(TheDailyCurrents.com) – The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps low-income households pay for internet connections for school, work, or healthcare. It also offers various discounts and benefits to users. However, you have to be eligible to apply for the program.

How To Qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program

A household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program if its income is equal to or less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if at least one member of the home meets at least one of the following criteria:

Participate in Government Assistance Programs

You are eligible if you or a household member participate in one of the following programs:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
• Got a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

When applying for the ACP, you may have to provide a card, letter, or other documents as evidence that you engage in one of these government assistance programs.

If You Are Already Recipient of a Lifeline Benefit

Lifeline is an FCC program that helps low-income individuals purchase communications services. You are automatically eligible for ACP if you currently receive Lifeline benefits and can get both benefits concurrently. You can use your ACP and Lifeline benefits for the same or different services. Contact your internet service provider to learn how to begin earning ACP discounts.

Qualify Via Tribal Assistance Programs

If you live on Tribal lands, you are eligible, or if you or a member of your household participates in:

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

When applying for the ACP, you may have to provide proof of participation, such as a benefits letter or official document.

Eligibility Through Your Child or Dependent

Any member of your home who participates in one of the programs listed above can make your household eligible. For example, suppose your child participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program. In that case, your household is eligible for ACP benefits.

How to Enroll for ACP

There are three ways to apply for ACP if you meet the listed requirements.

Online

Sign in or register a new account to complete the online ACP application. The online application instruction is available in nine languages to make it easy for applicants. If you submit your application online, it may be approved immediately.

Mail

Print an application and include a Household Worksheet, and send them along with your copies of documentation proof to the ACP support center address.

Internet Company

Ask your internet service provider if they participate in the ACP. Participating companies can assist you with the application procedure for their organization.

Does ACP Protect Consumers?

The FCC’s guidelines safeguards recipients of the Affordable Connectivity Program by:

• Providing consumers with the ability to select the service plan that best matches their needs
• Ensuring that consumers, regardless of credit status, have access to supported broadband services
• Preventing consumers from being coerced into higher-cost or lower-quality plans to receive ACP benefits
• Prohibiting providers from barring consumers with past-due accounts or prior debt from participating in the program
• Reducing the risk of bill shock or other financial losses

Bottom Line

A reliable internet connection is essential today, since many daily tasks require internet use. However, a reliable internet connection is not always cheap, and not everyone can afford to pay the price. ACP benefits low-income households by offering the best internet service plan that matches their needs. You can apply and enjoy these benefits if you qualify for the program.

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