The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a new partnership on August 28 to urge HUD-assisted residents to enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The program provides a monthly discount of up to $75  toward internet service for eligible households. The monthly discount was capped at $30 a month the FCC raised it to $75 a month on August 3 for households in certain high-cost areas.

Households participating in the ACP can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute between $10-50 toward the purchase price.

LeadingAge advocates for Congress and federal agencies to ensure affordable internet is accessible in affordable senior housing, and we’re pleased with the FCC’s increase in the potential ACP monthly discount—and continue to urge HUD to expedite ACP enrollment for multifamily households.

HUD is still in the process of working with the FCC to streamline enrollment of HUD multifamily residents in the ACP through data sharing agreements that currently enable voucher holders and public housing residents to enroll with reduced paperwork. More information on the ACP is available here.