The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended. We are no longer able to enroll new customers in plans using an ACP benefit. Still need an affordable wireless plan? Check out our premium wireless plans starting at only $15/mo.
Free Government Phone Program from Lifeline and ACP in Montana
If you qualify for Lifeline and ACP benefits and you live in Montana, 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.
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 an internet-capable device. The ACP recognizes that broadband services and internet-capable devices are necessary for access to work, healthcare, education, and emergency services.
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 Montana
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 does the ACP benefit work in Montana?
If you reside in Montana, it’s simple to apply for the ACP benefit. You or a member of your household can qualify based on income or government program participation. If your household is eligible, you can apply online with TruConnect. You may need to submit documentation to prove program participation or income. ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services.
Additionally, the program provides a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through TruConnect. The one-time discount requires a co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50.
How Do I Qualify for ACP and Lifeline in Montana?
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 you or a member of your household participates in one of the following government assistance programs, you're eligible for the ACP benefit:
- Lifeline
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Housing Assistance, including:
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/ Section 811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
- Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
Qualifying Income for ACP
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, 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:
-
SSI
-
FPHA
-
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
-
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.
FAQs on Lifeline and ACP Benefits
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 approximately 14 billion in funding.
ACP replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program (EBB) in December 2021. Both programs support providing a discount on broadband service. The ACP includes a one-time connected device discount.
No, the ACP is a long-term benefit program but is not permanent.
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.