Affordable Connectivity & Federal Lifeline Programs: Barriers to Communication
01/31/2024
Posted by: Margaret Henderson, Non-Attorney Representative
Last night I began writing at my computer to provide information and resources to help people in need. I thought about two programs funded by the federal government that can assist with the cost of phone and internet service:
- Affordable Connectivity (for internet service) and
- Lifeline (for phone and internet service)
These programs have been vital resources for many of our Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) clients in the community, so they can to stay connected with their medical providers, their legal representatives, and their friends and family.
What I didn’t know was that the Affordable Connectivity program is winding down due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, and the Affordable Connectivity Program will stop accepting new applications and enrollments on February 7, 2024.
Here is the Order from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Affordable Connectivity
This program has helped close the digital divide by connecting over households to lower-cost internet.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Program provides:
- A discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services for eligible consumers. Consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive enhanced support of up to $75 per month toward broadband service.
- Additionally, the program provides a one-time device discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet purchased through a participating provider. The one-time discount requires a consumer co-payment of more than $10 and less than $50.
Lifeline
This program is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.
- Eligible consumers can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services.
Take Action
- Contact your local Congressperson and encourage them to support the Affordable Connectivity program!