The VA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are offering broadband internet connections and phone service at reduced rates to certain veterans through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
The program provides a discount on internet services of up to $30 per month per household. Eligible households 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 more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price of the device.
Who is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You qualify for this program if a member of your household is receiving a Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits. Veterans can sign up for the program through the FCC National Verifier or by contacting a participating internet service company. You can find participating local providers by visiting https://cnm.universalservice.org/ and entering your zip code.
Other Veterans can also receive benefits.
Along with qualifying VA pension recipients, other veterans are also eligible for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program based on household income or participation in other federal programs. To enroll you may need to submit additional paperwork as part of the application process. To see if you qualify, visit the Lifeline or Affordable Connectivity Program websites.
Veterans who want assistance signing up for the FCC’s programs can get help from their VA care team through a Digital Divide consult. The VA says it has “already helped more than 100,000 veterans across the country through the Digital Divide Consult process.”
