The Affordable Connectivity Program Can Help SSI Recipients Get Internet Access
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast 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.
Tags: People Facing Barriers, Social Security benefits, SSI, supplemental security income
See CommentsAbout the Author
Comments
Comments are closed.
Dana D.
I have applied for this about five times now! My husband is 100% disabled Sit Force veteran and I’m on Social Security disability. No luck in getting entendre with it, so I’m done applying😡
Dana D.
He’s disabled Air Force veteran and I’ve had no luck in getting anywhere with it so I’m done applying.
Yolein T.
Dear,
Just do it on the phone, the old fashion way.
“It works like a charm”. Place the call earlier it does help… Like 8: am- no later, then 8:30 am
Put your phone on speaker, have your breakfast, then wait it will be more bearable.😃
PS the reps, are usually great folks ready to help also knowledgeable.
Best,
Y.
Joseph P.
Applied for this beginning of the year 2022. Approved, contacted HughesNet. After several calls, we did a conference call, me. ACP rep and HughesNet. Still no discount applied and time has expired. What do I do now ?
Helen S.
I’m 66 disabled and trying to get help paying my satellite bills
Tiffany
I may be wrong if so I apologize but I don’t think it’s supposed to pay your satellite bill.. it’s your phone bill I mean unless you are saying you have satellite internet which sounds pretty cool there’s no way I could afford that heck I can’t even afford satellite TV.
Donna
It says I also qualify but does not help
Tiffany
When she qualify you have to find a provider and give them the ID number that you got when you qualified if you done it through the FCC. Or you can go through a provider and on the FCC page it shows it shows you providers for your state. Hope this helps!
Dennis V.
Excellent customer service Bronx location South Bronx NY.
Ann C.
Hi, Dennis. Thanks for your feedback! Your thoughts are important to us and we’re pleased when feedback is positive. We try hard to provide the best possible service to our customers and your satisfaction is our reward.
Robert S.
I would like to replace my lost Social Security Card
Robert S.
I would like to replace my lost Social Security Card.
Ann C.
Hi, Robert. Thanks for visiting our blog. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card page. We hope this helps.
R.Pace
Can I get a free cell phone through Social Security.?
Richard P.
Can I get a free cell tomorrow phone through Social Security?
Tiffany
A computer or a phone type in FCC and it self-explanatory it also has a page for every single state that shows and provider I think it’s in like blue.
LISA M.
i have been trying to sign up for this program for months now they said I’m eligible but don’t seem to turn it on I’ve called Comcast but I get nowhere what should I do its tiresome to keep trying and get nowhere
Claire L.
almost impossible to get the help with the ACP registered and then contacted Comcast, was told everything was OK then told I did not spell some thing right and have to start over. It has been several months and nothing.
Taandra C.
Hello would be nice to use this