Are you aware of the Lifeline ACP Combo Plan? In today’s world, it is impossible to do anything without being connected. From school activities and conducting business Zoom meetings to accessing doctor’s services, everything now revolves around the use of phones, tablets, and other internet devices. Unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate enough to afford connection services and devices. This is due to the current economic crisis that the world is experiencing, which has left several households either jobless or with low income. The federal government developed two programs offering internet service discounts to make it easy for everyone to stay connected.
Lifeline and ACP are the two programs the government set up to ensure that low-income households also have access to the internet, which is now a necessity. Lifeline is a federal program that offers qualified customers free or discounted phone and internet services. ACP is a government-sponsored program that provides discounts on broadband internet services. These programs are both managed by the Federal Communications Commission. However, they are two separate programs with distinct plans. If you want to combine Lifeline and ACP benefits, you can still do so. This is through service providers that offer Lifeline ACP combo plans. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about the Lifeline ACP combo plan and other related ideas.
8 Best Providers That Offer Lifeline ACP Combo Plan Together
Although some carriers offer Lifeline and ACP as separate broadband programs, there are certain carriers that offer them as a bundle or a combo plan. Here, we will list these service providers and their respective Lifeline ACP Combo plans:
1. Q Link Wireless
Q Link Wireless offers a very attractive Lifeline and ACP plan that provides a tablet, smartphone, and free plan for just $29.95. Once you qualify, you will enjoy the following features:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text and picture messaging
- Unlimited mobile data
- Free voicemail and 3-way calling
- Free SIM card and activation
- 911 emergency service calls
- Access to 10 million free Wi-Fi locations
This plan is a great value for those who qualify and need affordable wireless service.
2. AirTalk Wireless
Airtalk Wireless offers a valuable Lifeline & ACP combo plan that is free to qualified users. The plan includes the following benefits:
- Unlimited talk
- Free smartphone (may include iPhone 6 Plus, iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S8, and other models)
- 15 GB of high-speed 4G LTE/5G mobile data (after which speeds may be reduced)
- Unlimited text and picture messaging
- Free shipping
- Caller ID, 3-way calling, call waiting, and voicemail services
- Unlimited calling to countries such as Brazil, Canada, Argentina, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Colombia
To qualify for the plan, you must meet certain income and eligibility requirements. You can learn more about the plan and how to apply at Airtalk Wireless’ website: airtalkwireless.com.
3. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless also offers a Lifeline and ACP combo plan for qualified users at no cost. If you qualify for this carrier’s Lifeline ACP combo plan, you will enjoy the following benefits:
- A free iPhone 7, Samsung Galaxy S8, iPhone 6 Plus, or other eligible device.
- Unlimited talk.
- 15GB of high-speed 4G LTE or 5G mobile data. After you reach your 15GB data cap, your internet speeds will be significantly reduced.
- Unlimited text and picture messaging.
- Free shipping.
- Caller waiting.
- Caller ID.
- Three-way calling and voicemail.
- Unlimited calling to Mexico, Peru, Argentina, Canada, Colombia, Venezuela, Costa Rica, Paraguay, Brazil, Guadeloupe, and other countries.
To learn more about Cintex Wireless’ Lifeline and ACP combo plan, please visit their website or call customer service.
4. MyEasy Wireless
In addition to the carriers mentioned above, MyEasy Wireless is another carrier that offers a Lifeline ACP combo plan to qualified customers. This carrier offers more than one combo plan, including:
- A free unlimited plan that includes unlimited talk, text, and data
- A free plus plan that includes a free smartphone, unlimited talk, text, and 5GB of data
- A free base plan that includes a smartphone at a discounted price of $25, unlimited text, 1,000 talk minutes, and 25MB of data
In addition to the above-mentioned benefits, MyEasy Wireless also offers the following additional services:
- Call waiting
- Caller ID
- Voicemail
- Text and picture messaging
- Three-way calling
- Free 611 customer care support
- Free 411 directory assistance
- Free 911 emergency services
- Call forwarding
Please note that these plans are subject to change. For more information, please visit the MyEasy Wireless website.
5. Standup Wireless
If you are eligible for this carrier’s Lifeline ACP combo plan, be certain that you will enjoy the following benefits: If you are eligible for this carrier’s Lifeline ACP combo plan, you will be able to enjoy the following benefits:
- A free smartphone
- Unlimited talk, text, and data
- Access to government benefits and services
- Support from a team of experts
To learn more about the Lifeline ACP combo plan and see if you are eligible, please visit the carrier’s website or call customer service.
6. NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless offers all qualified customers a $0 per month Lifeline ACP combo plan. The following are some of the benefits you will enjoy if you qualify for the NewPhone Wireless Lifeline ACP combo plan:
- Unlimited talk
- Free smartphone (you may receive a free Samsung Galaxy S8, iPhone 7, iPhone 6 Plus, or other models)
- 15GB of high-speed 4G LTE or 5G mobile data (after you use up your 15GB, your internet speeds may be significantly reduced)
- Unlimited text and picture messaging
- Unlimited talk
- Free shipping
- Caller ID
- 3-way calling and voicemail
- Call waiting
- Unlimited calling to Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Peru, Costa Rica, Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Guadeloupe, Colombia, and other countries
The benefits of this plan are valued at $750 per year.
