Many Americans have been facing difficulties in paying their internet and other bills due to the financial crisis. The FCC believes that every household needs affordable internet so that they can stay connected for work, study, and virtual activities. As a result, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the EBB (Emergency Broadband Benefit) in May 2021. The federal government created a $3.2 billion fund only to provide monthly subsidies to low-income households. After finishing the fund in December 2021, the FCC came up with another program named the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Many people lost their jobs, business, and other income sources due to some unwanted situation. Through the ACP benefit, these low-income individuals and families can stay connected to the internet so that they can participate in their livelihoods virtually. Many internet service providers across the US have participated in this ACP benefit as they did in the EBB program. Cox communications is one of the network service providers among many other internet providers nationwide who have been participating in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Cox increased its regular speed for a low-cost internet discount through Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
Participants of this program can enjoy monthly discounts of up to $30 on their internet bills when they enroll. In this article, we will provide you with a clear understanding of the Cox Communications Affordable Connectivity Program including the application process and requirements.
What is Cox communication’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
Every American family having financial hardship due to income loss can apply for the Cox Communication Affordable Connectivity Program. Since Cox Communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is an open program for Americans, every family can apply for it but only eligible families and individuals can get this benefit. It’s the federal financial support that you can get when you need it most. After the successful enrollment to the COX Communications ACP, a family receives a $30 discount on their monthly internet plan. For tribal lands, the discount amount is $75 per month. Now primarily the household has to prove that it is eligible to get the discounted internet.
First of all, the applicant should be an American then meet any of the FCC criteria. Some income-based criteria refer that the household either lost income or going through a financial crisis. There are other criteria based on some government assistance programs like Lifeline benefit to assist people who need help. Households having membership in any of these assistance programs are considered eligible for the COX Communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). But the Lifelines and the EBB members don’t need to follow the eligibility procedure as they are directed to just apply for the Cox Communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Other households are required to provide their eligibility proof.
FCC offers another benefit that provides low-income households with discounted devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The participant providers are not bound to offer device discounts. Few of the providers offer this benefit. In this offer, providers give up to a $100 discount on purchasing any of the listed computers. Though Cox Communications doesn’t offer the benefit, it has a partnership with Pcs for People, a computer distribution company for low-income people. Households will receive a one-time discount of up to $100 while purchasing a laptop or desktop. Finally, remember that the Cox Communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is not a temporary program like the EBB was and FCC will continue it for years.
About Cox communications
Cox Communications has a century-long history of business and customer experience. Governor James M Cox founded this family-owned business in 1898 as Cox enterprise. Cox Communication is founded to provide internet connections effectively and efficiently. being one of the largest private telecom companies in the USA Cox Communications has been serving around six million homes and businesses in 18 states. This company dedicated its facilities to empowering its products, customers, communities, suppliers, and overall qualities uniquely to create a better future.
Eligibility of Cox communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
FCC initiated ACP with some criteria to determine the household’s eligibility. Your entire household can enjoy the monthly discount offer if any of your family members meet any of these eligibility criteria. There are different terms for low-income households to meet any of them to get the temporary discount benefit. There are income-based and government assistance program-based criteria to meet. Recipients of the Lifeline and EBB programs have the best chance of getting Cox Communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) as they don’t require an eligibility check, instead just apply for the program.
Recipients of any of these program benefits are considered eligible:
- NSLP (Free School Breakfast Program or Reduced-price School Lunch Program)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) or Food Stamp
- Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- FPHA (Federal Public Housing Assistance including Section 8, Multi-family units, and Public Housing Authorities)
- LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
- WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition for Women, Infants, Children)
- Head Start
- Federal Pell Grant for the current award year.
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- To qualify for ACP benefits, your household’s income in 2021 must meet FCC guidelines. This yearly income total may vary depending on the state you live in. A person living in Hawaii should have a maximum income of $29,640. But in Alaska, it is a maximum of $32,180. For a household consisting of 3 or 4 members, the income size is $54,900 and in Alaska $50,520 in Hawaii.
- If your total income is below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines then you will get the Cox ACP discount. It is approximately $35,000 for a family consisting of four members. To measure the income range for your household, visit aspe.hhs.gov/topics/poverty-economic-mobility/poverty-guidelines.
- Some Tribal Benefit programs refer to the eligibility of the ACP benefit
- BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- Tribal TANF (Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
How to apply for the Cox communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
You should follow several steps during the application process for the Cox communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Here are the procedures:
Contact the Cox communications
As a new Cox communication user first, you have to choose the plan through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Contact Cox communication directly to learn the application process properly. Make sure Cox communication is available in the area where you live. Cox Communication works in eighteen states.
