Students need home Internet access to be successful in school. However, access can be expensive. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has recently announced that the new Affordable Connectivity Program will provide eligible families with a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service. The benefit also provides a discount of up to $100 per household toward a one-time qualifying purchase of a computer, laptop, or tablet purchased through a participating broadband provider.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is available to households participating in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch/Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision. It is also available to households with income that 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:

• 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:
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch/Breakfast Programs, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
  • SNAP
  • Medicaid
  • Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
  • Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811
  • Public Housing
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • WIC
  • Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
  • or Lifeline;

Enhanced benefits are available to individuals who live on eligible tribal lands.

Eligible households can enroll by going to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an online application or print a mail-in application, or by contacting their preferred participating broadband provider and selecting a plan.