7. enTouch Wireless
The enTouch Wireless Lifeline-ACP Combo plan offers the following benefits to eligible customers:
- Unlimited talk and text
- Unlimited data
- A free smartphone
- Good network coverage
- Good customer support service
To be eligible for the plan, customers must meet certain income and program requirements. For more information, please visit the EnTouch Wireless website or call customer service.
8. Assist Wireless
The Assist Wireless Lifeline ACP combo plan offers a variety of benefits, which vary depending on the state in which you reside. For example, residents of Arkansas can enjoy the following benefits:
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited talk
- 10GB of mobile data
Residents of Maryland can enjoy the following benefits:
- Unlimited talk
- Unlimited text
- 12GB of mobile data
Residents of Missouri can enjoy the following benefits:
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited talk
- 10GB of mobile data
Please visit the Assist Wireless website for more information about the Assist Wireless Lifeline ACP combo plan and the specific benefits available in your state.
Steps To Apply for Lifeline-ACP Combo Plan
- Determine your eligibility: You may be eligible for Lifeline-ACP if you meet certain income and household size requirements. You can find more information on the Lifeline-ACP website.
- Gather the required documents: You will need to provide certain documents to prove your eligibility, such as proof of income and household size. You can find a list of required documents on the Lifeline-ACP website.
- Apply for Lifeline-ACP Combo: You can apply for Lifeline-ACP online, by mail, or in person at a participating provider.
- Verify your eligibility: Once you have submitted your application, your eligibility will be verified. This may involve providing additional documentation or meeting with a representative from your provider.
- Choose a Lifeline-ACP Combo provider: Once you have determined your eligibility and gathered the required documents, you can choose a Lifeline-ACP provider. You can find a list of providers on the Lifeline-ACP website.
- Receive your Lifeline-ACP Combo benefits: Once your eligibility has been verified, you will begin receiving Lifeline-ACP benefits through the provider. This may include a discount on your monthly phone bill or a free or low-cost wireless phone.
Eligible Requirements For Lifeline ACP Combo Plan
The following are the requirements for eligibility for the Lifeline ACP Combo plan:
- Your income must be at or below 135% for Lifeline and 200% for ACP of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can check the FPG for your state to determine if you meet this requirement.
- You are a participant in a government assistance program, such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- You benefited from the free and reduced-price school lunch program or school breakfast program.
- You are a beneficiary of the Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- If you reside in Tribal lands, you can qualify for the Lifeline ACP Combo plan if you participate in any of the following government assistance programs:
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
If you meet one or more of these requirements, you may be eligible for the Lifeline ACP Combo plan. To apply, visit the Lifeline and ACP website or contact your local Lifeline and ACP provider.
Documents Needed While You Applying For Lifeline ACP Combo Plan
To apply for the Lifeline-ACP combo plan, you must submit the following documents:
- Personal documents:
- Official document containing your date of birth, full name, and address, such as a government-issued ID, birth certificate, or U.S. driver’s license.
- Eligibility documents:
- Document showing that you earn a low income or are a participant in a government assistance program, such as a tax return, Social Security statement of benefits, or paycheck stub.
- If you are a minor who is emancipated, you must submit a certification of emancipation or an official court document.
Please note that you must submit copies of all documents, as you may need the originals later.
Difference Between Lifeline And ACP Program
The Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are both federal broadband programs, but they have several key differences.
To qualify for Lifeline, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Be a participant in a government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI
To qualify for ACP, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- Have an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Be a participant in a government assistance program, such as SNAP, SSI, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Be a member of a household that participates in the National School Lunch Program or the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program
Lifeline has been in existence for many years, while ACP was launched in December 2021. Lifeline provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month on broadband service, while ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month. Lifeline only offers discounts on smartphones, while ACP also offers discounts on tablets, computers, and laptops. To get a discounted tablet, laptop, or computer through ACP, you must contribute at least $10 and not more than $50.
In conclusion, the Lifeline and ACP are both important programs that help low-income Americans afford broadband service. However, they have different eligibility requirements, provide different levels of discounts, and offer different types of devices.
Benefits of Getting Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan Together
Here are the benefits of getting Lifeline and ACP Combo Plan Together:
- You can save money on your monthly cell phone bills.
- You will be able to get a free smartphone.
- You will be able to stay connected with friends and family.
- You will be able to access important information and services online.
- You will be able to apply for jobs and participate in online education.
- You will be able to stay safe by being able to call 911 in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lifeline ACP Combo Plan
What is a Lifeline ACP combo plan?
A Lifeline ACP combo plan is a cost-reduced phone and internet service package that consolidates the advantages of the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs provide low-cost or free communication services to qualified people and families with limited income. Combining the advantages allows you to get a comprehensive and cost-effective solution for your phone and internet requirements.
Who is eligible for Lifeline ACP combo plans?
To be eligible for Lifeline ACP combo plans, an individual must meet the eligibility criteria for both the Lifeline and ACP programs. These criteria generally include having an income below a certain threshold, participating in specific government assistance programs, or residing in a household where at least one member meets these requirements.
Is the ACP program permanent?
This program is expected to continue for quite some time. It was launched in early 2022 and is currently slated to last through the end of the year. However, all enrolled members may need to recertify their eligibility towards the end of 2022. Ideally, the program was meant to permanently extend the previous Emergency Broadband Benefit program. Therefore, it is possible that this program could run for several years before it ends.