Emergency Broadband Benefit Program Applications Open Tomorrow

Washington, D.C. – Beginning tomorrow, May 12, low-income households can fill out an online application for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. This is not a state,  county, or city-operated program and local governments have nothing to do with the qualifying or application process. The program 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. Residents can apply directly through their current broadband provider or find local companies at getemergencybroadband.org To go directly to the link with details on qualification, click here. Eligible households can receive the following: Up to a $50 per month discount on 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) Only one monthly service discount and one device discount are allowed per household. At least one person within the household must meet any of the following criteria: Participates in the Lifeline Program Approved to receive benefits under the free or reduced-price school meal program Experienced a substantial loss of income since February 29, 2020 Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program