Recently, Congress created the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program, a $14 billion program that replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This investment in broadband affordability will help people get the internet connections they need for work, school, health care and much more!
Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, more than 11.5 million people who previously couldn’t get online or struggled to pay for broadband, a modern-day necessity, are now connected through the Affordable Connectivity Program. This program provides qualified low-income households with a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service & up to $75 per month for eligible households on Tribal lands.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility for ACP and Lifeline programs is based on income or meeting other criteria. Individuals and families are automatically eligible if they belong to programs such as:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
- Tribal-specific assistance programs
- Other
How to apply?
For the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible households can enroll through a participating broadband provider or by using an online or mail-in application. To apply for Lifeline, households can apply online, by mail, or through a phone or internet company.
How can I help?
- Providers or community workers, especially those in underserved areas, can download the Affordable Connectivity Program Fact Sheet and Lifeline How to Apply Fact Sheet to share with patients.
- Print materials from the ACP Consumer Outreach Toolkit to share in waiting rooms or at community events.
- Provide access to the internet and basic technical support at your organization so patients can complete the application.
