Did you know that Pennsylvania EBT Cardholders can qualify to receive free or discounted monthly internet? Yes, it’s true! The Low Income Free Internet Program provides a $30 discount to eligible Pennsylvania households each month.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps low-income Pennsylvania households pay for the internet service needed for work, school, healthcare and more.
Your household may be eligible to receive a $30 monthly internet credit if you currently participate in a government assistance program, such as food stamps, or meet the income requirements.
To learn more about the Low Income Free Internet Program and $30 ACP discount, including how to qualify and apply with your Pennsylvania EBT Card, then continue reading below.
In this article, we will cover:
- Affordable Connectivity Program Overview
- Low Income Free Internet Program for Pennsylvania EBT Cardholders
- Discounted Internet Eligibility Guidelines for 2022
- $30 ACP Credit Income Requirements
- How to Apply for the Low Income Free Internet Discount in Pennsylvania
- Eligible Pennsylvania ACP Internet Providers
- Low Income Free Internet Program FAQs
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
The ACP replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB) that helped families and households struggling to afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Changes to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
On December 31, 2021, the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program was replaced with the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Any EBB recipient automatically received their $50 monthly internet credit until March 1, 2022.
However, to continue receiving benefits after March 1st, EBB recipients are required to apply for the new Affordable Connectivity Program.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a permanent, long-term $14 billion investment to support broadband internet affordability for low-income households.
This helps ensure that all households can access and afford the internet service needed for work, school, and healthcare.
In addition to this transition, the maximum monthly benefit changed from $50 per month to $30 per month for eligible households.
How much of a discount will I receive on my internet?
If your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 towards the purchase of an eligible laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
To learn more about the Low Income Free Internet Program available to Pennsylvania EBT Cardholders, including how to qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit, then continue reading below.
Low Income Free Internet Program for Pennsylvania EBT Cardholders
There are three ways your household can qualify for low income free internet discount in Pennsylvania.
To be eligible for the $30 ACP internet credit your household must meet one of the guidelines in order to receive the discount through your internet provider each month.
Here are the three ways your household can qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program:
- Based on your household income
- If you or your child or dependent participate in Pennsylvania Assistance Program such as SNAP, Medicaid or WIC
- If you or your child or dependent already receives a Lifeline benefit
To learn more about the three qualifications listed above and to find out if you are eligible, continue reading below.
Low Income Internet Program Eligibility Guidelines for 2022
We will walk you through each of the three ways you can qualify for the Low Income Free Internet Program in Pennsylvania.
These eligibility guidelines will determine if you qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit.
#1 – Income Requirements for ACP Internet Discount
The first way to qualify for discounted internet is based on your household income.
You can qualify to get the $30 ACP Internet Credit if your income is 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
These guidelines are based on your state and household size.
Use the table below to see if your household income qualifies for the monthly ACP internet credit.
The table below reflects 200% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines:
| 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Pennsylvania Residents | |
| Household Size | Household Income |
| 1 | $25,760 |
| 2 | $34,840 |
| 3 | $43,920 |
| 4 | $53,000 |
| 5 | $62,080 |
| 6 | $71,160 |
| 7 | $80,240 |
| 8 | $89,320 |
| For each additional person, add: | +$9,080 |
Please note, you may be asked to provide proof of income when applying for the low income free internet credit. This can include a current tax return or three consecutive pay stubs.
To learn more about income verification documents you may be asked to provide, continue reading this article. We will cover that information in the next section.
If you are currently receiving benefits from another government assistance program such as Pennsylvania food stamps, you may automatically qualify for the $30 internet credit.
To learn more, continue reading below.
#2 – Pennsylvania Assistance Program Participation
The second way to qualify for the ACP internet discount is through your current Pennsylvania assistance benefits. If you are currently enrolled and receiving benefits through another government assistance program (such as Pennsylvania food stamps), you may automatically qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit.
Pennsylvania Assistance Programs that qualify for Discounted Internet
You can get ACP if you or someone in your household also participates in one of the following Pennsylvania assistance benefits programs:
- Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (PA SNAP)
- Medicaid (PA MA)
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (PA WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit (VA SBP)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program (NSLP)
- School Breakfast Program (SBP)
- USDA Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) schools in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Please note, you may be asked to provide proof of enrollment in any of the following programs listed above.
This can include a card, letter, or official document that shows your participation in one of the programs.
To learn more about this, continue reading and skip to the next section.
#3 – If You Already Receive a Lifeline Benefit
The third way you can qualify for a monthly internet credit is through the Lifeline Program.
If you already receive a Lifeline benefit for discounted monthly phone service, you can automatically qualify for the $30 ACP internet credit.
You will be able to receive both the Lifeline phone and ACP internet credit at the same time.
Additionally, you can apply for the ACP internet benefit through the same or separate company you are using for the Lifeline Program.
Contact your internet company directly to learn more about adding the ACP internet discount.
Low Income Free Internet Program Application
If you believe you qualify for the $30 ACP Internet Credit based on the eligibility standards listed above, your next step is to submit your application.
