What's the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Optimum Mobile proudly participates in the Federal Government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a new, longer-term $14 billion program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. This program helps eligible low-income households that qualify based on Federal Government rules pay for Internet and mobile service. It'll help ensure Americans can afford the connections they need for work, school, health care, and more.
How much is the monthly credit?
Qualifying households can receive a monthly credit of up to $30 per month (or up to $75 per month for residents on Tribal Lands) towards their mobile or Internet service.
Who's eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
New and existing Optimum Mobile customers can participate! You can qualify if you or a member of your household:
- Receives SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, or is eligible to participate in another one of the FCC's Lifeline qualifying programs;
- Receives the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) benefit;
- Receives free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP);
- Enrolled in a school that offers free school breakfast and lunch to all students through its participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP);
- Most New York City public schools qualify!
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year; or,
- If your gross annual household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the 2022 income ceilings per household size for the 48 contiguous states):
| Household size | Gross Annual Household Income |
| 1 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $93,260 |
| Each Addt'l | $9,440 |
Please note each eligible household can only receive one Affordable Connectivity Program benefit.
To receive your Affordable Connectivity Program benefit through Optimum Mobile, you'll need to first confirm your eligibility through the National Verifier at GetInternet.gov and then submit your information (including your Affordable Connectivity Program National Verifier application ID) to us on our enrollment form – coming soon.
Based on the eligibility criteria, I have a dependent that may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. Can I apply under my dependent's name?
The Federal Government eligibility criteria can apply to you or a household member, including any dependents that may reside with you. If your dependent meets one of the Federal Government eligibility criteria, you can apply to the National Verifier as the applicant and list your dependent who meets the eligibility criteria as the benefit-qualifying person. Federal Government rules prohibit any individual from being used as a benefit-qualifying person on more than one Affordable Connectivity Program approval or enrollment.
How do I apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile if I already have Optimum Mobile service?
Thanks for being an Optimum Mobile customer!
- You will first need to get an Affordable Connectivity Program approval from the National Verifier at gov. The approval can be received in the form of an online approval notice (take a screenshot), an email, or a letter.
- You will need to apply using the Optimum Mobile application process on the enrollment form (coming soon).
- You'll be asked to provide your Optimum Mobile account number, Optimum Mobile phone number, and your National Verifier application ID, as well as your name and address (and other information) as they appear on the National Verifier approval.
How do I apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile if I want Optimum Mobile service?
We're excited to hear you are interested in being an Optimum Mobile customer!
- You will need to get an Affordable Connectivity Program approval from the National Verifier at gov. The approval can be received in the form of an online approval notice (take a screenshot), an email, or a letter.
- If you're not currently an Optimum Mobile customer and meet at least one of the eligibility criteria listed, sign up for mobile service! Click here to find the right plan and start service today!
- Once you have activated your Optimum Mobile service, you can visit our enrollment form (coming soon) to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile.
- TIP! You'll be asked to provide your Optimum Mobile account number, Optimum Mobile phone number, your National Verifier application ID, and your name and address (and other information) exactly as they appear on the National Verifier approval.
When will I see the Affordable Connectivity Program credit applied to my account if I was approved?
If you have received an email from us approving you to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile, you can expect to see the monthly credit applied within the next two bills.
How long will it take to find out if my Optimum Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program application has been approved?
It may take us up to 5 business days to review and process your application. We'll notify you of the status of your application at the email address you provided within 5 business days.
What should I do if I haven't received an email from Optimum Mobile about my eligibility to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program?
It may take us up to 5 business days after we receive your application to process it and notify you. If it has been more than 6 business days since you applied, but you haven't received an enrollment status email, please check your junk or spam folders for our message. If you haven't received an eligibility email, contact us.
Can I re-apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile if my application is not approved?
Yes, if you believe you're eligible to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile and your application was not approved, please re-apply.
Can I transfer my Affordable Connectivity Program credit from another service provider to Optimum Mobile?
Yes! If you're receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit with another service provider, you may ask us to transfer your benefit to Optimum Mobile. This means you'll lose the benefit with your current provider once you're enrolled with Optimum Mobile. A household can only receive one Affordable Connectivity Program credit at a time, regardless of the service provider.
When you fill out your enrollment application with us, please be sure you answer "Yes" when you are asked "Are you currently receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit from another service provider?"
Can I transfer my Affordable Connectivity Program credit from my Optimum Internet service to my Optimum Mobile service?
Yes! If you're currently receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit on your Optimum Internet service and would like to transfer it to your Optimum Mobile service, you may ask us to transfer your benefit by completing a new enrollment application with us.
Visit our enrollment form (coming soon)to transfer your benefit today, and be sure to answer "Yes" when you are asked "Are you currently receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit from Optimum?" You must be the Optimum Internet Account owner.
Please note that you cannot transfer your Affordable Connectivity Program credit between your Optimum Internet and Optimum Mobile bills more than one time per quarter. This means that if you transferred your credit from Optimum Mobile to Optimum Internet on January 14, you cannot transfer your Affordable Connectivity Program credit from Optimum Internet back to Optimum Mobile until April 1.
