New Program Will Help Eligible Maryland Residents Get Essential High-Speed Internet

High-speed internet is no longer a luxury: It is essential to providing the connections Marylanders need to family, friends, health care providers, work and so much more.

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Unfortunately for many Marylanders, affordable high-speed internet is not available where they live.

That is why AARP fought for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides new long-term assistance for Maryland residents who are struggling to afford the high-speed internet services they need in these challenging times. Applications are now being accepted for the ACP, a $14.2 billion federal program created late last year as part of the bipartisan infrastructure bill.

The ACP provides eligible recipients a discount of up to $30 per month for high speed internet services. It also includes a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer or tablet purchased through a participating provider.

Maryland residents who are struggling to get by may be eligible to apply for the ACP, including those who:

o   Have a household income of less than $25,760 for a single-family household or $43,540 for a couple (at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.)

o   Qualify for the Lifeline program or Medicaid, receive SNAP or WIC benefits, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits.

The ACP modifies and extends the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program established in 2021 as part of COVID-19 relief. More than 8.5 million Americans took advantage of the EBB program during its tenure, but we know millions more could be eligible! In fact, the Maryland State Government estimates that only 27% of eligible families are enrolled.

AARP encourages all Marylanders who are without access to high-speed internet, or struggling to afford it, to look into the Affordable Connectivity Program today:

o   Visit aarp.org/ACP for more information

o   Call: 1-833-511-0311

o   Text INTERNET to 22777.

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