Who Qualifies For The (Ebb) Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?

Consumers who qualify for both the Emergency Broadband Benefit program and the Lifeline program can apply for both and get benefits up to the total cost of their monthly broadband subscription. Before applying the EBB Program incentive, service providers should first apply the Lifeline discount.

 

The Emergency Broadband Benefit program aims to increase low-income households’ access to broadband. Consumers will qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBB Program) by: 

 

• Enrolling in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program
• Meeting specific income requirements (e.g., experiencing a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020)
• Enrolling in EBB-qualifying programs such as the free and reduced-price school lunch program
• Receiving a Federal Pell Grant or enrolling in an approved service provider’s low-income or low-cost plan.

 

A temporary FCC program was aimed to help households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic.

 

The benefit includes the following:

 

• Discount of up to $50 per month on broadband subscription;
• For qualified homes, a $75/month discount is available the territory belonging to tribes; and
• For a laptop or desktop computer, a one-time discount of up to $100 is available or purchased through a partnering retailer, a computer, or a tablet provider.

 

Who is qualified?

 

A household is eligible if one of its members meets the following criteria:

 

• Has a household income of 135 percent or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or takes part in government-sponsored assistance programs;
• Benefits from the free and reduced-price school meal program or program for breakfast;
• During the current award year, received a federal Pell Grant;
• Since being laid off or furloughed, I’ve lost a significant amount of money. February 29, 2020; or
• Meets the eligibility requirements for a current low-income or COVID-19 program at a participating provider.

 

Roane County Schools, for example, has announced that all kids are eligible for aid since they are enrolled in free breakfast and lunch programs.

 

How to Apply?

 

Now is the time to apply! Eligible households must fill out an application and contact a partnering provider to choose a service plan.

 

Eligible households can apply in one of three ways:

 

1. To learn more about the application procedure for a participating broadband provider, contact them directly. If you cannot apply directly via them, you must use option 2 or 3 below and contact a partnering provider to select an appropriate plan.

 

1. To apply online and identify participating providers near you, go to GetEmergencyBroadband.org. After you’ve submitted your application, you’ll need to contact a partnering provider to choose a suitable plan.

 

1. For a mail-in application, call 833-511-0311 or print a copy and mail it together with copies of documentation proving eligibility to:

 

Emergency Broadband Support Center

P.O. Box 7081

London, KY 40742

 

The EBB is a one-time initiative with no set termination date. When federal funds are depleted, the program may be terminated at any time as determined by federal authorities. When the EBB program’s end date is announced, qualifying households will be notified in advance of their final bill under the program.

 

Are you looking for a high-speed Internet and Home Phone Bundle to enjoy the Expanded Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program?

 

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