Overview: New York Affordable Broadband Act
The New York Affordable Broadband Act requires internet service providers to offer a low-income broadband service with a minimum download speed of 25 Mbps to residents in the state of New York who participate in assistance programs such as the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, New York rent increase exemptions, or receive New York utility affordability benefits.
Xfinity offers Internet Essentials (with speeds up to 75 Mbps) for $14.95 per month to qualifying New York residents who meet eligibility requirements.
How to qualify for Internet Essentials under the New York Affordable Broadband Act
You may qualify for Internet Essentials if you live in an area where Xfinity service is available and participate in assistance programs like the NSLP, housing assistance, Medicaid, SNAP, and others.
In addition to the qualifying programs listed above, New York residents can qualify for Internet Essentials if you participate in the following assistance programs:
- Senior citizen rent increase exemption
- Disability rent increase exemption
- An affordability benefit from a utility
If you are a New York resident and qualify through one of the programs listed above, you can upload these documents under the Housing Assistance section of the application. See the next section for detailed instructions.
To apply today, visit internetessentials.com/apply to fill out an application.
How to apply for Internet Essentials from Xfinity through New York Programs (New York residents only)
If you’re a New York resident who qualifies for Internet Essentials through the additional qualifying programs (rent exemptions or utility affordability benefit) under the New York Affordable Broadband Act, you can upload supporting documents under the Housing Assistance section of the application by doing the following:
- Go to internetessentials.com or es.internetessentials.com.
- Select Receive Housing Assistance during the application to upload documentation.
- Complete all the steps in the application until you get to the end.
- Once there, upload your New York rent exemptions or New York utility affordability benefit documentation on the Housing Assistance page.
FAQs
What do I need to provide to prove that I participate in the additional qualifying programs for New York residents?
You can upload one of the following documents to prove participation in New York rent exemptions and utility affordability benefits:
- Approval order for rent increase exemption that includes the benefit start and end date.
- Bill statement from New York utility with benefit amount
Who do I contact if I am still having problems with my application?
You can call 1 844-389-4681.
