1. Lifeline and ACP

Lifeline is a government assistance program, administered by the FCC that provides monthly discount $9.25 (or $34.25 for tribal lands) to eligible low-income consumers. By comparison, the ACP offers a larger benefit of up to $30 per month for broadband service ($75 for tribal lands) and up to a doled-out discount on a device.

2. You Can Be Benefited By Both

Because these programs are separate from each other, eligible individuals can combine the two to save as much money as they can. And they might parlay Lifeline to in order to get a cheaper phone plan while also using ACP, for reduced-broadband costs, leading to lower total household communication expenses.

3. Attentions

The possibilities are not endless. Both benefits are available to apply for and you can't use both of them on the same service. For example you cannot use Lifeline and ACP discounts on a single phone transaction. In addition, some of the eligibility criteria are different, Lifeline is for people at or below 135 percent of poverty (Federal Poverty Guidelines), whereas ACP has this threshold at 200 percent. Households may qualify for one of these programs but not the other depending on whether they meet the specific requirements of each program.

4. Suggestions

Lifeline and ACP work together, and that combination is a no-brainer if you are looking to lower your monthly communication expenses as much as possible. The combined effect of both programs is to make phone and internet services much more affordable for eligible households than it can be otherwise, making sure that they have the connectivity they need without suffering from a hit to their wallet. If you are eligible for both, it is highly recommended to apply for two in order to maximize these valuable government benefits.