First posted 8/24/22; updated 10/20/22; updated 11/22/22
Your clients may qualify for high-speed home internet at little or no monthly cost.
Free internet? How?
The federally funded Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offers a maximum $30 per month discount on high-speed home internet service for qualifying households (or $75 on tribal lands). Households that qualify for ACP also qualify for low-cost internet service plans for as little as $10 to $30 per month. Combine the low-cost plan with the ACP discount, and home internet may be free!
Step 1: See if you qualify.
Any household that participates in CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or WIC is eligible for the ACP benefit. People with Lifeline mobile benefits can also get the ACP benefit. (There are other ways to qualify too, such as income under 200% FPL: see internetforallnow.org/applytoday for details.)
Step 2: Sign up for ACP.
To apply for the ACP benefit, visit internetforallnow.org/applytoday.
Step 3: Sign up for a low-cost internet plan and apply your ACP discount.
You can apply your ACP discount against any home internet service plan (you don't have to choose a low-cost plan if you don't want to). Most major internet providers offer low-cost plans specifically for low-income people and those receiving assistance such as CalFresh, MediCal or CalWORKs. If you don't already have a provider, or your provider doesn't offer a low-cost plan, you can visit everyoneon.org/CETF or call 1-866-696-8748 to find a new provider. The providers that offer low-cost plans in our County include Cox, Comcast, and Frontier.
What about a computer?
If you need a computer or tablet to use, there are a couple of free or low-cost possibilities.
- The organization human-I-T offers low-cost computers or tablets for qualifying households. When you enroll in ACP, you also get a one-time discount of up to $100 on a low-cost computer or a tablet from human-I-T. For information on low-cost new or refurbished computers, visit www.internetforallnow.org/devices.
- Partners in Education offers free computers and tech support for Santa Barbara County families. Visit https://partners.sbceo.org/our-services/request-a-computer-tech-support/.
On Saturday, October 22, 2022, there will be in-person enrollment events all over Santa Barbara County, with volunteers to help you sign up. For the location and times of the event nearest you, and a list of verifications to bring, visit https://www.internetforallnow.org/events/get-connected-california/.
How can I promote the program to my clients?
You can share this 2-page flyer, in English or Spanish, with program information on the front and information about the October 22 events on the back.
DSS is promoting the program and events with social media, posters, Octopus confirmations, a message and news story on our public website, client text messages and more. (You can find additional flyers, social media posts and more here).
How can I help my clients prepare?
To apply, clients should be ready with a current ID, as well as proof of enrollment in a qualifying program such as CalFresh or Medi-Cal. You can help them out by printing such proof for them, like a copy of their notice of approval or statement of benefits. (If they have an account through BenefitsCal / MyBenefitsCalWIN, they can also log in and print such proof that way.)
What if I want to do more to promote the program?
DSS staff have helped out at past in-person enrollment events, including a round of events on August 27. An additional round of in-person events was held October 22. If you'd like to volunteer for a future round of events, please email Veronica Alvarez.
If you'd like a poster to display in your office or interview area, email Dennis Tivey.
If a CBO partner that you work with expresses interest in hosting a future in-person enrollment event, you can refer them to one of the following:
- Marissa Canche, Program Manager, marissa@cetfund.org
- Charles Gardiner, Consultant, charles@catalystgroupca.com