Having access to reliable and affordable internet is critical for Maine families.

UPDATE: The last day to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program is Feb. 7, 2024

A good internet connection can connect families to important services and opportunities – taking online classes, training for a new job or having a remote doctor’s appointment.

But according to a survey conducted by the Maine Connectivity Authority, which is responsible for expanding access to quality internet to every person living in Maine, 47% of people surveyed say they have trouble paying for their internet service.

If that includes you or someone you know, or if the cost of internet service is keeping you from connecting, there is help available.

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides $30 a month for low-income families to get connected to the internet and as much as $75 a month for Native Americans living on Tribal lands.

For many people, the $30 covers the entire cost of quality internet.

The program also provides a one-time payment of up to $100 to help families purchase a device that can help them connect, such as a laptop or tablet.

Unfortunately, too many Maine families who are eligible for this program haven’t signed up yet.

Households are eligible if the annual income is less than 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, if anyone already receives Lifeline, or if you participate in one of these programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) (including Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers), Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/202/811, Public Housing, and Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives or Native Hawaiians)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.

Generally, undocumented individuals are not eligible to receive federal public benefits. However, ACP does not take into account one’s immigration status, meaning undocumented individuals can receive this benefit. 

Undocumented individuals may be eligible for a handful of benefits that are deemed necessary to protect life or guarantee safety in dire situations, such as healthcare and nutrition programs under the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). If an undocumented individual receives WIC, for example, they can use that as proof of eligibility. 

If you or someone you know think you might qualify, you can learn more by visiting the Maine Connectivity Authority at https://www.maineconnectivity.org/affordability, or the Federal Communications Commission at https://www.fcc.gov/acp.

Resources are available in many languages, including Arabic, Chinese-Traditional, Chinese-Simplified, French, Haitian-Creole, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

Application assistance is available from the Education Superhighway in several languages here: https://getacp.org/esh.And there are 13 regional and tribal partner organizations statewide who can help you to sign up: https://www.maineconnectivity.org/affordability

Don’t miss this opportunity to get your family connected. Everyone living in Maine should have access to affordable internet!

Jenna Ingram is the communications manager for the Maine Connectivity Authority.