Internet Bill Assistance
Two government assistance programs are available that provide discounted internet service for eligible low-income households.
LIFELINE
LifeLine is funded through the Universal Service Fund, and it also provides discounted internet service for low-income consumers. The Lifeline discount is available for eligible residential internet customers only, and program participants will receive a monthly credit on their Elevate bill.
Residential discount for internet
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Lifeline Discount: $9.25/month for internet service
To be eligible for Lifeline, you must meet income-based requirements or participate in one of the following programs:
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Medicaid
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Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
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Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
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Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
AFFORDABLE CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM
The Federal Communications Commission established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2022, and it provides a sizable discount on internet service for low-income households. The ACP discount is available for eligible residential internet customers only, and program participants will receive a monthly credit on their Elevate bill. Consumers who qualify for Lifeline, also automatically qualify for the ACP discount.
Residential discount for internet
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ACP Discount: $30/month discount for internet service
To be eligible for the ACP discount, you must meet at least one of the following income-based requirements:
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Income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
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Participate in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
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Participate in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
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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
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Receive a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
Eligibility
Your eligibility to participate in both ACP and LifeLine must be verified by the Universal Service Administrative Co using the LifeLine National Verifier. ACP and Lifeline benefits are non-transferable. One household can receive both ACP and LifeLine benefits (up to $39.25/month), but a household cannot receive Lifeline or ACP benefits from multiple providers.
Internet Bill Assistance FAQ
Elevate cannot determine your eligibility for ACP or LifeLine assistance. You must certify your eligibility through the LifeLine National Verifier for either program.
Both LifeLine and ACP require consumers to re-apply annually for certification. If you fail to do so, Elevate is required to remove the assistance credit from your account. Use the LifeLine National Verifier to recertify.
Yes. LifeLine or ACP eligibility does not alter Elevate’s 1-year contract requirements.
Click here to check your eligibility and get the process started.
No. The Lifeline and ACP discounts cannot be applied to past due balances. They can only be applied to your account moving forward.
If you qualify for Lifeline, you are automatically eligible to receive both discounts for a total of $39.25/month. You still need to complete the ACP application.
If you have qualified for ACP, you may or may not be eligible for the Lifeline discount. Lifeline qualification requirements are more restrictive. Please check your eligibility using the Lifeline National Verifier. Your Lifeline and ACP discounts cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
Elevate is a participating provider in the ACP. It is a federal benefit program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Elevate and consumer participants are subject to the rules and requirements set forth by FCC.
The FCC has not set an expiration date for ACP benefits. Program subscribers will be subject to Elevate’s regular rates, terms, and conditions if the FCC discontinues ACP or if a subscriber’s household is no longer eligible.
Elevate cannot place your ACP discount on your bill until we confirm eligibility, complete all program enrollment steps, and gather all necessary information for reporting. After verifying your eligibility through the Lifeline National Verifier, contact Elevate to get started on these next steps. After official enrollment, your ACP discount will be applied on your next bill in full.