Bill Assistance

ACP & Lifeline Internet Bill Assistance

Two government assistance programs are available that provide discounted internet service for eligible low-income households.

LIFELINE

LifeLine is funded through the Universal Service Fund, and it also provides discounted internet service for low-income consumers. The Lifeline discount is available for eligible residential internet customers only, and program participants will receive a monthly credit on their Lake Region Fiber bill.

Lifeline Discount: Up to $34.25/month for internet service
If you qualify for Lifeline, you are automatically eligible to receive both discounts. You still need to complete the ACP opt-in form to get both Lifeline and ACP.
To be eligible for Lifeline, you must meet income-based requirements or participate in one of the following programs
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly Food Stamps
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Apply For Lifeline

ACP

The Federal Communications Commission established the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in 2022, and it provides a sizable discount on internet service for low-income households. The ACP discount is available for eligible residential internet customers only, and program participants will receive a monthly credit on their Elevate bill. Consumers who qualify for Lifeline, also automatically qualify for the ACP discount.

ACP Discount: $75/month discount for internet service To be eligible for the ACP discount, you must meet at least one of the following income-based requirements:
Income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines
Participate in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline
Participate in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
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, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year
Receive a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year

Apply For ACP

ELIGIBILITY

Your eligibility to participate in both ACP and LifeLine must be verified by the Universal Service Administrative Co using the LifeLine National Verifier. ACP and Lifeline benefits are non-transferable. One household can receive both ACP and LifeLine benefits, but a household cannot receive Lifeline or ACP benefits from multiple providers.

Check Eligibility and Apply

LIFELINE RENEWAL PROCESS

Current Lifeline recipients must renew their benefits every year. The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Co. (USAC). Once each year, you will receive a renewal letter from USAC. You have 60 days from the date of your letter to renew your benefit. If you do not renew by the deadline, you will lose your Lifeline discount.

Download Lifeline Program Application Form

Internet Bill Assistance FAQ

How do I know if I qualify?

Lake Region cannot determine your eligibility for ACP or LifeLine assistance. You must certify your eligibility through the LifeLine National Verifier for either program.

How often do I have to get certified?

Both LifeLine and ACP require consumers to re-apply annually for certification. If you fail to do so, Lake Region is required to remove the assistance credit from your account. Use the LifeLine National Verifier to recertify.

Do I still have to sign a contract?

Yes. LifeLine or ACP eligibility does not alter Lake Region’s 2-year contract requirements.

How do I sign up?

Click here to check your eligibility and get the process started.

Can I use Lifeline or ACP credits to pay my past due balance?

No. The Lifeline and ACP discounts cannot be applied to past due balances. They can only be applied to your account moving forward.

Can I get both discounts?

If you qualify for Lifeline, you are automatically eligible to receive both discounts. You still need to complete the ACP application to get both Lifeline and ACP.

If you have qualified for ACP, you may or may not be eligible for the Lifeline discount. Lifeline qualification requirements are more restrictive. Please check your eligibility using the Lifeline National Verifier. Your Lifeline and ACP discounts cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

Who operates ACP?

Lake Region is a participating provider in the ACP. It is a federal benefit program operated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Lake Region and consumer participants are subject to the rules and requirements set forth by FCC.

How long does the ACP benefit last?

The FCC has not set an expiration date for ACP benefits. Program subscribers will be subject to Lake Region’s regular rates, terms, and conditions if the FCC discontinues ACP or if a subscriber’s household is no longer eligible.

When will I see my ACP discount on my bill?

Lake Region cannot place your ACP discount on your bill until we confirm eligibility, complete all program enrollment steps, and gather all necessary information and documents for reporting. After verifying your eligibility through the Lifeline National Verifier, contact Lake Region to get started on these next steps. After official enrollment, your ACP discount will be applied on your next bill.