Lifeline and ACP in Michigan

Your household might qualify for Lifeline and/or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which will reduce the cost of your monthly phone or broadband services if you live in Michigan. 

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What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?

The ACP is run by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). The ACP offers a monthly discount of up to $30 (up to $75 if you’re living on qualified Tribal land) 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 phone program?

Lifeline is designed to lower the cost of your monthly phone 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.

If you need to speak with someone at the Michigan Public Service Commission about your Lifeline service, please call 800-292-9555 or 517-284-8100, Monday - Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Eastern Time or email at LARA-MPSC-commissioners2@michigan.gov.

How To Get Free Phone Service in Michigan

If you qualify for Lifeline and ACP, and you live in Michigan, you are eligible for a free Android smartphone from TruConnect as part of your plan. This plan includes free monthly phone service too!

If you qualify for Lifeline or the ACP in Michigan, you're also eligible for TruConnect's FREE plans which include at least 12.5 GB of 4G/LTE data WiTH Wi-Fi hotspot capacity, and a free Android smartphone (subject to availability)! Our Lifeline plans also include unlimited talk, text, and free international calling! 

TruConnect is also proud to offer you their app, MyTruConnect, which will allow you to: 

  1. Manage your account easily 
  2. Top Up your international minutes or data if you run out 
  3. Upgrade your device 
  4. Earn rewards that turn into free minutes and data 
  5. Find hotspot locations 

Download the MyTruConnect app now! 

Income Qualifications for ACP and Lifeline

Qualifying for Lifeline and ACP is 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

$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

5

$70,280

$87,860

$80,820

6

$80,560

$100,720

$92,640

7

$90,840

$113,580

$104,460

8

$101,120

$126,440

$116,280

For each Additional Person, add: 

$10,280

$12,860

$11,820

 

ACP Program Qualifications 

If a member of your household participates in one of the following government assistance programs, that qualifies your household for the ACP.

  1. Lifeline

  2. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which used to be called Food Stamps

  3. Medicaid

  4. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

  5. Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  6. Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

  7. Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

  8. School Lunch or Breakfast program, which includes USDA Community Eligibility Provision schools

  9. Federal Pell Grant program recipient in the current year

 

Lifeline Program Qualifications in Michigan

If a member of your household participates in one of the following government programs, your household qualifies for Lifeline.

  1. SNAP

  2. Medicaid

  3. SSI

  4. FPHA

  5. Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

  6. 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

Medicaid State Health Insurance in Michigan

Michigan has many different health care programs available to low-income individuals and families. The requirements may differ from program to program; the best way to determine eligibility is to apply by going to MI Bridges. Coverage may be available for children under the age of 19, children with special health care needs, people under the age of 21, disabled children, pregnant women, adults with income at or below 133% of the federal poverty guidelines, those who are blind and disabled, and parents and caretakers of eligible children. Learn more information about Medicaid eligibility in Michigan. If you qualify for Medicaid in Michigan, you may be eligible for Lifeline and the ACP. 

Lifeline Phone Program Application in Michigan 

Apply for Lifeline online now!

Affordable Connectivity Program Application in Michigan

Apply to the ACP benefit online now!

 

 

Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs in Michigan 

Are the Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline phone programs legitimate?

Yes. Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are both federally funded programs, administered through the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC). 

Is the ACP program permanent?

The ACP is part of a new, long-term 14-billion-dollar program designed to help low-income households gain access to broadband services. 

How do I get a free US government phone?

The free phone doesn’t come from the government. TruConnect offers a free Android smartphone with our free ACP monthly phone service plans.  

Can you have ACP and Lifeline at the same time?

Yes, if you qualify for both programs. 

Is EBB and Lifeline the same program?

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.