How Do I Get Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan Together

Are you wondering how to get the Lifeline & ACP combo plan together? If yes, then you have stumbled upon the right article.

I have been a Lifeline program beneficiary for more than 2 years, but recently, I heard a lot about the ACP program and the benefits it provides.

So, I thought of combining the benefits of these 2 programs, and to my surprise, many service providers let you do so, and the application method is really simple.

With this article, let me share my personal experience on how I combined the benefits of the Lifeline & ACP program, eligibility criteria, providers, and more.

Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan

The Federal Communications Commission provides two discount programs, Lifeline and ACP, for qualifying consumers to ensure that poor and moderate-income households can access these critical services despite affordability concerns.

Many service providers participate in these two programs, and by combining Lifeline+ACP, they offer maximum benefits.

Let us find out more about Lifeline and the ACP program.

Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

The Affordable Connectivity Program makes wireless internet access a reality for low-income families in the United States. It provides low-income Americans with free digital voice phone service and high-speed internet access.

The Households that qualify can get up to $30 on nontribal lands and up to $75 on tribal lands for monthly wireless services.

In addition, eligible customers also apply for a $100 ACP discount to purchase a tablet and other internet-connected devices such as laptops or desktop computers.

To apply for ACP, you must first register for an account on the National Verifier platform. The Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center accepts printed applications and copies of supporting papers via regular mail.

Lifeline Assistance Program

Lifeline Assistance Program is an old federal government program running since 1985.

With Lifeline, low-income people can save money on their monthly internet and digital voice phone service bills. If a consumer qualifies for Lifeline, they will get $9.25 on nontribal lands and $34.45 on tribal lands for their monthly wireless bills.

What is the Difference Between Lifeline and ACP Program?

Both are free or low-cost ways to stay in touch with loved ones, and the government supports both.

ACP and Lifeline both programs offer discounted or free phones, tablets, Laptops, and internet services to eligible low-income households, and the application method is quite the same for both programs, but there are numerous distinctions between these two programs.

A few of them are mentioned below –

Eligibility Criteria

Both the schemes mentioned above have slightly different requirements for participation.

• To get eligible for the ACP, your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
• The Lifeline program requires an income of less than 135% of the federal poverty level to be eligible.

Price Discounts

Discounts available to participants vary across the assistance mentioned above and the eligibility requirements.

• For the Lifeline program, you can receive discounts of up to $9.25 every month; for those living on Tribal territory, the discount is $34.25 per month.
• The non-tribal discount for the ACP program is up to $30 monthly. But if you happen to be a resident of Tribal lands, you’re eligible for monthly savings of up to $75.

Added Advantages

In addition to the discounts already covered, those who qualify for the Lifeline program can now receive a free smartphone and unlimited internet and voice.

However, the specifics of your plan’s data and voice allowances will be determined by the cell carrier you choose and the state in which you reside. Smartphones from top manufacturers, including Samsung, Apple iPhone, LG, and Alcatel, are being given away for free.

If accepted into the ACP program, you can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 on purchasing a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.

To purchase any of the gadgets mentioned above, however, you are obligated to contribute at least $10 and no more than $50. Nothing in this list is being given away for free, but you can purchase it at a price that will save you money in the long run.

Duration of Operation

The Lifeline program has been running for quite some time; more specifically, this initiative has been running since 1984. Many shifts have occurred, however, over time.

On the other hand, the corresponding system, ACP, has been functional since December 31, 2021. The Emergency Broadband Benefit program it replaced ended last year.

All EBB recipients who received benefits before March 1, 2022, were required to re-verify to keep receiving those benefits through the ACP facility.

Can I get the Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan Together?

Yes, you can get the Lifeline & ACP Combo plan now to save a lot of money on your monthly cell phone bill, and almost all US carriers provide this package to their clients who qualify.

Customers who qualify for Lifeline and the ACP will receive even more assistance than they would have received under either program alone.

It’s important to remember that not all combos of Lifeline and ACP services are free.

How to Get Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan Together

To maximize the benefits, you can combine the Lifeline & ACP combo plan by following the steps below.

• To Get a Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan Together, ensure you are eligible for the Lifeline and ACP programs.
• Collect all the necessary documents to prove your eligibility.
• Now, find a Lifeline and ACP service provider in your area offering a Lifeline & ACP combo plan. You can do so by visiting “https://www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me/”
• After finding a service provider, complete an application form available on their website.
• Finally, submit your application and wait for the approval.

Now that you know the steps to get the Lifeline and ACP combo plan, let’s look into the eligibility criteria and the required documents.

Who Are Eligible for the Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan?

It’s important to note that there are eligibility restrictions in the Lifeline and ACP combo plan, contingent upon your financial situation or participation in a government aid program.

To qualify for the Lifeline + ACP, you must meet the following criteria outlined below –

Income Eligibility

The Lifeline and ACP Combo plan is available to those with incomes at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

To see if you meet the requirements for this program, you need to look up the Federal Poverty Guidelines that apply to your state.

Government Assistance Program Participation Eligibility

Having a low income isn’t the only need for getting the Lifeline and ACP Combo plan; enrollment in a government assistance program also makes you eligible.

You can qualify for this plan if you participate in one of the following programs –

• Pension Payment for Veterans and their Dependents
• Supplemental Security Income
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
• Housing Aid from the Federal Government
• Federal Pell Grant
• Reduced-priced meal program
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Food Assistance Program for Native Americans living on Reservations through the Tribal TANF

When applying for the Lifeline and ACP combined package, applicants must submit documentation verifying their identification and eligibility.

