Millions of Americans now qualify for discounted or free internet access thanks to an expanded federal program announced by the White House on Monday.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) grants up to $30 a month toward high-speed internet for qualifying households.
Twenty of the nation’s largest internet providers are also offering plans of $30 or less per month for qualifying households.
If you qualify for an ACP grant, pairing it with a low-cost plan could mean free high-speed internet access.
The White House estimates the program will cover 48 million households, or 40% of the country.
Who Qualifies for Discounted Internet?
There are two main ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program:
- Your household income, which must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
- Enrollment in certain government benefit programs.
You can qualify for the ACP if you or someone in your household participates in one of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- Federal Pell Grant (received in the current award year)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Lifeline
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal assistance programs
The table below reflects the income limits for the program by household size.
ACP Household Income Limits
| Household Size | 200% of Federal Poverty Line 2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $27,180 | |||
| 2 | $36,620 | |||
| 3 | $46,060 | |||
| 4 | $55,500 | |||
| 5 | $64,940 | |||
| 6 | $74,380 | |||
| 7 | $83,820 | |||
| 8 | $93,260 | |||
| For each additional person, add: | $9,440 |
How to Apply
The government created a new website called
