When you are pre-approved, we will recommend programs from service providers that offer free and reduced cost products and services. As an example, some service providers may offer unlimited monthly calling and texting, plus free data while others may offer a free smartphone.

Some of the most common programs our customers get qualified for include:

• The LifeLine program
• The Affordable Connectivity Program
• The Enhanced Tribal Benefit program

The types of benefits depends on the program and some services providers will offer free services while others may provide a significant discount. If you qualify for free services, you can expect there to be no bills, no credit checks, and no fees to participate in this free program.

LifeLine is a government program that subsidizes phone service for low-income individuals in qualifying states, ensuring everyone can stay in touch. The LifeLine program is only available to eligible consumers who can provide documentation demonstrating eligibility for the program and only one LifeLine benefit is available per household. To receive a free smartphone and monthly service, you must meet the income-based or program-based eligibility guidelines. Qualifying programs include Medi-Cal, SNAP, Section 8, SSI, LIHEAP, National School Lunch Program, WIC, and more.

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines;
• Participate in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or Tribal Programs; OR
• If your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a limited-time program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that provides discounts on monthly broadband internet access service and certain connected devices. The ACP monthly service and device discounts are non-transferrable. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount. ACP Program benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing and your monthly service benefit may be transferred to another provider at any time.

On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Infrastructure Act) became law. The Infrastructure Act provides $14.2 billion to modify and extend the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) to a longer-term broadband affordability program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The Infrastructure Act directs the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) to undertake a proceeding to adopt final rules for the ACP. On November 18, 2021, the Commission’s Wireline Competition Bureau issued a Public Notice seeking comment on the rules and administration of the ACP.

The Infrastructure Act also provides for a 60-day transition period from the EBB Program to the ACP for households fully enrolled in the EBB Program as of December 31, 2021. Accordingly, the 60-day transition period for the ACP started on December 31, 2021 and will end on March 1, 2022. The ACP also began to accept enrollments on December 31, 2021.

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or
• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
• Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income program.

Enhanced Tribal benefit is an extension of the ACP. Households who qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and are located on Tribal lands can receive up to a discount on their broadband service and associated equipment rentals, and a one-time discount for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50). Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

A household is eligible if:

1. Anyone living on eligible Tribal lands can receive the enhanced Tribal benefit. They do not need to be a member of a Tribe
2. Your household is located on qualifying Tribal lands, AND
3. Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR any member of your household:
   
   • Qualifies for Lifeline benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit,

   • Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs:
     • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance,
     • Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard),
     • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), OR
     • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations,
   • Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 with a total household income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers,
   • Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year,
   • Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year, OR
   • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating providers existing low-income or COVID-19 program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.