ACP vs Lifeline — what changed in 2024
Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are often confused because they were created by the same federal agency, share many of the same eligibility rules, and were administered side-by-side until 2024. They are different programs with different benefits, different funding sources, and different statuses. Here's the practical difference for someone applying for a free phone in 2025.
Lifeline (active in 2025)
Lifeline is the original federal subsidy. It pays $9.25 per month ($34.25 on Tribal lands) per household per month toward wireless or broadband service. When that subsidy is applied at a participating wireless carrier, it covers the entire monthly cost of a basic plan — that's why carriers can offer "free" Lifeline service. Lifeline has been continuously funded since 1985 and is funded by the Universal Service Fund. It is still active in 2025 and is the program you sign up for when you apply for a free Lifeline phone today.
ACP (paused in 2024)
The Affordable Connectivity Program was a separate, larger benefit launched in 2021 that paid up to $30 per month ($75 on Tribal lands) toward home broadband internet — not wireless phone service. ACP was a temporary program funded by Congress through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and its funding ran out in mid-2024. As of 2025, ACP is paused and not accepting new applications. Carriers that previously offered both Lifeline and ACP now offer Lifeline only.
Side-by-side comparison
| Lifeline | ACP | |
|---|---|---|
| Status (2025) | Active | Paused, no new enrollments |
| Monthly subsidy | $9.25 ($34.25 Tribal) | Up to $30 ($75 Tribal) |
| Service covered | Wireless phone or broadband | Home broadband only |
| Funded by | Universal Service Fund | Congressional appropriation (exhausted) |
| Eligibility | 135% FPL or qualifying program | 200% FPL or qualifying program (when active) |
| Free phone available | Yes — through carrier sign-up incentive | No — was a service-only benefit |
What if I was on ACP?
If you were enrolled in ACP before the 2024 funding pause, your ACP benefit ended automatically. If you also qualify for Lifeline (most ACP enrollees do), you can apply for Lifeline service at any approved carrier and continue to get free wireless service — though the data allowance is typically lower than what ACP plans offered.
What if Congress restores ACP?
If Congress restores ACP funding (proposals have been discussed several times since the 2024 pause), enrollment would reopen through USAC and participating carriers. FreePhone Guide tracks any official ACP changes and updates this page accordingly.
Continue reading: browse state-by-state Lifeline guides or compare approved carriers.