Affordable Connectivity Program Ends in NC

By More Food

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has come to an end in North Carolina. The program did not receive additional funding from Congress and is projected to run out by April of 2024.

The ACP was designed to assist low-income households to receive a monthly benefit up to

$30 to cover the cost of internet service (up to $75 for qualifying households on Tribal lands).

Through the program, internet companies could also offer a one-time internet-connected

device benefit of up to $100 for a computer, tablet, or laptop with a co-payment of more than

$10 but less than $50.

Many North Carolina residents who are eligible for SNAP/FNS were able to apply for the ACP. However, due to its April 2024 deadline, the program is stopping enrollment after February 7, 2024.

Here we answer some of the questions that may come up with the defunding of the ACP. For more information, visit www.affordableconnectivity.gov .

Impact on currently enrolled households

  • Households who are currently enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive the benefit until its end in April 2024.
  • Households currently enrolled in the ACP should receive notices from their internet provider about the impact it can have on their bills. The notices should tell the household:
    • that the ACP is ending,
    • the impact on their bill,
    • the date of the last bill they will receive that includes the ACP benefit, and
    • that they may change their service or opt-out of continuing service after the end of the ACP
  • Participants in the ACP should be able to switch internet providers without penalty.

What should ACP households do?

  • Constantly check your email for more information and updates.
  • Contact their internet provider for more questions.
  • Visit www.fcc.gov/acp for their Frequently Asked Questions page.
  • Contact USAC directly for any other questions about the ACP wind-down. You can call their support center at 877-384-2575.

Important Dates

  • February 7, 2024: This is the last day that the ACP will accept new applications and enrollments. Eligible households must be approved and enrolled with an internet company by 11:59 PM ET on February 7th to receive the ACP benefit.
  • Starting late January 2024: Households that are currently receiving a monthly ACP benefit will start to receive notices from their internet providers with information about the end of the ACP benefit. This information will include timing of the end of the program and the impact of the loss of the benefit on the household’s bill and service.
  • April 2024: The FCC anticipates existing ACP funding to run out in April 2024 if Congress does not provide additional funding. Consumers that are enrolled in the ACP will continue to receive their benefit on their internet service through April 2024. This date is an estimate and may change.

For more information, visit www.affordableconnectivity.gov .

For questions about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or to receive SNAP Application Assistance contact the More In My Basket staff:

Visit: morefood.org

English Toll Free: 1-855-240-1451

Spanish Toll Free: 1-888-382-7105

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