Since the onset of COVID-19, life is continually getting more challenging each passing day. The truth is, the pandemic has left many families and individuals jobless making life challenging for them. Besides lack of jobs, the COVID pandemic also has limited physical gatherings in schools, hospitals, or places of work. As a result, reliable and trustworthy internet has remained the most effective way to connect with friends or access jobs, businesses, and health care. Since internet connection comes at a cost, jobless and low-income families can barely afford to remain connected. Consequently, the Federal Communications Commission initiated Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to help such families. Acclaimed as one of the largest America Federal Lifeline Provider, Qlink Wireless is also an Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) service provider. As of 31st of December 2021, the company committed to offer monthly discounts on broadband services and connected devices through the government.
As a matter of fact, it is devoted to continuing the legacy of the famous EBB program to qualified subscribers until the 1st of March 2022 within a 60 day transition period. However, to enjoy Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits, you must meet their eligibility requirements as a resident of Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, Missouri, Ohio, Puerto Rico, Utah, Vermont, Washington, South Carolina, and Texas among others. To know more about Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), read our guide to the end.
Benefits You May Get From Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
As stated, Qlink is one of the largest and most reliable lifeline service provider in the states. Besides lifeline services, Qlink also provides Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) services to eligible households. To apprehend, let’s first know what Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is. This is a newly government-initiated program meant to help low-income citizens afford internet connection by offering discounts on broadband services and connected devices. Operated by the federal communications commission, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the limited-time EBB program that came to an end on 31/12/2021.
Once you qualify for Qlink ACP, you are likely to enjoy not one but many benefits. To be more precise, QLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) subscribers receive free, monthly unlimited data, unlimited text, and talk on America’s most reliable network.
In addition, you will get up to $30 monthly discount on internet access services and up to $75 as an eligible household from tribal lands. Note that these benefits are subject to product availability, consumer eligibility, and approval by the universal service administrative company.
Besides monthly services discounts, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also offers a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase connected devices like tablets, laptops, and computers. Keep in mind that connected device discounts vary from one state to another.
Difference Between EBB And ACP
You are aware that Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly initiated government program that succeeded EBB. Although one is a succession of the other, these two programs are relatively different. Before mentioning their major differences, it’s important to note that they have some similarities. Firstly, they have a similar goal: to make internet connection affordable to low-income households. Also, ACP and EBB offer similar monthly discounts to eligible households on tribal lands (75$)
The major difference between the two lies in the amount of monthly discounts offered on non-tribal lands. While EBB (emergency broadband benefit) offered up $50 monthly discount on internet access services, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) discounts were reduced to $30 per month.
Also, there was a slight change made on eligibility requirements. Under EBB plans, eligible households had a limited income of 135% of the federal poverty guideline. These changes in ACP plans where eligible homes should have a total income of up to 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
Another difference to note is the fact that EBB plans stayed in effect for a short-term duration. In fact, the program offered services for less than one year. This is different from Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) plans. Although it is not certain when the program will come to an end, one thing for sure is that the government announced it as a long-term program.
Reasons You May Choose Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Choosing Qlink wireless affordability connectivity program is necessary for every low-income individual or household who’s straining to access internet connection. With the program, you can attend virtual school activities, online business meetings, access healthcare services, and book appointments online among others.
In addition, choosing the program is necessary as it helps eligible households to access high-speed data at a lesser cost. In fact, you will not only access high speed data but also unlimited calls and texts services for free.
Besides, with QLlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), you can get a laptop, computer, desktop or tablet with a discount of up to $100 from participating sellers.
Finally, the Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is important because it helps to bridge the digital gap between the rich and the poor. Similar to high-income earners, the program also allows the elderly, disabled and the poor to access opportunities and access the digital world among others.
Eligibility Requirements For Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
As per the directives of the government, Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was initiated to strictly benefit low income households. However, not all low income households qualify to get these benefits. To determine who qualifies and who doesn’t, there are eligibility criteria to meet. Below are eligibility requirements for Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
1. Based on your household income
To qualify for Qlink wireless ACP, you must have a total household income at or below 200% of your state’s/ federal poverty guideline. It’s important to know that every state has different poverty guidelines depending on two factors. These are: number of family members and year of providence. Therefore, we recommend you confirm your federal poverty guideline before application. Below is the 2022 poverty guideline based on your state and household size?
