If you have to go to a local library or other facility to find free high-speed internet, you may want to check out a new federal program that provides you and your family with broadband service for FREE. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills. But isn’t internet expensive, you may ask. And, the answer is yes, but…
Here’s the great deal: the Biden-Harris Administration has secured commitments from 20 leading internet providers to offer ACP-eligible households a high-speed internet plan for no more than $30 per month. Eligible families who pair their ACP benefit with one of these plans can receive high-speed internet at no cost.
The program is available to those eligible for government assistance programs, such as food stamps, free or reduced school lunch and Medicaid. There are about 1.4 million Coloradans on Medicaid.
Comcast, one of Colorado’s largest internet providers in Colorado has signed on. It’s Internet Essentials plan offers 50 megabits per second for just $9.95. But the better deal is the “Plus” level, offering 100 Mbps for $29.99 per month.
So, if you apply the ACP credit, then it’s FREE.
There are other participating providers in various parts of the state. You can find a list here.
Source: Depositphotos
How to apply for Affordable Connectivity Program:
Go here to claim your Affordable Connectivity Program Benefit. There are several ways to qualify for the ACP: through your participation in other government programs, based on your annual household income, or by participating in an internet service provider’s low income plan.
ACP provides $30 per month to offset internet costs
Eligibility is based on income that is no more than 200% of federal poverty guidelines (see chart under “Find out if you qualify”) or if someone in the household is on government assistance, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or other programs.
After you submit an application, the ACP let’s you know if you qualify. If you apply online, you may even receive an immediate approval.
If they cannot confirm your eligibility automatically, they will request additional documentation from you and provide information on how you can submit those documents for review.
Once you receive verification (it’s a special ID) that you qualify, then you can contact an internet service provider to choose an internet plan.
Internet providers typically enroll new ACP customers and process claims monthly to get reimbursed. Customers typically see the $30 discount on the bill.
If you choose Comcast, they may it very easy to apply and can answer all of your questions about the application process.