Help Available for Low Income Broadband Users

West Chester PA

23 February, 2022

12:35 PM

Description

WEST CHESTER —State Rep. Dianne Herrin, a Chester County Democrat, reminds internet customers in lower income households that assistance is available for broadband costs through the Affordable Connectivity Program. "Now more than ever, home internet accessibility is a vital utility for our children's education and for better economic opportunities," Herrin said. "I urge anyone struggling to meet internet costs to use this resource." The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.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. The program was made possible through funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden in November.A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline; Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations; Participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision; Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program. For more information, go to fcc.gov/acp or call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.