Author Topic: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?  (Read 1052 times)

jpdx

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Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« on: January 27, 2022, 04:14:37 PM »
The ACP provides a $30/month subsidy for broadband for households with income below 200% federal poverty line.

I cannot find detailed information on what "income" means. Is this total income or is this AGI?

I also cannot find information on how to prove self-employment income. I've tried multiple times with these results:

Profit & Loss Statement -- rejected -- "Income too high"
Our net SE income is below the limit. They must be looking at gross receipts?

Partnership K-1 -- rejected -- "Invalid Document"
Arg.

2020 Tax Return -- rejected -- "Income too high"
Our Total Income is below the limit. I don't understand why this was rejected.

Anyone have better luck?
« Last Edit: February 01, 2022, 10:48:47 AM by jpdx »

jpdx

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #1 on: February 01, 2022, 10:49:24 AM »
The thread was quickly buried. Not sure what to do next. Any ideas?

eostache

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #2 on: February 03, 2022, 01:03:58 PM »
I have Spectrum internet that is covered by the ACP program (I think). Anyways, my bill has been $0.

Last year I signed up and qualified for the EBB benefit. I'm on ACA Medicaid. That is the only thing I used to show that I qualify and it was approved immediately.

I had internet with Century Link and I tried multiple times to request that they apply my EBB to my internet bill but they kept giving me the run-around and not applying the EBB. I even put in a complaint with the FCC.

Spectrum was sending me junk mail saying I was already qualified to get free internet so I called them up. I only needed the lowest tier internet plan they offer, 30mbps for $23/mo (includes router rental). The rep I talked to on the phone did not need my EBB/ACP info, he said they already knew my address qualified for the free internet. Maybe Spectrum taps into a database of people on certain benefit plans (Medicaid, etc.).

I had to have a tech come out and work on the cables. He was here working a long time and got everything fixed. I tipped him $20. That has been my only cost for the Spectrum internet.

DaMa

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #3 on: February 03, 2022, 01:39:37 PM »
You have to provide documentation.  I won't be able to do it until I file my 2022 tax return.

To prove your household income is at 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you must submit one or more of the following documents:

The prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return
Current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub
A Social Security statement of benefits
An Unemployment or Worker's Compensation statement of benefits
A Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
A Divorce Decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information
Note: If the document doesn't cover a full year, such as a pay stub, you must show the same document for (3) months in a row within the same year to provide your gross annual income.

Or if you get

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)
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
Federal Pell Grant
Tribal Assistance

jpdx

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #4 on: February 03, 2022, 03:08:54 PM »
I am familiar with that list, unfortunately is does not address the questions I have in the original post.

Most confusingly, I submitted my prior year's federal tax return and it was rejected even though my total income was just below the limit.

Rosy

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2022, 02:42:29 PM »
@DaMa - thanks for that list of eligibility. :)
It led me down an unexpected path. In looking at the VA Pension (Survivor) Benefits I noticed they changed the rules for 2023. That might make me eligible for Pension benefits eff Jan 2023. It is both asset and income based so at best it would be for one year or so but at just shy of $10K annually in benefits it is at least worth looking into.
I always confuse the DIC and Pension benefits, I only knew that if you get one you can't get the other but as of 2023 you apparently can get both - depending.

DaMa

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2022, 07:16:02 PM »
@Rosy, you are most welcome.  I thought the info might be useful to others.

jpdx

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #7 on: February 05, 2022, 11:16:06 AM »
Apologies, I think my previous post came off as unkind. My frustration is with the list itself, not the messenger. :)

jim555

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Re: Anyone signup for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
« Reply #8 on: February 05, 2022, 08:42:29 PM »
I've been on the EBB since it began due to being locked in Medicaid.  They froze everyone in due to the pandemic.  ISP says it will transition to ACP in March.  Don't know how to advise about income.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!