Introduction to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)

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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a federal initiative that aimed to bridge the digital divide by providing discounted internet service to low-income households across the United States. Established as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the ACP helped millions of families access affordable, high-speed internet, empowering them to participate fully in our increasingly digital world.

However, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress, the ACP officially ended on June 1, 2024. Despite valiant efforts from various politicians to save the program, their initiatives fell short, leaving many households without access to affordable internet. As we look ahead to 2025, it's crucial for those who previously benefited from the ACP to stay informed and prepared for the program's potential revival.

Get ready to reapply in 2025 when the program might be revived.

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Why the ACP Matters

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Access to affordable, reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. The ACP recognized this reality and sought to ensure that low-income families could harness the power of connectivity. Here are just a few ways the ACP made a difference:

• Education: Students from low-income households could access online learning resources, complete homework assignments, and communicate with teachers, even if their schools were closed due to the pandemic.
• Work: Adults could search for jobs, work remotely, and participate in online training programs to enhance their skills and employability.
• Healthcare: Families could access telehealth services, connect with healthcare providers, and manage their health information online.
• Social Connection: The internet provided a vital lifeline for families to stay connected with loved ones, especially during times of social distancing.

When the ACP was active, it benefited millions of households, providing a critical safety net during challenging times. As one program participant shared, "The ACP allowed me to keep my job and my kids to keep learning when everything shifted online. I don't know what we would have done

without it."

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Preparing to Reapply for the ACP in 2025

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If you previously benefited from the ACP or believe you may be eligible in the future, now is the time to start preparing for the program's potential return. Here's what you need to know:

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the ACP, households must meet certain income thresholds or participate in specific government assistance programs. While the exact requirements may evolve, it's likely that the 2025 iteration of the program will have similar criteria to the original ACP:

• Income: Households with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• Government Assistance Programs: Households with at least one member participating in programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, and others.

Documentation Checklist

When the ACP reopens, you'll need to provide documentation to verify your eligibility. Start gathering and organizing these documents now to streamline your reapplication:

• Proof of Income: Tax returns, pay stubs, Social Security statements, or other official documents showing your household income.
• Identification: A government-issued photo ID, Social Security card, or other form of official identification for the primary applicant.
• Address Verification: Utility bills, lease agreements, or other documents confirming your current address.
• Program Participation: Official letters or documents proving your participation in qualifying government assistance programs.

Actionable Tips

Preparing for the ACP's return may feel overwhelming, but a little organization goes a long way:

• Create a designated folder (physical or digital) to store all your ACP-related documents.
• Make digital copies or scans of important paperwork to avoid losing critical information.
• Set reminders to regularly check for updates on the ACP's status and reapplication timeline.
• Bookmark the official ACP website and sign up for email alerts, if available.

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Timeline and Updates for ACP Revival

The return of the ACP depends on federal funding decisions, which can be unpredictable. However, advocates are already pushing for the program's revival in 2025. As updates become available, [Your Company Name] will share them via our blog, social media channels, and email newsletter.

To stay in the loop, sign up for our priority reapplication waitlist. We'll notify you as soon as the ACP reopens and provide guidance throughout the reapplication process.

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