Technology Resources

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help households struggling to pay for internet service.

U.S. households can receive up to $30.00 towards their monthly broadband internet bill through their providers.  Those who live on Tribal Lands can receive up to $75.00.

Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Eligibility Requirements

• Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or

• Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;

• Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;

• Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or

• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income program

helpNYC strongly encourages those who have established broadband services to contact their providers to apply for the ACP benefit. Below is a list of providers with their specific ACP information that serves New Yorkers.

Astound (RCN) | DirectTV (AT&T) | HughesNet | Optimum | Spectrum | Verizon

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family, and emergency services. 

Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. 

Those who are eligible can get up to $9.25 a month off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services. Those who live on Tribal Lands can get up to $34.25 per month, and up to a one-time $100.00 reduction for first-time connection charges.

Program Eligibility

• Gross household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Medicaid

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit

• Recipients of Tribal Lands Benefits

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

  • Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

  • Tribal Head Start

  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

  • One Lifeline Benefit Recipient per Household**

NOTES

If you live with other adults that are eligible for the Lifeline Benefit but do not share expenses with them, you must complete the "Lifeline Household Worksheet" (FCC Form 5631) to establish your own household within the same address.  

**CONGREGATE HOUSING or UNHOUSED INDIVIDUALS: The one phone per household applies as well to those who reside in shelters, adult homes, nursing homes, or other congregate settings.  If you're experiencing street homelessness and using an emergency mail program or you share a mailing address with another person who is eligible, you must complete the FCC Form 5631 to enroll in the program.

Click here to view Lifeline Forms, or contact the Lifeline provider for more information.