If you wish to apply apply for the Low Income Free Internet Program, you will be asked to provide the following information:
- You full legal name
- Phone Number
- Date of Birth
- Email Address
- Social Security Number
- Home & Mailing Address
- Information for Household Members
- Household Income
- Government Assistance Information (if applicable)
Be sure to have this information ready prior to completing your application for discounted internet.
How to Apply for the $30 ACP Internet Discount in Pennsylvania
There are three ways to apply for discounted internet through the Affordable Connectivity Program – online, by mail, and through your local internet provider.
We will walk you through the step-by-step process on how to apply using each of the three methods below.
Already a Lifeline participant?
If you are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program, you do not have to apply again for the ACP internet discount.
You can apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services.
To do this, reach out to your internet company directly to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Option #1 – Apply Online
The quickest and easiest way to apply for the ACP internet credit is online. To complete your application online, visit the ACP Application page on the Lifeline website or go to ACPBenefit.org.
Complete the information and proceed to login or create a Lifeline online account.
Option #2 – Submit your Application by Mail
The second way to complete the ACP Application is by mail. To submit your application for the $30 internet credit, print out the application here.
Once you’ve completed your application and Household Worksheet, mail both to the ACP Support Center.
Mail your completed ACP Application to:
ACP Support Center Address
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742
To ensure faster application processing, be sure to include copies of your verification documents.
Option #3 – Contact your Internet Provider
The last option to apply for the ACP internet discount is directly through your internet provider.
If you already have an internet provider, contact them to see if they participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Additionally, you can use this online tool to find an ACP provider near you.
If you are already enrolled and participating in the Lifeline Program for discounted phone service, contact your provider to take advantage of the ACP internet discount.
Congratulations! You’ve now successfully submitted your application to receive a monthly $30 internet credit!
If you apply online, you may receive an immediate approval. If your eligibility can not be approved automatically, you will receive an email or letter requesting additional documentation.
To learn more about the verification documentation, continue reading below.
After you’re Approved for ACP Internet Discount
Once your ACP application has been approved for $30 internet credit each month, here’s what you need to do:
- Find the local ACP participating companies near you.
- Choose an eligible internet provider.
- Sign up for internet service.
- Find out what additional services are available for ACP recipients.
Once you’ve completed these steps, the $30 ACP internet credit will automatically be deducted from your bill each month.
To find an eligible Pennsylvania ACP internet provider near you, continue reading below.
Pennsylvania ACP Internet Providers
Currently, Pennsylvania has 79 ACP internet providers offering low income free internet.
We’ve provided a list of all the Pennsylvania companies offering discounted internet to EBT Cardholders below.
Low Income Free Internet Program FAQs
Check out the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the ACP Internet Discount for Pennsylvania EBT Cardholders.
Can I sign up for the ACP internet discount if I am already an internet customer?
Yes, the Affordable Connectivity Program internet credit is available to eligible new, past and current customers of participating ACP internet providers.
This means if you are a Comcast Xfinity internet customer, you can still apply for the $30 ACP internet credit with them.
Can I apply for the ACP internet credit if I have a past due internet bill?
Yes, eligible Pennsylvania households with a past due balance or a balance in collections are still eligible for the ACP Internet benefit.
Will I have to provide proof of my income?
Yes, to complete your ACP Application you may be asked to provide proof of your household income.
Approved income documentation can include:
- The prior year’s tax return
- Three consecutive pay stubs
- Current income statement
- Social Security, Veterans Administration, Unemployment, Worker’s Compensation or Retirement statement of benefits
Will I receive a check each month?
No, the Affordable Connectivity Program provides a discount on your internet service. This discount is applied directly off your monthly internet bill. You will not be sent a check in the mail or electronic transfer.
What happens if my income no longer qualifies for the ACP internet credit?
If you no longer qualify for the ACP benefit (such as your income exceeds the income level or you no longer participate in a qualifying benefits program), you must notify your ACP internet provider or the ACP administrator within 30 days.
Pennsylvania EBT Card Discounts & Free Admission
Want to save even more with your Pennsylvania EBT Card and food stamp benefits? Check out the complete list of PA EBT Card Discounts for 2022 available exclusively with your Pennsylvania SNAP EBT Card. Discounts include discounted Amazon Prime, home and cell phone service, and more.
Plus, check out the list of places that you can get FREE admission at with your Pennsylvania EBT Card. There are over 110 locations that offer free or discounted admission in Pennsylvania including museums, botanical gardens, dance performances, sporting events, and much more!
Low Income Free Internet Discount in Pennsylvania Summary
We hope this post about the low income free internet discount available to Pennsylvania EBT Cardholders was helpful to you!
If you have any questions about the $30 ACP internet program, including how to apply or eligibility, please let us know in the comments section below.
In addition, if you have any questions about the Pennsylvania food stamps or SNAP EBT Program, please let us know.
In the meantime, for more help on with your Pennsylvania Food Stamp benefits, check out our other articles here:
Pennsylvania Food Stamps Increase for 2022
Pennsylvania EBT Deposit Schedule – 2022
PA EBT Card Balance and Login
Amazon Prime Discount for Pennsylvania EBT