The FCC established the “Lifeline” program, and it provides subsidized telephone services for low-income residents, paid by US taxpayers. Now, the FCC has approved a proposal to expand the Lifeline Program. It’s called Connect America Fund (CAF).
The goal is to provide discounts for broadband service to low-income residents. A household must have an income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify for ACP services.
State and tribal governments will set up the program. Service providers must offer broadband service of at least 10 Mbps downstream and 1 Mbps upstream. It will be available to millions of Americans in rural counties across the United States.
These areas are where broadband access is minimal. Broadband services are essential to the economic development of communities, education, telehealth, and more.
Video and voice services will not have subsidization under the CAF program, but other programs may be available for those services.
Steps to Apply for the Program
ACP services are not only limited to low-income families. However, there are specific requirements that you need to fulfill to be eligible for this program.
- You must meet FCC eligibility requirements based on your household income and the state/tribal residence criteria.
- Ensure that you are currently receiving phone service from either a participating or lifeline service provider.
- Lastly, your household income must also meet the eligibility criteria. For those interested in applying, read on as we provide easy steps that you can follow.
Step 1: Go to the Official Service Provider Website
To check your eligibility and for you to be able to apply, you must choose an ACP service provider first.
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility Criteria
Once you’ve chosen a provider, take note that the next step is to verify if you or your household members meet one of these categories below:
● Participating in Medicaid
● Tribal Members
● Received SNAP benefits or other federal benefits in the past 12 months.
By providing this information, it is necessary that they already have your personal information such as name, address, or phone number. If you choose to apply via their website, you can also submit your application in this way.
Step 3: Check Your Service Address With an ACP Provider
In applying for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you must know if you are in a location that is eligible for this program or not. Also, you must provide your most up-to-date information with the ACP service providers and check with them via phone or the internet if you can use it for this program.
Step 4: Inquire With the ACP Service Provider if Your Address Is Eligible
Based on their official website, you can inquire with the service providers listed whether your address is within their coverage area. Also, you can check which of these service providers have applied to provide services to your area.
Step 5: If You Are Eligible, Apply Through Their Website
If you have chosen a service provider, then it is time for you to fill out the application form that they have provided online. You need to know that both your name and address must be valid for them to send you the devices.
Final Thoughts
You may not immediately get the device, even if you have already applied. You need to wait for the devices so the authorities can process your application form and check all of your eligibility requirements.