Check the eligibility terms
Before going through the main application process, you must meet the eligibility criteria to apply for this process. The National Verifier will check your information and documents and will let you know whether you are eligible for this program or not. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) executes this verification process. There are common eligibility terms that Cox communication follows. You will get your eligibility confirmation from the National Verifier within a few minutes.
Apply online
After getting confirmation of your eligibility, visit https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/ here you will need to fill out the online page with your name, date of birth, social security number, and other pieces of information. Besides the information, you must attach certain documents to claim your eligibility based on the criteria.
Apply via mail-in
Some people struggle to follow the application procedure online. Here you can also apply via the mail-in application. Call: 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application. Make sure to check the personal information carefully. After filling the form with the necessary information, submit it to this address.
Affordable Connectivity Program Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY, 40742
Get approval
The approval will take a couple of days to process. Cox communication finds you qualified then they will contact you and ask for your desired plans. They may ask for some additional information and documents. You can keep in communication with them via email. Stay connected with Cox communication to be updated.
Required Documents for Cox communications Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The National Verifier or Cox Communications asks for the applicant’s identity verification. To prove your identity as an applicant on behalf of your family you must upload one of these documents
- Social security number/Driver’s license/passport/ID/State ID Card/Taxpayer Identification Number (Individual) with name and date of birth.
And for program eligibility, you must submit any of these documents during the application process for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) benefit:
- Tax return in 2019 or 2020
- Unemployment statements
- Prior year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- Recent Tribal TANF letter or card. Current BIA card
- Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General assistance (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)
- Free or reduced school meal award letter
- Current income statement
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
Other programs of Cox Communications
Cox Communication has low-cost internet solutions for households who have school-going kids. Connect2Compete or C2C is a program designed to create digital equity for those who are having difficulties accessing the internet in their homes due to the economic crisis. Cox announced a $60 million fund as a commitment for continuing to implement solutions to close the digital learning gap. In this process, Cox has offered payment late fees and payment relief to its customers who express financial inability during the pandemic shutdown. Cox also ensures that its Connect2Compete customers will get discounts on their monthly internet bill via the Affordable Connectivity Program. Cox communication announced that the company had increased internet download speed for a low-cost internet package. It has more than 3 million Cox Hotspots nationwide which gives immediate access to the customers through June 2021.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Which internet plans/speeds do qualify for the program?
Eligible households can receive any broadband or wireless internet connection under the Affordable Connectivity Program. And there are certain Cox communication Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) eligible plans available. To check listed internet plans, visit Cox official website.
What is the benefit of connected devices?
A provider provides up to $100 as a discount on connected devices to the eligible household. If you want to purchase a laptop, smartphone, tablet, or desktop computer, then you have to pay at least $10 on the price as the FCC wants you to contribute to the gadget. Though Cox Communication doesn’t offer this discount directly, it does through PCs for People.
How long will the discount last?
Although the EBB program was temporary and expired in December 2021, the ACP is not going to be like that form. according to the FCC, the ACP will last for many years. Surely it will last longer than your financial adversity. The objective is to eliminate the digital gap and support citizens until they need it.
How can I get the internet installed?
In most cases, customers or members of the household can manage to install the modems themselves. Cox Communication provides a self-installation kit through the mail after the ACP approval. If there is any need for professional support, Cox Communication customer support will work on the process as fast as possible.
How to sign up for Cox Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) without internet?
Since most people have smartphones in their hands, it should not be difficult for them to sign up for this benefit program. Even then there are public libraries where an applicant can get access to free internet and sign up easily.
What will happen to other service bills with Cox?
Interestingly, all the Cox services come as a monthly consolidated bill. It means a Cox customer gets the bill of all services combined. So, Cox ACP recipients will get the $30 discount on the consolidated bill. Any other plans out of ACP will not be included in Cox Communication ACP benefit.
Final Word
The pandemic has taught us that we all need equal access to broadband internet to participate in restoration programs or financial activities. Since people can now get every service online through moderate internet service, there should be equal distribution of the network ruling out the digital division from every economical level of the society. The Federal Government has been trying to reach that goal and here Cox Communications is one of the participant providers who believe in internet equity. Now if you feel the need for financial assistance and looking for a high-speed connection to search for jobs and attend classrooms you should not hesitate to enroll in the Cox Communication Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Just find out if any one of your households is eligible either through income conditions or government assistance programs.
