Does Boost Mobile Participate in the ACP Program?
Boost Mobile is an American wireless service provider owned by Dish Wireless. It offers its customers cell phones from the most reputable brands, affordable plans, lots of special deals, and access to T-Mobile and AT&T’s nationwide networks. Boost Mobile also used to be a CARE pilot program provider (the program ended on June 30, 2021) and an EBB program provider (the program ended on December 31, 2021).
EBB or the Emergency Broadband Benefit was a temporary government assistance program by the FCC designed to help families and individuals who are struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic. EBB-eligible customers were able to receive a monthly discount of up to $50 for internet services and up to $75 for eligible households on Tribal lands. Certain EBB providers also offered a one-time $100 discount on a desktop computer, laptop, or tablet under the condition that the customer pays a co-pay of more than $10 and less than $50.
Boost Mobile participated in the EBB program until it was terminated on December 31, 2021. As of this date, customers are no longer able to apply for Boost Mobile EBB benefits.
However, the temporary EBB program has been replaced by the new permanent Affordable Connectivity Program – a government program designed to fund digital tools for low-income families. This new program offers eligible customers a $30 (or $75 on Tribal lands) discount toward internet services and a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a computer. Not all former EBB providers now offer the new ACP program, however, luckily, Boost Mobile does participate in the new program. As such, as of December 31, 2021, ACP-eligible customers can enroll to the Boost Mobile ACP program.
What Are the Benefits of Qualifying for the Boost Mobile ACP Program?
On December 31, 2021, the former Boost Mobile EBB (or Emergency Broadband Benefit) program has become the new and permanent Boost Mobile ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program). Customers who have enrolled in the Boost Mobile EBB program prior to December 31, 2021, will continue to receive their monthly benefit during a 60-day transition period, which will end on March 1, 2022.
The customers who qualify for the Boost Mobile ACP (former Boost Mobile EBB program), will be able to apply their discount for free service on one of the following plans:
- A 7GB Unlimited phone plan, which offers 7GB of 5G or 4G data and unlimited data of reduced speeds, unlimited text messages, and unlimited voice minutes
- A tablet plan
- A mobile hotspot plan with data usage limited to 7GB a month of 5G or 4G data
The plan must be valued at $30 a month or you get a $30 discount on other available plans using the ACP discount. The discount is limited to one per eligible household.
Eligible households on Tribal lands can get a free Boost Mobile ACP 35GB smartphone plan valued at $60 a month, or the 7GB tablet plan or a mobile hotspot plan (each valued at $30 a month) – limited to one per eligible household.
New customers can use a provided Promo Code when enrolling to select an ACP discounted plan.
Existing customers, on the other hand, can use a provided ePIN to cover plan charge costs during activation.
Read more at boostmobile.com/plans/acp.html.
How to Qualify for Boost Mobile ACP Program?
To qualify for the new Boost Mobile ACP program (the old Boost Mobile EBB program), you must be ACP-eligible. You are ACP-eligible if you or any of your household members meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You or a household member participates in a qualifying government assistance program, such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP
- Medicaid
- SSI
- Federal Housing Assistance
- Lifeline
- You or a household member participates in a qualifying Tribal specific program, such as:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- You or a household member was 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 or 2020-2021 school year.
- You or a household member received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- You are receiving WIC (Women, Infant, Children) benefits.
What Are the Documents Required to Apply for Boost Mobile ACP?
As of December 31, 2021, you can apply for the new Boost Mobile ACP program that has replaced the old EBB program.
When applying, Boost Mobile will try to verify your identity and eligibility automatically. If they are unable to do so, they may ask you to provide certain documents that may verify your identity and/or prove your eligibility.
Depending on your eligibility criteria, you may be required to provide:
- An official document that includes your full name, date of birth, and address to verify your identity and address (for example, a passport, a government, military, state, or Tribal ID, birth certificate, U.S. Driver’s license, certificate of U.S. citizenship or naturalization, permanent resident card or Green Card, government assistance program document, Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document).
- An official document showing that your annual income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (for example, prior year’s state, federal, or Tribal tax return, current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, Veterans Administration statement of benefits, Unemployment or Worker’s Compensation statement of benefits, divorce decree, child support award, or a similar official document showing your income, or a retirement/pension statement of benefits).
- An official document proving your participation in a qualifying assistance program (for example, a benefit award letter, approval letter, statement of benefits, or benefit verification letter).
- An official document showing that your household was approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program.
- An official document proving that you or a household member has received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year.
- An official document showing that you are receiving WIC (Women, Infant, Children) benefits.
