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Affordable Connectivity Program FAQ

Good Nesting
3 min read

With the new Affordable Connectivity Program, you could get a sizable discount on your monthly Internet bill, plus cash to buy a new device to get online.

Here are some frequently asked questions on this benefit that can make more room in your budget.

What Is The Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a newly-launched benefit from the federal government. It aims to help low-income families gain access to affordable Internet so they can use it for work, school, healthcare, and other purposes.

The ACP was launched as a replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), which began last year in April. The EBB was instituted as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Like the ACP, it aimed to help households in need with affordable Internet.

What Is The Difference Between The ACP And The EBB?

The ACP and EBB differ in several ways. First, the EBB was a temporary program meant to provide emergency relief related to the coronavirus. It ended on March 1, 2022. The ACP, on the other hand, is a permanent program that can help you enjoy affordable Internet for years to come, provided you qualify. Its permanent status is achieved through a whopping investment of $14 billion into the program.

Beyond the length of the programs, they also differ in their monthly benefits. The EBB offered a $50 monthly discount on Internet service ($75 for Tribal land residents). The ACP’s monthly benefit is $30 off Internet service ($75 for Tribal lands).

Besides its monthly discount, the Affordable Connectivity Program also offers a $100 discount that you can use once towards the purchase of a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer.
The purchase will need to be made through a participating ACP provider to qualify for this discount.

How Can You Qualify For ACP Benefits?

The ACP is awarded based on financial need. As such, you will need to show that your household income is lower than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You will have to present your current tax return or three recent pay stubs to show this.

There is another way to qualify for ACP benefits, and many say it is much easier and more automatic. If you currently receive assistance from a government program such as the following, that could automatically qualify you for the ACP:

  • Public housing
  • Lifeline
  • Medicaid
  • SNAP
  • WIC
  • SSI
  • Federal Pell Grant
  • School Breakfast Program
  • National School Lunch Program

Show documentation that you receive assistance from one of those programs, and you could get your $30 monthly Internet discount from the ACP with ease.

How Can You Apply For ACP Benefits?

Just as with its eligibility, there are multiple ways to apply for the ACP. If you currently receive Internet service, you can contact your provider to see if they are affiliated with the program. If so, they can tell you what’s needed to start receiving the $30 discount.

Otherwise, you can visit this link to apply online or print your application and mail it in.

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