The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended. We are no longer able to enroll new customers in plans using an ACP benefit. You might be eligible for a free plan using Lifeline. Tell Congress to fund the ACP now.
Free Government Phone Programs from Lifeline and ACP in Alabama
If you qualify for Lifeline and ACP benefits and you live in Alabama, you may be eligible for a FREE device and free monthly wireless services from TruConnect. We explain how to qualify and apply for Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program benefits below.
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What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The ACP is an FCC (Federal Communication Commission) benefit program that helps eligible households afford and access connectivity needed for work, education, healthcare, and more. The ACP offers a monthly discount of up to $30 (up to $75 if you’re living on qualified Tribal lands) on your monthly broadband services if your household is eligible.
Part of the ACP benefits includes a one-time discount of up to $100 toward an internet-capable connected device like a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer. You are required to pay a co-pay between $10-$50 towards the connected device.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is designed to lower the cost of your monthly phone or broadband internet service. If your household is eligible for Lifeline, you’ll receive a $9.25 discount on your monthly phone, internet, or bundled services. If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you’ll receive a discount of up to $34.25.
How To Get Free Phone Service in Alabama
You could be eligible for a FREE Android smartphone, and free monthly phone service, including data, texts, and international calls from TruConnect.
TruConnect's app, MyTruConnect, allows you to easily manage your account, earn TruRewards, and Top Ups as needed. Apply today and see if you qualify for a Lifeline and ACP plan with TruConnect.
How Do I Qualify for ACP and Lifeline in Alabama?
Qualifying for Lifeline and ACP is based on income or program participation, keep reading to find out if you might qualify.
Qualifying Programs for ACP
If a member of your household participates in one of the following government assistance programs, your household qualifies for the ACP:
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called Food Stamps
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Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
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Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
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School Lunch or Breakfast program, which includes USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools
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Federal Pell Grant program recipient in the current year
Qualifying Income for ACP
If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are eligible for the ACP. Income eligibility for the ACP can be found below.
|
Household Size |
48 States, DC, & Territories |
Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $29,160 | $36,420 | $33,540 |
| 2 | $39,440 | $49,280 | $45,360 |
| 3 |
$49,720 |
$62,140 | $57,180 |
| 4 |
$60,000 |
$75,000 | $69,000 |
| For each additional person add: | $10,280 | $12,860 |
$11,820 |
Program Qualifications for Lifeline
If a member of your household participates in one of the following government programs, your household qualifies for Lifeline:
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SSI
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FPHA
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Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
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Tribal assistance programs like the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Head Start (if you qualify by income), Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Income Qualifications for Lifeline
Consumers may qualify for the Lifeline program if they have a gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
|
Household Size |
48 States, DC, & Territories |
Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 |
$34,857 |
$43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 |
$42,120 |
$52,650 | $48,438 |
| For each additional person add: | $7,263 | $9,086 |
$8,357 |
Note: The Federal Poverty Guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2024. This chart does not pertain to California.
Apply for the Lifeline Program in Alabama
Apply for Lifeline online now!
Apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program in Alabama
Apply for the ACP benefit online now!
FAQs on Lifeline and ACP Benefits
Yes. Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are both federally funded programs, administered through the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC).
The ACP is part of a $14 billion program designed to help lower income households gain access to broadband services.
The free phone doesn’t come from the government. TruConnect offers a free Android smartphone with our free ACP monthly phone service plans.
Yes! If you qualify for both programs, you can enjoy benefits from both!
No, they are different programs. Lifeline is a monthly discount on phone or broadband, or bundled voice/broadband services. The EBB was a separate benefit program that has been replaced with the ACP. The ACP offers a monthly discount on broadband services, along with a one-time discount on an internet-capable device. If you qualify for Lifeline, you also qualify for the ACP, though you will still need to enroll.