Montana Telephone Assistance Programs
The Montana Telephone Assistance Program provides a discount on monthly service for qualified subscribers. The telephone assistance program offers up to $3.50 per month discount on home landline telephone service. You do not need to participate in Lifeline in order to participate in the Montana TAP.
Qualifying customers must be certified by the Department of Public Health and Human Services as a recipient of Medicaid benefits. Copies of your official Medicaid documents must be submitted with this application.
Please be aware that the Montana Telephone Assistance Program discount is only available on voice service.
A Few Restrictions Do Apply
Although Cox has expanded the number of ways you can qualify for its low-income internet program, there are a couple restrictions of which you should be aware.
Restriction #1: Youre out of luck if youve been a Cox customer within the last three months. For example, if youre a current Cox customer, the only way you can sign up for its low income internet plan is to cancel your service now and wait to sign up in 90 days. Frustrating, of course, but it may just be worth the wait.
Restriction #2: Youre out of luck if you have a Cox bill thats more than 12 months overdue. That means you cant sign up for the program unless you pay off that overdue bill or agree to a payment plan.
Restriction #3: Check your closet. Youre out of luck if you find any unreturned Cox cable equipment buried behind your mops and brooms. Youll need to return that equipment before you can qualify for the low-cost internet plan.
Restriction #4: Obviously, you must live in an area served by Cox cable. According to our research, the companys low-cost, high-speed internet service is available in 18 states and the District of Columbia. Those states are: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island and Virginia.
Who Qualifies For This Program
To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must reside within AT& Ts service area, which includes 21 states. As of this writing, the service area includes Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconson. You can enter your address here to see if service is available at your location.
- Your household must be eligible to participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, Supplemental Nutrition assistance Program , National School Lunch Program, Supplemental Security Income in California, or have an income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- You cannot have an unpaid debt to AT& T within the last six months for regular service or any debt to AT& T for services under this specific program.
If you live in California, you may also qualify if one member of your household receives Supplemental Security Income.
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Why Is Low Income Internet So Important
Statistically, low income households are less likely to have internet service or useful technology in their homes. Thats understandable because these things are typically very expensive! Unfortunately, it also traps these households in a low income cycle. Its hard to increase your income when you cant apply for jobs, take online courses or finish your homework!
Thats why these low income internet services are so critically important to American households. In 2017, Pew Research found that 30% of households with incomes less than $30,000 per year did not have a smartphone. They also found that two thirds of adults in high-earning households had home broadband internet, a smartphone, and either a desktop, laptop or tablet device. Only 17% of low income household had the same things.
A lack of sufficient internet access can make it more difficult to get a job, more difficult to get good grades and impossible to participate in online college classes. There are many benefits to having internet access in your home and thats why were dedicated to finding low income internet programs for our readers!
Why Internet For Low
Internet is now significantly cheaper even so many low-income families still dont afford to buy Internet and laptops. But one thing is clear that the world and people will be connected nicely even if they dont have any way to go Internet plans. Surely low-income families need the Internet as they want to seek government assistance, program, and other assistance programs from a different organization.
Low-income families need Medicaid insurance programs and they can go and visit the government official website. They can browse and buy plans at a lower cost. But the Internet helps them get that. The patients need to get information from an online source and they want to seek better treatment plans. They can do that by visiting the hospital website and getting information on that. A job seeker may need to apply for a job and want to pursue job training. Internet facilitates that well.
So the need for the Internet cant be explained in a word but the access and use of Internet have been the main issue indeed. For this, the United States of America always believes in equal access to the Internet for everyone even if low-income families dont afford to buy high-speed internet. So there are different programs and assistance for low-income families. Those who dont afford to buy Internet need to know these programs and get Internet as the aim of connecting everyone online and virtually.
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Apply For The Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a new low income internet program that helps low income households afford broadband internet access. This benefit provides up to $30 per month toward the internet service for the households. If you live on Tribal lands, the benefit is up to $75 per month!
