Another government program that can help with internet bills is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program was launched in 2022 as a replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EEB) program to continue to provide citizens with internet access necessary for school, work, healthcare, and more.

Qualifying households could receive up to $30 off their internet bill per month. Households located in tribal lands could qualify for up to $75 off per month.

3
Get Funds or Discounts on Your Internet From the Government or Internet Companies
Back 3 of 3

In addition to providing help with internet bills, ACP goes beyond Broadband Benefit by providing a one-time discount toward the purchase of desktop or laptop computers of up to $100. Both the device discount and monthly service program benefits are limited to one per household. 

To receive benefits through the Affordable Connectivity Program, your household must meet income-based requirements. In most cases, your household income must either be at or below 200% of the current federal poverty level (FPL), or meet at least one of the following criteria: 

  • You or someone in your household received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year 
  • Your household meets the requirements for an existing low-income program
  • Your household or someone within your household receives benefits from at least one of the following low-income programs: 
    • The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) 
    • Medicaid 
    • The National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program 
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance, such as Section 8 benefits 
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) 
    • Lifeline 

Additionally, your household may qualify for ACP if you live on qualifying tribal lands and receive benefits from at least one of the following assistant programs: 

  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) 
  • The Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Program 
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations 
  • Income-based Tribal Head Start 

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides many benefits to qualified participants. Not only can households receive help with internet bills, but the ACP aids households in additional ways: 

  • It allows customers to choose a service plan that adequately suits their needs or keep the plan they already have 
  • It safeguards participants from being restricted from broadband services based on their creditworthiness 
  • It protects customers from incurring early termination fees (ETFs)

Back 3 of 3

By Admin –

Updated on 03/16/2023