How To Get Optimum Acp Free Internet Program and How To Apply – High-speed internet accessibility is a basic necessity today for everyone. Fortunately, there are low-income internet programs available from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and government subsidies that help to lower the Internet bills. A good example is the Affordable Connectivity program (ACP) which is a federal initiative that lowers monthly Internet costs for eligible households.
A lot of cable and internet service providers are participating in ACP to reduce the internet bill for low-income households. One such ACP provider is Optimum which is dedicated to keeping the communities they serve well-connected with affordable mobile and internet services. This guide will provide an overview of how you can get free internet from Optimum if you belong to a low low-income household.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- Optimum participates in the ACP to offer free or discounted internet to qualified low-income households.
- Households can get free 300 Mbps internet with ACP credit, or discounted service with the Optimum Advantage plan.
- Qualification requires income below 200% of the poverty line or participation in specific government programs.
- The federal government is not accepting new ACP applications as of February 8th, 2024, due to lack of funding.
What Is Optimum?
A popular cable and fiber internet service provider in America that provides internet speed up to 8 Gbps is known as Optimum. The type of Internet connection that you get from Optimum is generally based on your location which creates an impact on the upload speeds.
The service provider operates in 21 states however most of its coverage area lies in Arizona, California, Idaho and New York. There are even Free Phone And Tablet Government California programs for low-income residents that you can apply if you are a resident of this state.
The internet deals of Optimum start at $40 per month however can be bundled with Optimum TV or mobile services. The aim of the Optimum ACP program is to connect more than 22,000 underserved families, 46 underserved community institutions and 3700 underserved businesses with internet services. Optimum participates in ACP so eligible income households can get free or reduced-price wireless service up to 300 Mbps after applying their $30 or $75 discounts.
What Is The Affordable Connectivity Program?
The acronym ACP stands for Affordable Connectivity Program which provides discounts on Internet bills up to $30 per month towards low-income households living in non-tribal lands.
Households dwelling on tribal land or high-cost areas are eligible to get enhanced discounts of up to $75 per month. The program has replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit that was implemented in 2021 to help households impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The primary difference between the two programs is the monthly discount benefits that have been reduced and the change in qualifications. The maximum income for households has been increased from 135% of the federal poverty guidelines to 200%. ACP initiative went into effect on 31st December 2021.
Note. As of 8th February, the FCC is not accepting new applications for the ACP free Internet program due to lack of funding. Even though ACP has been intended to be a long-term and permanent program with no predetermined end date it cannot continue to operate if Congress fails to fund the program. The ACP will end in the upcoming months as early as April or May 2024. Even though the federal government is not accepting new ACP enrollment you can transfer existing benefits from another provider to Optimum while ACP has funding.
Does Optimum Provide Free Internet To Low-Income People?
Optimum participates in the Affordable Connectivity Program and therefore it offers free or discounted internet service to eligible low-income households. Households who have been enrolled in the ACP can get a 300 Mbps fiber internet plan of Optimum for free after applying their ACP credit.
The plan works for low-income households as it requires no annual contract and comprises equipment costs. Further new Optimum customers may sign up for the Altice Advantage plan that provides a speed of up to 50 Mbps including free equipment.
The Optimum Advantage Internet program provides free internet for low-income households or seniors. The no-contract Internet plan comes with a modem, router, free installation and unlimited data including 50 Mbps download speeds for just $15 per month. When combined with ACP benefits low-income candidates can get absolutely free internet service.
Like free internet a lot of people are curious to know How to Get a Free Tablet with Medicaid. Head to our next guide to know more.
Why Choose Optimum For Internet Service?
The Optimum Cable Internet is an ideal solution for those who are living in an area where they cannot get fiber but can receive faster speeds than DSL. The fastest cable Internet plan by Optimum reaches download speeds up to 940 Mbps. There are other two cheaper and slower options if you do not wish to prefer a Gigabit connection.
The Optimum Fiber Internet plan comes at the same price as its cable plans but provides equal upload and download speed with better reliability. Let’s take a look at the following benefits of choosing Optimum as your service provider.
Affordability
One of the most useful benefits of Optimum ACP is that it makes internet facilities affordable for low-income households. Qualifying households can get free Internet up to 300 Mbps by enrolling with ACP.
Accessibility
The Optimum ACP program not only helps in making internet connectivity reasonable but also accessible to everyone. With ACP discounts poor income households can subscribe to internet plans to stay connected with their loved ones and grab better opportunities online.
Availability of Education, Work and Healthcare Facilities
Optimum ACP program helps to ensure low-income households can avail internet accessibility for online education, search for employment, and look for healthcare facilities which otherwise would have been challenging. Low income families can also benefit from the Free phone and Tablet Government Programs
Tribal Land Credit
The Optimum Affordable Connectivity Program comes with various benefits for eligible families who are living on tribal lands. Households can get enhanced discounts of up to $75 on their Internet bills.
