Q. We are raising our grandson on our limited Social Security income and have relied on the Affordable Internet assistance to help us have good internet coverage for him to have a computer for homework. Do you know why this help is ending?
A. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was created as an extension of the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program passed during the pandemic. The ACP gave qualifying individuals $30 a month discount off internet bills, or $75 a month for those living on tribal lands. In combination with the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program, the goal has been to expand broadband access to low income, senior, and rural households.
Congress did not re-authorize the ACP last fall. A $7 billion bipartisan, bicameral bill to extend the ACP to the end of this year is pending in Congress. Meanwhile, separate legislation was introduced last week that would fund the ACP differently. The prospects of passage for either bill are uncertain. New enrollment in ACP ended in February of this year, and the full subsidy ended April 30. Some subscribers continue to get a partial subsidy this month, but all funding comes to an end May 31, unless Congress passes some measure to sustain the program.
An estimated 23 million people across the country have benefitted from the ACP. In Michigan 1 in 4 households will be impacted by the loss of this program. A recent survey by the Benenson Strategy Group found that 49% of ACP’s participating households are military families; 19% of participating households are aged 65 and older; 26% live in rural areas; and demographically 47% are white, 23% are Black, 23% are Latino and 8% are Asian American Pacific Islander. Additionally, The Chamber of Progress, a trade group that represents tech companies, recently estimated that low-income Americans and other vulnerable communities will lose over $20 billion annually in economic benefits. This is due to a loss of internet service removing access to jobs, education and telehealth, the Chamber said.
If the ACP funding is important to your family, let your members of Congress know.
If you are a grandparent raising grandchildren, or a family member raising another relative’s child, Area Agency on Aging has a Kinship Support program. Please call 269-983-7058 or email Meg Killips at megkillips@areaagencyonaging.org for more information.
Severe Weather Preparedness
As evidenced by recent events, the severe weather season is upon us. Everyone can benefit from having an emergency plan and a disaster supply kit. Older adults and their caregivers should be prepared for the individual’s more specific needs.
From the website Ready.gov, the following three steps are recommended for older adults and their families and caregivers.
- Assess Your Needs: First, know your risk. Then, understand your needs during emergencies. For example, are you signed up for some type of emergency alert system? What sort of emergencies or disasters might be common or possible where you live? And do you have a medical condition that requires certain medications or dietary requirements or that you need special accommodations or assistive devices?
- Make a Plan: Develop a comprehensive emergency plan and emergency preparedness kit tailored to your unique needs. For example, do you have more than one person involved in your emergency plan? Do they have a key to your home? What items should be in your disaster kit and do you have additional needs beyond the standards like water, batteries, and a flashlight, such as food and water for a service animal or pet?
- Engage Your Support Network: Engage your family, friends, caregivers, neighbors, fellow congregants from your place of worship, and others who can assist you during an emergency, and include them in your emergency plan. Strong communication is key to success.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has a Disaster Preparedness for Older Adults guide that will be helpful in implementing these steps. Go to Ready.gov or call 800-621-3362 for more information.
Sara Duris is community information liaison of Region IV Area Agency on Aging in Southwest Michigan. Questions on age or independence services? Call the Info-Line for Aging & Disability at 800654-2810 or visit areaagencyonaging.org. This column appears each week in The Herald-Palladium.