Help Available for Low Income Broadband Users

WEST CHESTER —State Rep. Dianne Herrin, a Chester County Democrat, reminds internet customers in lower income households that assistance is available for broadband costs through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
“Now more than ever, home internet accessibility is a vital utility for our children’s education and for better economic opportunities,” Herrin said. “I urge anyone struggling to meet internet costs to use this resource.”
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The program was made possible through funding from the bipartisan infrastructure law signed by President Joe Biden in November.
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income 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:

• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
• Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
• Participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program.
• For more information, go to fcc.gov/acp or call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.