LECAP Overview
Program Purpose
For a subset of Virginians, broadband connections are not attainable because their home exceeds an internet service provider’s standard connection drop length from a roadway or easement containing telecommunications infrastructure. The cost incurred by home owners to extend broadband infrastructure to these locations, referred to as special construction costs, range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on the distance and cost to connect the location.
LECAP Process Handbook
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) has released Line Extension Customer Assistance Program (LECAP) Process Handbook. This handbook expands eligibility for LECAP to homes that have an annual household income at or less than 200% of the Real Median Household Income ($170,340) in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Households who are interested in participating in LECAP must complete the following:
- Submit an application and required income documentation to DHCD using the LECAP portal.
- Upon request submit required income documentation which may include the 2 most recent pay stubs for each wage earner, the most recently filed tax returns, benefits documentation or other documentation as identified by DHCD.
- The property must be the primary residential address of the LECAP participant.
- Upon approval, the LECAP participant must agree to subscribe to internet service following the activation to the property. Additionally, upon completion of the line extension, the LECAP participant must sign an affidavit, provided by the ISP, indicating that the service has been established and conduct a speed test at the property proving service is subscribed to.
Applicant Portal
DHCD has released LECAP Applicant Portal for households to apply for assistance!
Individuals seeking assistance through LECAP should apply through the portal below:
INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER REFERRAL PORTAL
DHCD has released an internet service provider (ISP) referral portal for ISPs to identify
potentially eligible households to participate in LECAP. DHCD will contact the referred
household to confirm eligibility. ISPs seeking to refer households should complete the
form in the portal below:
INDIVIDUAL REFERRAL PORTAL
DHCD has released a referral portal for individuals to refer households to participate in
LECAP that may not be able to complete the form on their own. DHCD will contact the
referred household to confirm eligibility. Individuals seeking to refer households should
complete the form in the portal below:
Request for Information
For Internet Service Providers: DHCD has published the Request for Information (RFI) for internet service providers to become qualified to participate in the Line Extension Customer Assistance Program. DHCD will accept responses to the RFI on a rolling basis.
