$30 off internet bill: Jersey City launches initiative to bridge the digital divide with this program

NEW JERSEY – A new initiative in Jersey City seeks eligible Jersey City households to take advantage of a federal program that provides a $30 monthly rebate on their internet bill and a one-time $100 rebate on a connected device. Internet. supplier.

This was announced on Wednesday by the Jersey City Housing Authority (JCHA), which seeks to bridge the digital divide in this city. With a nearly $500,000 grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by JCHA, it will raise awareness of the $14 billion Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a long-term federal benefit that will help reduce the cost broadband service and helping low-income families pay for home Internet service.

Currently in Jersey City, only 37% of eligible households have applied due to lack of knowledge, lack of confidence in the program, or inability to enroll due to barriers to the candidacy.

The public extension project of JCHA al menos duplicará the tasas de suscripción de ACP en todo Jersey City mediante the implementation of 12 digital navegadores para llevar a cabo la extension y ofrecer soporte de solicitudes à los hogares que cumplen los criterios en events comunitarios duringe todo the year.

Applications to fill the 12 Digital Navigator positions are now being accepted online, with priority for Jersey City Housing Authority residents.

“In our digital inclusion efforts over the past four years, we have learned that face-to-face and often one-on-one support is essential to breaking down the barriers that low-income households face in obtaining affordable and affordable internet access. at high speed,” said Allison Strobel, Director of Resident Empowerment and Community Engagement at JCHA. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity, through this FCC grant, to hire , to train and activate digital navigators to promote the CPA and provide direct support to the more than 20,000 Jersey City households who are eligible for the CPA grant but do not yet have access to it. “.

A key element of the initiative will be the creation of a unique public-private partnership that will work to close the broadband affordability gap by promoting household enrollment in ACPs.

The broadband accessibility gap is concentrated in underserved communities in Jersey City and disproportionately affects people of color, seniors, and low-income households.

How do I know if I am eligible?

A home is eligible for ACP if it meets at least one of the following criteria:

• You have an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• You participate in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline.
• You are eligible to receive benefits under the Free and Reduced Price School Meals Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA’s Community Eligibility Provision (CEP).
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current year.
• Meets existing low-income program criteria from a participating broadband service provider.
• Participate in one of many tribe-specific programs, such as the Indian Affairs General Assistance Office, Tribal Head Start (only households that meet the relevant income qualification standard), Tribal TANF, or food on Indian reservations.

How can I register for the program?

To get started, households can visit GetACP.org, EducationSuperHighway’s pre-registration tool, to see if they qualify, what documents they’ll need to apply, and to view a list of “free home internet plans with ACP”. “.

JCHA is currently recruiting digital navigators and an outreach coordinator for this initiative. To find out more about these roles and to apply, visit www.jerseycityha.org/careers.