NEW YORK – One million eligible New York State families are enrolled in a federal program that offers them discounts of up to $ 30 per month for high-speed Internet service, Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday.
In addition to $ 30 per month support, eligible families can also receive a one-time discount of up to $ 100 for the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet from participating vendors if the consumer contributes more than $ 10 and less than $ 50. For the purchase price.
According to the Democrat, this milestone makes New York one of the leading states in the nation to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), with 30 percent of eligible families benefiting from this federal aid. Eligible New York families are raising more than $ 360 million in annual grants.
The program is a national grant to expand broadband access to low-income families.
“The pandemic has shown us that, with so many families relying on the Internet for work, education and government services, New Yorkers need access to reliable and affordable broadband,” Governor Hochul said Wednesday. “Through the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program and a multi-agency outreach effort in New York State, we are connecting more homes that qualify for broadband subsidies than anywhere else in the nation. My administration remains. committed to expanding affordable broadband, including through our $ 1 Billion Initiative Program Connect EVERYTHING and helps qualified New Yorkers enroll in this important federal program. “
To help more families benefit from the program, the state is generating multi-agency, multi-pronged outreach led by the New York State Department of Public Services and the Empire State Development.
Broadband Internet costs New Yorkers more than $ 60 per month on average. A report from the Department of Public Services showed that counties with the lowest household incomes tend to face higher prices for the service and have fewer options. This is why this program has become a good option to help with the expenses of this basic family service, and New York is looking for more people to sign up to benefit from it.
WHAT IS THE CONVENIENT CONNECTIVITY PROGRAM (ACP)?
It’s a federal assistance program that helps ensure families can pay for the broadband internet services they need for work, school, health care, and more.
HOW MUCH DOES THE SUPPORT COST?
- This grant offers a discount of up to $ 30 per month on the Internet service for families who qualify.
- Up to $ 75 per month for families located on tribal lands.
- Eligible families can also receive a one-time discount of up to $ 100 when they purchase a laptop, desktop, or electronic tablet from participating suppliers, if families contribute at least $ 10 and up to $ 50 towards the purchase of the equipment.
The Internet Discount Program (ACP) is limited to a monthly discount per household for Internet service and a one-time discount per household for the purchase of equipment.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THE INTERNET DISCOUNT PROGRAM?
A family is eligible for the Internet Discount Program (ACP) if they have an income equal to or less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines (See the guide here in English) or if one of its members meets at least one of the following conditions:
- He received a federal Pell grant during the current year.
- You meet the conditions for a participating supplier’s low-income program.
- Participate in certain assistance programs:
- Join one of the following specifically targeted programs suitable tribal lands:
HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR THE PROGRAM?
- Visit AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or to print an application form and mail it.
- Contact your preferred participating provider to choose a qualifying plan and ask them to apply the discount to your account.
Some vendors may ask you to fill out an alternative application form.
HOW DO I RECEIVE THE FUNDS?
The Internet Discount Program (ACP) offers a monthly discount on the cost of Internet service, up to $ 30, for each Eligible Family (or up to $ 75 per Eligible Family in Tribal Lands). The participating broadband service provider will receive the funds directly.
WHICH INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDERS (ISP) PARTICIPATE IN THE INTERNET DISCOUNT PROGRAM (ACP)?
Many Internet providers, including those offering fixed and mobile Internet services, participate in the Internet Discount Program (ACP). Identify Internet Service Providers offering this grant in your state or territory.
WHERE CAN I CALL IF I NEED TO TALK TO SOMEONE?
If you need to speak to someone about your eligibility or application status, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575.
WHERE CAN I SUBMIT A COMPLAINT?
To file an informal consumer complaint against your supplier regarding the ACP program, click Click here.
WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?
You can find more information in Spanish here.
You can also find information here.
