If you used to get a free phone and free monthly service through Assurance Wireless, and your benefits recently shrank or disappeared, you’re not imagining it. The federal program that made those generous “free phone” offers possible — the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — ended in 2024. Here’s exactly what happened, what’s still available in 2026, and how to apply for the benefit that remains.
What Happened to the Free Phone Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal program that gave eligible low-income households up to $30 per month toward internet or phone service ($75 per month on Tribal lands), plus a one-time device discount. It was funded by a one-time $14.2 billion congressional appropriation. When that funding ran out, the ACP officially ended on June 1, 2024, and Congress has not passed a replacement program as of 2026 (FCC Affordable Connectivity Program FAQ, Congressional Research Service). Assurance Wireless and similar providers used ACP funding to offer the larger “free phone and free unlimited service” packages many New Yorkers relied on. Once that funding disappeared, those bigger offers went away too.
Is There Still a Free Government Phone Program in 2026?
Yes, but it’s smaller than what ACP offered. The FCC Lifeline program, which has existed since 1985, is still active and is now the main federal benefit remaining. Lifeline provides:
- Up to $9.25 per month off phone, internet, or bundled phone-and-internet service
- Up to $34.25 per month for eligible households on qualifying Tribal lands
- Only one Lifeline benefit per household (not per person)
This is a real, ongoing discount — but it’s much less than the $30/month ACP benefit that made completely free service possible for many people (FCC Lifeline Program).
Who Qualifies for Lifeline in New York?
You can qualify for Lifeline one of two ways:
1. Automatic Qualification Through Another Program
If you or someone in your household already participates in any of the following, you likely qualify automatically:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP / food stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefits
2. Income-Based Qualification
If you don’t participate in one of the programs above, you can still qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For a single person, that’s roughly $21,000 to $21,500 per year, with the threshold rising for each additional household member (FCC).
Does Assurance Wireless Still Offer Service?
Assurance Wireless and similar carriers still participate in the Lifeline program itself — it’s the much larger ACP-funded free-phone-and-service package that’s gone, not Lifeline participation entirely. If you’re currently enrolled with Assurance Wireless or a similar Lifeline provider, your benefit likely shrank to the standard Lifeline discount level rather than disappearing altogether. It’s worth confirming your current benefit directly with your provider, since offers and device availability can vary.
How Do I Apply for Lifeline?
- Go to LifelineSupport.org and complete the National Verifier eligibility application
- If you qualify through SNAP, Medicaid, or another program, have your case number or ID ready — eligibility is often verified automatically
- Choose a participating provider and select a service plan; the Lifeline discount is applied directly to your bill
You can also contact a participating provider directly to ask about their current Lifeline plans and any available devices.
What You Should Do Now
- Check LifelineSupport.org to confirm your eligibility and see which providers currently serve your area.
- Contact your current provider (such as Assurance Wireless) to confirm exactly what your benefit looks like today, since it may differ from what you had before June 2024.
- If you’re on Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, mention that program when you apply — it usually speeds up eligibility verification.
- Ask about other low-cost internet options — several major internet providers offer their own low-income discount programs separate from Lifeline, which can sometimes be combined with the Lifeline benefit.
- If phone or internet access affects your ability to manage your health care — scheduling appointments, using telehealth, or reaching your insurance plan — a licensed Medicare advisor can also point you toward Medicare Advantage plans that include benefits like phone or transportation assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program coming back?
Not currently. As of 2026, Congress has not passed funding to restart the ACP or create a replacement program, though proposals have been introduced.
What’s the difference between ACP and Lifeline?
ACP offered up to $30/month and ended in June 2024. Lifeline is a smaller, longer-running FCC program offering up to $9.25/month, and it remains active in 2026.
Can I get a free phone through Lifeline?
Some Lifeline providers still offer a free or low-cost device as part of enrollment, though offers vary by carrier and are generally more limited than they were under ACP. Check directly with providers like Assurance Wireless to see current device offers.
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