I received an email saying my household information is already tied to another participant in the program. What do I do?
If you or someone in your household is receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit with another service provider, you may ask us to transfer your benefit to Optimum Mobile, which means you'll lose the benefit with your current provider once you are enrolled with Optimum Mobile. A household can only receive one Affordable Connectivity Program credit at a time, regardless of the service provider.
To transfer your benefit to us, please re-apply and visit our enrollment form (coming soon). When you fill out your enrollment application with us, please be sure you answer "Yes" when you are asked "Are you currently receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit from another service provider for this address?"
Please note that you can only transfer your benefit between providers one time per month.
I want to change my Optimum Mobile service plan. Will I still get the Affordable Connectivity Program credit?
You can change your Optimum Mobile service to any plan and retain the credit up to $30/month (up to $75/month for households on Tribal Lands). Credits cannot equal more than the cost of service.
Can I transfer my Affordable Connectivity Program credit to a different line on my Optimum Mobile Account?
You can transfer your Affordable Connectivity Program credit from one Optimum Mobile line to another line on the same account if you need to by sending an email to SSOPS@AlticeUSA.com. Please include your active Optimum Mobile account number, the telephone number which is currently receiving the Affordable Connectivity Program credit, and the telephone number on the same Optimum Mobile account to which you would like to transfer the credit.
How long will the monthly Affordable Connectivity Program credit last?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is anticipated to last until the federal government funds are depleted.
What are the FCC's qualifying programs for Lifeline that could qualify my household for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
If you or a member of your household participates in any one of the FCC's Lifeline qualifying programs, your household may qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit.
I am not the Optimum Mobile account holder, but I pay for my line. Can I get my credit if I qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Yes! You do not need to be the account owner to apply for and receive the Affordable Connectivity Program benefit. First, you will need to obtain a National Verifier approval at GetInternet.gov. Once you've done that, then apply to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile by completing our enrollment application (coming soon). Note that only one Affordable Connectivity Program credit can be applied to an individual Optimum Mobile Account.
I received a message stating my account number is incorrect. What should I do?
When entering your account number on your Optimum Mobile Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment application, you'll need to type your 4- or 7-digit account number as it appears on MyMobile or your downloaded bill.
NOTE: Be sure to enter the entire 4- or 7-digit account number.
I received a message stating that I am not eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile because of one of the following reasons:
- I haven't qualified through the National Verifier yet;
- My National Verifier approval has expired; or
- I didn't enter my information on my application with Optimum Mobile exactly as it appears on my National Verifier approval letter.
What should I do?
- If you haven't yet qualified through the National Verifier, you'll need first to visit GetInternet.gov to obtain a National Verifier approval and then apply with us on our enrollment form (coming soon) to receive your Affordable Connectivity Program credit with Optimum Mobile.
- If your National Verifier approval has expired, you'll need to re-apply at GetInternet.gov to obtain a new National Verifier approval and then apply with us on our enrollment form (coming soon) to receive your Affordable Connectivity Program credit with Optimum Mobile.
- If you didn't enter your information on your application with Optimum Mobile exactly as it appears on your National Verifier approval letter, don't worry - you can re-apply! To receive your Affordable Connectivity Program credit with Optimum Mobile, you must enter your legal name and other information on your application with Optimum Mobile exactly as it appears on your National Verifier approval.
To check the legal name and other information you provided to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, please review your National Verifier approval. You can do this by checking the approval you may have received by email or mail or logging in to your account at the National Verifier. To log into your National Verifier account, visit gov and follow the steps below:- In the top right corner, click Sign In
- Enter your Username and Password
- On your homepage, you'll see your application and its status in the dashboard
You may also visit GetInternet.gov for more information or contact the National Verifier administrator by email at ACPSupport@usac.org. Once you have a new National Verifier approval (if needed) and are ready to re-apply, please visit our enrollment form (coming soon) and re-apply with the information exactly as it appears on your National Verifier approval.
I received a message stating that my address is tied to another participant in the Affordable Connectivity Program. What should I do?
Only one Affordable Connectivity Program credit is available per household. If you live at the same address with other people but do not share income and expenses, you may be considered a separate household. Visit the National Verifier at GetInternet.gov to complete an Affordable Connectivity Program Household Worksheet.
I received a message stating that I am not enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile because my National Verifier Approval was not correct or legible. What should I do?
Please make sure you upload one single file that includes all pages of your National Verifier approval, including the application number, date, name, and address. We recommend converting the approval into PDF format before uploading.
Are commercial and small business accounts eligible?
Optimum Mobile business accounts aren't eligible to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program at the present time.
I have a National Verifier approval, but I was denied participation in the Affordable Connectivity Program by Optimum Mobile. What should I do?
The email Optimum Mobile sent in response to your application included a reason you weren't qualified to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile and, in most cases, instructions on how to fix any issues preventing you from qualifying. If you have additional questions, please call 866-200-7186. If you believe you're eligible, please re-apply.
Is a household allowed more than one Affordable Connectivity Program credit? What if two people in the household have separate finances?
As the FCC defines, only one Affordable Connectivity Program credit is available per household. Optimum Mobile only allows one affordable connectivity benefit per account. If you live at the same address with other people but don't share income and expenses, you may be considered a separate household. Visit the National Verifier at GetInternet.gov to apply and complete an Affordable Connectivity Program Household Worksheet.
How do the Affordable Connectivity Program rules define a "household"?
For the purposes of the Affordable Connectivity Program, a "household" is any individual or group of individuals who are living together at the same address as one economic unit. An "economic unit" consists of all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household and may include related and unrelated persons. An adult is any person eighteen years or older. If an adult has no or minimal income and lives with someone who provides financial support to him/her/them, both people shall be considered part of the same household. Children under the age of eighteen living with their parents or guardians are considered to be part of the same household as their parents or guardians.
What's an Affordable Connectivity Program Household Worksheet?
The Affordable Connectivity Program Household Worksheet is used for consumers reporting an address that's already on record as participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program to determine if they're considered the same or separate households based on the FCC's definition.
For example, two people living at the same residence who share money and bills are considered one household under the FCC's definition. In that case, only one Affordable Connectivity Program benefit is available to serve that address. Conversely, two people living at the same residence who don't share any income or expenses may be considered two separate households. In that case, both individuals may qualify to receive an Affordable Connectivity Program benefit.
How many Affordable Connectivity Program credits are allowed per Optimum Mobile account?
Optimum Mobile only allows one affordable connectivity benefit per account.
Who developed the eligibility criteria for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted the rules and policies governing how the program operates. The Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau, other Commission staff, and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) oversee and administer the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Who can I contact for help with my National Verifier approval?
For help with your National Verifier approval, contact the Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center for assistance by calling 877-384-2575 or by email to ACPSupport@usac.org.
After being approved, can I choose to no longer receive the Affordable Connectivity Program credit?
We'll be sorry to hear it, but if you no longer want to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program with Optimum Mobile, or if you need to tell us that you no longer qualify, we'll make it easy. Just send an email to SSOPS@AlticeUSA.com letting us know why you are leaving the program and include the following information as it appears on your bill:
- Optimum Mobile Account Number
- Optimum Mobile Phone Number
- First and Last Name
- Service Address
Can I transfer my Affordable Connectivity Program credit to another person or household?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one credit per household and isn't transferable to another household or another individual, even if they qualify.
What should I do if information related to my enrollment in the Affordable Connectivity Program changes?
You need to tell us if there are changes to any of the information you provide us on your Affordable Connectivity Program enrollment application. Please email SSOPS@AlticeUSA.com, including your Name, Optimum Mobile account number, and Optimum Mobile phone number telling us about the changes. These may include changes to your eligibility for programs you used to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, or changes to your name, address, benefit-qualifying dependent, and contact information.
If the update impacts your eligibility to receive benefits through the Affordable Connectivity Program, you must update your information with the National Verifier by visiting GetInternet.gov. After you receive your updated National Verifier approval, you'll need to re-apply with us on our enrollment form (coming soon) with your updated information.
What should I do if I move out of the Optimum Mobile service area?
We'll be sorry to hear it, but if you no longer reside in the Optimum Mobile service area, we'll be unable to provide you the Affordable Connectivity Program credit on your Optimum Mobile account.
You can use the Companies Near Me Tool available at GetInternet.gov to find providers participating in your area's Affordable Connectivity Program. You'll need to re-apply to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program with your new service provider.
What happens after the Affordable Connectivity Program ends?
Based on Federal Government rules, the monthly credit will continue for qualified households until the federal funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program is depleted. When the Affordable Connectivity Program ends, your bill will continue to reflect the services and pricing as of that date without the Affordable Connectivity Program credit. This means that you'll be charged the regular, undiscounted rate for the services you selected until canceled, and you'll be subject to our regular terms and conditions. If you're having trouble paying your bill, please call us anytime to review available options to lower your bill.
What if I'm having problems getting my affordable connectivity benefit?
If you have any questions or concerns about your affordable connectivity benefit, please call us immediately at 866-347-4216, so we can resolve your concern. If you have an unresolved complaint about the Affordable Connectivity Program, you have the right to submit a complaint to the FCC Consumer Complaint Center at ConsumerComplaints.fcc.gov or by calling 888-CALL-FCC (888-225-5322).
Once I'm enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, do I have to do anything to keep my credit?
Yes, Federal Government rules require you to remain eligible to receive affordable connectivity benefits. If the program administrator, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), or Optimum Mobile has reason to believe that you no longer qualify, you will be asked to recertify your eligibility. Subscribers enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program whose eligibility to receive benefits cannot be electronically verified by the program administrator will also be required to certify their continued eligibility annually.
USAC will send notices to enrolled subscribers that are required to recertify. If you receive a notice from USAC asking you to recertify your eligibility to receive your Affordable Connectivity Program credit, you should respond before the deadline stated in the notice. If you do not respond, or if the information you provide indicates that you are no longer eligible, you will be de-enrolled from the Affordable Connectivity Program.
De-enrolled subscribers must re-apply to receive affordable connectivity benefits from Optimum Mobile.
