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Internet access is necessary for work, school, healthcare, and more. Unfortunately, high speed internet remains unaffordable for too many households. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) runs a program, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), that reduces the cost of getting online for people with limited income. Many internet providers offer fully covered internet plans – meaning SSI recipients can even get high-speed internet for free.
If you or anyone in your household gets Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your household is automatically eligible for the benefits the ACP provides. Please do not contact Social Security with questions about the ACP.
You can take advantage of the discounts with confidence knowing that:
- Social Security doesn’t count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes; and
- Receiving ACP assistance will not affect a person’s SSI payment.
What discounts are available?
- $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households. Some companies offer internet service for $30, making internet service free.
- $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
- Eligible households also can receive a one-time discount of up to $100 toward purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
How do you get the discounts?
You can apply online with the FCC, directly contacting your current internet service provider, or by mail. You will need to show proof you get a benefit that automatically qualifies, or you can apply to see if you qualify for other reasons.
Use your personal my Social Security account to get an instant Benefit Verification Letter to prove you get SSI.
Get your instant Benefit Verification Letter
After you save or print your letter showing proof you get SSI, you are ready to apply for the ACP discounts.
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