Julia Anderson
Unless you have a connection that is slow or goes out frequently, you are probably satisfied with your Internet service since it helps you do so many things. What may not satisfy you? The amount you pay each month for that online connection.
While you could shop around for a cheaper provider to lower that Internet bill, we’re about to show you a new government program that can give you a $30 monthly discount.
2023
Tax Forgiveness
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The IRS just announced the 2023 Fresh Start Program, to qualify more people for tax relief!
Save $30 On Internet With The Affordable Connectivity Program
You may have heard about a government program that was launched to make Internet service more affordable during the height of the coronavirus pandemic. That program was called the Emergency Broadband Benefit, and it was launched in April of last year.
Under the EBB, eligible households could receive a $50 discount on their monthly Internet service, while those living on Tribal lands could enjoy a $75 discount. The government announced that the EBB would end on March 1, 2022, but instead of leaving low-income families out in the cold, it decided to launch the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) as a replacement.
What You Can Receive Through The ACP
$14 billion has been invested into the Affordable Connectivity Program, allowing it to be a permanent Internet assistance benefit. Although it will outlast the Emergency Broadband Benefit by existing well into the future, the monthly discount won’t be as high. Instead of getting $50 off monthly Internet service, the ACP will offer a $30 discount ($75 for those living on Tribal lands).
In addition, beneficiaries can enjoy a one-time discount of $100 that can be used to purchase a tablet, laptop, or desktop computer from a participating provider. In other words, not only can you enjoy cheaper Internet via the ACP, but you can also get help in buying a device to go online.
Qualifying And Applying For The ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program is meant to help low-income households connect to the Internet. As such, you will have to show a financial need. There are several ways to do this, with the most basic being proof that your household brings in less than 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Beyond showing proof of such income, you could qualify for the ACP by simply receiving the following benefits:
- SSI
- Food stamps
- WIC
- Medicaid
- Public Housing
- National School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast program
- Lifeline
- Federal Pell Grant
If you receive any of those benefits, you should qualify for the $30 monthly Internet discount. As for how to get that discount, you can go here to complete your application online or print it out and submit it via mail.
If you already have an Internet provider, you could also call them and ask if they participate in the ACP. Then, ask what is needed to receive the discount.
