Learn How You May Qualify for Free Home Internet

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The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal benefit program that provides eligible households the opportunity to receive free or discounted home internet service. Eligible households can receive up to $30/month toward internet services with participating broadband providers.

How do I qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
There are many ways a household can qualify for the benefit, including if there is a child in the home who receives free or reduced-price school meals. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) has 44 schools at which all students will receive free meals through the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). All households with a student attending a CEP school qualify for the ACP benefit. Households can also qualify based on income or if they participate in certain government assistance programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or WIC. For more information on the program, including full eligibility criteria to help determine if your household is eligible to receive the ACP benefit, visit the ACP website.
What home broadband internet providers participate in Prince William County?

The following broadband providers in Prince William County offer a service option that’s free to households that qualify for the ACP. Visit these external sites to read about their ACP offers:

How can I get proof that my child receives free or reduced-price meals?

Parents/guardians that have applied for free and reduced-price meals and parents/guardians of students attending CEP schools will receive an email and/or letter from the PWCS Food and Nutrition Department stating that the child(ren) listed in the letter has been approved to receive free or reduced-priced school meals. The approval letter from the PWCS Food and Nutrition Department can be used as proof of eligibility when applying for ACP benefits.

For more information on applying for free and reduced-price meals, visit the PWCS Nutrition website.

Parents/guardians who are eligible and have not received an approval letter by the end of August or are need a replacement should contact the Food and Nutrition at 703-791-3151 to request a new copy.

What if I don't qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
If a household does not qualify for the ACP and needs assistance with internet service at home, please contact your child’s principal. PWCS provides schools with internet hotspots to help support households in need.
How can I get technical assistance for my PWCS hotspot?

The hotspots are managed by PWCS and parents/guardians should contact the PWCS Help Desk for technical assistance. The help desk is open from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.