News

July 7, 2022

Affordable Connectivity Program Available for Families in Need of Internet Service

Did you know that in the city of Pittsburgh, over 17% of households do not have computers and 8.5% of households only have cell phone internet access? According to the Neighborhood Allies Connectivity Scorecard, 83,000 of households in Allegheny County do not have internet access of any kind. This can be troublesome for remote learning, or homework/after-school activities involving home internet access for young children, and stressful for their caregivers.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides eligible, low-income households with up to $30 monthly broadband subsidies on internet service plans, and a one-time benefit of up to $100 to help buy a device, such as a laptop or tablet. 

About

The Affordable Connectivity Program aims to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices.

Families can also qualify for ACP benefits through their children or dependents. If a child or dependent in the home participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, or is enrolled in a USDA Community Eligibility Provision school, the household qualifies for the ACP benefit.

Do I Qualify? 

Individuals can qualify for the ACP if:

  • their household income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. 
  • they or their children/dependents participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs.
  • they or anyone in their household already receives a Lifeline benefit.
  • they participate in any of the federal assistance Tribal Assistance Programs listed below:
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
    • Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Visit the ACP’s How to Apply page to learn more.