Lifeline vs. the Closed ACP Program
ACP was larger and included a guaranteed device discount, but it ended June 1, 2024. Lifeline remains active with a smaller monthly discount and less consistent device availability.
Lifeline Program→
The federal government's primary ongoing program for making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households, with occasional device discounts from participating providers.
View Full DetailsAffordable Connectivity Program (ACP)→
A federal internet and device discount program that ended on June 1, 2024. Included here for reference, since many outdated websites still advertise it as active.
View Full DetailsBottom Line
There is no current way to apply for ACP — it's closed. Lifeline is the only one of these two you can actually apply to today. If a website is advertising an active ACP application, treat that as outdated information.
Still Not Sure?
Use the Laptop Finder Tool to filter by your specific state and eligibility instead of comparing programs one at a time.
Open the Laptop Finder Tool