Can’t decide between Lifeline and ACP? This is a straightforward, relatable explanation of what has changed, what is still effective, and how you can receive a free phone right now. At first, lets know about the ACP vs Lifeline program, which is the Real Difference in 2025.
Why People Still Ask About ACP
Millions of people were able to purchase internet access and even tablets or smartphones thanks to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was introduced during the pandemic. However, ACP formally ran out of financing in 2024. In 2025, where does that leave you?
This is where Lifeline comes in, a long-running federal program that still offers qualified individuals and families free phones and service. Let’s explain the two in simple terms.
| Program Feature | Lifeline | ACP |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Year | 1985 | 2021 |
| Purpose | Phone service (calls, texts, basic data) | Broadband and device access |
| Phone Offered | ✅ Yes, most providers offer free smartphones | ✅ Sometimes, depending on provider and location |
| Tablet/Laptop Included | ❌ No | ✅ Yes, with co-pay (when active) |
| Status in 2025 | Still Active | Ended in 2024 |
| Monthly Discount | Up to $9.25 off mobile plans | Up to $30 off internet (when active) |
| Who Qualifies | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, low-income | Same, plus broadband needs |
| Application Process | Still open – Apply here | Closed – no new applications |
Which One Should You Focus On Now?
Lifeline is your best (and only) federal option for receiving a free phone in 2025. It is active, stable, and well-liked throughout the United States. If you fulfill certain income requirements or get government benefits, you might be eligible.
Despite its contribution to the expansion of digital access during COVID-19, ACP was always a short-term fix. But for almost 40 years, Lifeline has been assisting Americans, and it isn’t going anywhere.
🎯 Lifeline Is Still Available — Get Your Free Phone and tablet Today
Whether you missed ACP or just found out about these programs, you can still get a device through Lifeline. The process is fast, safe, and free.
What is Lifeline Program?
A federal program called Lifeline aims to lower the cost of phone and internet service for low-income households. This benefit offers qualified customers a monthly savings of up to $9.25. Customers who reside on Tribal lands might receive an additional monthly savings of up to $34.25.
- The Lifeline Support Center at USAC assists you with program application, eligibility requirements, and the yearly recertification procedure to maintain your benefit.
- After applying for Lifeline, customers must enroll with a participating phone or internet provider, renew their certification every year, and maintain current records.
- Your phone or internet provider enrolls you in the Lifeline program, handles your service, and responds to inquiries regarding your bill, phone, or device.
Two Steps to Get Lifeline
1. Qualify
To find out if you are eligible for the Lifeline program, apply right away. Depending on your income or involvement in a government assistance program, you might qualify for Lifeline. Find out more about eligibility.
To learn how to apply for the program, contact your phone or internet provider, or go to the website of your state if you reside in California, Oregon, or Texas.
Methods to Apply for Lifeline: Online, Mail, or Through a Phone or Internet Company
Your complete name, birthdate, home address, and the final 4 digits of your Social Security or Tribal identity number are required.
Online
To finish the Lifeline online application, log in or register for a new account.
Speak with your internet or phone provider.
Request help submitting your application from the phone or internet provider of your choice. Should the employer offer it, you might be able to apply via their website.
Print an application for Lifeline in either Spanish or English. Fill up a Lifeline application and mail it to this address along with copies of your supporting papers.
Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845
Please call the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473 if you require assistance with your Lifeline application due to a handicap.
2. Sign Up to Get Lifeline
Once you are eligible, select a local phone or internet provider that provides the Lifeline benefit and enroll in their service. If your present employer provides the Lifeline benefit, you can also request that it be applied to a service you currently receive.
You will begin receiving your Lifeline benefit as soon as they sign you up.
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How do I Qualify for Lifeline Program?
Here are the ways you can qualify for Lifeline:
- Based on your income
- Based on if you use SNAP, Medicaid, or other programs
- Based on if you are a survivor
Based on Your Income
If your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below), you are eligible for Lifeline. The recommendation depends on your state and household size.
Thirteen-five percent of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines are shown in the table below.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,041 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
| 8 | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
When you apply for Lifeline, you might need to provide documentation of your income, such as a tax return or three consecutive months’ worth of paystubs.
