

Many states, counties, housing authorities, libraries, and nonprofit organizations operate programs designed to improve technology access.

Community Device Assistance Programs

Some nonprofits and community organizations offer refurbished tablets, laptops, and technology support for eligible households.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still active?

No. The ACP is currently paused and is not accepting new applications.

Can I still receive ACP benefits?

Most ACP benefits ended after program funding was exhausted. Existing participants should contact their provider regarding account information and available alternatives.

Can I get a Free Government Tablet through ACP today?

Because ACP is no longer accepting new enrollments, new applicants cannot currently receive ACP device benefits. However, some providers and alternative programs may offer tablet assistance through other initiatives.

Does EBT qualify for ACP?

When the program was active, SNAP (EBT) participation was a qualifying eligibility pathway.

Does Medicaid qualify for ACP?

Yes. Medicaid recipients were eligible under ACP guidelines while the program was active.

What program should I apply for now?

Most eligible households should review Lifeline eligibility, as Lifeline remains available nationwide through participating providers.

Final Thoughts

The Affordable Connectivity Program helped millions of Americans gain access to affordable internet service and connected devices. Through broadband discounts and device assistance, ACP supported students, seniors, veterans, job seekers, and low-income households across the country.

Although the program is currently paused, its impact continues to be felt throughout the United States. Households searching for a Free Government Tablet, Free Tablet with EBT, Free Tablet with Medicaid, or affordable connectivity solutions should explore active alternatives such as the Lifeline Program and local digital inclusion initiatives.

Reliable internet access remains essential in today’s world, and understanding available assistance programs can help eligible households stay connected to the opportunities and resources they need most.