Affordable Connectivity Program

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC program to help households struggling to pay for internet service during the pandemic. Qualification will depend on meeting the program’s criteria.

Do I qualify?

Your household qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program if it has an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines OR any member of the household:

  • Qualifies for Lifeline benefits through participation in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, WIC, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit;
  • Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard), Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
  • Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year;
  • Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 or 2021-2022 school year.

Only one monthly service discount is allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent

Any member of your household can make your household eligible. For example, if your child or dependent participates in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program, your household qualifies for the Affordable Accountability Program.

If You Already Receive Lifeline Benefits

Lifeline is a program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. If you currently receive Lifeline benefits, you automatically qualify for the Affordable Accountability Program, and you can receive both benefits at the same time. You can apply your Affordable Accountability Program and your Lifeline benefit to the same or separate services. Talk to your broadband provider to learn how to start receiving ACP Program discounts.

If Your Household Income Is a Certain Amount

You can get the Affordable Connectivity Program if your income is 200% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.

You will have to show proof of income, like pay stubs or a tax return, when you apply for the ACP Program.

X-Stream Service Terms

X-Stream Service is offering the optional Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) program to our customers. The ACP Program is a government program that reduces the household’s broadband Internet access service bill and is temporary in nature. The household will be subject to X-Stream Services undiscounted rates and general terms and conditions at the end of the program if the ACP household wants to continue to receive service. A household may obtain broadband service supported by the ACP Program from any participating provider of their choosing. A household may transfer their ACP Program benefit to another provider at any time.

If You Use SNAP, Medicaid, or Other Programs

You can receive the Affordable Accountability Program if you (or someone in your household) participates in one of these federal assistance programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program
  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
  • Tribal Specific Programs:
    • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance,
    • Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard),
    • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at US Department of Agriculture Community Eligibility Provision schools
  • Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

You may need to show a card, letter, or official document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Have Questions?

Call 405-542-3262 or email us at csrreports@hintonet.net for more details about qualifying for this LARGE Discount OR come by our office at 204 W Main St, Hinton, OK, for assistance with signing up for the ACP program.