Your household may be eligible for discounted internet service. Outreach is happening to get families signed up – but educators should not overlook their own eligibility.
The Affordable Connectivity Program – which replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program – will allow a discount of $30 a month per household for internet connection (including connections part of a bundle). It looks like most Massachusetts internet service providers participate. This includes both broadband and wireless internet service providers.
Teachers who have children enrolled in a Community Eligibility Provision district (where all students get free lunch and breakfast) or an ESP who gets a Pell Grant for a bachelor’s program. Aspiring Educators who qualify for Pell Grants or receive survivors benefits will also qualify.
The application process is a bit complex. For families with students enrolled in public schools, a letter may be required from the school district to confirm enrollment.
So who is eligible? If ANY member of the household receives one or more of the following:
- Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- National School Lunch Program
- School Breakfast Program
- USDA Community Eligibility Provision
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- WIC
- Veterans Pension
- Veterans Survivor Benefits
- Lifeline communications
- or household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines