ACP Free Laptop Update: What Happened?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer active. The FCC ended ACP on June 1, 2024 after program funding ran out and additional funding was not provided.
No active ACP benefit currently provides a free laptop. The old ACP device benefit ended with the program.
Why Did the ACP End?
Congress originally funded the Affordable Connectivity Program to help eligible households pay for broadband. The available funding was exhausted, and the FCC officially brought the program to a close on June 1, 2024.
If you are looking for assistance now, start with our free government laptop guide rather than an old ACP application page.
Eligible ACP households could receive a monthly broadband discount through participating internet providers.
New enrollment was frozen as the FCC prepared for the program’s funding to run out.
The Affordable Connectivity Program officially ended because additional funding had not been provided.
ACP is not accepting applications and is not providing a current laptop or internet benefit.
Read the FCC program-closing announcement ↗
Was the ACP Laptop Really Free?
Not exactly. While ACP was active, participating providers could offer an eligible household a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, desktop computer or tablet.
Up to $100
The program allowed a one-time connected-device discount through participating providers.
A Contribution Was Required
The household had to contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the device cost.
Not Every Provider Offered Devices
The benefit depended on a participating provider offering an eligible connected device. ACP did not mail a laptop directly to every qualifying household.
What to Do Instead of Searching for an ACP Free Laptop
Look for programs that are actually operating now. Laptop assistance can still exist independently of ACP through nonprofits, schools, community programs and affordable refurbished-computer providers.
Some nonprofits offer donated computers while others sell refurbished laptops at reduced prices.
Income, SNAP EBT, Medicaid, student status or other assistance may qualify you with a separate computer program.
Confirm whether the computer is free, discounted, refurbished or loaned before applying.
Lifeline continues as a qualifying phone or internet service benefit, but it should not be treated as a universal free-laptop program.
Be Careful With “ACP Free Government Laptop” Offers
The FCC has warned consumers that some websites and marketing materials continued presenting ACP information after the program ended. Be especially careful when a site claims it can still enroll you in ACP.
Verify a Laptop Offer →ACP enrollment is not active.
Do not submit Social Security numbers, banking details, payment information or benefit documents to a website simply because it claims to process a new ACP application.
Understand current laptop offer types →ACP Free Laptop FAQ
The most important distinction is between the historical ACP benefit and laptop programs that operate independently today.
Is the ACP still active?
Can I apply for an ACP free laptop now?
Did ACP provide completely free laptops?
Is Lifeline the replacement for ACP?
ACP Ended. Laptop Assistance Did Not.
Stop looking for a new ACP application and instead compare currently operating nonprofit, school, community and affordable-computer programs.
