Assist Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program that offers wireless services and free Lifeline plans for eligible customers. In addition to Lifeline benefits and discounts, Assist Wireless also offers the new Affordable Connectivity Program benefits for eligible customers. In this article, you will find out all there is to know about Assist Wireless ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program).
How Is Assist Wireless Lifeline Different From Assist Wireless ACP?
Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make essential communication services like broadband internet more affordable for low-income individuals and families. It’s an old assistance program that was established in 1985 and has helped millions of subscribers since.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), on the other hand, is a brand new government benefit program created to provide additional support to make broadband more affordable and accessible. The program was launched on December 31, 2021, on the same day that it has replaced the old Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which offered similar benefits. The ACP benefit was designed to help ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare, and more.
While Assist Wireless has been a Lifeline provider for a long time, it has only recently started offering the new ACP benefits.
Customers may have one ACP and one Lifeline benefit per household – either from the same provider or from two different providers. Lifeline subscribers can (but are not required to) apply for the new ACP benefit. Your Assist Wireless ACP and Lifeline benefits can be combined and applied to the same service plan or different service plans, depending on your preferences.
In case you also need information Assist Wireless Free Phone and Plans
In Which States Is Assist Wireless ACP Offered?
Unlike some larger service providers, Assist Wireless doesn’t serve a lot of U.S. states. In fact, it only offers its ACP services in the following states:
- Arkansas
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Oklahoma
Does Assist Wireless Offer Free Tablets Under the ACP Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program offers two types of discounts – on monthly services and devices. ACP providers offer discounts of up to $30 a month toward broadband internet service for eligible non-Tribal households and up to $75 a month for eligible households living on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible customers may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer by contributing a co-pay of between $10.01 and $49.99.
While all ACP providers offer monthly service discounts, only some of them offer discounts on connected devices. Assist Wireless is one of those ACP providers that offer connected devices, however, the company does not offer discounts on tablets, laptops, or desktop computers. Instead, it offers free smartphones for eligible customers. Read more about the Assist Wireless ACP benefits in the ‘What Are the Benefits if I Am Qualified for the Assist Wireless ACP?’ section.
How to Qualify for the Assist Wireless ACP?
To qualify for the Assist Wireless ACP, you must be a permanent resident of one of the states where Assist offers ACP discounts. See the states above.
In addition, to qualify for the Assist Wireless ACP, you must be ACP-eligible. As the ACP eligibility criteria are determined by the government, all ACP providers share the same criteria.
A household is ACP-eligible if a member of the household meets one or more of the eligibility criteria listed below:
- Has an annual household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline depends on the state and household size.
- Receives benefits from certain government assistance programs, such as:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Special Supplemental Nutritional Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
- Lifeline
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s qualifying low-income program.
The eligibility criteria above go for both non-Tribal and Tribal households. However, household living on qualifying Tribal lands are additionally ACP-eligible if a member meets one of the criteria below:
- Participates in Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard).
- Participates in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- Receives Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- Receives Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF).
ACP eligibility will be determined for the FCC by USAC’s National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database, or an alternative verification process approved by the FCC.
What Documents Are Required to Apply for the Assist Wireless ACP?
In order to sign up for the Assist Wireless ACP, you must prove your ACP eligibility. Assist Wireless will try to verify certain information automatically, however, if the provider will have trouble verifying your identity, address, or proving your eligibility, you may be required to provide certain documentation. Depending on your eligibility criteria, you may be asked to submit some of the following documents:
- To show your identity, you may be asked to submit an official document that includes your full legal name and date of birth, such as a passport, a valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID, driver’s license, birth certificate, Green, Card, etc.
- To confirm your physical address, you may be required to submit an official document that includes your full name and current physical address, such as a passport, ID, driver’s license, utility bill, mortgage or lease statement, etc.
- To prove your income-based eligibility, you may be required to show proof of income that includes your full name and annual income, such as a tax return, pay stubs, current income statement from your employer, Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, etc.
- To prove your participation in a qualifying government benefit program, you may be required to submit an official document that includes your full name, the name of the program, the name of the establishment that issued the document, and an issue date within the last 12 months, such as an approval letter, a benefit verification letter, a benefit award letter, a statement of benefits, etc.
In addition, as only people who are 18 years old or more and emancipated minors can apply, you may be required to verify your age or your emancipated minor status. Emancipated minors must therefore provide an official document proving their emancipated minor statuses, such as a court document or a certificate or emancipation.
The Assist Wireless ACP application process allows you to submit your supporting documents online. However, you can also send them via mail. Make sure not to submit original but copies made with a copy machine, scanner, camera, or smartphone instead.
How Do I Apply for Affordable Connectivity Program Assist Wireless?
Assist Wireless offers a quick and simple online application process. All you need to do to apply for the Assist Wireless ACP is to follow the easy steps below:
- Step 1: Make sure you are a resident of one of the states where Assist offers its ACP services. Also, make sure that you are AC-eligible. See the ACP eligibility criteria above.
