NEW PCs for People Eligibility Guidelines

We are excited to share some BIG news for our customers today! Our eligibility guidelines have been expanded to include household incomes of 60% or below their Area Median Income (AMI). Read on for more information about this expansion, how AMI is determined, and more.

What is AMI?

AMI stands for area median income which is an income measurement that better accounts for the cost of living by location compared to the one-size-fits-all approach of 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. For example, someone may have an income above 200% of the federal poverty guidelines, but live in a more expensive area of the country and therefore still be considered low income.

AMI is calculated annually by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Why have the eligibility guidelines been expanded?

Historically we have been limited to providing products and services to customers who have an income of 200% or lower than the federal poverty guidelines for their household size. We have recently been approved by both our internet partners and the FCC (for the ACP Program) to also begin accepting customers with income that is 60% or below their area median income (AMI). This will allow us to more equitably serve people across the country who live in higher cost-of-living areas.

For example, the chart below shows the maximum allowed income for someone living in St. Paul, MN (55104) according to AMI vs. FPL. A family of three can now be eligible to shop with PCs for People if their household income is less than $63K (60% of AMI for 55104) rather than $43K (200% of FPL).

How can I find my AMI?

You can find your AMI based on your address using an online tool provided by Fannie Mae and then calculate what 60% of that number would be for qualification. (Need some help with the math? Try a percentage calculator like this one online.) 

More information about eligibility for PCs for People customers can be found here.