Central Illinois households can get financial help with internet bills

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Central Illinois residents who are struggling to pay their internet service bills could receive financial assistance.

Applications are now open for the new federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

The $14 billion program helps to lower the cost of broadband service for eligible customers.

Costs can be lowered by up to $30 per month for eligible households.

Households also have the option to receive a one-time discount of up to $100 when purchasing a laptop, desktop, computer, or tablet.

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

• 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.

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