The Affordable Connectivity Program
by Amy Corbin, Triple C Coordinator
The new Affordable Connectivity Program is a government program that makes accessing the internet at home for school, work, health care and other information more affordable for households that may not be able to otherwise pay for it. This program is managed by the FCC and offers internet access from various service providers to low-income households. The benefit allows a $30 discount per month toward service and a one-time discount up to $100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers with other eligibility criteria.
Eligibility guidelines for the discounted internet service are:
- having a household income below 200% of the poverty guideline
- if household member receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, a PELL grant from the current year, free or reduced-price lunches, or LIFELINE (free government telephone service) and other government assistance programs.
Only one monthly internet and one equipment discount per household is allowed. To apply, visit the www.AffordableConnectivity.gov website and submit an online application or print out a paper form and mail it. After a person is approved, they contact local internet service providers to determine which are participating providers and then select a plan to have the discount applied to their monthly bill. For more information or assistance, visit the ACP website above or call the local SAIL office.
www.affordableconnectivity.gov ; www.fcc.gov/acp