You may be eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if you have a household income that is 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR if at least ONE member of your household participates in at least ONE of the programs listed below:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- National School Breakfast Programs
- Federal Pell Grant
- Tribal-specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations
If you are eligible, theres a two-step process to apply. you must go to ACPBenefit.org to submit your application . Then, once you approved, you must contact your preferred internet provider and select a plan. The ACP Benefit discount will be applied to your monthly bill.
You may also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer. You will need to pay between $10 and $50 for the device in order to use the discount.
How long does it take to get the Affordable Connectivity Program? Not long at all! You should receive a response within 48 hours of applying.
Internet Cost And The Digital Divide
Most people would jump at the opportunity to save money on any of their monthly bills, but internet access is an area where fair and affordable pricing is especially important. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, many day-to-day activities have moved to the internet. If your job depends on the internet, its not just a convenienceits a necessity.
This dependency on the internet has allowed many companies to engage in anticompetitive practices and has created a lack of competition among broadband providers.8 Even though the internet was developed in the United States and created with public funds, Americans pay higher bills and get lower speeds than people in many other countries.9, 10
In July 2021, President Biden issued an executive order instructing the FCC to address some of these issues by preventing ISPs from engaging in certain anticompetitive practices, making pricing more transparent, limiting excessive early termination fees, and restoring net neutrality.8 If implemented by the FCC, these measures could reduce the cost of internet access for many Americans.
For more information, learn more about broadband coverage in the US and what you can do to improve it on a local level.
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Cox Program #2 For Families Living In Hud
Cox Communications, one of the nations largest cable TV companies, working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Developments , is now offering low-cost internet to any HUD-assisted household with school-age children within Coxs 18-state service area including Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Virginia.
How low is the cost? Youll get high-speed Internet access for the just $9.95 per month. It includes downloads speeds up to 10 Mbps, free in-home WiFi, free installation and free access to hundreds of thousands of WiFi hotspots across the country.
Just as in Cox other low-income program, families that qualify for the HUD-assisted program will also be able to purchase a computer for under $150. And theyll pay no activation fees nor any additional equipment fees.
What Is The Difference Between Upload And Download Speed
Two things matter as it relates to the speed of your internet connection: the download speed and the upload speed. Download is the speed at which your computer receives data from the internet. In general, when you request a webpage, you pass a very small amount of data to the web called a request and the web page and all of the assets are downloaded to your computer. Upload is the speed at which your computer sends data to the internet . This is mostly relevant when you are uploading pictures or videos from your computer to someplace on the internet. Generally, upload speeds are slower than download speeds as more customers have the need for downloading information from the internet, like loading web pages, streaming videos, etc. Download and upload speeds are both measured in megabits per second . for an accurate assessment of your current internet connection.
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How To Get Free Internet For Low Income Families
It is even hard to imagine life without the internet. It is interlinked to the extent that it can ruin our day if there is an internet shutdown. It is obvious that the prices are getting higher. Just think about all those low-income families who cannot afford one of those internet services at home. Hence, there are a lot of surprising plans for low-income families. There are quite a few low-income internet providers, and here is the thing: you may sign up with the high-speed internet they provide. There are multiple ways to receive support regarding the subsidized internet plans and it comes under the Lifeline Program.
If you are probably new to this term, we shall explain it to you in a while. But before that, three types of internet were available outside. You can get DSL which is super affordable, slow, and reliable internet. Then, there is a cable that has speed and is value for money. The last one comes to the fiber that has limited availability, fast speeds, and is also expensive.
All the low-income internet providers need families who are already enrolled in the low-income assistance program like public housing or Subsidized Nutrition Assistance Program.
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Not Interested In One Of These Providers No Problem
You may be able to save $9.25 off your monthly Internet bill by applying for the Lifeline subsidy! This subsidy pays $9.25 directly to your internet provider, thereby reducing your bill. Its important to realize that you can only get one Lifeline subsidy per household, so youll have to decide whether to use this as a free internet discount or to get a free cell phone.
You qualify for this subsidy if you receive any of the following!
