Have You Applied To This Affordable Internet Program Yet?

Are you looking for ways to make more wiggle room in your monthly budget? Well, here’s a way that you probably didn’t know existed: Reducing your monthly Internet bill via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Let’s look at what this program is, how it works, and what’s needed to qualify.

Affordable Connectivity Program Background

The government launched several programs to help low-income families at the height of the coronavirus pandemic. One such program was the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). It first appeared in April of 2021, and it offered a $50 monthly discount on Internet service for qualifying households or a $75 discount for those living on Tribal lands.

2023
Tax Forgiveness

We know how challenging it can be to pay off your tax debt.

The IRS just announced the 2023 Fresh Start Program, to qualify more people for tax relief!

Qualify Today

Several families used the Emergency Broadband Benefit to enjoy a more affordable online connection, but it ended on March 1, 2022. Luckily, the government replaced the EBB with the Affordable Connectivity Program, which differs in the following ways:

• The ACP allows for a $30 monthly discount on your Internet bill, while the EBB was $50.
• The ACP is permanent due to a massive $14 billion investment. The EBB was temporary.

So, while the ACP monthly benefit is a bit lower than the EBB, it offers much more longevity. This is excellent news if you’ve been looking for a way to lower your monthly bills, but have had trouble doing so.

While you’ll love the $30 monthly discount on Internet service that the ACP offers, here’s an added perk worth mentioning: Qualify, and you can also use a one-time $100 discount when buying a laptop, desktop, or tablet from a participating provider.

ACP Eligibility Requirements

You can prove eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program in different ways. The most automatic way is to show that you already receive government assistance from one of the following programs:

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

As long as you have documentation showing you or someone in your household receives benefits from one of those programs, you could automatically qualify for the ACP $30 discount.

If you don’t receive government assistance, you can prove you qualify for the ACP via income.
Provide three recent pay stubs or your current tax return to show that your household income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and that should be enough to qualify for ACP benefits.

Apply For ACP Benefits Now

The sooner you apply for ACP benefits, the quicker you can lower your monthly Internet bill. Applying for this program is simple and can be done in one of three ways:

1. Go here to submit your application online. Visit the link above to print your application and mail it.
2. Contact your current Internet company and ask if they are affiliated with the ACP so they can discount your bill.