How to Find Out if You Qualify for Cheaper High-Speed Internet in Pennsylvania

Many Pennsylvania residents are eligible to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which helps low-income families access internet services by providing a $30 per month discount on their bill.

High-speed internet has become a necessity, yet nearly 21% of Pennsylvanians do not have an internet subscription. While some live in an area where it’s not accessible, others simply can’t afford it.

As many as two million households in the state are eligible for the federal Affordable Connectivity Program. This program cuts internet bills by up to $30 per month, or $75 for households on tribal lands. It also provides a one-time $100 discount off a connected device. Only 570,000 households in the commonwealth are currently enrolled.

Here’s what you need to know to find out if you are eligible for the program and how to sign up: 

Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program, a household must meet at least one of the following:

• Income at or below $29,160 for single households, $60,000 for a household of four
• Participate in a federal assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or SSI
• Recipient of a Pell Grant in the current year
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating internet provider’s existing low-income program.   

Signing Up

You can apply online at the Affordable Connectivity Program website.

Getting the Discount

Once you’re approved, you must contact your preferred participating internet provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. A list of participating providers in Pennsylvania can be found here.