VA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are making it easier for Veterans who receive a qualifying VA pension to get connected to the internet.

Qualifying VA pension recipients can now more easily confirm their eligibility to participate in 2 FCC benefit programs — Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) — often without needing to submit paperwork to the FCC.

The Lifeline program gives eligible households a discount for home internet and phone services. The ACP provides eligible households with a monthly discount toward internet service, as well as a one-time discount to purchase a computer or tablet.

Veterans can confirm if they qualify and sign up through the Lifeline National Verifier or by contacting a participating internet service provider. Veterans can receive VA’s assistance with confirming their eligibility and signing up for these FCC programs through a Digital Divide Consult. To date, the VA Digital Divide Consult process has helped more than 100,000 Veterans across the country.

These and other programs are part of VA’s Bridging the Digital Divide efforts to help Veterans get the internet access and technology they need for telehealth care.

Read more in this VA News article.