Guest Bloggers, People Facing Barriers, SSI

The Affordable Connectivity Program Can Help SSI Recipients Get Internet Access

March 24, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: May 25, 2022

Internet access is now necessary for work, school, healthcare, and more. However, for many households, it remains unaffordable. The Federal Communications Commission wants everyone to access reasonably priced internet services. We recently launched a new program to reduce the cost of getting online.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides a discount of up to:

  • $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.
  • $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To qualify for this one-time discount, households must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

You can learn more about applying for ACP – and see if you’re eligible for the discounts – on the ACP website.

Any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. Social Security doesn’t count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect your SSI payment. You may also be eligible, if your household participates in other assistance programs, such as:

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

If you don’t receive SSI or participate in another qualifying assistance program, you may also be eligible if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

There are additional ways to qualify. Go to our Affordable Connectivity Program page to learn more and apply. If you have questions, you’ll find a consumer FAQ that can help, along with a list of participating internet service providers sorted by state.

Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to getting online. Being connected can help you find job opportunities and access telehealth services, saving you time and transportation costs. And with affordable internet services, students no longer need to rely on public Wi-Fi hotspots to do their homework or for distance learning.

As of February 2022, more than 10 million households have already enrolled in the ACP program. That’s an exciting threshold, but we know many more eligible households that are not yet enrolled. Please help us spread the word about ACP with your families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

For more information about the program, please email ACPinfo@fcc.gov or call 877-384-2575.

The ACP helps close the digital divide.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Yes
No
Thanks for your feedback!

Tags: , , ,

See Comments

About the Author

Alejandro Roark, Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau Chief, Federal Communications Commission

Related Articles

Save Time Applying for SNAP and SSI

Diagnosed with Cancer? Social Security and Triage Cancer Can Help

Arthritis Patients Share How It Hurts

5 Ways to Apply for Social Security Benefits Online

Comments

  1. Hassan

    I am 70 years old, I receive SSI; I got married to a working woman who has income. We agreed upon that her salary or income is her own to spend on herself and children, and she will never afford for me any financial assistance. In this case does my marriage have an effect on the amount of my SSI?

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Hassan. Thanks for your question. If you receive retirement or Social Security disability insurance (SSDI) benefits, your marriage will not affect your benefit. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), widow or widower’s benefits, your marriage may affect your benefit. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.

  2. Rachel D.

    I am on SSI

  3. Lana E.

    I need help with

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Lana. Thanks for visiting our blog. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We respond to questions and provide general information on our Retirement, Survivors, Disability, Medicare and SSI programs. If you have a general question, we encourage you to ask here. But remember, never post personal information on social media. We hope this helps. 

  4. Brighteyes

    Please contact me for the services at delondarue@yahoo.com

  5. Maureen

    How do I get a computer for online work

  6. Brian W.

    Please call me,(216)512-5525

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Brian. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue; therefore, we do not do direct calls. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media.We hope this helps.

  7. Melissa D.

    please help me with worksheet

  8. Ronnie F.

    So why don’t you help recipient of Ssi, apparently you have my email & I am responding so help pay Spectrum.

  9. sheri b.

    unblock my services
    my internet
    my housing
    my transprtation
    my electric bills ARE being
    interfered with.
    i have NOT seen my bank account in
    PERSON
    in years.
    INCLUDES MY P I N number.
    I DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION

    • Sherry k.

      Did my ederly mother that way

  10. Shirley L.

    Interested how do I get this savings

    • Marta

      My name is Marta cakar I have emergency I’m speak Spanish I’m call at 18807721213 they no helpe in my situation..is a emergency please contact me by my email

      • Ann C.

        Hi, Marta. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue; therefore, we do not do direct contacts. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. If this is time sensitive, you may wish to visit your local office. Most local offices have resumed in-person service for people without an appointment. Customers who walk in without appointments may encounter delays. Visit How to Get Help from Social Security to learn more, including what to know if you need to visit an office. We hope this helps. 

Comments are closed.