Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in Connecticut
If you live in Connecticut, your household may qualify for free or reduced monthly broadband services and a one-time discount on a smartphone or other internet-capable device. Learn about the Affordable Connectivity Program in Connecticut, its benefits, and how to qualify.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The Affordable Connectivity Program, or ACP, is a Federally-funded program that supports low-income households by providing a financial discount on broadband services and a one-time discount on a phone or internet-capable device. The ACP recognizes that broadband services and internet-capable devices are necessary for access to work, healthcare, education, and emergency services.
How To Get Free Phone Service in Connecticut
If you’re a resident of Connecticut, and you qualify for the ACP, you can get a free smartphone with TruConnect! TruConnect offers a free Android Smartphone with their FREE ACP monthly service plan. (Subject to availability)
How does the ACP phone program work in Connecticut?
If you reside in Connecticut, it’s simple to apply for the ACP. Your household can qualify based on income or program participation. If your household qualifies, you can apply through a participating service provider, online, or through the mail. You may need to submit documentation to prove program participation or income.
Once your household is enrolled, you’ll receive a discount of up to $30 on your broadband services which includes phone or internet. You can choose to apply the discount to either your phone or internet service.
There is also a one-time device benefit of up to $100 for a smartphone or another internet-capable device like a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
ACP Qualifications in Connecticut
Your household can qualify for the ACP based on income or program participation.
If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are eligible for the ACP. The income eligibility chart for ACP qualifications can be found below.
Household Size |
48 States, D.C., and Territories |
Alaska |
Hawaii |
1 |
$27,180 |
$33,980 |
$31,260 |
2 |
$36,620 |
$45,780 |
$42,120 |
3 |
$46,060 |
$57,580 |
$52,980 |
4 |
$55,500 |
$69,380 |
$63,840 |
5 |
$64,940 |
$81,180 |
$74,700 |
6 |
$74,380 |
$92,980 |
$85,560 |
7 |
$83,820 |
$104,780 |
$96,420 |
8 |
$93,260 |
$116,580 |
$107,280 |
For each Additional Person, add: |
$9,440 |
$11,800 |
$10,860 |
If a member of your household participates in one of the following government assistance programs, that qualifies your household for the ACP.
-
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called Food Stamps
-
Medicaid
-
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
-
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
-
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
-
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
-
School Lunch or Breakfast program, which includes USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools
-
Federal Pell Grant program recipient in the current year
Do You Use Connecticut Medicaid?
Keep reading if you’re looking to lower your phone bill and use Medicaid. Medicaid is health insurance that is funded by the federal government and the state of Connecticut. If you or someone in your household, like your child, uses Medicaid, your household may qualify for a discounted smartphone and monthly phone service from TruConnect! Medicaid is a qualifying program for the ACP benefit, which helps people get and stay connected to cell phone service. You may qualify for Medicaid if you meet income requirements and are pregnant, differently abled or blind, are caretaking a child or someone living with a disability, or are over 65. If you think you might qualify, go to Connecticut Medicaid for information on applying.
Affordable Connectivity Program Application in Connecticut
Apply for the ACP in Connecticut online now!
If you are already participating in a low-income program, you can likely enroll in ACP through your current service provider, like TruConnect!
How to Connect with TruConnect in Connecticut
TruConnect has a FREE plan if you qualify for the ACP. Their stand-alone free ACP service plan includes at least 8 GB of 4G LTE data, Wi-Fi hotspot capabilities, and your choice of an LTE-enabled hotspot device or Google Play Certified LTE Android smartphone (subject to availability). (You can apply their ACP credit to any TruConnect plan.)
TruConnect also offers its helpful app, MyTruConnect. With MyTruConnect you can check your usage, connect to our Wi-Fi networks and earn credits toward new products!
Download the MyTruConnect app now.
Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs in Connecticut
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program legitimate?
Yes. The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefits program that is managed by the Universal Service Administration Company. The ACP is a new, long-term program with 14 billion in funding.
Is ACP the same as EBB?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB) was replaced by the ACP in 2022. The benefits are similar, and the ACP includes a one-time device discount.
Is the ACP program permanent in Connecticut?
Yes, the ACP is a Federally funded program and is permanent.
When did the ACP program start in Connecticut?
The ACP began accepting enrollments on December 31, 2021. There was a 60-day transition period for participants in the EBB who continued to receive their current benefits through March 1, 2022, before fully moving over to the ACP.
How long will the ACP phone program last in Connecticut?
The ACP is a permanent, Federally-funded program that offers ongoing services.