Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline in Puerto Rico

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 Puerto Rico. 

 

Apply Now

 

"Know Your Rights"

If you have a problem with your service or billing, you should file a complaint with your company in accordance with its dispute resolution process. If you do not receive a response within 20 days or are dissatisfied with the remedy offered, you have the right to request a review of your case before the Puerto Rico Telecommunications Bureau in or before 30 days.

 

For more information

Phone: 787-722-8606, or 1-866-578-5500

Email: querellasnet@jrsp.pr.gov or radicacionesnet@jrsp.pr.gov

Web: http://www.net.jrsp.pr.gov

Mail: 500 Ave. Roberto H. Todd, Pda. 18, Santurce, San Juan, PR 00907-3941

 

Conozca Sus Derechos

Si tiene algún problema con su servicio o facturación, debe someter una reclamación a su compañía, conforme a su proceso de resolución de disputas. Si en 20 días no recibe una respuesta o se encuentra
insatisfecho(a) con el remedio ofrecido, tiene derecho a solicitar una revisión de su caso ante el Negociado de Telecomunicaciones de
Puerto Rico en o antes de 30 días.

 

Para más información

Teléfono : 787-722-8606, or 1-866-578-5500

Corréo electrónico: querellasnet@jrsp.pr.gov or radicacionesnet@jrsp.pr.gov

Sitio web: http://www.net.jrsp.pr.gov

Corréo: 500 Ave. Roberto H. Todd, Pda. 18, Santurce, San Juan, PR 00907-3941

 

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.

 

How To Get Free Phone Service in Puerto Rico

If you qualify for Lifeline and ACP, and you live in Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico, 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 Puerto Rico

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

 

You May Qualify for Medicaid in Puerto Rico

Medicaid is health coverage for qualifying individuals based on income, life status, or health condition. If you qualify for Medicaid in Puerto Rico, you may be eligible for Lifeline and the ACP. Qualifying for Medicaid generally means you’re eligible for these programs. You may qualify for Medicaid in Puerto Rico if you are:

  1. A child or adult of any age.

  2. Over the age of 65 and disabled

  3. Pregnant

  4. A parent or caretaker

  5. From the foster care system

You may also qualify for Medicaid based on your income. For more information about income requirements, please refer to this Medicaid page. If you have children, Puerto Rico offers the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, which extends health coverage to more children. While CHIP isn’t a qualifying program for Lifeline or the ACP, it may be more accessible than Medicaid. 

Learn more about Puerto Rico Medicaid.

 

Lifeline Phone Program Application in Puerto Rico

Apply for Lifeline online now!

 

Affordable Connectivity Program Application in Puerto Rico

Apply to the ACP benefit online now!

 

Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program FAQs in Puerto Rico 

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.