The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is scheduled to roll out the new Affordable Connectivity Program as a replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. These programs assist families struggling to pay for internet services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are currently receiving the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), your benefit will end March 1, 2022. Households that qualify for the EBB will need to requalify for the new program. If you do receive EBB, you will be given additional details about the steps to take from your program administrator (USAC) or your internet service provider in the month of January and given 30 days to respond.
How is are these two programs different?
The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 a month to $30 a month. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 a month per households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
How do I qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
There are new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program that were not an option for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- Is 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;
- Has received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
How do I enroll for this benefit?
There are three ways to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program
- Complete the application online at www.acpbenefit.org
- Contact your phone or internet company and ask if they participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program. You can also visit https://acpbenefit.org/companies-near-me/ to find a participating company near you. Participating companies can help you apply through their company’s application process.
- Print your application and include a Household Worksheet along with copies of your proof documentation and mail to:
ACP Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742
Visit https://acpbenefit.org/how-to-apply/ for more information on the forms you will need to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
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