The Emergency Broadband Benefit program is an opportunity to help our families obtain affordable (or free) Internet service for their household. Below is an overview of the Emergency Broadband Benefit program and the attached PDF is a copy of the same information. You can also view a brief video tutorial at https://getemergencybroadband.org/_res/video/emergency-broadband-benefit-program/story.html about the Emergency Broadband Benefit program.
Please feel free to share this information with your families who may not know of this opportunity or who may be asking about obtaining Internet access for their child(ren) at your school.
What Is the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. If your household is eligible, you can receive:
- Up to a $50/month discount on your broadband service and associated equipment rentals
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50)
Do I Qualify? You can qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit by participating in certain government programs or by meeting income criteria.
- Receives SNAP, Medicaid, or other government benefits, or
- Meets certain income guidelines, or
- Goes to a school where they receive free or reduced-price lunch and breakfast.
When you apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit using USAC’s online application, we will attempt to confirm your information automatically. If we cannot automatically approve your application, we will ask you to provide information or documentation to validate one or more of the categories below. We will also follow up to request additional documentation if the information you provide in a mailed application does not result in approval.
https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/show-you-qualify/
How Do I Apply?
There are three (3) ways to apply; online, by mail, or through participating broadband provider.
- To apply online, visit https://getemergencybroadband.org/how-to-apply/ and click Apply Now
If you apply online, you may receive an immediate approval.
- To apply by mail, submit applications and proof documents by mail to the address below. To avoid delays, you may wish to send key proof documents with your initial application. b Always print and include a cover sheet if you sent documents by mail so that we can match your documents to your application (this cover sheet will be released later this month.)
Emergency Broadband Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742
3. Ask your provider if they participate in the EBB Program or use the City of Dubuque’s online tool (https://ebb.cityofdubuque.org/) to find a participating company near you. Participating companies can help you apply through the National Verifier Lifeline Application or through their company’s application process.
How Do I Obtain Help About the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program?
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Support Center serves consumers and those supporting consumers 7 days a week, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ET.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Support Center can be reached by phone at (833) 511-0311 or by email at EBBHelp@usac.org