Do you know How To Get T-Mobile Free Tablet EBB Program? Let’s take a look at our next guide.
Who Is Eligible To Get Free Internet Through Optimum ACP Program?
Now that you know you can get free internet through Optimum ACP it is important to note that not everyone can qualify for the ACP free internet opportunity.
This is because the program is designed for low-income households so that they can afford broadband connections for school, employment, healthcare, utilities and various other services. To qualify for free internet through Optimum’s ACP program you need to fulfill the following criteria.
1. Qualify For The ACP Based On Your Income
The income eligibility for ACP requires households to have annual income at or less than 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. In this section, we have provided a breakdown of the federal poverty guidelines for ACP qualification:
- $30120 for one-person household
- $40880 for two-personal household
- $51640 for three-person household
- $62400 for four-person household
- $73160 for five-person household
- $10760 for each additional person.
2. Age and Citizenship Criteria
You can qualify for the Optimum ACP program and get free or discounted Internet facilities by proving your age and citizenship. Candidates must be 18 years old or emancipated minors. Besides, applicants must be a citizen of the state where Optimum runs its services.
3. Qualify For Federal Lifeline Program
Must approve that you or any one of your household is participating in the federal Lifeline program that makes you automatically qualify for the ACP initiative.
Through the Lifeline program, you can get a discount of up to $9 monthly on your Internet service and an enhanced discount of up to $34 per month if you’re living on tribal land. Funds from the ACP will be an additional monthly discount to what you receive through Lifeline.
4. Qualify For Other Government Assistance Programs
You can also qualify for free internet from Optimum based on your participation in other government assistance programs in case you are not participating in federal Lifeline.
Following is the list of government assistance programs that will automatically make you qualify for the Optimum Free Internet ACP program.
- Federal Public Housing or Section 8
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program For Women, Infants and Children
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans Pension or Survivors’ Benefit
- Welfare to Work
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- Participation in tribal assistance programs such as Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year
- Free or reduced-price school lunch or breakfast under the National School Lunch Program including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision
To know more about the eligibility criteria you can contact Optimum Customer Service by dialing 1-800-833-7669 and know your eligibility for Optimum ACP. Once you meet these criteria you can be eligible to get a $30 monthly discount on your internet service including a one-time discount of up to $100 for a tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
You can also read about How To Get Whoop Connect Free Tablet if you are looking for a free ACP device.
What Are The Documents Required To Qualify For Free Internet Through Optimum ACP Program?
The specific documents that you need to submit depends on whether you are applying based on your participation in a government program or income. Let’s take a look at the following documents required to get a free internet or free government tablets program.
Income Verification Documents
Following is the list of acceptable income documents:
- Paycheck stub
- Recent Income Statement from your employer
- Retirement or Pension Statement of Benefits
- Workers Compensation Statement of Benefits
- Veteran Administration Statement of Benefits
- Social Security Statement of Benefits
- Previous year’s federal state or tribal tax return
- Unemployment or Workmen’s Compensation Statement of benefit.
Proof of Government Program Participation
Following is the accepted document that demonstrates your participation in the government assistance programs.
- Benefit Award Letter
- Government Approval Letter
- Statement Of Benefits Letter.
Personal Identity and Age Documents
The generally accepted documents are as follows:
- Drivers license
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Government-issued state military or tribal ID
- Certificate of US citizenship
- Permanent resident card
- US driver’s license
- Certification of emancipation.
How To Apply For Free Internet Through Optimum ACP Program?
You can apply for free internet by enrolling in the Optimum ACP program by following the below-mentioned steps.
1. Confirm Your ACP Eligibility
The first and foremost step is to determine whether you can meet the eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
You must meet the eligibility based on your low-income status or participation in a government assistance program. If you’re eligible, submit your documents to the National Verifier to get a response about your approval for the free Internet program.
2. Apply For ACP
The next step is to complete the Affordable Connectivity Program application through the National Verifier website. Here are the steps that you can follow.
- Open the ACP website and click on the ‘Apply Now’ button
- Next you will see the application form for the ACP National Verifier
- Fill out the application form and upload the eligibility documents
- Submit the application form and wait for a response. You can also contact the ACP customer center at 877-384-2575 if you have any doubts or concerns.
3. Complete Optimum ACP Enrollment
Once you qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program the next step is to look for Optimum enrollment or application form.
You need to fill out the online application form, enter your e-mail address, and zip code and provide the requested documents. You can enroll on the Optimum ACP program by selecting a plan as per your choice and checking your eligibility for the program.
4. Receive Internet Service Discount
Once eligible you will complete Optimum ACP enrollment. The ACP discount is up to $30 on monthly internet bills for households living on non-tribal land while those living on tribal land get a maximum discount of up to $75 per month. The monthly credit will start from your second bill. You need to ensure that the person who is getting ACP benefits on their internet bill is the same as the Optimum account owner.
