The federal government has opened a program to help families and households struggling to afford broadband internet service by providing a temporary monthly discount.
The Emergency Broadband Benefit started Wednesday, and households can apply through participating broadband providers, at getemergencybroadband.org, or by calling 833-511-0311.
The $3.2 billion program provides a temporary discount of up to $50 per month toward broadband service for eligible households.
Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
A household is eligible if one member of the family meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participates in certain assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid or the FCC’s Lifeline program;
- Is 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 reduction in income through job loss or furlough since Feb. 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.
