Unlike the bygone days, internet connection has become an essential part of us in this present era. This is attributed to the deadly pandemic that hit us limiting physical meetings and gatherings. As a result, the internet is nowadays used to conduct a myriad of activities. From school, to work, churches and healthcare, there are a lot of activities that need internet access in these days and age. Consequently, the government initiated a program known as EBB to help financially strained families access internet without struggle. Unfortunately, EBB come to an end thus replaced by affordable connectivity program (ACP). Similar to EBB, affordable connectivity program (ACP) also helps to lower the price of internet connection to eligible consumers through service providers like Safelink.
Therefore, SafeLink is a reliable affordable connectivity program (ACP) service provider with a myriad of benefits. Since SafeLink ACP is a new program, a lot of consumers are looking forward to learn more about it. As a result, we came up with this comprehensive guide to educate more on Safelink affordable connectivity program (ACP) . To learn more, stay tuned.
SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Yes. Just as stated, SafeLink offers affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits to eligible consumers on behalf of the government. As you already aware, internet access is so essential but comes with high cost. I mean, to access internet seamlessly, you need to buy connectivity devices and pay monthly bills that are not affordable to low income earners. Although there are a number of USA citizens that afford internet connection, a larger percentage strain to access it. As a result, safelink committed to help bridge this digital divide by participating in the newly initiated affordable connectivity program (ACP).
To make you understand more, we will give a brief introduction of SafeLink wireless. Commonly known as a lifeline service provider, SafeLink is a reputable cellphone service provider in the US that specializes to offer cheaper wireless services to low income households. Besides providing lifeline services, safelink was also an EBB (emergency broadband benefit) service provider that offered internet discount to eligible households from 12th may 2021 to 31st December of 2021.
After SafeLink EBB came to an end, the company committed to continue participating in the affordable connectivity program (ACP). Its intention was to continue mitigating internet bills for low income households. In fact, SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) will be extending benefits to already enrolled EBB consumers within a 60 days transitional period as new applicants are welcome to apply for ACP benefits. Therefore, its true to say that safelink do affordable connectivity program (ACP). However, note that Safelink affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits are limited to low income households only.
Is SafeLink ACP The Same As EBB
SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) and EBB programs are not the same. Although the programs portray a few similarities, they are distinct by far. On similarities, SafeLink ACP and EBB are both federal communications commission program that were initiated to offer cheaper internet services to financially strained citizens. Once you qualify to receive benefits from any assistance program, you are jobless, disabled or have a low cumulative household income, you qualify for both Safelink ACP and EBB.
However, these programs are different in that one succeeded the other. I mean, while SafeLink EBB program came to an end, SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) took over. Therefore, be aware of any person, company or website that lures you to apply for SafeLink EBB as it might be a fraud.
Secondly, SafeLink EBB monthly internet discount was $50 while SafeLink ACP monthly discount on internet services are $30. Lastly, SafeLink EBB income limit was 135% of the poverty guideline while SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) income is limited to 200% of the federal poverty guideline.
Qualifying Guideline For Enroll in Safelink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Since we have already stated that SafeLink offers affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits, time is ripe to know who qualifies to participate in this program. Below is the criteria used to determine who qualifies for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP).
If you are from a low income household
Earlier in this guide, we mentioned that SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits are restricted to low income households. To be more precise, you qualify for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) if your total household income stand equal or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. It’s crucial to mention that poverty guidelines vary with your state and family size. Therefore, check your states exact poverty guideline and confirm whether you meet the above mentioned threshold.
If you receive help from any government assistance program.
Apart from low income earners, government assistance program beneficiaries also qualify for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP). This is because these programs are meant to help financially strained families to meet specific needs. Some of these programs are:
- Supplemental security income ( SSI)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental nutrition assistance program that was initially known as food stamps
- Federal public housing assistance
- Federal Pell grant.