- Step 2: Visit enroll.assistwireless.com. To start your application, provide your email address and ZIP code. Then, press ‘Check availability’.
- Step 3: When redirected to the Assist Wireless application form, fill it out by providing all the required information and documentation. Submit your application.
- Step 4: Receive a confirmation email from Assist Wireless, which will inform you whether or not you qualify. In this email, you will receive further instructions and afterward, you will be able to enjoy your Assist Wireless ACP benefits.
You can sign-up for the ACP at the time of enrollment with Assist Wireless or anytime thereafter through the self-service tool. Existing customers can add the ACP discounts by replying to an opt-in SMS. When signing in, you are selecting Assist Wireless as your ACP service provider and agree to its ACP Terms and Conditions. Existing customers can upgrade to ACP + Lifeline benefits by visiting an Assist store. Find a store near you at assistwireless.com/locations.
If you have any additional questions, call Assist’s customer service at 855-392-7747 or 611 from your Assist Wireless phone.
What Are the Benefits if I Am Qualified for the Assist Wireless ACP?
Assist Wireless ACP customers can apply their ACP discount to any available Assist Wireless service plan. Assist Wireless ACP plan offerings include:
ACP Only Plan Offerings:
- Tribal ACP Only Plan comes with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 15.5 GB of monthly data.
- Non-Tribal ACP Only Plan comes with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 5.5 GB of monthly data.
ACP + Lifeline Combined Service Plan Offerings:
- Tribal ACP Only Plan comes with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and unlimited monthly data.
- Non-Tribal ACP Only Plan comes with unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 10 GB of monthly data.
ACP and Lifeline subscribers can also receive a free 5.5-inch phone. The ACP + Lifeline is a limited-time offer that depends on eligibility. Plans vary by location.
Read more about the Assist Wireless ACP at assistwireless.com/affordable-connectivity-program.
What Rules Apply to Me When I Participate in Assist Wireless ACP
As ACP is a government benefit program, it comes with a list of rules and limitations, including the following:
- The ACP benefit is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per eligible household.
- The ACP monthly service and device discounts can’t be transferred to another individual or household.
- ACP benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing. Your monthly service benefit can be transferred to another provider at any time.
- To continue receiving your ACP benefits with Assist Wireless, you must make or answer a phone call, send a text message, use data, purchase minutes, or respond to direct contact from Assist Wireless at least once every 30 days.
- If you are no longer ACP-eligible, you must report it to Assist Wireless within 30 days.
- If the FCC announces that the ACP funding has been exhausted, Assist will discontinue its ACP services, notify you about it, and you will be able to revert to Assist’s standard free Lifeline plan if eligible or to choose another available plan at applicable rates.
- CP services and devices are subject to consumer eligibility, provider participation, product availability, and approval by the FCC/Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
Also, make sure to read the Assist Wireless ACP terms and conditions at assistwireless.com/terms-of-service.
You can read one of our past articles Assist Wireless Compatible Phones
Assist Wireless ACP FAQs
Why Choose Assist Wireless ACP?
As you can see, Assist Wireless ACP customers and especially ACP and Lifeline subscribers can get many great benefits from Assist Wireless. Assist Wireless is Oklahoma’s number one Lifeline provider with 29 locations and counting. Assist Wireless offers free Lifeline and ACP plans with lots of monthly data, in addition, Lifeline and ACP-eligible customers can also receive a new phone. Assist also offers the possibility to bring your own device, birthday rewards, anniversary rewards, refer-a-friend rewards, recertification rewards, and a simple app that allows you to manage your account.
What Download and Upload Speeds Will I Receive?
The Assist Wireless ACP program offers high-speed broadband service. Maximum speeds are optimal for real-time or near real-time and high-bandwidth uses. Lower speed, on the other hand, may affect your ability to stream audio and video, access certain content, or interact with apps. Broadband speeds depend on your service plan terms and other factors, such as your device, network availability, proximity to cellular towers, environmental factors, etc. Learn more at assistwireless.com/open-internet-statement.
Can I Choose My ACP Provider?
Yes, you can get your ACP benefit from any ACP provider (if eligible) and your monthly service benefit can be transferred to another provider at any time. However, you can only receive ACP benefits from one provider at a time.
What Is Assist Wireless ACP Account Activity Requirement?
To continue receiving your ACP benefit, you must use it at least once a month. You must either make or answer a voice call, send a text message, use data, purchase minutes, or respond to direct contact from Assist Wireless at least one time during and 30-day period.
Are Assist Wireless ACP Eligibility and Assist Wireless Lifeline Eligibility the Same?
No, however, they are similar. Lifeline-eligible customers are automatically ACP-eligible, as participating in Lifeline is one of the ACP eligibility criteria. All they have to do is to opt-in and choose an eligible ACP service plan. You can see the ACP eligibility criteria above. View the Assist Wireless Lifeline eligibility at assistwireless.com/qualify-for-lifeline.
