The FCC wants to make it easier for veterans to gain access to its internet connectivity subsidies. That’s why it launched a database connection with the Veterans Benefits Administration to make it easier for veterans to sign up for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Lifeline.
The connection will automatically verify the eligibility of Veterans receiving qualifying pension benefits who want to apply for the ACP and Lifeline. Veterans who have their eligibility automatically determined by the FCC’s National Verifier will not need to submit additional eligibility documentation to enroll in the two programs. The ACP has served nearly 15 million people to-date.
“I’m proud of this initiative to help our Veterans more easily get affordable online digital benefits that can open doors to education, health care and job opportunities,” said Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “Both of these programs are already available to eligible Veterans, but with this action we’re making it a lot easier to quickly get qualified.”
Josh Jacobs is the VA’s Senior Advisor for Policy Performing the Delegable Duties of the Under Secretary for Benefits. He said the partnership between the VA and the FCC is a great step forward. “This partnership between FCC and VA will improve the lives of Veterans and their families—including those living in rural areas and those with low income. It will also make it easier for them to access the benefits they have earned and deserve.”
The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for consumers accessing internet service and up to $34.25 for such households on qualifying Tribal lands. The ACP provides a separate monthly discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Non-Tribal households participating in both ACP and Lifeline could receive a discount of up to $39.25. Eligible households participating in the ACP can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
Reader Interactions