Documents Required for the Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan

You should include copies of any relevant supporting papers to increase your application’s likelihood of being considered. Below are the complete application materials for the Lifeline & ACP combo plan –

Proof of Income

Here are the accepted documents

• A Social Security statement of benefits
• A paycheck stub
• Current income statement from your employer
• Child support award
• Divorce decree
• Last year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return
• Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits
• Veterans Administration Statement of Benefits

Proof of Government Assitance Program Participation

Here are the accepted participation documents

• Benefit award letter
• Benefit verification letter
• Government Approval letter
• School documentation
• Statement of benefits

Proof of Identity and Address

Accepted documents are

• Government, state, military, or Tribal ID
• Birth Certificate
• Certificate of US Citizenship or Naturalization
• Government assistance program document
• Passport
• Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
• U.S. Driver’s license

Providers that offer Lifeline & ACP Combo Plan Together

Carriers that provide both the Lifeline and the ACP combo package are –

AirTalk Wireless

Numerous service providers, including Airtalk Wireless, offer the Lifeline and ACP combined package.

Here are some more perks –

•  iPhone 7
• Samsung Galaxy S8
• iPhone 6

The plan also includes

•  15 GB of high-speed 4G LTE or 5G mobile data and unlimited talk time
•  Unlimited SMS and MMS
• Three-way calling
• Call waiting
• Voicemail messages
• Free domestic and international calling
• No extra fees when calling Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, Canada, Peru, Guadeloupe, or Venezuela.

Cintex Wireless

Cintex Wireless is another provider that works with the Lifeline ACP, like AirTalk Wireless. If you are eligible for this plan, your monthly premium will be $0. These additional benefits are yours to enjoy –

• Samsung Galaxy S8
• iPhone 6 Plus
• iPhone 7

The Plan also includes – 

• Free and unlimited SMS and MMS
• Cost-free Caller ID and shipping
• Voicemail messages
• Three-way calling with call waiting
• You can make free and unlimited phone calls to numerous countries, including Brazil, Canada, Paraguay, Peru, Colombia, Mexico, Guadeloupe, and Venezuela.
• Get 15 GB of mobile data.
• The yearly value of this plan’s benefits is estimated to be $750, and you can get all the info you need by checking out cintexwireless.com/plan.

NewPhone Wireless

NewPhone Wireless’s Lifeline ACP combo package is a good option if you want to save money on your monthly cell phone payment. There is no monthly fee with this provider, unlike with several others.

In addition to being completely free every month, here are some more things that will blow your mind –

• Samsung Galaxy S8
• iPhone 7
• iPhone 6S Plus

The plan also includes

• 15 GB of high-speed data
• Unlimited talking
• Free and unlimited SMS and MMS
• Waiting calls
• Voicemail messages
• Three-way calling
• You can make free and unlimited international calls to numerous locations, including Argentina, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Paraguay, Guadeloupe, Mexico, and Canada.
• This plan’s annual benefits are estimated to be $750.
• See newphone.com/plan for more details about this plan.

MyEasy Wireless

MyEasy Wireless stands apart from the competition by providing a variety of unique combos. The following options are available for you to select as a combo –

Plan	Features
Unlimited Plan	Unlimited data, unlimited texts, talk time, and a free smartphone
Plus Plan	5 GB mobile data, unlimited texts and calls, and a free mobile phone
Base Plan	Free monthly service, a free phone worth $25, 1000 minutes of free talk time, and 25 GB of data

StandUp Wireless

With this provider’s ACP and Lifeline combo benefits, you can save around $40 annually.

• Get a free mobile phone with free calls and texting.
• The signal coverage is good, and you get up to 10 GB of ultra-fast data with no limitations.
• Visit standupwireless.com/apply-now for additional information on this provider’s combo package.

EnTouch Wireless

In addition to the aforementioned companies, another notable service provider that provides Lifeline and ACP combined benefits is EnTouch Wireless. These perks are yours to enjoy if you meet the plan’s requirements –

• A free mobile phone
• Extensive network coverage
• Free calls and texting
• Unlimited data

Q-Link Wireless

Upon being accepted into Qlink’s Lifeline & ACP combo plan, you will be entitled to the following perks –

• $29.95 + FREE Plan for a Tablet + Smartphone
• Free SIM card with free activation
• Free and unlimited SMS and MMS
• Unlimited Mobile Data

Visit enroll.qlinkwireless.com/signup/combination-lp#TabletplusSmartphone for more information on this provider’s combo plan.

Benefits of Getting Lifeline & ACP Combo plan

There are many benefits you will be receiving by combining Lifeline and ACP combo plans. Some of them are.

• If you apply for a single plan, you usually recieve limited wireless service, but by combining Lifeline and ACP program benefits, you will receive unlimited talk, text, and data.
• You can also get a free government smartphone or a free tablet.
• Instead of a discount, you will be eligible to recieve everything for free.
• With unlimited data, you will always stay connected with your loved ones. Student can attend their online classes.
• You can look for more job opportunities with unlimited talk by contacting companies.

FAQs

How do I combine Lifeline and ACP?

 You can combine the Lifeline and ACP through a participating service provider if you meet the eligibility criteria.

How many devices can you have on ACP?

ACP program only offers one device discount of $100 to eligible households.

How Long Will The ACP Program Last?

ACP is a long-term program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program after COVID-19 on 31st December 2021 as a permanent solution for providing low-income people with necessary wireless services and devices.

Will I Qualify for ACP If I already receive Lifeline?

Yes, Lifeline is one of the requirement programs for ACP. So, if you are already enrolled in Lifeline, you will qualify for the ACP program.