How To Transfer ACP Benefits From Another Service Provider To Optimum Internet or Optimum Mobile?
Low-income households receiving ACP credits with another service provider can contact Optimum to transfer the ACP benefit to Optimum Internet or Optimum Mobile plans. In such a case, you will lose the benefit with your present service provider once enrolled with Optimum.
A household can get only one ACP credit at a time. When you fill out your enrollment with Optimum you need to answer ‘yes’ when asked “If you are currently receiving an Affordable Connectivity Program credit from another service provider for this address?”
Households can also transfer their ACP benefits from Optimum Mobile service to their Optimum Internet service. In that case, you need to visit the website Optimum.com/ACP to transfer the ACP benefits and ensure to answer ‘Yes’ when asked if anyone in your household is currently receiving ACP credits for broadband service from Optimum Mobile.
List of Optimum Internet Plans And Pricing
Following is the list of all the Optimum Internet plans along with its price range.
- 300 Mbps Internet package that offers cable, fiber internet type up to 300Mbps speed at $30.00/mo.
- 500 Mbps Internet package that offers cable internet type up to 500Mbps speed at $45.00/mo
- 1 Gig Internet package that offers cable internet type up to 940 Mbps speed at $55.00/mo.
- 500 Mbps Fiber Internet package that offers fiber internet type up to 500Mbps speed at $30.00/mo.
- 1 Gig Fiber Internet package that offers fiber internet type up to 940 Mbps speed at $45.00/mo.
- 2 Gig Fiber Internet package that offers fiber internet type up to 2,000Mbps Mbps speed at $55.00/mo.
- 5 Gig Fiber Internet package that offers fiber internet type up to 5,000Mbps speed at $80.00/mo.
- 8 Gig Fiber Internet package that offers fiber internet type up to 8,000Mbps speed at $265.00/mo.
What Are The ACP Rules And Guidelines To Get Free Internet Through Optimum?
If you want to continue receiving free Internet through the Optimum ACP plan then you must keep an eye on the following guidelines or limitations. In case you fail to meet any one of the below-mentioned points you will be de-enrolled on the ACP benefits.
- Income households must show total annual income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. At least one member of the household should be a participant in the government assistance program.
- A household cannot get ACP discounts from more than one internet service provider nor can get multiple internet discounts within the same home.
- Households that violate the one discount service per household rule will lose the discounts and will be prosecuted by the government.
- The ACP monthly internet discounts are for the individual’s primary residence. An individual can have only one permanent primary residence.
- You must notify Optimum or ACP if you no longer qualify for the free Internet benefits. For instance, if you’re not participating in a government assistance program or if your income exceeds the poverty threshold you must inform the authorities within 30 days of the changes.
- The monthly internet discounts and benefits that you receive through the Optimum ACP are non-transferable and you cannot transfer the service to another person.
- You must use the service of Optimum ACP once a month or else Optimum authorities can dismiss the service.
- If you have additional queries or concerns you can contact the ACP support center by dialing 877-384-2575.
Similar to Optimum there are many other wireless service providers that participate in ACP to provide discount deals. These are as follows:
- TruConnect
- Qlink Wireless
- Assurance wireless
- Maxsip Telecom
- True Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Excess Telecom
- Assist Wireless
Conclusion
Optimum is a popular wireless service provider that offers free internet service since it is participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Optimum provides reliable internet facilities in various areas throughout the United States of America such as Long Island, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia. The Optimum ACP aims to help low-income households so that they can avail of online facilities for education, work, healthcare etc. Read above the eligibility criteria, documentation required and other pertaining details to qualify for the Optimum ACP program and enjoy free or discounted internet service.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding Optimum ACP. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does The Optimum Internet Cost?
The starting cost of Optimum Internet varies between $40 to $280 per month depending on speed. The average optimum fiber plan is around $80 per month for up to 940 Mbps (not considering Optimum limited availability 8GB plan). Unlike other cable and fiber ISPs, the starting price, as well as equipment rental fees of Optimum are average.
Who Owns Optimum?
Altice USA has owned Optimum since 2015. Previously Optimum was sold under the Suddenlink brand name.
How Long Will The ACP Program Last?
The Affordable Connectivity Program is a long-term initiative and the government has committed around $14 billion to help low-income households. However, it is expected that the program may end by May 2024 if Congress does not provide further funding.
Does Optimum Provide Internet Plans That Are Covered Fully By Affordable Connectivity Program?
Yes those who are switching to Optimum, the Optimum Online 300 Mbps plan is covered fully by the ACP credits. You can contact 866-203-4983 or visit the official website to know what are the other plans that can be covered by the credit. Optimum customers get discounts up to $30 per month on their internet service and those living on tribal lands get discounts up to $75.