As only adults of 18 years or more and emancipated minors can participate in the Boost Mobile ACP on their own, you must either prove that you are of age or provide a certificate of emancipation or a court document proving your emancipated minor status.
How to Apply for Boost Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program?
As of December 31, 2021, you can apply to the new Boost Mobile ACP program (the old Boost Mobile EBB program). To do so, you must follow the simple steps below:
- Step 1: Make sure you are ACP-eligible. See the ACP eligibility criteria above. You must also make sure you are a resident of one of the states where Boost Mobile offers its services, otherwise, you won’t be able to sign up.
- Step 2: Visit acp.boostmobile.com.
- Step 3: Provide your ZIP code (this is important as Boost Mobile availability and plans vary between states), your email address, and begin the online application process. Fill out the form by following the on-screen prompts. You will be required to provide certain information and perhaps documentation that will help verify your identity and prove your eligibility.
- Step 4: Once you have filled out the online application form and submitted it, wait a couple of days for the provider to review it and let you know whether or not you have successfully enrolled.
What Are the Limitations of the Boost Mobile ACP Program?
Like every government assistance program, including ACP’s predecessor – the EBB program, the new Affordable Connectivity Program also comes with a list of restrictions and limitations set by the FCC. These ACP limitations apply to all ACP programs by all ACP providers. The ACP limitations include:
- ACP is only available to select eligible households. You can participate if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, if you participate in another government assistance program, such as Lifeline, SNAP, or Medicaid, if you were approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, if you have received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year, or if you are receiving WIC (Women, Infant, Children) benefits.
- Only one ACP benefit is available per household.
- The ACP benefit is non-transferable.
- Customers are required to notify the provider within 30 days if they no longer qualify for the discount.
- Customers must utilize the service to make a voice call, send a text message, or use data at least once during any 30-day period.
Read more about Boost Mobile’s ACP limitations at ebb.boostmobile.com/Enrollment/Boost/en/Web/www/default/index.html#!/termsCons.
What Other Services Can I Get at Boost Mobile?
Not only is Boost Mobile a reputable ACP provider, but it also provides lots of other services. In addition to the ACP benefits, customers can get many other services and products at Boost Mobile, including:
- Android and iOS smartphones from the most reputable brands
- The ability to bring your own phone
- Mobile hotspots
- Affordable plans for ACP-eligible and non-eligible customers with data, text messages, and voice minutes
- Access to T-Mobile and AT&T’s nationwide network
- Add-on services
- International services
- Frequent special deals on phones and plans
- Reliable and responsive customer care service
FAQ
How Do I Join Boost Mobile?
If you are ACP-eligible and wish to join Boost Mobile’s ACP program, you can apply for it at acp.boostmobile.com. However, you can also join Boost Mobile if you are not ACP-eligible. Granted, this way you won’t be able to get the Boost Mobile ACP benefits and discounts, however, Boost Mobile also offers a host of other great services, as you can see in the previous section. To sign up, simply visit the provider’s official website and choose the service you wish to sign up for. You will be asked to provide certain information and to accept the terms and conditions. Once you sign up, you will receive further information via email.
Does Boost Mobile Offer Government Lifeline Programs?
Currently, Boost Mobile does not offer a government Lifeline program. However, Lifeline-eligible customers may be able to get the basic Lifeline service discount at Boost Mobile. To make sure, contact the provider’s customer service.
Can I Receive the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) if My Household Is Already Receiving Lifeline Benefits?
Yes, the FCC guidelines allow you to have both a Lifeline and an ACP benefit per household at the same time. However, each eligible household can only get one ACP and one Lifeline from one or two different providers.
I Was Affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic and Lost My Job. Am I Eligible for the Boost Mobile ACP?
The former EBB program was established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was designed to help out people affected by the crisis. The former EBB program had more options and possibilities for people affected by the pandemic. Unfortunately, the Emergency Broadband Benefit program was temporary and it has recently ended. Nevertheless, you may be able to apply for the new permanent Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that offers similar benefits. Check the eligibility criteria above.
How Good Is Boost Mobile Coverage Area?
Boost Mobile is an MVNO that uses T-Mobile and AT&T’s nationwide network. As such, they offer an excellent network with a huge coverage area. Boost Mobile’s network covers most of the country. Check out its coverage map at boostmobile.com/coveragemap_xp.html?INTNAV=BotNav:PlansAndServices:ExpandedCoverageMap.
Can I Still Apply for Boost Mobile EBB Benefits?
No. The EBB program was temporary and the applications for the Boost Mobile EBB program closed on December 31, 2021, with the launch of the Boost Mobile ACP program. You can, however, apply for the new Boost Mobile ACP program at acp.boostmobile.com.