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Veterans Pensions
- Veterans Survivor Benefits
Please note that the broadband low income program has been under attack in the current political environment and has suffered some cut backs. The information isnt always clear on the FCC site, but youll want to discuss this option with your ISP to see if it is available in your area and from your provider.
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Got An Ebt Card Get Free Stuff And Discounts On Services
Amazon offers $5.99 per month Amazon Prime memberships for customers who receive either EBT or Medicaid benefits! Amazon Prime includes both FREE two-day shipping and FREE streaming access to thousands of titles. Youll need to verify that you receive either food stamps or Medicaid to get this incredible price.
Bike share programs typically offer discounts for low income people. If you live near a city, check out this list of bike share programs that offer low income discounts!
Cell phones and service are available FREE for both individuals and families who receive EBT benefits. Find out who offers free phones and service in your area.
Summer food service provides free meals for all children ages 18 and under during the summer months. Summer food services ensure that all families have access to consistent, healthy meals all summer long.
YMCA organizations typically offer discounts for low income individuals and families. If you qualify for food stamps in your state, you may qualify for a discounted YMCA membership! Contact your local YMCA for details.
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New Jersey Telephone Assistance Program
In addition to Lifeline, the State of New Jersey offers a state telephone assistance discount. The telephone assistance program offers up to $14.50 per month discount on home landline telephone service.
The New Jersey state discount is automatically added when the subscriber qualifies for the federal Lifeline program.
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Heres Everyone Who Might Be Eligible
People who live in the same household, yet buy their meals separately, can participate in this welfare plan. North Carolina Food Stamp application asks for this. Read ahead to know more about this aspect of the FoodStamps NC application:
- These are individuals who live together under the same roof. They prepare and purchase their food together.
- They may be spouses who live together. Or, individuals who represent themselves as a married union.
- People under the age of 21 living with one of the parents
- Individuals who are not yet 18 and live under the parental control of another adult in the same house.
- Two adults, who are not in marriage with one another, but live in the same house. They should be parents of a mutual child.
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What Is The Best Cheap Internet For Students
Xfinitys Connect More plan comes with 100 Mbps for $40 monthly, and its our choice for the best cheap internet package. Plus, there are special Xfinity students deals like $200 back. But Xfinity requires a one-year term agreement, so if you might leave your college town for home in the summer, this deal might not be the one for you.
No-contract internet plans offer more flexibility, which can come in handy when youre not sure what the next semester might bring. Optimum offers 300 Mbps for $40 monthly, and you can drop the plan without paying early termination fees.
To see if either of these providers offers internet in your area, enter your zip code below:
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How Much Of A Discount Can I Expect With The Acp
If your household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program, you can receive:
- Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
To learn more about the discounted internet program for EBT Cardholders, including the differences between the EBB and ACP, then continue reading below.
How Can I Get Wireless Internet Without Cable Tv
If your internet provider used to require you to bundle your internet with cable TV, it almost certainly doesnt anymore. You can call your provider and cancel your TV subscriptionbe sure to return your cable equipment so you dont incur any extra fees. To learn more about how to get internet without TV and phone, check out our high-speed internet FAQ page.
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Emergency Broadband Benefit Transition
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The Emergency Broadband Benefit was a temporary emergency program developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Congress recently replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit program with the Affordable Connectivity Program, a new longer-term program that will continue to help families and households struggling to afford internet service.
Households enrolled in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program as of December 31, 2021 will continue to receive their current monthly benefit until March 1, 2022.
Learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program by visiting: fcc.gov/ACP
- The maximum monthly benefit will change from $50 per month to $30 per month for households not located on qualifying Tribal lands. The monthly benefit will remain at $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands.
- Households have new ways to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, such as receiving WIC benefits or having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- Households that qualified for the Emergency Broadband Benefit due to a substantial loss of income as a result of job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020, or by meeting the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s COVID-19 program, will need to requalify for the Affordable Connectivity Program. You will be contacted by the program administrator or your provider if you need to requalify.
