Have you heard about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? This federal government benefit can help reduce the cost of your internet service through Optimum. Keep reading to learn more about how to qualify, apply, and save money with Optimum ACP.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an FCC program that provides a monthly discount of up to $30 on internet service for eligible low-income households. This benefit was created to help ensure all Americans can afford the internet connections they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
The ACP replaces the previous Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. It is a longer-term $14 billion federal program to make internet access more affordable.
Optimum is proudly participating in the ACP to help its customers receive financial relief on their internet bills.
Who Qualifies for the ACP Discount?
Your household may qualify for the ACP discount if someone in your home meets one of the following criteria:
- Receives SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefit, or your income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program
Each household can only receive one ACP internet discount. The benefit cannot be transferred to another person or household.
Use the ACP eligibility checker to see if you qualify before applying.
How Much is the ACP Discount from Optimum?
Qualified Optimum customers can receive the following ACP discounts:
- Up to $30/month discount on Optimum internet service
- Up to $75/month discount for households on qualifying Tribal lands
This discount can be applied to any Optimum internet service plan, so you can find a speed that meets your needs within your budget.
For example, Optimum’s 300 Mbps internet plan is fully covered by the $30 ACP credit for no additional cost. Faster speed plans like 500 Mbps or 1 Gig may only cost an additional $10-20 per month after the ACP discount.
Review Optimum’s ACP internet plans and pricing to see current options.
How Do I Apply for Optimum’s ACP Program?
Applying for Optimum’s ACP discount only takes a few simple steps:
- Confirm your eligibility – Use the ACP eligibility checker to verify you meet the program requirements.
- Choose your Optimum internet plan – Select the Optimum internet speed you need. Review plans and pricing to see options covered by the ACP.
- Enroll online or by phone – Provide your eligibility documentation and complete the Optimum ACP application online or by calling (866) 200-9522.
- Get approved – Optimum will notify you if your ACP application is approved within 5 business days.
- See your discount – Once approved, you’ll see the ACP credit on your bill within 1-2 billing cycles.
Be sure the person who gets eligibility verified is the Optimum account holder. This person must complete the ACP enrollment with Optimum.
Already have Optimum internet? Call (866) 347-4216 to ask about applying the ACP discount to your current service.
What Information is Needed to Enroll with Optimum?
To complete the Optimum ACP enrollment process, you’ll need to provide:
- ACP eligibility documentation – This verifies you qualify based on the ACP criteria. Examples include your SNAP/Medicaid letter, school lunch eligibility letter, or Pell grant award letter.
- A photo ID – This verifies your identity. Provide a scan/photo of your driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.
- Optimum account information – Provide your Optimum account number or service address to apply the ACP discount to your account.
Make sure your eligibility documentation matches the name and address on your Optimum account.
Optimum will save and securely store your ACP eligibility documentation. You don’t need to re-submit this each month to keep receiving your discount.
Maintaining Your Optimum ACP Discount
Once approved, Optimum will automatically apply your ACP discount monthly to your internet account. Here are some tips to maintain your discount:
- Keep your Optimum account in good standing by paying your bill on time each month.
- Notify Optimum if you need to change the account name or service address on file.
- Re-certify your ACP eligibility if requested by Optimum in the future.
- Contact Optimum if you no longer qualify for the ACP to remove the discount.
The ACP is a government program that expires on March 1, 2023. Optimum will notify customers in advance if the program ends or needs to be re-certified.
Other Ways to Save with Optimum
Bundling your services with Optimum can provide additional savings beyond the ACP discount. Consider adding Optimum mobile or TV service to create your own custom bundle.
Optimum also offers the following deals and promotions to help new customers save:
- Sign up for auto-pay and paperless billing and get a $10 monthly discount
- Ask about waived installation fees for new internet customers
- Inquire about current new customer promotions for additional discounts
Review all Optimum internet deals to maximize your savings.
Get Internet You Can Afford with Optimum ACP
The Affordable Connectivity Program provides vital financial relief so households can access the internet for essential needs. This federal benefit makes Optimum internet more affordable for eligible customers.
To get started saving today:
- Check your eligibility for the ACP discount
- Review Optimum internet plans and pricing
- Enroll online or by phone with Optimum to start receiving your monthly ACP credit
Reliable internet access is vital for work, school, healthcare and more. Optimum is committed to helping connect eligible households through this valuable ACP program.
This article was written by Save the Bill expert team to educate consumers on getting financial relief for internet service through Optimum’s Affordable Connectivity Program. Contact [email protected] with any questions on qualifying, enrolling, and maintaining ACP discounts from Optimum.