Reduced Internet Service Maybe Available to Residents in Buffalo

In the continued response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Federal Communications Commission has a new program that will invest more than $14 billion nationwide to help low and moderate-income residents better afford internet and telephone services.

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With its new Affordable Connectivity Program, the FSS is assisting qualified individuals and families. Those who are eligible may be to receive a $30 per month credit on their internet service bill in an effort to ensure broadband internet service is more affordable to lower-income Americans.

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
-Federal Communications Commission

In order to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity program, your household income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which for a family of 4 is $53,000 per year, or have a member of the household who meets one of the following criteria:

• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program;
• Participates in one of these assistance programs:
• SNAP
• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• WIC
• Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits
• or Lifeline;

Also, people who live on Qualifying Tribal lands and receive these programs also qualify:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribal TANF
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Tribal Head Start (income based)

This seems like its helping to provide access to essential services as part of the FCC's Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. If you think you qualify, you can click here to visit the Affordable Connectivity Program website and complete their qualification forms.