The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefits program that helps ensure families and individuals in our community can afford broadband internet.
Before the 2020 US Federal Census, an estimated 42% of households in Bolingbrook did not have home internet access. When schools closed due to the pandemic, families with school-aged children as well as college students gained home internet access for a reduced rate as part of the FCC’s temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.
This new Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or tablet from participating providers.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program
- Participates in one of these assistance programs:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits or Lifeline
- Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on qualifying Tribal lands:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal Head Start (income based)
To check if you qualify and to apply for the program is simple and easy. You can visit www.acpbenefit.org to apply online or call 877.384.2575 for assistance.
See you online and at the library!
Debra