The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has played a pivotal role in ensuring affordable internet access for eligible households across the United States. However, as funding for ACP faces cash crunch, the White House is urgently urging Congress to extend this initiative. With the ACP approaching its end, beneficiaries are wondering with questions about April assistance and the program’s future. This article sheds light on whether individuals will continue to receive support Affordable Connectivity Program Update 2024 and explores the program’s potential revival.
Affordable Connectivity Program 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal initiative, addresses the digital divide by ensuring affordable internet access for low-income households. Established under the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, ACP aimed to provide essential online resources—such as education, healthcare, job opportunities, and government services to individuals and families across the United States. Replacing the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, the ACP extends similar benefits to eligible participants. By removing financial barriers to internet access, the ACP strives for digital inclusion and equity, especially among underserved communities.
CalFresh Payment Schedule 2024
The program offers a monthly discount on internet bills, along with a one-time device purchase subsidy of up to $100 and special subsidy for those residing on qualifying Tribal Lands. Unfortunately, the program stopped accepting new applications in February 2024 and will distribute its remaining funds for the final time in April 2024.
Affordable Connectivity Program 2024 : Highlights
| Name | Affordable Connectivity Program |
| Country of Origin | USA |
| State | All states |
| Regulating Body | Federal Communications Commission |
| Year | 2024 |
| Category | Financial Aid |
| Objective | Affordable internet access to low-income households. |
| Applicable persons | Low-income people. |
| Age Limit | 18+ years |
| Discount | $30 – $100 (Depending upon eligibility) |
| Payment Duration | Every month |
| Last Payment Month | April 2024 |
| Website | https://www.fcc.gov/ |
Who Will get Benefit From Affordable Connectivity Program ?
Following were the eligibility criteria for those participating in Affordable Connectivity Program:
- Income Eligibility: A household qualifies if at least one member has an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- Participation in specific assistance programs: If the household doesn’t meet the income threshold, still you can still qualify for the ACP, if you are participating in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Programs like Medicaid, lifeline, and public housing.
- Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including those in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools.
Offered Discounts in Affordable Connectivity Program
Although in its last stage, ACP provided monthly discounts and other benefits to get more affordable internet so that everyone stays updated with the government policies and other news happening around the globe. Following were the discounts which were offered during Affordable Connectivity Program:
Primary Discounts: If eligible, then the household received discounts up to $30 in their monthly internet bill from the authorized internet partner under ACP.
Tribal Lands Benefit: Households residing on qualifying Tribal lands receive a higher monthly discount of up to $75.
Device Discount: Eligible households can also avail a one-time discount of up to $100 when purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers. To qualify, households must contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Current Status of Affordable Connectivity Program 2024
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which has been in operation, is currently shutting down due to a shortage of additional funding from Congress. Let’s delve into the specifics for April and beyond:
- April 2024: This marks the final month for full ACP benefits for existing enrolees. If you qualified and enrolled before February 8, 2024, you would continue to receive your regular monthly discount.
- May 2024 and Beyond: The program’s future hangs in uncertainty. Funds may be limited, leading to partial discounts for some enrolees in May. There’s even a possibility that the program could be discontinued entirely after May.
Unfortunately, new applications are no longer being accepted since February 2024. However, if you are already enrolled in the Affordable Connectivity Program, rest assured that you will receive your full ACP internet discount for April. Furthermore, some discounted households will continue to receive funding into May.
If Congress fails to allocate additional funding, then households may receive a partial ACP discount from their internet service provider in May 2024. Beyond that, households will no longer be eligible for the ACP benefit.
Affordable Connectivity Program Apply & Status Check Update
Applications have now been closed for Affordable Connectivity Program since 7thFebruary 2024. It means that no new applications will be accepted for the program either online or even through mails.
Those who were already enrolled and were receiving discounts, they can check the status of the upcoming ACP discount by using National Verifier tool in the official ACP site (https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/). Additionally, they can contact the support centre through phone (877) 384-2575 or email them at ACPSupport@usac.org.
Future of Affordable Connectivity Program 2024
Although the White House has urged to reconsider about ending ACP, the Congress is yet to make a final decision. The decision on continuing the Affordable Connectivity Program, citing lack of funds. The FCC has advised the internet companies to send timely notices and roll out affordable internet schemes from their side so that households can continue using the internet and stay updated about Affordable Connectivity Program 2024.
| Sass News Home | Click Here |
Hello! I’m Kate Murray, a professional content writer with a knack for breathing life into words. I have been providing high-quality, research-driven, and SEO-optimized content for various online platforms. With a background in SEO and digital marketing, I specialize in turning complex information into engaging content that resonates with a wide audience.