Emergency Broadband Benefit Program applications now open

Eligible families may now apply to receive up to $50-per-month discount for broadband service and a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet or computer through the FCC Emergency Broadband Benefit Program.

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets one of the criteria below:

• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Lifeline;
• Approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 school year;
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year;
• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020 and the household had a total income in 2020 at or below $99,000 for single filers and $198,000 for joint filers; or
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income or COVID-19 program.

Families can apply by either contacting their participating broadband provider directly to learn about their application process, applying at getemergencybroadband.org, or calling 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.

The program is temporary and will end when the fund runs out of money or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the COVID-19 health emergency, whichever is sooner.

Learn more at https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit.