FCC program puts affordable internet within reach for veterans

FCC program puts affordable internet within reach for veterans

A new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program will bring fast, reliable internet access within financial reach to approximately 2.5 million veterans.

The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to $30 each month for qualifying households and up to $75 monthly for qualifying households on tribal lands. Additionally, eligible households may receive a one-time discount to purchase a computer or tablet from participating providers.

Participating internet providers are offering eligible households high-speed internet plans for no more than $30 per month, making access for ACP-eligible households free when pairing the two benefits.

A household is eligible if a member meets at least one of the criteria below:

*Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines;

*Participates in certain assistance programs, such as veterans pension; survivor benefit Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Medicaid; Federal Public Housing Assistance; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Women, Infants, and Children; or Lifeline;

*Participates in tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;

*Is approved to receive benefits under 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 carrier’s existing low-income program.

To find out if you qualify or to sign up, go to the White House’s Get Internet site or visit the Affordable Connectivity Program through an approved carrier by visiting www.fcc.gov/ACP, or by calling 877-384-2575. To submit an application, go to ACPBenefit.org.