- Veterans pension and survivors benefit
- Free and reduced price school lunch program or school breakfast program
- Bureau of Indian affairs general assistance for tribal land
- Head start for tribal land
- Tribal temporary assistance for needy families for tribal land
- Food distribution program on Indian reservations for tribal land
If you are disabled
The federal communications commission stated that affordable connectivity program (ACP) discounts on devices and services will be available to persons with disability. However, you must show evidence that you are indeed disabled. If you have proof from any reputable medical center, be sure to receive SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits without issues. Also if you have concerns on whether SafeLink offers affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits to qualified disabled, you can contact FCC disability rights office on 202-418-2517.
If you benefit from lifeline
Lifeline is a FCC permanent program that was initiated to help low income households afford wireless communication services. Since the program helps low income families, you automatically qualify for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits as a lifeline consumer. Therefore, you can combine your lifeline benefits with affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits from SafeLink.
If your Child or dependent is an assistance program beneficiary
You also qualify for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) if your child or dependent is an eligible member of any assistance programs that are mentioned above.
Benefits Of Qualifying For SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
Once you meet any of the above requirements, you can go ahead and apply for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits. Are you aware of the benefits to receive? If not, below are the expected benefits.
- Free unlimited calls and text messages to Mexico and Canada
- 25 GB of high speed data
- A free smartphone. Note that the exact model to get is subject to availability.
- A maximum of 5G Hotspot data
Documents Required To Apply For SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
To receive the above mentioned SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits, you should fill and submit an application form. The form comprises of several steps wherein one of them is to show eligibility proof. At this step, you are required to attach copies of documents to prove that you qualify for the program. These documents are:
- SSI cover letter.
- Federal Pell grant letter
- Tribal head start approval letter.
- Government issued ID
- Tribal, state or federal tax return
- Social security statement of benefits
- Medicaid card
- Workers compensation statement.
SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Application Process
To apply for SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP), the very first step is check to confirm whether you qualify. Out of our qualification requirements above, do you meet at least one of them? If yes then you can proceed with the application. To apply:
- Visit Safelink Wireless enrollment page”safelinkwireless.com/Enrollment/Safelink/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/newHome”
- Enter zip code and tap on “start”
- On the application form, fill your name, social security number, date of birth email address and tap on “continue”
- On the next page, fill valid home address details. This entails your street name and number, city, state and tap on “continue”
- The next page requires you to attach eligibility proof
- Give your device information
- Review your application and submit
- Wait for approval and receive your benefits.
FAQ
How Do I Check Status Of SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Application?
Once you submit your SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) application form, it will be forwarded to the lifeline national verify for confirmation and approval. The confirmation and approval process takes few business days. However, upon delay, you can check status of SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) application by visiting SafeLink official site and tap on “check your service status”. Enter your enrollment number, date of birth and tap on “continue”. Follow provided instructions to check application status.
Can I Get a Free Tablet From SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
As of now, SafeLink does not offer free tablets under affordable connectivity program (ACP). Instead, it offers a free smartphone, call, text, data and hotspot services
Are There Any Limitations For The SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Yes. SafeLink affordable connectivity program (ACP) avails with a few restrictions. As already stated, affordable connectivity program (ACP) is a federal assistance program that limits its benefits to low income households only. Therefore, you must have a total income of at least 200% of the federal poverty guideline to enroll to safelink affordable connectivity program (ACP).
The program also limits number of consumers per household. Precisely, SafeLink allows one benefit consumer per household. Note that these benefits are not transferrable and you should not receive affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits from many companies at a go.
If I Already Benefit From SafeLink EBB, Will I Automatically Receive Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Benefits?
Although EBB eligible households will continue receiving affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits for 60 transitional days, these benefits are not automatically transferred. Instead, you should opt-in or request ACP enrollment from SafeLink Wireless. After, choose an eligible plan and start receiving your affordable connectivity program (ACP) benefits.
How Long Will SafeLink Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Last?
FCC or SafeLink has not announced anything on how long the program should last. However, ACP was defined as a long term program that took over the short term EBB program.
