Rising food and rent costs are causing many Americans to fall behind on utility bills such as internet, electricity, and phone services. Luckily, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new government benefit program that provides internet access to qualifying low-income Americans. Here is everything you need to know about how to qualify for the affordable connectivity program and apply for the free government data plan.
What Is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The ACP is a federal government program administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The government benefit program helps ensure low-income households have access to affordable monthly broadband internet services for work, school, healthcare services, or recreation purposes. The ACP provides discounts of up to $30 per eligible household on the cost of monthly broadband Internet access service (or up to $75 per month eligible household on Tribal lands).
In addition to accessing internet service through the ACP, qualifying households are also eligible to receive up to $100 on certain connected devices such as a desktop computer, tablet, or laptop (with a required copay of between $10.01 and $49.99).
Who Is Eligible For the Program?
Here’s how to qualify for the affordable connectivity program.
First, you need a certain income level to qualify for the ACP. Federal Poverty Guidelines. state the threshold for a family to be considered in the poverty line.
The affordable connectivity program income requirements are less than or equal to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Here are further ways on how to qualify for the affordable connectivity program:
- You receive benefits from certain federal assistance programs such as:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
- If you or anyone in your household already receives a Lifeline benefit
- You are approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Your household meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s qualifying low-income program
Additionally, households residing on qualifying Tribal lands may also be eligible for ACP if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:
- Receives Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Participates in Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Receives Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Participates in the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (BIA).
The FCC often updates these qualifications. So if you want to know how to qualify for the affordable connectivity program, you are encouraged to review the current ACP requirements by visiting the FCC’s website.
How Do I Enroll in the ACP Program?
Once you’ve established your affordable connectivity program eligibility, there are two ways to enroll. Choose one of these options:
- Visit the program’s enrollment page and submit an application or mail in an application by printing it from the website.
- Contact a participating provider and inquire about enrolling in the program directly.
Many internet providers require you to submit a separate application to receive the discount. You need to submit an application and enroll in a plan through a participating provider.
A common question is, “is the affordable connectivity program permanent?” The good news is that it’s currently a long-term program by the Federal government, so it is likely to continue indefinitely for eligible households.
Which Internet Providers Participate in the ACP Program?
Not all internet providers participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Providers have a choice as to whether or not they want to offer the discount to customers. You can contact the providers in your area directly to ask if they provide the program to customers. You can also visit the FCC’s website to find a list of participating providers in your state. The list of participating providers may vary depending on where you live.
Get Government Unlimited Data with enTouch Wireless
Are you looking for a provider that participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program? enTouch Wireless is the country’s top provider of free government phone service. Enroll today by visiting our website or contacting us directly at 866.488-8719.