| Household size | District of Columbia / 48 Contiguous States Poverty Guideline | Alaska Poverty Guideline | Hawaii Poverty Guideline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $13,590 | $16,990 | $15,630 |
| 2 | $18,390 | $22,890 | $21,060 |
| 3 | $23,030 | $28,790 | $26,490 |
| 4 | $27,750 | $34,690 | $31,920 |
| 5 | $32,470 | $40,590 | $37,350 |
| 6 | $37,190 | $46,490 | $42,780 |
| 7 | $41,910 | $52, 390 | $48,210 |
| 8 | $46,630 | $58,290 | $53, 640 |
| NB: For families with more than 8 members, add $4,720 per every member. | NB: For families with more than 8 members, add $5,900 each. | NB: For families with more than 8 members, add $5,430 each. |
2. Based on program participation
If you disqualify for Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) based on your income limit, you may be eligible if you participate in any of the government programs. Whether non-tribal or tribal lands program, you qualify for Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if you are a current participant of the following programs:
- Tribally administered temporary assistance for the needy families ( tribal land)
- Bureau of Indian affairs general assistance ( tribal land)
- Medicaid
- Veterans survivor pension fund
- Federal public housing assistance
- Free or reduced school lunch program or school breakfast program
- Food distribution programs on Indian reservations ( tribal land)
- Tribal head start ( tribal land)
- Supplemental nutritional assistance program
- Supplemental security income
- Veterans survivor pension fund
3. Based on dependent’s participation in a government assistance program
This is where you qualify to Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if a dependent is signed in to receive help from any of the above government programs. For instance, if your child is signed for special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants and children, you will qualify for Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits. Also, if you/ a dependent or your child have received a federal Pell grant in a current academic year, you qualify for Qlink ACP.
4. Based on Qlink eligibility criteria
To qualify for Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), Qlink requires you to be a resident of eligible states. I mean, since Qlink ACP services are not available in all states across America, you should be a resident of one of the states that Qlink services are offered. Some of these states are mentioned on the page above.
Documents Needed When Apply For The Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
To get Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits from Qlink or any other service provider, there is an application form to fill. During the application, there are a series of steps to follow. One of these steps is to prove eligibility and verify your identity. At this stage, you are required to attach supporting documents depending on your eligibility criteria. I mean, if you qualified based on income, you should attach documents with your income details. These are the commonly required documents when applying for Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP):
- Any official document in support of your full name, address and date of birth. This could be your passport, a government issues ID, U.S driver’s license, green card/ permanent resident card, social security card or Certificate of naturalization among others.
- Any official document in support of your total household income being equal or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. This could be Federal, state or tribal tax return of the previous year, current social Security statement of benefits or current income statement from your employer among others.
- Any official document in support of your government program participation. This could be SSI cover letter, Tribal head start approval document, Federal Pell grant letter, veteran’s pension grant, public housing assistance lease agreement and Medicaid card among others.
Applying Guideline For Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The first step of applying for Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is to determine whether you are eligible. If you quality, proceed with the following application process:
- Visit qlink ACP enrollment page “enroll.qlinkwireless.com/signup”
- Enter your area Zip code and valid email address
- Tap on “ get it now”
- Qlink will verify your area eligibility and redirect you to ACP application form
- Here, enter your valid first, middle, last name, street address and tap on “ continue”
- Once you fill all the required information, chose a plan, prove eligibility and submit your form.
- Wait for approval and start receiving your Qlink ACP benefits.
Frequently Ask Questions
How Do I Check the Status Of the Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Application?
If you successfully submitted the Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) application form but failed to get approval or feedback in time, you should check your application status. To check status, visit the Qlink ACP login page”qlinkwireless.com/members/Login.aspx”, enter your email, password, and tap on “login”. In case you forgot your password, enter your valid date of birth, last 4 SSN, and ZIP code to login. Once you login, you can view your order status or call 1-855-754-6543 to inquire from a representative.
Does Qlink Wireless Provide Free Tablets Under ACP Program?
Yes. Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) proudly offers its subscribers a new tablet alongside other benefits. However, it’s important to note that the tablet does not come for free. Instead, you are required to pay one-time $10.01 fee and get up to $100 discount to purchase the available tablet. More often than not, you get a tablet that features the latest Bluetooth technology and WIFI capabilities.
I Am A Lifeline Program Beneficiary, Can I Qualify For Qlink Wireless ACP?
Yes. If you or any member of your household is already enrolled to receive lifeline benefits with Qlink wireless, you can also qualify to receive Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefits. In fact, you will be privileged to have Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and lifeline benefits applied to the same service plan. Note that you also qualify for Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) even if you choose to receive lifeline services from a different provider.
Are There Any Limitations To Get Qlink Wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Yes. As stated earlier, Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is limited to low income households with a total household income of 200% of the federal poverty level or participating in any government program.
Besides, Qlink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) limits the availability of its benefits to one enrollment per household. Also, an eligible household is limited to one service discount in a month and a one-time device discount. Note that these benefits are non-transferable. In addition, Qlink wireless Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are limited to users who make or answer calls, send text messages, purchase minutes, use data or respond to direct calls from Qlink wireless at least once every month.
