Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs
There are two main federal programs to be aware of that provide subsides to Americans with permanent disabilities for phone and internet service. They are known as the Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Eligible individuals/households do have the ability to participate in both programs.
The Lifeline program provides subscribers with a discount of up to $9.25 on qualifying cell phone, landline, or internet phone services. There can only be one lifeline service per household and eligibility must be verified annually. To participate in the Lifeline program you, your child, or your dependent must be enrolled in the following government programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs; or if the household income is at or below 135% ($19,683 annual income in 2023) of the Federal Poverty Level.
To find out if you are eligible for the Lifeline program, go to lifelinesupport.org and click on “Do I Qualify?”
To apply for the Lifeline program, you can go directly through the Lifeline National Verifier online portal at lifelinesupport.org.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides up to a $30 per month discount towards internet and mobile services to eligible households, as well as a single $100 discount for the purchase of equipment, such as laptops, desktop computers, and tablets if the participant contributes between $10 – $50 towards the purchase price. There can only be one monthly service discount and one device discount per household. The main appeal of the ACP is that the subsidy benefit flows directly to the consumer, acting like a voucher model. Once enrolled, you will see a monthly credit on your bill.
To participate in the ACP, you, your child, or your dependent must be enrolled in the following government programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, free and reduced school lunch/breakfast program, Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or if the household income is at or below 200% ($29,160) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines level.
Apply online for the Affordable Connectivity Program at getinternet.gov and once approved, reach out to your internet provider to have the discount applied.
Contact Oak Wealth Advisors’ Director of Special Needs Planning Randi Gillespie for more information.
