If you’ve tried to look for work in the recent past you likely have discovered how vital and universal the internet is for performing job searches. Even more important is that most employers are using the internet to post job openings, applications and communicate with potential employees. If you live in a rural area or simply cannot afford to pay for access to the internet, how would you perform a job search? Since the internet is such an important tool, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) which helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more!
For eligible households, the benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for households on qualifying Tribal Lands. Eligible households can also take advantage of a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer or a tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase prices. The ACP is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (Federal Poverty Guidelines / Levels for 2022 & Their Relevance to Medicaid Eligibility (medicaidplanningassistance.org)), or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria listed 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 PELL Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program
Learn more at fcc.gov/acp or call 1-877-384-2575
Mission Possible and the Ticket to Work Program are here to help those receiving Social Security disability benefits overcome the challenges that arise when looking for employment and taking advantage of the Ticket to Work Program.
Until next time
~Becky
Source: Ticket to Work Blog, May 18, 2022
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