Cooperative Living September 2023 - 21

CUTTING EDGE
Connecting Everyone
to the Internet
Government program helps
make getting online affordable
Story courtesy of Family Features
H
igh-speed internet service is no
longer a luxury, but a necessity
for everyone, everywhere.
From doing homework to using
telehealth, working remotely, connecting
with family and friends, and more, internet
is needed for everyday life - but the cost
can make it hard for many to afford.
To help ensure all Americans can share
in and contribute to today's internet-based
society and economy, Congress created
the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Launched Dec. 31, 2021, the Federal
Communications Commission oversees
the program to help eligible households
gain access to affordable high-speed
internet service.
" For many households, the cost of
groceries, gas and rent can eat up the
monthly budget, putting internet access
out of reach, " says FCC Chairwoman
Jessica Rosenworcel. " The ACP is
the nation's largest-ever broadband
affordability effort, supporting
internet connections in millions of
households. That's progress, but we want
to do more to get out the word about this
powerful program and reach families that
may not know about this benefit. "
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
The ACP provides eligible
households a savings of $30 per month
toward internet service. Taking part in
the ACP could make internet service
free if the savings cover the entire price
of the plan. Eligible participants will
not receive additional money back if
their bill is less than the discount.
Eligible households can also receive
a one-time savings of up to $100 to buy a
laptop, desktop computer or tablet from
participating providers. The program is
limited to one monthly service discount
and one device discount per household
(a group of people who live together and
share money even if they are not related).
As of June 2023, more than 18
million households have enrolled in
the program and are connected to the
high-speed internet services they need.
HOW TO ENROLL
Step 1: Visit getinternet.gov and
submit your application or print out a
mail-in application. Households with
questions can call the ACP Support
Center at (877) 384-2575.
Step 2: If approved, contact your
local internet provider to select a plan
and have the discount applied to your
monthly bill. Use the Companies Near
Me Tool to find participating internet
service providers in your area by city
and state or ZIP code. Consumers can
select the type and level of internet
service that best suits their needs.
The ACP protects consumers by
allowing households to choose an
internet service plan that meets their
family's needs. Consumers also cannot
be denied service because of their credit
score or prior debt with a provider, and
households enrolled in the ACP can
switch providers and plans without
incurring additional fees or penalties
for early termination.
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
* Household income must be at or
below 200% of the Federal Poverty
Guidelines, about $60,000 a year
for a family of four or $29,000 a year
for an individual.
* Anyone in the household, including
children or dependents, participates
in certain government assistance
programs like SNAP, Medicaid,
WIC, Federal Housing Assistance
or other programs.
* Anyone in the household already
receives a Lifeline benefit.
A household may also qualify for the
ACP through a participating provider's
existing low-income program.
*
For a full list of eligibility requirements and
more information, visit getinternet.gov.
co-opliving.com
September 2023 * Cooperative Living * 19
PHOTOS COURTESY GETTY IMAGES
http://www.getinternet.gov http://www.getinternet.gov http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2023

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