In recent years, the internet has become an essential part of modern life. From education to employment, access to the internet has become critical for people from all walks of life. However, for many low-income families, access to the internet is still out of reach. To address this issue, the US government has created two programs that aim to provide affordable internet access for low-income households: the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Lifeline Program.
Recently, there has been a proposal to combine these two programs to create a more comprehensive and effective approach to addressing the digital divide. In this blog, we’ll explore what these programs are, how they work, and what low-income families can expect to receive if they qualify for both programs.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new initiative that was created as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. The program aims to make high-speed internet access more affordable for low-income households by providing discounts on monthly broadband service and devices. The program is funded through a $3.2 billion allocation from the federal government.
To qualify for the ACP, households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or participate in certain assistance programs, such as the National School Lunch Program or Medicaid. The program provides a discount of up to $30 per month on broadband service and up to $100 towards the purchase of a device such as a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
What is the Lifeline Program?
The Lifeline Program is a federal program that has been in place since 1985. The program provides a discount on monthly telephone or internet service for eligible low-income households. The discount is currently set at $9.25 per month and is funded through the Universal Service Fund.
To qualify for the Lifeline Program, households must have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in certain assistance programs, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
What will low-income families get if they qualify for both ACP and Lifeline?
If a low-income household qualifies for both the ACP and the Lifeline Program, they can receive a discount on their monthly broadband service and a device. Specifically, they can receive a discount of up to $30 per month on broadband service through the ACP and a discount of $9.25 per month on telephone or internet service through the Lifeline Program.
In addition, the household may also be eligible for up to $100 towards the purchase of a device through the ACP. This can help to ensure that households have the equipment they need to access the internet and take advantage of online resources, such as education and job opportunities.
Qualifications for eligibility for ACP and Lifeline programs
To summarize, to be eligible for the ACP, households must have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or participate in certain assistance programs, such as the National School Lunch Program or Medicaid. To qualify for the Lifeline Program, households must have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in certain assistance programs, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Combining the ACP and Lifeline programs will create a more comprehensive approach to addressing the digital divide in the United States. By providing both discounts on broadband service and devices, low-income households will have greater access to the resources they need to succeed in today’s digital world.
If you’re interested in applying for The Lifeline Program and The Affordable Connectivity Program, please check out SafetyNetWireless.com and visit your dedicated state page to see the eligibility requirements for your state.
