Digitalization continues to be a priority in the government agenda, for which they have allocated funds from the Inflation Reduction Act since 2022. Along these lines, the White House has just announced the new internet subsidy program, an excellent opportunity for you to receive a subsidy for surfing the net. We will tell you how you can receive it and what are the requirements to access this benefit.
Internet subsidy program, unveiled by the Government: not forever
High-speed internet access has become a necessity for Americans to fully participate in modern life. However, the costs of broadband can be prohibitively expensive for lower-income families. Recognizing this “digital divide,” the Biden administration recently made an announcement.
They have confirmed an extension and expansion of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a subsidy for internet service. The ACP aims to help ensure that all Americans, regardless of income, can afford the broadband connections needed for remote work, education, telehealth and more.
The program provides eligible households with a discount of up to $30 per month on internet service, and up to $75 per month for households on Tribal lands. It also gives eligible households a one-time discount of up to $100 on a computer or tablet. With this latest move, they are delivering on his campaign promise.
Up to $30 per month to get internet access at home: that´s how you receive it
The Biden administration recently announced a new internet subsidy program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and replaces the previous Emergency Broadband Benefit.
The ACP aims to help low-income households afford home internet service. It was first launched in 2021 as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, President Biden has signed an infrastructure bill to extend and expand the program through 2024.
The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households. It also offers up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The benefit is applied directly to the bill, reducing the amount that eligible households pay each month for internet service.
Most major internet service providers (ISPs) are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), including AT&T, Charter, Comcast, T-Mobile, Verizon, and many more. These large providers cover a substantial portion of American households.
How can you know if you are eligible to receive this new subsidy?
To qualify for the internet subsidy program, applicants must meet certain income thresholds or participate in select government assistance programs. The income thresholds are based on a percentage of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Applicants can also qualify if a member of their household participates in certain assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or Lifeline. Those living on qualifying Tribal lands are also eligible for the subsidy, regardless of income.
Over 85% of households on Tribal lands qualify due to low income levels. The program aims to help low-income families and veterans afford internet access during difficult economic times. Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first step to receiving the monthly discount.
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides substantial discounts on monthly internet service for eligible households. The biggest benefit is a discount of up to $30 per month towards internet service and associated equipment rentals. This discount applies to all types of residential internet plans, whether it’s fiber, cable or DSL.
As you can see, the new internet subsidy program is designed so that thousands of families can benefit and adopt digitalization in their homes. It is one of the most promising of this year, as announced by the White House itself. In fact, it has excellent benefits that you can apply for through Social Security (priority route for vulnerable groups or pensioners).
