What is the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a benefit provided through the FCC that helps low-income families acquire broadband to work, attend school, access telehealth services, and more. Through the ACP, qualified families will receive one credit for broadband service and one discount for cellular device service. ACP is a longer-term replacement for the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). It was designed to help lower-income households connect to the Internet and stay connected.
The benefit provides up to a $30 per month discount towards internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Who is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
If your household income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, OR if a member of your family meets one of the following criteria, you may be qualified to receive benefits through the ACP:
- Receives assistance such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing, WIC, SSI, or is already enrolled in Lifeline (federal cellular service program)
- Participates in Tribal-Specific Programs such as BIAGA, Tribal TANF, or Tribal Food Distribution Programs
- Currently receives the Federal Pell Grant
- Receives Federally-provided National Free Lunch or Breakfast Program through the child’s school
- OR you already meet the eligibility criteria for a provider’s existing low-income internet program
How Do I Enroll?
To learn more about the ACP, Affordable Connectivity Program, and sign up, please visit fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit. After completing the enrollment process through the FCC, you will need to complete the Xfinity ACP enrollment form to receive your credit. For this step, you’ll need the application ID you received from the National Verifier when you were approved. Please click here to Start ACP enrollment.
How Can Xfinity Help Me Receive The ACP Benefit?
You can apply for the Internet Essentials service through Xfinity in addition to the easy-to-complete sign-up form on the FCC Website listed above. If you qualify for both programs, you may receive internet service at no cost to you. You can learn more about Xfinity’s Internet Essentials program here.
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, a Lift Zone Partner
Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center is a Lift Zone partner with Comcast, providing free broadband Wi-Fi to veterans, military, and their families at our offices. If you need access to internet services, a member of our staff can help you connect through our Lift Zone Wi-Fi. Mt. Carmel Veterans Center works to aid local Military Veterans across Colorado with veteran services, allowing you to transition into civilian life with ease. Our team is here to help with counseling, supportive services, job placement, and much more. If you have questions about our service offerings, please contact us at (719) 309-4714 or via our web form here.