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Whats the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) For ?

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was established in 2021 to help families stay connected during financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This government-funded initiative aimed to assist low-income households by providing discounted internet access, ensuring they could continue to work and study from home. Here’s a detailed guide on who qualifies for ACP, how to apply, and what to do now that the program is winding down.

how to Enrollment in ACP

Purpose and Benefits

  • Discounts: ACP provides a $35 monthly discount on internet services, increasing to $75 for qualifying families on tribal lands.
  • Device Subsidy: A one-time $100 stipend is available for purchasing a laptop, tablet, or desktop, provided the beneficiary contributes between $10 and $50.

Impact and Funding

  • Reach: Since its inception, ACP has assisted 23 million U.S. households.
  • Budget: The program had a $14.2 billion budget, which has since been depleted, leading to the wind-down period.

Qualification Criteria for ACP

To qualify for ACP benefits, households must meet one of the following criteria:

  1. Participation in Government Assistance Programs:

    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Lifeline
    • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
    • Medicaid
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
    • Tribal assistance programs

  2. Income-Based Eligibility:

    • Households must fall under the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Income thresholds vary by state, so it’s essential to check state-specific guidelines.

  3. School Program Participation:

    • Households with children enrolled in free or reduced-cost school lunch programs may qualify.

  4. Pell Grant Recipients:

    • Beneficiaries of the Pell Academic Grant during the application year can apply.

  5. Eligibility for Low-Cost Plans:

    • Some internet service providers (e.g., Comcast, Spectrum) offer low-cost plans for which eligibility for ACP may apply.

Impact of ACP Wind-Down

The ACP program is winding down due to budget constraints. Key points for current beneficiaries include:

  • End Date: No new enrollments after February 8th, 2024. Current enrollees will receive benefits until April 2024, with possible extensions depending on fund availability.
  • Transition Plans: Beneficiaries should prepare to switch to low-cost plans or transfer benefits to other programs like Lifeline.

Recognizing the Wind-Down Process

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has outlined the wind-down process to ensure beneficiaries are well-informed:

  1. End Date Notification:

    • The FCC will notify beneficiaries 60 days before the shutdown date.

  2. Opt-In Notification:

    • Beneficiaries will be given the choice to opt in with their service provider to avoid unexpected expenses.

  3. Secondary Notifications:

    • The FCC, in collaboration with the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB), will issue at least three notifications within the last 60 days.

Benefits Transfers for ACP Enrollees

Options for Current Beneficiaries:

  • Switch to Low-Cost Plans: Contact current internet service providers or explore other providers offering low-cost plans.
  • Transfer to Lifeline: Lifeline provides low-cost or free mobile service and internet connectivity to low-income households. Similar to ACP, it is available to families already on certain benefit programs.

How to Transfer:

  • Log into your ACP account and navigate to the “Manage My Benefit” tab for transfer details and eligibility checks.

The ACP has provided significant benefits to low-income households, offering discounted internet services and device subsidies. As the program winds down, it’s crucial for beneficiaries to explore other options like low-cost plans from various internet providers or programs like Lifeline to maintain connectivity. Stay informed about notifications and act promptly to ensure continued access to essential online services.