For years, low-income families around the country have gotten help paying their internet bills through the federal Affordable Connectivity Program . As of this month, over 22 million American households are enrolled.
But the program is projected to run out of money by late April unless Congress approves additional funding. For that reason, new applicants have until just next week to sign up for internet assistance.
The good news: Qualifying households can still apply for internet assistance until Wednesday, Feb. 7. If approved, they will receive benefits until the program depletes its funds entirely.
Here’s what to know about the program and how to sign up ahead of the Feb. 7 deadline.
Who qualifies for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The nationwide Affordable Connectivity Program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), provides assistance paying internet bills to families at or below 200% of the federal poverty line.
In most states, including Kansas and Missouri, that means a family of four with an annual income under $60,000 is eligible for the program. You can find the income threshold for households of other sizes on the FCC’s website .