The Internet is a global system of linked computer networks communicating between networks and devices. It is a network comprising private, academic, business, public, and government networks of local to global scope, linked by a broad array of wireless, electronic, and optical networking technologies. You must have a plan with your service provider to use the Internet. Usually, the plans are expensive, and some people need help to afford them. This article will show how you can get free Internet with EBT.
EBT in the USA stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. It is a card-based system that allows recipients of government aid programs, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), to pay for food at authorized retailers. EBT cards are similar to debit and credit cards but can only be used to purchase approved food items. EBT was first implemented in the USA in 1994. It has since replaced paper food stamps as the primary way recipients receive SNAP benefits.
People who receive government benefits are from low-income families. Usually, the federal government and nonprofits offer free Internet to low-income people. When applying for a free internet connection, you must prove you are from a low-income household. With an EBT card plus other documents, you can easily qualify for free government internet. We all know the importance of the Internet in the modern world, and staying with it can take time and effort.
Ways to get free Internet with EBT
You can get free Internet if you are an EBT beneficiary in various ways. They include the following.
1. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government program that provides discounts on internet service for low-income households. The ACP is a successor to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB), created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACP provides at most a $30 monthly discount on internet service for eligible households. Households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive a monthly discount of at most $75. The ACP also provides a one-time discount not exceeding $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet.
Therefore, if you subscribe to a plan that costs $30 or less for ordinary beneficiaries and $75 or less for beneficiaries in tribal lands, then you can enjoy free Internet through ACP.
How to qualify for ACP
Qualifying for ACP is straightforward. You may qualify for the program if you are an EBT beneficiary. You may also be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program through the following ways.
- Income: Your household income must be 200% or below the federal poverty level. You can find the federal poverty level for your household size on the US Census Bureau website.
- Participation in specific aid programs: You may also qualify for the ACP if you participate in one of the following programs:
- Lifeline
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch
- WIC
- Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
How to apply for ACP
There are three ways you can apply for ACP. They include the following.
- Online: You can apply online at GetInternet.gov. That is the quickest and easiest way to apply.
- By mail: You can download a paper application from the ACP website and mail it in.
- By phone: You can call 1-855-846-7548 and apply over the phone.
Documents needed for ACP application
Below are some documents you may need to apply for the ACP.
- Proof of income: This may be a copy of your tax return, pay stubs, or other documentation that shows your income.
- Proof of participation in another program: If you are applying for the ACP based on your participation in another program, you must provide proof. That can be a copy of your benefits letter or other documentation.
- Proof of identity: This may be a copy of your driver’s license, state ID card, or government-issued ID.
2. Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that discounts phone and internet service for low-income households. The Universal Service Administrative Company manages the Lifeline program. Lifeline offers a discount of up to $9.25 per phone or monthly internet service. Households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive a monthly discount of up to $34.25. Apart from the free Internet, Lifeline offers free texts and voice calls. Eligible citizens also get free government phones.
The application process for Lifeline
Similar to ACP, there are three ways you can apply for Lifeline. They include the following.
- Online: You can apply online at GetInternet.gov. That is the quickest and easiest way to apply.
- By phone: You can call 1-800-234-0900 and apply over the phone.
- By mail: You can download a paper application from the ACP website and mail it in.
When applying for the benefits, you need the following documents for approval. Have a look.
- Proof of income: This may be a copy of your tax return, pay stubs, or other documentation that shows your income.
- Proof of residency: This may be a copy of your lease agreement, utility bill, or other documentation that shows your address.
- Proof of identity: This may be a copy of your driver’s license, state ID card, or government-issued ID.
How to qualify for Lifeline
Like ACP, you can qualify for Lifeline through EBT or in the following ways. They include the following.
- Income
You can qualify for Lifeline if your household income falls at 135% or below the federal poverty level. The federal poverty level is updated annually. The most recent poverty levels are found on the US Census Bureau website.
- Participation in assistance programs
You may also qualify for Lifeline if you participate in specific government assistance programs. These programs include:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- The Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Certain Tribal-specific programs
ACP and Lifeline rules
Affordable Connectivity Program and Lifeline participants must abide by the following rules.
- You must keep your benefit active or lose it.
- One must rectify once every year.
- Never transfer your benefits to someone else.
- Only one person per household can participate.
Bottom line
If you receive EBT benefits, you may be eligible for free internet service through Lifeline or ACP. Lifeline gives you a discount of up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service, while ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month. You can apply for either program online, by phone, or by mail. You will have a free internet plan and a free phone if approved for either program.