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Based on If You Use SNAP, Medicaid, or Other Programs
Federal Assistance Programs
If you or a family member takes part in one of these programs, you can receive Lifeline:
- Formerly known as Food Stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Your Medicaid eligibility may be renewed. Find out more about renewing (information in Spanish).
- Security Income Supplement (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- When you apply for Lifeline, you may be required to provide documentation of your eligibility, such as an official document or a benefit letter.
Tribal Assistance Programs
You may be eligible for Lifeline if you reside on Tribal territory and your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or a household member engages in any of the following:
- Any of the aforementioned federal assistance programs
- Indian Affairs Bureau General Support
- Only homes that fulfill the income qualifying level are eligible for Head Start.
- Tribal TANF, or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Program for Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
When you apply for Lifeline, you could be required to provide documentation of your involvement, such as an official document or benefit letter. Study up on the Tribal Advantage.
Based on If You Are a Survivor
Survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and related crimes can receive subsidized phone, internet, or bundled services through the Safe Connections Act (SCA). The SCA mandates that cell operators separate phone lines associated with family plans if the abuser is on the account in the event that a survivor requests line separation.
If you are a survivor and can prove that you are in financial distress and that you have requested a line separation, you are eligible to take part in the Lifeline program. Survivors who are struggling financially may be eligible by meeting the standards of the Lifeline program as stated above or by using one of the SCA-specific procedures listed below:
- If your family’s income is 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or less
- Participation in Women, Infants, and Children’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)
- Enrollment in a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, as well as participation in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program
- During the current award year, a Federal Pell Grant was awarded.
You can get up to six months of emergency Lifeline support if you are eligible, and your anonymity will be safeguarded. Go to the Survivor Benefit page to learn more.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and its monthly discount on broadband services ended on June 1, 2024, but some ISPs have not changed their websites and other marketing materials to reflect this fact. Even now, some provider websites still gather personal data from customers who want to join the ACP.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new enrollments on February 8, 2024 and the program effectively wound down benefits for households by June 1, 2024. At the enrollment freeze there were ~23.27 million households enrolled.
ACP had offered a monthly discount up to $30 for most households (and up to $75 in qualifying high-cost/Tribal areas) plus a one-time device discount. That level of ACP support is no longer available to new enrollees.
FAQs (ACP vs Lifeline)
Is the ACP still available to new applicants?
No. The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on Feb 8, 2024, and active ACP discounts were wound down by June 1, 2024. Existing enrolled households received notices about next steps when benefits ended.
How much did the ACP provide per month?
ACP provided up to $30/month for most eligible households and up to $75/month for qualifying Tribal area subscribers; it also included a one-time device discount. Those ACP levels are not being issued to new enrollees.
What is Lifeline and how much does it give?
Lifeline is a long-running federal subsidy that offers up to $9.25/month toward phone or internet service for eligible households (higher amounts can apply on Tribal lands). It continues to operate nationwide.
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
You typically qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you participate in certain benefit programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.). Check the National Verifier/USAC site for state-specific tables.
Can I get both ACP and Lifeline at the same time?
Historically a household could receive both if eligible, but since ACP is no longer open to new enrollments and ACP benefits ended, Lifeline is now the primary program to seek. If you were enrolled in both before ACP ended, review official notices from your provider/USAC for your specific case.
How many households were enrolled in ACP when enrollments closed?
About 23.27 million households were enrolled at the enrollment freeze.
What should a household that lost ACP do now?
Check whether you qualify for Lifeline and apply if you do; contact your ISP about low-cost plans or discounts; explore state/local broadband assistance programs, nonprofit connectivity programs, or library Wi-Fi options. Policy developments may create new assistance, so monitor FCC/USAC updates.
Where can I apply for Lifeline or verify eligibility?
Apply or check eligibility via the USAC National Verifier / Lifeline website (lifelinesupport.org) or contact participating providers that offer Lifeline services.
Did Congress or the White House try to extend ACP?
Yes — there were bids in 2024 to secure additional funding and executive/legislative efforts, but the program funding was not extended to restore ACP enrollments. This funding gap contributed to the program ending.
Are there geographic or Tribal differences I should know about?
ACP previously had higher subsidies for qualifying Tribal areas (up to $75/month). Lifeline also provides higher Tribal benefits in many cases. Tribal eligibility rules and higher benefit levels differ from non-Tribal rules, so Tribal residents should check Tribal-specific guidance from USAC/FCC.
