There is a new government program that provides free or reduced-cost internet to families. Even if the family currently has internet, this program may pay some or all of their bill (depending on if their provider participates).
Essentially, if the family is low income, receives food stamps OR other benefits (e.g. Medicaid, WIC, free school lunches, etc.), they can qualify. There is a requirement for documentation of income OR benefits. The letter the family received from the district’s food service department would meet this requirement. Documentation of benefits from SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC, would also do. Pay stubs (3 sequential months) or tax returns will also work to verify income. They only need one type of verification for this part even if they qualify in more than one area.
In addition, there is a requirement for Identify Verification (both for the adult applying and the child that makes them eligible). The list of acceptable documents is here:
- A valid government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Birth Certificate
- U.S. Driver’s license
- Passport
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
- Government assistance program document
- Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) document (does not need to include the date of birth)
The parent can apply online or by mail. The link to get more information is https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/.