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.

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About the Author

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

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Comments

  1. Susan E.

    I have been on QLink Wireless after SafeLink Wireless messed up my services. I Need my Govt phone back! I’ve waited for a New SIM CARD FOR A month Now and can’t be without a phone! I’m on SSDI, Bridge card, Medicare/Medicaid Please can you Help? I’ve reached out to them Several times and they Only Apologize for the inconvenience after telling me it will be out in a few days!

  2. JAMES R.

    i nee information for a computer and intrnet service

  3. John S.

    I have applied for the affordable connectivity program at least four times. Every time something hangs it up where it doesn’t get finished or completed. Like a technical niche. Was wondering is there anybody from Social Security Administration that can help coach me through the application process. I am on ssi. I need all the help I can get. It is very confusing going through the application process. Maybe it’s because I’m very old. And it’s a little bit harder getting through the whole process. Any help or coaching would be appreciated. Thank you

    • Shalzl

      I signed up through my internet provider which was Spectrum .com. It took about 5 min!! Your name and SS# must be exact in their verification system. I would think all internet providers offer this on their website. Good Luck.

  4. Tina A.

    I get ssi an need help fixing my home an can’t afford it please help

    • Dan A.

      what do you need fixed at your home….I may be able to help you if you live in my area….Dan.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Tina. Thanks for visiting our blog. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

  5. Jessie S.

    I eed a laptop and internet can you help me

  6. Antonya l.

    Ok I get SSDI and get Medicare, and am a veteran. Turned in all verification letter and income letters,but They keep asking me household size? 2018 I became a widow, so now my household is 1,and that is me. Confused about how to prove that 1 person lives here and I am that person . How to prove household size? Help pls

    • Matthew P.

      I’m Matthew Brackin born 1985 I have been put in as decessed and I was born in 1967 and that my parents are collecting it also somebody as Angel Rose or Angel Brackin is trying to collect it saying I’m decessed I’m not dead so I need help on your site it’s telling me I’m 60 something years old I’m not I’m 36 And there is no other Matthew P Brackin born on 09/04/2001. So please help

      • Ann C.

        Hi, Matthew. We are sorry to hear about your situation. 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 concerns. 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 hope this helps.

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Antonya. Thanks for visiting our blog. 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 hope this helps.

    • Social W.

      You need to fill out the household worksheet form. Here is the link:

      https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/wp-content/uploads/acp/documents/household-worksheet.pdf

  7. Robert M.

    I applied for assistance through this program about 2 months ago and have heard nothing.

  8. Teresa

    I just start receive ACP and need a tablet or laptop where or who do 9 need to contact to receive the unit or the voucher please and thank you

    • Cori

      There is a list of participating providers on the ACP website where you applied.

  9. Harold K.

    I already get lifeline on my land phone, so would I also be able to get acp on my internet,etc.?

  10. Cordious H.

    Hi would you please help me with computer thank you

Comments are closed.