New federal program assists with internet costs

A new federal program provides assistance to low-income families to offset the monthly cost of internet service and subsidize the purchase of electronic devices, a city news release said.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission program that helps connect families and households struggling to afford internet service. It provides a monthly service discount on internet service of up to $30 per eligible household, or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands, that will go directly to the participating provider or a one-time discount of up to $100 for one device such as a laptop, tablet or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10, but less than $50) or a low-cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP.

To be eligible for the program, participants must have a household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or a member of the household must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• Participates in either SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits, SSI, WIC or Lifeline.

• Participates in Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations or Tribal Head Start (income based).

• Participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision.

• Received a federal Pell Grant during the current award year.

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income internet program.

To enroll, visit http://www.affordableconnectivity.gov to apply or print a mail-in application, then contact a preferred participating provider to select an eligible plan.

Call the ACP Support Center at 877-384-2575 or visit http://www.fcc.gov/acp. for more information.