GETTING ANSWERS: How to access affordable internet

SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - If you live in a low-income household and need help paying for internet service and internet-connected devices, there’s support available through a new program.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. It also gives up to $75 a 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.

Eligible households should be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the following requirements:

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program
• Participates in one of these assistance programs:
  • The National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
  • SNAP
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • WIC
  • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
  • or Lifeline;
• Participates in one of these assistance programs and lives on Qualifying Tribal lands:
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal TANF
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Tribal Head Start (income based)

To apply for the program, click here.

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